Seemor
PatakaA-Worth Trying
190 Causewayside, Edinburgh EH9 1PN
· Indian restaurant, Asian restaurant, South Asian restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (472 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
A warmly run neighborhood Indian spot with standout classics, attentive guidance, and strong vegan options, delivering good value for sit-in and notably swift takeaway.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Pataka delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality and outstanding service attentiveness, earning its place among Edinburgh's respected neighborhood Indian restaurants. Consistency shows occasional variability—some takeaway orders and particular dishes report blandness—preventing the higher distinction needed for grade A territory. The pleasant Rennie Mackintosh-themed setting and strong value proposition make it a reliable choice for quality Indian dining without pretension.
Restaurant Summary
Set just off the city center, Pataka feels like a warm neighborhood refuge where staff greet you with smiles and guide you through spice levels. Reviewers describe sauces that are "deeply satisfying" and naan that lands at the table piping hot. The room mixes cozy comfort with a subtle Rennie Mackintosh flair, giving it a touch of quiet charm without fuss. The cooking leans classic and well-executed rather than showy—the culinary approach sits in elevated traditional territory: familiar bhunas, jalfrezis, kormas, and tandoor dishes made with care. Servers often help curate the table, steering diners toward dishes that fit heat preferences and dietary needs. Expect generous portions and well-balanced spice, though a few diners report occasional bland or dry items, mostly on takeaway outliers or particular lamb cuts. Families are well covered: there are naturally kid-friendly mains like Butter Murgh, Kurma Chicken, and Tikka Massalam, plus pilau rice, plain naan, and poppadum. Veg-forward kids can nibble on Saag Aloo or Tarka Dal. For picky eaters the menu offers plenty of mild choices; for adventurous teens, hotter options like Jalfrezi or Madras are easy wins.
At a Glance
- Attentive, friendly service with helpful recommendations
- Strong vegetarian and vegan guidance with labeled sides and rice
- Good value for portion size and quality
- Occasional reports of blandness or dry lamb, especially on some takeaways
- Small dining room can feel busy at peak times
What Sets It Apart
- chef_selected_dinner_for_two
- rennie_mackintosh_inspired_decor
- strong_takeaway_performance
What People Love
- Warm, personal guidance on spice and dishes
- Sauces with depth and balance
- Naan and breads served hot and fresh
- Reliable, speedy takeaway and delivery
Points of Concern
- A minority of reviews cite bland or under-spiced curries; ask for desired heat level if you prefer bolder flavors
- Lamb can occasionally run dry; consider chicken or prawn versions if texture-sensitive
- Small room can fill up midweek; reservations help
- Review patterns are organic overall but include some very brief enthusiastic blurbs with little detail
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£32-42 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Value path: Murgh Tikka starter (£6.50) + Chicken Bhuna (£12.50) + Pilau Rice (£3.95) + shared Garlic Nan (£4.50) for satisfying under £30 pp before drinks
- Vegetarian set: Pataka Pakura (£5.95) + Saag Panir (£11.95) + Chapati (£2.20) + Tarka Dal (£6.95) to share
Perfect For
- Casual weeknight curry with friends
- Family dinner with mixed spice preferences
- Takeaway when you want fast, reliable delivery
- Visitors seeking a local-feeling spot away from tourist crowds
Location Insights
Area: Residential-academic corridor near the University of Edinburgh with an artsy, student-and-local mix; casual and neighborhood-focused.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic along Causewayside; typical city vigilance at night.
Nearby: Close to university buildings, small galleries, charity shops, pubs, and cafés; away from Old Town tourist crush.
MarchmontMarchmont is a popular residential area with a strong student presence due to its proximity to the University of Edinburgh. The dining scene is eclectic, featuring casual cafes, traditional pubs, and international restaurants, reflecting the youthful and diverse community. The neighborhood is generally safe, walkable, and well-connected to the city center.
CausewaysideCausewayside is a lively street within Marchmont known for its array of bars, casual eateries, and independent shops. It has a youthful, energetic vibe, popular among students and young locals looking for affordable and informal dining options.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–22:30
Tuesday17:00–22:30
Wednesday17:00–22:30
Thursday17:00–22:30
Friday17:00–22:30
Saturday17:00–22:30
Sunday17:00–22:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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