Seemor
Alby's SouthsideBWorth Trying
94 Buccleuch St, Edinburgh EH8 9NH
· Sandwich shop, Bakery
· 4.7/5 Google (179 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Creative, oversized focaccia sandwiches with bold global flavors; excellent quality and friendly vibes, but expect grease, limited seating, no restroom, and prices around £12–14 per sandwich.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Alby's Southside excels with exceptional food quality—house-baked focaccia and bold, globally inspired fillings earn consistent praise—and friendly, attentive service. However, inconsistent execution with occasional grease and over-frying, combined with cramped seating and no restroom, prevents grade A territory. A standout sandwich destination that delivers solid value but lacks the refinement of higher-rated establishments.
Restaurant Summary
A tiny Southside shop turning out big hot sandwiches, Alby’s leans into bold flavors on fluffy focaccia. The scene is compact and lively, with counter ordering, limited seats, and a steady take-away flow. As one fan put it, "the bread was perfect and every bite felt dialed in," though a few note grease can creep in and there is no restroom on site. The culinary approach leans contemporary and mash-up creative: karaage chicken, Sichuan pork, and vegan shawarma folded into house-baked focaccia with bright pickles and spicy mayo riffs. Portions are hefty and often shareable; most diners feel the £12–£14 pricing is fair for the size and craft, though a minority call it pricey or heavy when the fry hits too hard. Families will find it kid-manageable with tweaks: fries and cheese-forward toasties suit cautious eaters, but many fillings skew spicy, pickled, or messy. There is no kids’ menu and the sandwiches are huge, so consider sharing or ordering simply; seating is tight, so a picnic across at The Meadows can be the easier move.
At a Glance
- House-baked focaccia and creative, globally inspired fillings
- Massive, shareable sandwiches offer good value around £12–£14
- Friendly counter team and generally quick service
- Limited seating and no customer restroom
- Grease and over-frying reported on a minority of visits
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- house_baked_focaccia_foundation
- globe_trotting_flavor_profiles
- oversized_shareable_sandwiches
What People Love
- Fluffy, sturdy focaccia that holds big fillings
- Punchy sauces and pickles that cut through richness
- Vegan and vegetarian mains that feel as indulgent as the meat options
- Portions big enough to split without feeling shortchanged
Points of Concern
- Sandwiches can be greasy or over-fried on off days; a few diners reported feeling queasy
- Space is tight with few seats and no restroom; messy sandwiches can be awkward to eat in-house
- Online preorder slots can be limited during busy times
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost£19-24 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose grilled Sichuan pork neck or grilled pork collar for lower grease risk compared to fried items
- Vegan options like sticky aubergine or mushroom shawarma offer bold flavor without heaviness
- Add a bright salad (watermelon or green goddess) to balance rich sandwiches
Perfect For
- Post-Meadows picnic lunch
- Hungry student or solo quick bite
- Casual date that does not mind a messy sandwich
- Visitors seeking a distinctive Edinburgh sando
Location Insights
Area: University-adjacent Southside with indie cafes and casual eats near The Meadows; student and creative crowd.
Safety: Generally safe and well-trafficked daytime and early evening; typical urban footfall near parks and campus.
Nearby: Steps from The Meadows park; near Edinburgh University buildings, coffee bars, and small shops; Leith sister branch referenced by reviewers.
SouthsideSouthside is a lively and diverse neighborhood with a mix of student accommodation, local shops, and eateries. The dining scene includes casual cafes, traditional pubs, and international cuisine, catering to both students and locals. The area has a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere with good accessibility to the city center.
BruntsfieldBruntsfield is a charming sub-area known for its boutique shops, green spaces, and a relaxed dining environment featuring independent cafes and bistros. It offers a quieter, more residential feel compared to the busier parts of Southside.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday11:00–16:00
Wednesday11:00–16:00
Thursday11:00–16:00
Friday11:00–16:00
Saturday11:00–16:00
Sunday11:00–16:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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