Seemor

Simply GreekB+Worth Trying

Name: Simply Greek
Address: 8 Union St, Edinburgh EH1 3LU, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.8

8 Union St, Edinburgh EH1 3LU · Greek restaurant · 4.8/5 Google (1118 reviews)

Reservations

Lively modern Greek spot near the Playhouse with tasty meze, grills, and standout hospitality, but expect time-limited tables, auto service charge, and sides priced separately.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Simply Greek delivers excellent food quality with flavorful, well-executed meze and grills that earn consistent praise, supported by strong service attentiveness and charming Greek-themed decor near the Playhouse. However, inconsistent execution—occasional dry meats and service lapses during peak times—prevents a higher grade, as do operational friction points like timed tables and automatic service charges that create friction for diners seeking a relaxed meal.

Restaurant Summary

Set just off the Playhouse, the room feels warm and bustling with Aegean blues and playful bougainvillea touches. Servers are often genuinely friendly and quick with guidance, and more than one diner called out how the food "brings back Greek holiday memories." However, timed seating windows and an automatic service charge have irked some guests, so plan accordingly. The cooking leans classic and shareable rather than flashy—think dips, meze, grills, and bakes—with a produce-first Greek comfort approach. Highlights include tender meatballs, glossy fava, crisp halloumi fries, and hearty moussaka; lamb chops taste great but can run small. Prices feel fair for central Edinburgh, though you will add sides to round out some mains; for best value, mix meze with a grill and leave room for portokalopita. For families, it is easy to build a kid-pleasing table: fries, grilled chicken or bifteki, halloumi, pita, and simple salads all appear on the menu. Portions skew generous, and wraps or portions like chicken gyros (portion) with fries help with fussier eaters; just note that gyros-in-a-wrap is not always available and some grills come without sides, so order extras if you want a full plate.

At a Glance

Flavorful meze and grills with many crowd-pleasing classics
Charming Greek decor and lively pre-theatre energy
10% service charge added automatically in multiple reports
Timed tables (~90 minutes) can make meals feel rushed
Expect sides to be ordered separately for some grills

What Sets It Apart

pre_theatre_location
bougainvillea_greek_decor
broad_meze_and_grill_menu

What People Love

Feeling transported by the blue-and-white room with bougainvillea touches
Tender keftedakia and crisp halloumi fries
Friendly, helpful servers who guide on allergies
Portions that satisfy without breaking the bank

Points of Concern

Timed seating policy (~90 minutes) leaves some diners feeling rushed at peak times
Automatic service charge added to bills per multiple reports; ask to review bill
Sides priced separately for some grills can increase spend
Occasional slow tickets at peak and a few reports of dry meats or sold-out items

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost£30-44 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Start with Fava or Tzatziki and Halloumi Fries, share a grill (Bifteki or Chicken Thighs), add Fries or Briam, and finish with Portokalopita.
Seafood fans: Kalamarakia Tiganita followed by Tsipoura if you want a lighter path.

Perfect For

Pre-theatre dinner before a Playhouse show
Casual date night with shared meze
Group catch-ups where everyone orders a few small plates
Families wanting approachable Mediterranean dishes

Location Insights

Area: Central theatre district vibe near Edinburgh Playhouse; pre-show and casual date-night traffic with locals and visitors.

Safety: Generally safe, well-lit main streets with steady evening footfall due to theatres and bars.

Nearby: Opposite/near the Playhouse; mix of bars, cafes, and restaurants along Leith Walk/Union St; convenient for pre/post theatre dining.

Royal MileThe Royal Mile is a bustling stretch famous for its historic charm, attracting visitors seeking traditional Scottish cuisine, pubs, and modern eateries. The dining scene is diverse, ranging from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, often busy with tourists and locals alike, especially during festivals.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday16:00–21:30 Tuesday16:00–21:30 Wednesday16:00–21:30 Thursday16:00–21:30 Friday16:00–21:30 Saturday12:00–21:30 Sunday12:00–21:00

Available: Reservations

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