Topiary - Edinburgh, City of

We decided to take a day trip to recover from the Christmas celebrations and visited the garden center where we found the charming Topiary Restaurant. The restaurant was quite spacious and not very crowded, so we received quick service. We enjoyed a variety of dishes including soup, fish finger sandwiches, and a children's meal, all of which were well-prepared and reasonably priced. We definitely plan to return to this restaurant next time we are in Edinburgh.

The fish and chips at this restaurant are excellent, definitely some of the best in the area. The battered fish is very fresh and crispy, the chips are excellent, and the mashed peas are very tasty. The dish also includes tartare sauce, crispy bits, and bread and butter. Overall, this is a very good meal. The other lunch items are also top-notch and worth a try.

I visited this restaurant late in the afternoon on a Saturday and was pleased to find it open, quiet, and with plenty of available seating. There was someone clearing and wiping tables, and although the floor was a bit messy with crumbs, I assumed it would be cleaned at the end of the shift. We ordered a trifle, caramel shortcake, and two coffees, which were all delicious. The coffee was particularly good, with a variety of flavors displayed so I could easily choose for my latte. We paid at the counter and received our items, then found a table to sit at. The staff said goodbye as we left. I would definitely return, and perhaps try a main course next time. The free parking was also a nice bonus.

There was a time when going to a garden centre and having a coffee was a favourite way to spend a morning or afternoon. Sadly no longer the case and that is not only at Mortonhall! I was meeting someone I had not seen since before lockdown more than half our time was spent with me queuing and no sign that the staff were in any hurry! The current restaurant is bigger and more sophisticated than the old but is dark and miserable on a pleasant day and most of it has no view of the outside, let alone the garden centre. The coffee was passable, but eatables limited to the usual fatty and sugary cakes and scones. We had little or no time left to view of even think of buying anything. The craft materials I had told my friend about have gone to be replaced by furniture and frankly the whole inside of the shop would have little now to interest gardeners.,

Since last review, and after a couple of recent visits, I'd say this place has definitely improved food quality. A simple thing like replacing inappropriate brioche buns for things like a bacon roll etc, with a morning roll is a sign of commonsense. And attempts at varying items available at breakfast are to be applauded. Good stuff.