Seemor
Phriends FoodA-Worth Trying
159-161 Morrison St, Edinburgh EH3 8AG
· Restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (153 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Warm Ghanaian cooking with standout jollof and plantain, friendly vibes, fair mid-range pricing, but watch for portion clarity and occasional service lapses.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Phriends Food delivers solid food quality anchored by consistently praised jollof rice, grilled meats, and fried plantain, with friendly, welcoming service that guides newcomers well. Occasional consistency variance and isolated service lapses prevent grade A territory, though the restaurant competes strongly with respected neighborhood favorites through reliable execution and genuine family-run warmth.
Restaurant Summary
Just off Haymarket, the room feels warm and welcoming with a spotless, family-run vibe that many diners call out. Staff often guide first-timers through the menu, and one guest summed it up simply: "the jollof with chicken and plantain was spectacular." Expect cozy comfort over flash, with the occasional hiccup on busy days and a few reports of portion confusion for fish. The cooking skews traditional Ghanaian rather than showy—think suya skewers, fufu with hearty soups, waakye, and plenty of grilled chicken and lamb. It is a straightforward, flavor-first approach (innovation level 4.6): tomato-bright jollof, addictive fried plantain, and charcoal-grilled meats that satisfy more than they surprise. Value is solid at this price point, though premium items like tilapia with banku carry a higher tag and should be ordered with portion clarity in mind. Families are well covered. There is a dedicated kids menu at £7 for jollof or fried rice with chicken, and plenty of familiar flavors like grilled chicken, chips, and rice. Vegan diners also have real choice thanks to a full vegan section (beans with plantain, jollof with salad, quinoa and salad). Do note that some sides are charged separately, so build plates accordingly for picky eaters.
At a Glance
- Consistently praised jollof rice, fried plantain, and grilled meats
- Friendly, helpful service for newcomers and families
- Dedicated vegan section plus kids menu at £7
- Portion clarity for fish and some takeaway orders
- Occasional service lapses (forgotten order, complaint handling)
What Sets It Apart
- dedicated_vegan_section_in_ghanaian_menu
- authentic_fufu_and_banku_preparations
- strong_catering_capability
What People Love
- That first spoon of bright, tomato-rich jollof
- Charcoal smoke on tender suya and lamb
- Crisp-sweet fried plantain that feels like a must-order
- Genuine hospitality and a spotless dining room
- Real vegan options beyond token salads
Points of Concern
- Portion/value confusion for fish-based plates and extras
- Isolated reports of dry rice or over-fried chicken
- A few service misses including a forgotten order and curt complaint handling
- Some sides and garnishes cost extra, which can surprise first-timers
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£25-37 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build a balanced plate: Jollof with chicken (£14) plus fried plantain (£6) and shito (£2)
- For vegans: Black Eye Beans with Plantain (£14) or Jollof with Salad (£14)
- Kids: Jollof or Fried Rice with Chicken at £7 each
Perfect For
- Casual dinner near Haymarket Station
- First-time West African food explorers
- Family meals with kids in tow
- Takeaway nights craving grilled meats and plantain
Location Insights
Area: Central mixed-use corridor near Haymarket with offices, hotels, and diverse eateries; draws locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked main street area with steady footfall.
Nearby: Close to Haymarket Station, tram and bus links, and a cluster of international restaurants and pubs.
West EndThe West End offers a diverse dining scene ranging from upscale restaurants and trendy cafes to traditional pubs. The social atmosphere is cosmopolitan and dynamic, attracting both locals and visitors who appreciate a stylish yet relaxed environment. It is well-connected and considered safe, making it a popular spot for evening dining and socializing.
DalryDalry is a sub-area within the West End characterized by a more residential feel with pockets of independent eateries and casual dining spots. It has a slightly quieter atmosphere compared to the main West End thoroughfares but still benefits from proximity to cultural landmarks and nightlife.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–22:00
Tuesday
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–22:00
Friday11:00–23:00
Saturday11:00–23:00
Sunday17:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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