Seemor
Herringbone AbbeyhillB+Worth Trying
Royal Terrace Gardens, London Rd, Edinburgh EH7 5DX
· Restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (405 reviews)
Reservations · Outdoor seating
Stylish neighborhood spot with creative comfort dishes, great terrace, and friendly vibes; food is generally good with standout burgers and desserts, but service can be slow at busy times.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Herringbone Abbeyhill delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality anchored by praised burgers, seafood chowder, and sticky toffee pudding, paired with a distinctive terrace setting overlooking gardens that creates genuine local appeal. However, inconsistent execution—occasional dry burgers and fish during busy periods—and notable service slowdowns on the terrace prevent the grade from climbing higher. The restaurant excels as a relaxed, creative-comfort neighborhood destination but falls short of the reliability and polish expected at grade A level.
Restaurant Summary
Set beside London Road Gardens, Herringbone Abbeyhill feels like a neighborhood living room with a bright modern interior and a covered terrace that buzzes on sunny days. Service reads warm and human, with guests noting, "staff were lovely and gave spot-on recommendations," though waits stretch outdoors when the terrace is humming. The vibe is relaxed and stylish, dog-friendly in parts, and more local than touristy thanks to its slightly off-trail setting. The cooking leans contemporary with global touches—think miso dressings, coconut curries, and wasabi mayo on a salmon burger—so the culinary approach is creative comfort rather than strict tradition. Burgers and fries are a reliable draw, seafood chowder and scallops win fans, and the sticky toffee pudding earns repeat praise, though occasional reports of dry burgers or fussy plating appear during busy spells. Families are well served: there is a full kids menu with familiar favorites like mac and cheese, goujons, and mini cheeseburgers at friendly prices. Even with creative mains on the adult side, picky eaters can land on chips, simple burgers, and soup. Terrace delays can test patience with small children at peak times, so consider earlier meals or indoor seating for the smoothest run.
At a Glance
- Covered terrace over the gardens creates a standout neighborhood setting
- Creative but comforting menu with strong vegan options and praised desserts
- Service slows notably on the terrace and during busy periods
- Burgers and some fish dishes can run dry on off days
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- covered_terrace_over_gardens
- creative_fusion_burger_program
- robust_vegan_options
- renovated_historic_space
What People Love
- Welcoming staff who offer useful suggestions
- A terrace that is great in sun or light rain
- Burgers and fries that scratch the comfort-food itch
- Desserts, especially the sticky toffee pudding
- Well-made cocktails and a solid wine selection
Points of Concern
- Service can be slow outside and when understaffed; expect longer waits at peak terrace times
- A few dishes trend dry (notably some burgers and occasional fish) leading to mixed feedback
- Some guests felt portion sizes on salads or small plates were light for price
- Discretionary service charge has surprised a few diners; ask if unsure
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters compared to classic pubs (despite kids menu, adult menu is creative)
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£34-48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- If you want plant-based mains, consider the green pepper & coconut curry or crispy tofu bang bang salad
- Kids will likely enjoy mac and cheese or chicken goujons; adults can share chowder and a burger
- Cocktail fans: try fruit-forward signatures to pair with spicy or fried items
Perfect For
- Post-Arthur Seat lunch with cocktails
- Casual date night with shared starters and a dessert
- Family brunch with kids who want simple favorites
- Small-group catchups on the covered terrace
Location Insights
Area: Leafy edge-of-centre area by London Road Gardens, drawing locals from Abbeyhill/Easter Road and pre- or post-Arthur Seat walkers.
Safety: Generally safe, park-adjacent with steady foot traffic in daylight; calm in evenings.
Nearby: Near Holyrood Park and Calton Hill; mix of residential streets, small cafes, and pubs; terrace facing Royal Terrace Gardens.
NewhavenNewhaven is a historic fishing village turned residential neighborhood with a relaxed, village-like atmosphere. The dining scene here includes a mix of traditional pubs, modern eateries, and seafood restaurants, reflecting its coastal roots and appealing to locals and visitors seeking a casual yet quality dining experience.
Royal Terrace GardensRoyal Terrace Gardens is a peaceful, landscaped area offering a green respite near the bustling parts of Newhaven and Leith. Dining options nearby tend to be intimate and community-focused, with an emphasis on local produce and relaxed socializing.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–22:00
Tuesday12:00–22:00
Wednesday12:00–22:00
Thursday12:00–23:00
Friday12:00–00:00
Saturday09:00–00:00
Sunday09:00–23:00
Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating
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