Seemor
Maki & RamenBWorth Trying
97-101 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh EH3 9QG
· Japanese restaurant, Gluten-free restaurant, Authentic Japanese restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (4839 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Crowd-pleasing ramen and sushi with strong vegan options and lively vibes, but service consistency and cleanliness can vary by visit.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Maki & Ramen delivers solid comfort-driven Japanese dining with strong food quality—rich ramen broths, fresh sushi, and exceptional vegan options earn consistent praise. However, quality varies noticeably across visits, service lapses emerge during peak times, and isolated but serious food safety complaints create concern. The lively Fountainbridge location and friendly staff make it a reliable neighborhood choice, but inconsistency and safety questions prevent it from reaching higher-tier standing.
Restaurant Summary
A lively, central spot where bowls of steaming ramen and generous maki rolls fuel a steady buzz of conversation and clinking glasses. Service is often warm and upbeat, with diners recalling touches like the taiko drum at the door and friendly staff. Some evenings run hectic, though, and a few guests cite cleanliness lapses and rushed table turns. The cooking leans comfort-driven Japanese with contemporary accents: black garlic ramen, vegan tonkotsu, and pumpkin-forward sushi rolls share space with classics like gyoza and prawn tempura. Most bowls land rich and satisfying, sushi reads fresh, and sides like kimchi and takoyaki earn frequent shout-outs. It suits diners who want reliable flavor over fine-dining theatrics—think elevated casual more than avant-garde. For families, this is practical and approachable: mild miso or shio ramen, chicken gyoza, and simple rolls give kids straightforward choices, though the room can be busy and high-energy at peak times. Vegan diners are unusually well served with full-tilt ramen and rolls, but picky eaters may prefer milder broths and simpler sides. If you need lingering time or stroller space, aim for earlier hours.
At a Glance
- Rich, satisfying ramen and fresh sushi with standout vegan options
- Lively atmosphere and friendly service on most visits
- Inconsistent service speed and occasional order errors at peak times
- Cleanliness complaints (toilets, menus) appear periodically
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- extensive_vegan_ramen_menu
- taiko_drum_welcome
- lively_central_location
What People Love
- Broths that feel slow-cooked and deep in flavor
- Generous maki rolls that satisfy
- Vegan ramen options that do not feel like compromises
- Warm touches like the drum welcome and chatty servers
- Fast lunches with good value
Points of Concern
- Service can lag or feel rushed during busy hours; courses may arrive out of sync
- Cleanliness reports (esp. restrooms) surface intermittently; management should tighten checks
- A few safety-related complaints (undercooked chicken or post-meal illness) warrant caution though not widespread
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (staff name repetition, templated replies) which may not reflect typical diner experience
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£24-35 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose a vegan ramen if in a mixed-diet group; pair with edamame or vegan rolls
- Mix a classic roll (Salmon Avocado £8.90) with a bolder option (Spicy Tuna £12.50) for balance
- Add-ons like extra noodles (£3) are good for hearty appetites
Perfect For
- Casual dinner before a show near Lothian Road
- Group catch-ups where lively energy adds to the fun
- Vegan and mixed-diet parties seeking real choices
- Solo slurp at the counter or window seat
Location Insights
Area: Urban mixed-use corridor with offices, student housing, and leisure venues; appeals to casual diners and groups.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked central area; occasional late-night bustle.
Nearby: Near Lothian Road, Usher Hall, and canal path; hotels like Moxy close by; cinema and gyms in vicinity.
FountainbridgeFountainbridge has undergone significant regeneration, transforming from an industrial area to a trendy neighborhood with a growing dining scene that includes casual eateries, gastropubs, and innovative restaurants. The area attracts a diverse crowd looking for contemporary dining options in a dynamic urban setting.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Tuesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Wednesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Thursday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Friday12:00–22:00
Saturday12:00–22:00
Sunday12:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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