Seemor
Cutting ChaiiB+Worth Trying
18 20 Salamander St, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 7HR
· Modern Indian restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (419 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Inventive Indian small plates with bold spice and strong vegetarian options; great flavors but service can be slow at peak times and portions run small.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Cutting Chaii delivers bold, well-executed Indian cooking with standout vegetarian options and a loyal neighborhood following, earning solid B+ standing. However, service pacing lags during peak hours and occasional quality variation in signature dishes prevent advancement to grade A territory. The cozy Leith setting and modern regional approach make it competitive with Edinburgh's better neighborhood restaurants, though not a citywide destination.
Restaurant Summary
A cozy Leith nook where the room feels warm and bustling and plates land with confident spice. Diners rave about richly cooked dals and paneer, and one guest noted it was freshly made and full of flavor. Service is friendly, though at peak hours pacing can slip, so expect a relaxed tempo rather than rapid-fire courses. The cooking leans modern regional Indian with Bombay-Irani and Indo-Chinese touches: elevated traditional with playful crossovers rather than theatrics. Vegetarians and vegans are well served, from jackfruit masala to dal makhani, while spice lovers gravitate to gunpowder chicken. Portions are small-plates style; share a few and add naan or rice for balance. Families should do fine here thanks to accessible staples like naan and butter-style sauces alongside milder curries and rice. There is no listed kids menu, but the casual room and familiar flavors make it workable. For picky eaters, stick to gentler dishes and ask for guidance on heat.
At a Glance
- Bold, well-spiced dishes with standout vegetarian and vegan options
- Cozy neighborhood vibe with loyal regulars
- Service can be slow at busy times, with long gaps between courses
- Portions run small; plan 2-3 plates per person
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- inventive_vegetarian_and_vegan_range
- bombay_irani_and_indo_chinese_flavors
- small_plates_indian_format
What People Love
- Rich, deeply flavored dal makhani
- Signature butter paneer that comforts without blandness
- Spice-forward plates like gunpowder chicken
- Friendly staff who guide sharing and choices
- Vegan naan and jackfruit options
Points of Concern
- Pacing issues at peak: waits to order and long gaps between courses
- Some dish inconsistency over time, especially biryani
- Small portions can feel pricey if ordering like a traditional main
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£22-34 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Vegetarians: Maa's Butter Paneer with Pilau Rice and Cutting House Chaat
- Vegan path: Kadai Kathal JJ, Bombay Benjan, and Plain Nan (ask vegan option)
- Spice seekers: Gunpowder Chicken, Karahi, Chilli Tiger Prawns
- Gentle flavors: Dal Makhani, Temple Palak with Garlic Nan
Perfect For
- Casual date with shared small plates
- Friends catching up over flavorful curries
- Vegetarian and vegan diners seeking variety
- Solo bite with a couple of tapas and chai
Location Insights
Area: Edgy, creative Leith edge with residential blocks and light industrial spaces; attracts locals and destination diners.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; occasional quiet stretches after dark typical for the docks fringe.
Nearby: Near Leith Links and Shore; mixed-use corridor with delivery driver activity and growing restaurant cluster.
LeithLeith offers a diverse dining scene ranging from traditional Scottish pubs to innovative eateries and seafood restaurants. The social atmosphere is lively and eclectic, attracting both locals and visitors seeking authentic and contemporary dining experiences in a relaxed, community-oriented setting.
Salamander Street areaThis micro-area near Salamander Street is characterized by a mix of residential and commercial spaces, with a focus on independent businesses and artisanal food venues. It has a slightly quieter, neighborhood feel compared to the busier Shore area but still benefits from Leith’s overall dynamic dining culture.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–22:00
Tuesday
Wednesday17:00–22:00
Thursday17:00–22:00
Friday17:00–22:00
Saturday17:00–22:00
Sunday17:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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