The Garden Bistro in Edinburgh, City of

I read all the negative reviews and wonder if i was at a different place. I had time to kill as OH was at hospital for a scan, so had discovered the park as a place to walk the dogs. Which was lovely. Went to the bistro, had the pancakes, blueberries and greek yoghurt - very nice, tasty enjoyed it with a decent coffee. Went back today and it was closed, previous time it was jumping with people walking their dogs taking in the sun and the outdoor area was pretty full and folks inside as well. I do hope it will reopen?

Had lunch here a few weeks ago. Ok if unenthuiastic service, nice burger, horrible panini. But main issue was cafe was filthy - floor covered in crumbs, fridge also filled with crumbs. Needs a through deep clean! Would not return.

We were visiting the Water of Leith in Saughton Park at midday today so we had lunch at the Garden Bistro. We both really enjoyed the Mushroom and Chestnut Risotto. One of the best risottos we have had anywhere. Service was good and the staff checked up on things we enquired about. We appreciated the table service. Even though it was on a weekend we got prompt service. The indoor area was bright and airy with contemporary decor. the furnishing and flooring were in keeping with use by families and walkers in this park setting. There were also tables available outdoors. The toilet was clean. I would happily go again.

We went at the weekend with friends and sat outside. The cafe was busy and the service was very slow. The server didn't know what options were able to be gluten free but was able to find out. We were happy to hear there were gluten free paninis so we ordered one as well as other dishes. None of our orders arrived correct and the gluten free panini was in fact a flattened roll, half the size of the normal paninis our friends had. Also there were no crisps served to us as they had wheat in them. As a gluten intolerent person, I find it really frustrating to pay the same as others but receive markedly less food. There was an issue with our drinks order also where the server forgot to bring half of them. This is a lovely cafe in a lovely space and it could be fabulous but I wouldn't want to spend the money they were asking to go back there from this experience.

High class prices for sub standard food & service. Less a Bistro more a dog walkers cafe... Ok if you're just looking for a coffee but would avoid the food.

Both myself and my partner love to spoil ourselves to breakfast out from time to time. Having visited many fine restaurants in Edinburgh for our usual Eggs Royale and fresh pancakes we decided to give Garden Bistro a bash. WHAT A MISTAKE! Having perused the rather expensive menu, Eggs Royale £10.95 and pancakes £7.95, we made the fatal assumption that the food must be good and at those prices clearly freshly prepared. This was not the case. The shop bought pancakes came with what looked like recently defrosted berries and runny, unappetising yoghurt. The Eggs Royale was cold on arrival to the table and the shop bought muffin was topped with freezing cold salmon and by far the saddest poached eggs I have ever seen, with what seemed to be egg white umbilical cords trailing off the edge of the plate. This then covered in an unpleasant hollandaise sauce. Having saved ourselves for this morning extravagance, we decided to put aside appearances and a give it go. ANOTHER FATAL MISTAKE! On receiving the bill we were asked “How was the food?” I politely informed the waitress of the disappointing mess served up to our table, and this in turn was replied with.. “Oh, dear. How would you like to pay?” I implore you, save your money and go somewhere else. You will only find disappointed at Garden Bistro!

A group of 6 friends visited the restaurant on Thursday, 8th December for the Festive Menu. We had an excellent time and the food was excellent and plentiful. The service provided by Elliot and Pui along with the Chef was excellent. We would highly recommend visiting this restaurant

Stopped by to order takeaway coffees No one serving at servers window so went inside to be told to go back outside to the window…not said very politely by the waiter in Santa hat !! Young girl took our order fairly quickly However,10 minutes later we still hadn’t had our coffees made There was some issue with the till which no one had explained but whether that was relevant ..who knows? When I asked how much longer it would be I heard same Santa hat waiter cheekily saying’it takes 15 secs to grind the beans,15 seconds to heat the milk ‘..and so on !! As we were over during half time from a football match the clock was ticking Eventually asked for money refund which was given I think if you speak to customers as this young waiter did you shouldn’t be in the hospitality business Given his attire I would expect some friendlier service !! I used the Bistro many times during covid lockdown but this has put me off ever going back

Visited here with my MIL, Sister in law and our 3 small children. I asked for a table and the waitress suggested a table on the other side of the room. I suspect I misunderstood the table she meant (she didn’t correct me) and went to the table I thought she had meant. Then another waiter came over and asked us to move to another adjacent table (which wouldn’t have been suitable with the buggy and use of the high chair (we would’ve been in the way of people moving about this area). So I said it wasn’t suitable where he wanted me to go. He mentioned a party of 8 had booked that table for 1 hours time. He walked off before it could be discussed any further so we stayed put. We saw several customers arrive after us and get served before I asked at the counter if it was table service. They said they would be a minute and finally we waited over 15 mins to just get a menu!!! If we had been served quicker we would’ve eaten quicker etc etc. As it turned out we were away on time for the booking anyway. Very disappointed in the service and consequently won’t be back.

£3.20 for a pot of tea (2 cups) for one person. Really? I'm glad I didn't have something to eat as well. I won't bother going back.

Very pricey. Cup of tea £3.20 and cheese and ham toastie was £7.50! Atmospheric ok but prices too high. Would put me off going back to be fair

We got a table and the servers seemed to ignore the fact that we needed served, even avoided glancing in our direction, place was about half full, eventually a sour faced girl came, I ordered a double breakfast roll and a coffee, and my wife a tea and scone, she was asked if she wanted butter and jam, and replied, 'just butter thanks'. it was'OK' - the shock was with the bill, £3.95 for a roll and filling but 95p extra for one slice of black pudding!! However the real shock was £3.50 for a small scone PLUS 25p for a butter portion. Two days later my wife was in town centre, and had a scone with butter and jam included for £1.75. I may as well add that the coffee was quite expensive for 'regular' (small) cup and the tea was like water, it needs TWO teabags in a pot. We won't be going back!

Just not good at all. I could see 7 staff behind the counter and they had the same amount of tables. Ordered hot drinks and food and only 2 hot drinks arrived. Got the 3rd after asking but no sugar offered and no teaspoons. Food took almost 30mins to arrive. Paninis arrived and tuna was awful. Really tasted off and could not eat it. Seems like they ran out of salad as a giant leave was put over one to cover that it was just tomato underneath. Plain tortilla chips were a disappointment when menu said crisps. 'Tomato chutney' is just sliced tomato. Overall it was just disappointing. The tuna panini was taken off the bill and we were given 10% off but bill was still over £20 for 2 Paninis and 3 drinks. Just a bit overpriced even if it wasn't bad.

I previously had a bad experience here. However, I am always happy to give the benefit of the doubt and a second chance to any facility. If I could give a zero rating I would! The staff all look miserable. Now for the food, if you can call it that! My sister and I had the Paninis with chips (which we didn't realise was bland and tasteless tortilla chips!) So, we had to order a separate portion of fries. The paninis were lukewarm and tasted awful, the salad was drenched with dressing and we had to wait a while, because they hadn't provided cutlery with the meals! As a result my sister only ate a couple of bites of her panini and I ate the panini because I was starving! We both shared the fries but left the drenched salad and cardboard tortilla chips! I spoke with the manager to discuss our food and asked for the bill. He took away our plates which were still almost full with food and advised us that he would bring us the bill. Ten minutes later, we noticed him in the gardens on his phone with no bill arriving. My sister did not want a fuss and went up to the serving area to pay the bill. No apologies or offer an amount off our bill!!! Absolutely raging at this poor service and quality. If this place was on the high street with competition it would not last five minutes. It is only used because it is in the centre of a lovely park. Customer service is a disgrace as is the food quality and value!

Waited over 45 minutes for 2 teas to take away. Outrageous. Not sure what they do behind the scenes. Sorry I know places can be understaffed but at the same time it’s just not acceptable.

Worst service ever, staff is not friendly at all, and me and my friends wait for food and drinks over 40 min. Do not recoment this place for eat or drink, thwy arw rude, and food is not worth the price. Sad becouse is just...

Had a table booked outside, was seated promptly. It took a server 15mins to take an order for a tea and a coffee. A table of three were seated next to us. They got their drinks order within 10mins of it being taken. 20mins later...

Still waiting for my meal after everyone of our group had finished this despite reminding staff twice about my order. Got the bill and left …. Won’t be back

Very disappointed with our trip here today. Took about 45 minutes to get tea and and a couple of cakes. My wife is coeliac and specifically ordered a gluten-free brownie. It certainly was not - she is currently being violently ill, 2 hours after our...

This could be a great cafe but it continuously misses the mark. Service is frustratingly slow and erratic. We ordered a soup, 3 paninis and a portion of chips. Soup and chips arrived 15 minutes before the paninis then one was wrong and had to...

Had one Diet Coke. One mini ice cream and a portion of chips. Cost me £9.95. The fries were a rip off ! £4.45 for a smallish portion. Won’t be back.

The young man who took our order was nice and helpful, fetched crayons for the children etc. But our order seems to have got lost, so we sat waiting for ages with increasingly bored and frustrated children.

Have visited here on a few occasions and never been disappointed. Staff all so friendly and accommodating, menu varied, of high quality and seasonal and so fresh. A real treat amongst a haven and a firm favourite 😍

Cannot recommend this place enough. Food beautify served, good value fresh ingredients. Staff friendly and efficient nothing too much for them. I can honestly say the dessert (lemon meringue pie) was the best I have ever eaten. Definitely will return.

Fantastic food, we had a family catch up, expecting to have a bite to eat, ended up having a fabulous 3 course meal of a standard I would expect of a much more expensive up town restaurant. Well done! Waited a little for the food...

These guys are so good I go almost daily! I have 2 puppies and I can not praise the staff here enough for their high standard of love, & presence to both the humans and the dogs. They even provided cool water & ice for...

Excellent setting. Lovely staff and great food. A very good choice on the menu and everything served quickly and hot.

Ordered our coffee and had to wait for 15 mins before they arrived. Almost felt like giving up. We asked for short coffees with little amount of milk and ended up getting large milky weak coffees. Really like the park but next time will bring...

Visited today with a friend for lunch. Had been twice before and enjoyed the food. Not so today, lentil soup was served lukewarm although it was reheated when I asked. Bread accompanying the soup was stale. Fish was overcooked and dry. Coffees were removed from...

What a fantastic evening at the Garden Bistro .. The event was so well organised. The menu was authentic and the food was delicious . We loved the decoration and attention to detail . We had an input about the wine , very interesting and...

We are huge fans of the Garden Bistro, great food and reasonable prices for being in Tyne middle of a park. But sadly the queue is taking longer and longer - 15-20min wait to get a coffee and bacon roll this morning, and that’a becoming...

We were planning a team day for 45 people, after many months of zoom and little face to face contact. Saughton Park was the perfect setting for this, a beautiful and uplifting garden space with flexible outdoor settings for us to gather in. The Garden...

Four of us visited for lunch on a lovely sunny day and sat outside. Service was impeccable, not even any eyerolling when one of our party changed their mind on the order. ;-). Food was excellent, two burgers, one smoked salmon and one charcuterie. Beautifully...

Saughton Rose Gardens are absolutely beautiful, and definitely worth a visit - but give the cafe a miss. Was served by 3 members of staff and each made a mistake. One mistake... okay... but surely it couldn't be everyone's first day?! When sat down, staff...

I have visited the bisto on several occasions and will be returning. The food is really good + its also great for a coffee stop when visiting Saughton Park. I cant recommended enough!

Overpriced, under staffed, average food. Trying to cater for too many covers given the number of staff. Long wait for service. Totally over priced for standard of food. Expect to pay average of £13 for a main. Fine for a city centre bistro but this...

Location is marvelous, plus was super sunny so always helps. Food was great, we both had the daily specials, bit top notch and able to accommodate dietary requirements. highlt recommended

Been on the list for a while, finally got round to going - highly recommended. The standard menu is ok, but the daily specials were fantastic. Also the location is amazing. We will be back very soon - possibly even tomorrow.

Our first time in Garden Bistro and definitely not last. The food is amazing, really tasty. Lovely location too within the walled garden. Really looking forward going back.

Good staff good food. Lucky to arrive on a sunny day and we had pre booked online. Sadly I had pre booked for the wrong Day! Despite this the staff hastily swapped things round and managed to find us a table. We all ordered different...

We've been quite often to this place set in the beautiful gardens. It's always been good but today's offering was poor. I was so disappointed. I'd chosen smoked salmon starter as a main. It arrived luke warm which was odd but worse was the very...

Overpriced at £7.50 for cappuccino and average scone after 35 min wait. Lovely surroundings but disappointing, busy but not overly so.

Very pleasant outing The staff could not have been more helpful. Very pleasant. Very efficient. Very competent. Food was excellent. All in all a very pleasant visit My best wishes to staff and management Will see you soon

Decided with my partner we would give the garden bistro a try as a friend had recommended. What an amazing setting and we were greeted by our server quickly and found her to be very attentive. I ordered the the duck from the specials menu...

Visited the bistro last Saturday 22nd, with my partner and our daughter. Booked a table and the bistro looked fairly busy but not overly so. We had been anticipating going there since it opened and had hot drinks from take away previously. The waiter was...

I have been visiting the Garden Bistro many times over the last year and it is a fabulous place in a gorgeous setting. The food is delicious and the service is very friendly and welcoming. Today we were served by Claire who despite still being...

I first discovered The Garden Bistro in July 2020, shortly after it had opened when the first lockdown had eased. The Bistro is situated in Edinburgh Saughton Park's walled gardens and sources much of its fresh ingredients from local produce. When COVID restrictions do not...

The outdoor seating arrangement felt very safe & the setting was beautiful in surrounding gardens. We were looking forward to our lunch as the menu looked interesting but unfortunately the quality of the meal did not match the menu. After looking forward to his fish...

Turned up today for a pre-booked lunch reservation to be told “We don’t have a table set aside for you. You can have one of those over there in the wind and rain.” Absolutely disgusted!

I was fortunate enough to pick up a chicken salad as I was passing today! Hands down one of the tastiest salads I’ve had. Such a nice bistro located in what is now a beautiful setting with the renovations which have been done. Can’t wait...

It was great to be back at the Bistro for lunch with our 3 year old granddaughter . We haven't been out since Xmas lock down. The food was delish. I had the chicken wrap with roast veg. And latte' Very tasty. Hubby had the...

After a couple of underwhelming coffee stops here, the Garden Bistro is definitely off the menu. Decaff cappuccino terribly weak and tasteless... and each time I've ordered an extra shot, I never get it. Scones are tough and taste stale, even in the morning.

This is a £4.75 portion of cheesy fries! If you can spot the cheese then you're doing well cause we certainly couldn't even taste it. We would have taken them back and complained had we not already had to go back for a kids meal...

Had a lovely family lunch. Food was great and well presented. Staff were really nice and helpful. Location is great and has a beautiful seating area inside and out. My cousin and his wife frequently go for coffee and the macaroni pie is delicious. Dog...

This has been our ‘go to’ place to meet with friends and family during lockdown. A very safe outdoor venue in a gorgeous park location . The food and drinks are great with a varied menu to suit all . The vegetable risotto is a...

The garden bistro has been a great treat during covid lockdowns. The breakfasts are lovely and reasonably priced. The takeaway hot filled rolls are well priced and very tasty. Staff are always friendly and service has been excellent. All in a great location.

I have visited the bistro a few times both for breakfast and lunch also dinner when it was open, the food is excellent and the staff and friendly and welcoming

Garden Bistro provided us with morning Breakfast Rolls. They were delivered on time, fresh, delicious and warm. Thanks!

I read some reviews about service and price both of which we had no issue with. We had booked a table, it wasn't ready but what can staff do if people don't follow their allocated time slots, there is a pandemic and places are busier...

I've been twice as it's convenient for meeting a friend and a nice setting in the park, but both times we have been disappointed with the food and the service. Takes 10-15 minutes to bring a latte and a tea, whereas the scone and croissant...

This place is way overpriced for the food but in a lovely setting, but it is cafe trying to pretend to be a restaurant. In September 5 of us went for a birthday treat, the waiter said they had a few specials not on the...

I have visited this lovely restaurant many times over recent months. Set in a beautiful park. Lovely to be able to meet friends safely during the pandemic. Outside table with heaters are lovely and warm. Food and coffee is very good and the staff are...

We regularly stop here for lunch or coffee at least once a week. It’s been a life line for everyone in the area since it opened. Somewhere to meet friends or family safely outdoors or indoors. The staff have always gone out their way to...

Just walked to Saughton Park Gardens with my dogs and enjoyed one of the best bacon rolls I have ever had at the Bistro, crispy bacon and plenty of it. Fast, safe service for eating outside on sunny benches and plenty of space today.

We often get a coffee for while we walk round the gardens. Recently booked a table for lunch and sat outside. The staff were friendly and helpful. A few gluten free options and understanding of coeliacs needs.

Our family had lunch here today and it was really good! Our party ordered fish and chips, soup, Seafood Mac and cheese and smoked salmon platter. Smoked salmon was deliciously light and fresh. Followed this with an amazing hot chocolate fondant and ice cream. Hats...

I lunched with friends at the Garden Bistro recently and was very impressed. Eating out in Edinburgh in November is an unusual experience, but on a sunny afternoon and with a heater above the table it becomes very pleasant! The menu was varied and excellent...

Having booked for food, for an elder friends birthday "lunch". today, asked for a table inside, and as it was a birthday, i asked for a special "dessert", chancing my arm to be honest, they replied with booking info, (you have to leave the Covid...

Booked for an indoor table for breakfast. Decent coffee, hot chocolate & bacon rolls. Nice that indoors has opened for colder months. Lovely spot in the gardens.

Lovely setting in a lovely park! And that is where the praise stops. The place is clearly taking advantage of their location and the fact that they are the only option nearby. Food is nothing like the pictures on the website, think more café food...

Unfortunately I have had to give the cafe a 3 star review, I have been on a number of occasions since it opened with different people, friends/family/husband etc. every time I have been the service has been pretty poor ,don't get me wrong the waiting...

I was rather less than impressed by the slow and unpleasant service of the staff during my experience at the bistro last week. Furthermore to have my latte pretty much half spilled on me was not the experience I wished to have received by one...

The staff are friendly, the place is in a lovely setting and very clean. However the service is excruciatingly slow and the food was very disappointing and way way overpriced. I had the ciabatta BLT...definitely not ciabatta and definitely not worth £13.95..

Beautiful setting in a little known area of Edinburgh. A stroll round the park followed by hot, fresh food from a menu that makes the best of local provenance makes a perfect day out. The staff are friendly and the whole place has a relaxed...

I was in earlier in the week it was busy but staff are managing and working at incredible speed while all the customers seem very happy that was until I was met with a member of management I was horrified to find out later by...

We were recommended this restaurant by a family friend and was not disappointed!! All of the staff made my wife and I feel really welcome it was the perfect start to our honeymoon. Our dinner was just simply AMAZING!!! With every mouthful a new flavour...

We were recommended The Garden Bistro and my partner and I were throughly impressed. I would go as far to say it's one of the best meals out I've had in a long time!! Each course was outstanding 👌🏻 We had the freshest local seafood,...

I’ve visited this place 3 times since it opened, all for takeaways before inside opened. And all in nice weather, it was my nephews 10th birthday and they live close by ( hence all visits) so I asked if he’d like to go there for...

The location is fantastic , staff friendly . Service is very slow - took 30 minutes from being seated to having water and drinks brought to the table. All day menu - lack of choice for vegans. Soup or a burger. We were hungry so...

Met a friend for brunch at Garden Bistro in Saughton Park. Was very impressed by service, food and safety measures. Met my husband later and got him to take me back to sample their lunch menu....and not disappointed! Well done and many thanks to all...

Had a unexpectedly delightful dinner tonight. Came to the gardens with a friend, thought we might have a coffee and were so welcomed by the staff and impressed by the menu we decided to eat (outside but with a heater). I had the Caprese Salad,...

Went out for lunch last week, unfortunately, when we arrived we didn’t book, but Robert the manager advised us to head for a walk for 30 mins and he would get us something! Once we came back, we were met with a lovely table and...

On Friday 21st Aug. I had booked for a family get together. We,my wife and I arrived a bit early but we were heartily received and placed at our tables. The weather did not look promising and a bit wind blowing, I asked if we...

I have visited the wonderful garden Bistro a few times now. Previously for takeaway away and I have to say there was a good few people waiting to be served but waited no time at all very quick and efficient with excellent social distancing. We...

Have visited twice, once for a sit down lunch & the 2nd visit was for takeaway sitting on the outdoor benches. It's hard to tell from their promotional messages what the place actually offers once there it's clearer. We dropped in for a quick lunch...

been for brekkie, coffee, beers and burgers, it's all really good, decent prices, nice staff, excellent menus.

This is my third visit, really love the place however I was really disappointed with the service this time. 25 minutes before anyone came to see if we wanted to order a drink, having to ask for menus and once we had finished no one...

You'll guess from the title I've visited The Garden Bistro on several occasions since it opened.. Each visit has been just lovely. I've enjoyed delicious specialty pies, yummy coronation chicken sandwiches, eggs royalle and a beautifully prepared risotto. The Garden Bistro has been a wonderful...

38 mins to get a coffee- no system in place. People with food & drink orders after us in queue served first.

1st time here heard to much about it. So here we are. Staff were okay but no name badges. Tables clean we had to sit outside as no one was allowed inside unless to go too toilet. Food was OK had the beef burger it...

What a fabulous place to wander and soak up the atmosphere and sun, especially on a scorcher day like today. The renovation of Saughton Park is absolutely stunning, with so many paths, colourful plants & fascinating historic features within an old walled garden beside the...

Had a table booked for 2pm for family of 7, six adults one young child. Arrived about 10 mins early but got our table as it was reserved & had our name on it. Bit of a wait getting drinks at first, thought about ordering...

My friend and I had booked a table for lunch on Saturday. The service was incredibly friendly. Our waitress was wonderful, checking up on us several times and making sure we were looked after. The wine was delicious and the food absolutely perfect. I had...

Had a lovely late lunch today with friends. Had booked a table for 3pm and arrived a bit early. As luck would have it there was a table free but we were advised we would need to wait a little while till they cleared their...

We had a lovely visit today to Saughton Park and Gardens and the highlight was lunch at the Garden Bistro. This lovely Bistro offers takeaway or seated service outside. We had booked a table which was good as it was very busy. We were met...

Saughton Gardens are beautiful and it’s great to see this cafe finally open. We’ve been a few times and they do great take away coffee. Two of us had lunch on Friday and it was OK. The service was good and friendly and it all...

Great service, lovely food, reasonable prices & a very quick wait despite the amount of customers waiting in their well organised, socially distanced queue. Couldn't fault my lunch at all. It's also a wonderful bonus to have so much wildlife in the surrounding park to...

An amazing place. We had sandwiches, salad and homemade pies which all went down well. Will look forward trying there other dishes. Only takeaway service at the moment? Will definitely be back with friends who like to lunch as they are licensed! Can’t wait.

We've been waiting for this bistro to open for a few weeks and went for breakfast with the dogs on the first Sunday morning. It's located within Saughton Gardens which is very picturesque. Hubby had bacon and egg roll and I had a vegetarian Haggis...

Had some lunch yesterday, very nice food and great setting . We had the homemade cheeseburger and fries .Would definitely recommend.