Frequently asked questions – Howies Restaurants, Edinburgh
General FAQs
We strongly recommend booking in advance, especially at weekends, during festival season, and before theatre performances. While we do accept walk-ins when availability allows, reserving a table guarantees your place at one of our Edinburgh restaurants.
Book online for the best availability.
Howies Victoria is located in Edinburgh’s Old Town, just a short walk from the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. It’s ideal for lunch or dinner after sightseeing. Our sister restaurant Scotts Kitchen is also located just a short walk from Edinburgh Castle, offering breakfast and lunch.
Howies Waterloo is conveniently located near Edinburgh Waverley Station and Princes Street, making it perfect for business lunches, pre-theatre dining, and visitors arriving by train.
We serve seasonal Scottish food made using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. Our menus include traditional Scottish favourites alongside modern dishes, with vegetarian and vegan options available.
Yes. All our venues offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, and we cater for gluten-free diets. Please inform us of any allergies or dietary requirements when booking.
Yes. We offer popular lunch and early dining menus throughout the week. These are particularly popular in Edinburgh city centre, so booking is recommended.
Yes. We can accommodate group bookings at all our Edinburgh venues, subject to availability. For larger parties or special occasions, please contact us directly. Private dining and private hire is also available.
All our venues are wheelchair accessible. Access varies by venue due to the historic nature of some buildings in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Please contact the specific restaurant directly and we’ll be happy to advise.
We kindly ask that any cancellations are made with as much notice as possible. For larger group bookings, specific terms apply and will be communicated to you on enquiry. Full details on our terms here.
Yes, we do accept walk-ins when space is available. However, we recommend booking in advance during busy periods.
Private Dining and Event Catering in Edinburgh – FAQs
Booking & Planning
For private dining in Edinburgh, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for summer, festival season and December. Corporate event venues and wedding catering dates in central Edinburgh fill quickly, particularly for Friday and Saturday evenings.
To help us prepare a tailored proposal, please include:
Preferred date(s)
Estimated guest numbers
Event type (corporate event, wedding, birthday, networking, etc.)
Venue preference (if known)
Any catering style preferences
This allows us to recommend the most suitable private dining space or event catering solution in Edinburgh.
Minimum spends may apply, we provide full transparency at proposal stage so you can plan your event budget confidently.
Corporate Events and Business Dining
Yes. We regularly host corporate dinners, business lunches, networking events and company celebrations at our central Edinburgh venues. Our locations near Waverley Station and the hear of the Old Town make us ideal for business dining in Edinburgh.
In many cases, yes. Depending on the venue, we can accommodate branded materials, AV setup and specific seating layouts for corporate event hire in Edinburgh.
Absolutely. Our private dining rooms and event spaces offer a professional yet welcoming setting for client entertaining, executive dinners and team celebrations.
Weddings and Celebrations
Yes. We offer wedding catering and private wedding reception dining in Edinburgh, featuring seasonal Scottish menus and tailored drinks packages. Whether you’re planning an intimate celebration or larger gathering, our team can support your day. We also offer offsite catering, so can come to you!
Exclusive venue hire in Edinburgh may be available depending on your chosen space and date. This is particularly popular for weddings, milestone birthdays and festive parties.
Food and Catering
Our event catering menus showcase seasonal Scottish produce. We offer:
Set menus for seated dining
Canapés and drinks receptions
Bowl food and buffet options
Custom drinks packages
All designed to suit private dining, corporate catering and celebration events in Edinburgh.
Absolutely. We regularly accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy-specific requirements. We simply ask for advance notice so our kitchen can plan accordingly
Offsite Event Catering
Yes. In addition to our restaurant venues, we offer offsite event catering across Edinburgh. We can deliver food and hospitality services to offices, historic venues, galleries and private residences.
Yes. Our corporate catering service in Edinburgh includes business lunches, networking receptions and company celebrations hosted at your workplace or chosen venue.
Logistics and Confirmation
Once event details are agreed, we require written confirmation and a deposit to secure your private dining or event catering date in Edinburgh. Full terms are provided during the booking process.
Yes. Our experienced hospitality team manages food service and event delivery. For larger events, we provide coordination support to ensure smooth timing throughout.
Yes. We are happy to collaborate with your chosen suppliers and can also recommend trusted Edinburgh partners if needed.