Seemor
Avery RestaurantAMust Try
54 St Stephen St, Edinburgh EH3 5AL
· Fine dining restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (117 reviews)
Reservations
Ambitious Michelin-star tasting menu with exceptional creativity and warm chef-led hospitality; superb for special occasions if you are comfortable with high prices and an adventurous palate.
Why it gets an A for overall quality
Avery exemplifies grade A standards through exceptional food quality and outstanding service attentiveness that create a memorable tasting journey. The chef-led storytelling and knowledgeable team elevate the experience beyond technical execution alone, while creative contemporary seafood and game courses demonstrate culinary mastery. Minor inconsistencies in pacing and space design prevent a higher grade, but this ranks among the region's finest dining establishments for special-occasion dining.
Restaurant Summary
Down a Stockbridge stair into a cozy subterranean room, the evening unfolds like a chef-led performance where courses arrive with stories and warm, personal service. Plates look like miniature landscapes and the team moves with quiet confidence; one guest said the meal felt like a series of small masterpieces that still honored the ingredients. The space skews minimalist and a bit dark, but most diners leave glowing about the memorable tasting journey. The kitchen mixes premium Scottish seafood and game with modern techniques and global accents—think XO, fermented chilli, and precise broths—so the culinary approach leans creative contemporary: inventive without gimmicks on strong nights, with rare complaints about seasoning or temperature when the pacing slips. Signature moments include the tomato martini, tortellini in brodo, sika deer, and sea-focused courses, paired with ambitious wine or whisky flights for destination-dining energy. Families should know this is a fixed tasting with adventurous flavors and no kids menu. While a few plant-forward or gluten-free dishes pop up, the overall menu spotlights seafood and game; picky eaters may struggle, and the length and price make it better for special-occasion adults than for younger diners.
At a Glance
- Chef tableside storytelling and attentive team make the experience feel personal
- Creative contemporary menu with standout seafood and game courses
- Very high drink prices; basic pairing cited near £289 and bottles often £100+
- Occasional pacing or temperature inconsistencies on busy nights
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- chef_tableside_storytelling
- seafood_and_game_fusion_menu
- premium_whisky_features
What People Love
- Chef greeting tables and explaining courses
- Inventive seafood and game with clean execution
- Memorable tomato martini and broths
- Non-alcoholic pairings crafted to match courses
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely high, especially for pairings and bottles; budget accordingly
- A few diners reported underseasoning or lukewarm plates on off nights
- Room can feel dark or cool; design details divide opinion
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food; CONCERN: Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£195-265 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Adventurous diners should lean into seafood-forward courses like langoustine and mackerel when offered
- Those favoring comfort should anchor expectations around broths and pasta but expect modern twists
Perfect For
- Celebrating a milestone dinner with chef interaction
- Culinary travelers seeking an ambitious tasting menu
- Wine and whisky enthusiasts exploring premium pairings
- Date night where presentation and storytelling matter
Location Insights
Area: Charming Stockbridge side street with independent boutiques, bars, and upscale-casual eateries; draws food-focused locals and destination diners.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked residential-commercial mix with good evening footfall.
Nearby: Near Stockbridge market area and New Town; convenient for pre- and post-dinner drinks and strolls.
West EndThe West End is characterized by a mix of elegant townhouses, boutique shops, and a diverse dining scene ranging from casual cafes to fine dining. It has a lively yet refined atmosphere, attracting both locals and visitors seeking quality food and cultural experiences.
St Stephen Street areaThis micro-neighborhood is a quieter pocket within the West End, known for its charming streets and a selection of independent restaurants and bars. It offers a more intimate dining experience compared to the busier Princes Street nearby.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday17:00–20:30
Wednesday17:00–20:30
Thursday17:00–20:30
Friday17:00–20:30
Saturday17:00–20:30
Sunday
Available: Reservations
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