Seemor
The Spanish Butcher EdinburghB+Worth Trying
58a N Castle St, Edinburgh EH2 3LU
· Steak house, Restaurant, Spanish restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (337 reviews)
Reservations
Destination steakhouse with Spanish flair delivering excellent premium cuts and a standout Sunday roast, but expect high prices, salt-forward seasoning, and occasional service slowdowns.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
The Spanish Butcher Edinburgh delivers exceptional steak quality with Galician and Scotch cuts earning consistent praise, supported by strong service attentiveness and thoughtful contemporary design. However, inconsistent execution on doneness and seasoning during busy services prevents a higher grade, and variable pacing occasionally disrupts the experience. The Sunday roast and weekday lunch sets offer compelling value, making this a competitive neighborhood steakhouse that excels when conditions align.
Restaurant Summary
Set just off George Street, this upscale steakhouse feels warm and bustling from the moment you step in. Staff are often praised for guiding first-timers through cuts and sauces, and more than a few diners call the big sharing steaks the best they have had in the UK. A vivid comment sums it up: "We were treated like royalty, then the porterhouse left us speechless." Energy runs high and the acoustics can be lively, so expect a vibrant dining room at peak times. The cooking leans Spanish-influenced and ingredient-led rather than showy. Think Galician beef, Iberico pork, pil pil prawns, and pulpo, with the grill front and center. The culinary approach leans contemporary and produce-driven: elevated traditional steakhouse with Iberian products and a few playful sauces. When the kitchen hits its stride, the steaks are deeply satisfying; on busier nights, seasoning or doneness can drift. Value is strongest on the Sunday roast set and weekday lunch. Families do dine here, especially at lunch. There is no kids menu, but sliders, mac and cheese, and churros make for easy wins for younger eaters. The room can get loud, and premium cuts start at hefty weights, so earlier seatings or the set menus are the smoothest path for families. For picky palates, consider simpler sides and smaller individual steaks instead of the big share cuts.
At a Glance
- Premium Galician and Scotch steaks with consistent praise for flavor and tenderness
- Strong Sunday roast and weekday set lunch value windows
- Room can be loud; acoustics amplify peak-hour noise
- Occasional oversalting and inconsistent doneness on busy services
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- Spanish-sourced premium beef and Iberico pork
- Standout Sunday roast set menu
- Large-format sharing steaks with sides included
What People Love
- That first bite of a perfectly rested rib or Chateaubriand
- Attentive guidance on cuts, sauces, and sides
- Spanish touches across starters and steaks
- Sunday roast portions that feel generous and comforting
Points of Concern
- Noise levels can be high due to lively acoustics, making conversations hard at peak times
- Reports of oversalting and misfired doneness on occasional services; managers often fix but prevention varies
- Premium sharing steaks can feel poor value if execution stumbles; sides may feel small to some diners
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (none significant detected); current assessment indicates authentic mix but remain mindful of polarized reviews
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters due to Spanish-influenced seasonings
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£48-70 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose Scotch sirloin 300g (£41) for a premium single-serve cut that includes a side and sauce
- Pair rich steaks with tomato salad or mixed greens to balance heaviness
- Dessert sweet spot: churros & chocolate (£9) for a shareable finish
- Value path: Sunday roast 3-course at £35 offers hearty variety
Perfect For
- Celebrating a birthday or milestone over a sharing steak
- Date night with a serious steak focus
- Sunday lunch seekers wanting a satisfying set menu
- Business lunch where premium ingredients impress
Location Insights
Area: Elegant Georgian New Town with upscale retail, offices, and destination dining; attracts locals and visitors seeking polished experiences.
Safety: Well-lit, busy main streets with steady foot traffic; generally safe and well-maintained.
Nearby: Near George Street boutiques, bars, and hotels; convenient for city-centre shopping and business meetups.
New TownThe dining scene in New Town is diverse, featuring a range of upscale restaurants, trendy cafes, and traditional pubs. The area attracts a sophisticated crowd looking for quality dining experiences in a stylish and historic setting, with a lively yet refined social atmosphere.
Castle StreetCastle Street is a prominent street within New Town, close to Edinburgh Castle and major city attractions. It hosts a mix of office workers during the day and visitors exploring the city, with dining options catering to both casual and formal tastes.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–23:00
Tuesday12:00–23:00
Wednesday12:00–23:00
Thursday12:00–23:00
Friday12:00–00:00
Saturday12:00–00:00
Sunday12:00–23:00
Available: Reservations
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