City Restaurant Reviews 4

We had attended a show atbthe festival theatre next door and after we thought we would have dinner here and that's when it became clear that the lady with the blonde hair in an updo with a barrette, about 5ft 5, was lacking in comminication skills customer service, was rude and generally unpleasant. We waited a few minutes, aware she saw us as we were right beside her at the till and was ignoring us at same time, when she did decide to acknowledge us, we asked for a table for 2- she looked at me and said you may have to wait as people have booked from the theatre, now we would have done this but out of towners we didnt know, so we said that was fine. We waited 10 minutes, there was seats empty not reserved and we waited she just ignored us. Then she wnet over to a table in the corner, took plates off it and hubby said i think that's ours , the woman wa standing at the table looking over, she didnt signal to come over, which would have been rude and bad enough but she then came over, and not even lokingbatbus said ahe could give us a table but we would have to be out in an hour.... !!??? We said we would be she took us over and left. Now we sismt know if we got table service or had to go to counter, she didn't say, so we went thru the menu, it was another 10 mins b4 someone came to take our order, and i was just about to head up to the counter to ask if someone could help. Order taken, another 15 mins, it arrived I'm thinking this is cutting into our hour , but food was nice but what wasn't was the barrette lady watching us eat and even coming over talking to next customers whilst side eyeing us... The whole experience was baffling and uncalled for. We left with 10 mins to spare. There was also an odd smell coming from the stairwell a smell of gas ammonia. That aside, this woman was a terrible ambassador for the restaurant. I have 41 years of Customer service and this lady is not suited to the role she had. Food was fine, but service was atrocious.

We've eaten there numerous times over years, but not happy with this visit. Whilst the food was flawless, beautiful fish n chips, the service was embarrassing.
Two servers in the upstairs section, one served the food clumsily, with the plates clattering on the table. No finess at all. The other took the bill, who rather rudly asked 'do you want to leave a tip?' When I said 10%, she announced loudly and sarcastically, 'oo three pounds'
Really?? Who are those people? Why do they have a job? So rude.
Considering that 2 lots of fish n chips and 2 cokes now cost over £41, she was very lucky to get a tip!!
After all these years, we won't be back.

First time in Edinburgh for a very long time, stumbled by this restaurant as it was close to the hotel. What a gem! Dinner was absolutely amazing so came back the next day for breakfast. Service is brilliant and friendly. Highly recommend

The City Restaurant on Nicolson Street is a welcoming wee oasis for tired shopping feet with a warm and relaxed style . Staff are friendly with quick and efficient service - nothing is too much trouble - and the whole place is spotlessly clean .
The food is all freshly cooked traditional cafe / diner fare with huge helpings - you won't leave here hungry . Home made soup is delicious and the fish / chips / mushy peas is a cut above anything we've had elsewhere . Lots of vegetarian dishes too among the wide selection available . Very reasonably priced .
Highly recommended .