Noise review insights for Scotland, United Kingdom, Restaurants

1-Star Review: Extremely Disappointing Experience – Poor Service & Tasteless Food I spent 7 wonderful days in Edinburgh exploring various local and international restaurants – Chinese, Indian, Japanese, McDonald’s, Nando’s, Wagamama, and many more. Sadly, my last meal of the trip turned out to be the worst experience of all. My family was looking for a vegetarian option and came across Hong Fu Noodle Bar and Restaurant. We entered and were told the restaurant was upstairs. Before dining, we asked to use the restroom to wash our hands. The staff told us it was downstairs – only for customers – then changed the answer seconds later saying food and toilets are both upstairs. This inconsistency was confusing and unwelcoming. Despite the restaurant being large, it was completely empty – which in hindsight, made sense. We were a group of 4 but chose to order just one dish initially to check the taste. From that moment, we felt unwelcome. The staff member, Jassice, made a comment to her colleague in Chinese while giving us a negative look and body language. It was clear we were being judged for ordering only one dish. While waiting, the children were quietly playing with chopsticks (as commonly done in many Asian cultures). Instead of handling it kindly, Jassice pointed her finger to her lips and sternly signaled the child to be quiet, leaving the child confused and upset. When I asked why, she said they were making noise and might break the chopsticks. Things got worse. While I was still reading the menu, she suddenly snatched it from my hand without asking. When I asked why, she replied, “They will get sticky and oily because your food is here.” I explained I was not eating yet and still reading. Her tone and approach were unnecessarily rude. When the food finally arrived, it was completely tasteless. We were relieved we hadn’t ordered more. This was not just bad service – it was disrespectful, unprofessional, and unnecessarily rude. The entire experience left a bitter end to an otherwise great trip. 📌 My recommendation: Avoid this restaurant completely. If the owner is not aware of this, I suggest reviewing the CCTV footage for staff behavior. This is a genuine review, and I will attach the receipt as proof of visit. 👎 Worst food and worst customer service in Edinburgh.

A good, straightforward local restaurant. Well presented, tasty food. Friendly, chatty staff. Not expensive so can be a regular place to visit. Fun, friendly staff. It can get a bit noisy when busy. Good value.

Although the pizzas were tasty, the crusts were burnt. We already saw this at the table next to us. So unfortunately we left the crusts, they were really black. Otherwise, the staff was nice and the atmosphere was pleasant. The music was loud though, which made it harder to understand each other.

A beautiful restaurant and good ambiance. However, noise level makes conversation difficult. The chicken Milanese was delicious, the Olivia was tasty, everyone had a splendid evening.

A fantastic choice for an early evening meal on a Tuesday in July. Edinburgh was at the height of the summer tourist season and it felt as busy as a normal Saturday, so Gaucho’s was a great place to stop after a day’s retail therapy and before our train home, a stones throw from Waverley! The restaurant is underground and was nice and cool when we arrived, the decor is fine, reminded me of some New York trendy eatery although the music was a tad too loud and did not seem to fit with the ambience! For a midweek supper the place was busy, the service from the gentleman at front of house was warm and welcoming, all the staff were very helpful and could not do enough to ensure their customers were happy. A special thank you to Viola who was absolutely first class, a real asset to the establishment, a certain 5⭐️ Scottish flagship hotel just across the road could use her, she was leagues ahead of any other servers that we had experienced elsewhere that day! To the food, the menu is pretty straight forward, we were shown the various cuts of meat at our table and recommendations on how we may like them cooked, a really nice touch! After choosing some pre-starters which included a beef tartare taco and cheesy croquettes, both absolutely delicious, we went straight for a sharing Chateaubriand cooked to perfection. If there was one criticism, the sauces were mediocre and tiny portions, come on Gauchos a decent amount of peppercorn sauce is needed and the chimmichuri was pretty bland and underwhelming. Unfortunately the chips were a ‘budget’ sized portion for two! The Chef did go out of his way to make something that was not on the menu, so overall we were pleased with everything! The steak was seasoned and cooked to perfection, absolutely delicious. We also enjoyed a beautiful bottle of Albarino which Viola had recommended and it did not disappoint, we were given a complimentary glass of Argentinian Cava, made by a very well known House of Champagne, at the end of the meal which was also gorgeous! Overall a lovely and pleasant experience and little to fault. Definitely a place we would recommend and return to when in Edinburgh, a good evening was had! Thank you to both front of house and all the kitchen brigade, keep it up and you will be busy every night of the week! Until next time…

After a day on the bus to go to Loch Ness with noisy people all day, we happened here. Very romantic place in cozy environment and smiling staff. Although we had not booked they found us an accommodation (local with about 28 seats, so intimate). We ate divinely and with little expectation. Great beers, wines with different choice of foreign wines I have not tried. Also excellent desserts and the choice of whiskey. Council for couples and if you are looking for a quiet environment.

Food was excellent with good portion sizes. Staff was friendly but wasn’t always available when we needed (maybe due to them still opening to the morning). Music was loud for 9am breakfast, but it wasn’t crowded.

Review rating: 5.0

While the dining room is gorgeous, the food was just okay and the overall experience lacking. Service was fine, although I did get the wrong wine at first (ordered a shiraz riesling and was given a glass of white riesling). Beef tartare was fine, although served on a crostini on a glass plate which made it incredibly loud when cutting into. Quite chewy beef, not exactly melt in the mouth, and the caviar I felt didn't add anything to the dish. Not the best cut of venison either, for the price you would expect the absolute best. My friend's lobster bisque was beautiful, but lacking in amount of lobster. The music playing we felt was incredibly tacky, Harry Potter theme music and then Jurassic Park. For such an atmospheric dining room we were expecting maybe some classical music or moody jazz, instead we got what felt like a tourist tat shop playlist. All in all, it was just okay.

Review rating: 3.0

1-Star Review: Extremely Disappointing Experience – Poor Service & Tasteless Food I spent 7 wonderful days in Edinburgh exploring various local and international restaurants – Chinese, Indian, Japanese, McDonald’s, Nando’s, Wagamama, and many more. Sadly, my last meal of the trip turned out to be the worst experience of all. My family was looking for a vegetarian option and came across Hong Fu Noodle Bar and Restaurant. We entered and were told the restaurant was upstairs. Before dining, we asked to use the restroom to wash our hands. The staff told us it was downstairs – only for customers – then changed the answer seconds later saying food and toilets are both upstairs. This inconsistency was confusing and unwelcoming. Despite the restaurant being large, it was completely empty – which in hindsight, made sense. We were a group of 4 but chose to order just one dish initially to check the taste. From that moment, we felt unwelcome. The staff member, Jassice, made a comment to her colleague in Chinese while giving us a negative look and body language. It was clear we were being judged for ordering only one dish. While waiting, the children were quietly playing with chopsticks (as commonly done in many Asian cultures). Instead of handling it kindly, Jassice pointed her finger to her lips and sternly signaled the child to be quiet, leaving the child confused and upset. When I asked why, she said they were making noise and might break the chopsticks. Things got worse. While I was still reading the menu, she suddenly snatched it from my hand without asking. When I asked why, she replied, “They will get sticky and oily because your food is here.” I explained I was not eating yet and still reading. Her tone and approach were unnecessarily rude. When the food finally arrived, it was completely tasteless. We were relieved we hadn’t ordered more. This was not just bad service – it was disrespectful, unprofessional, and unnecessarily rude. The entire experience left a bitter end to an otherwise great trip. 📌 My recommendation: Avoid this restaurant completely. If the owner is not aware of this, I suggest reviewing the CCTV footage for staff behavior. This is a genuine review, and I will attach the receipt as proof of visit. 👎 Worst food and worst customer service in Edinburgh.

Signal: 0.0%

A good, straightforward local restaurant. Well presented, tasty food. Friendly, chatty staff. Not expensive so can be a regular place to visit. Fun, friendly staff. It can get a bit noisy when busy. Good value.

Signal: 0.0%

Although the pizzas were tasty, the crusts were burnt. We already saw this at the table next to us. So unfortunately we left the crusts, they were really black. Otherwise, the staff was nice and the atmosphere was pleasant. The music was loud though, which made it harder to understand each other.

Signal: 0.0%

A beautiful restaurant and good ambiance. However, noise level makes conversation difficult. The chicken Milanese was delicious, the Olivia was tasty, everyone had a splendid evening.

Signal: 0.0%