Seemor
Bibimbap EdinburghBWorth Trying
96 Hanover St, Edinburgh EH2 1DR
· Korean restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (538 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Lively Korean spot in New Town serving generous portions and fast, friendly service with a few authenticity debates and policy quirks to note.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Bibimbap Edinburgh delivers reliable Korean comfort food with strong food quality and attentive service, earning a solid grade B. However, inconsistent execution—occasional bland sauces and dry dishes—and tight seating in a small dining room prevent it from reaching higher territory. The fast kitchen, generous portions, and friendly staff make it worth visiting for pre-show meals or casual Korean cravings, though it falls short of the area's premier dining destinations.
Restaurant Summary
On Hanover Street, this compact spot feels cozy and buzzing with colorful decor and a steady flow of hungry shoppers and showgoers. Reviews repeatedly mention warm, helpful staff and food that lands on the table fast. One diner summed it up neatly: "Portions were way bigger than expected and the team made great recommendations." Policy quirks pop up late evening when dine-in can switch to takeaway only, so timing matters. The cooking leans Korean comfort over cutting-edge—think bibimbap, sundubu, and fried chicken—executed with a big-portion, value-first mindset. Dishes are generally satisfying, though a minority call out bland sauces or dry chicken, and authenticity debates run both ways. If you like bold and balanced rather than avant-garde, you will be happy; if you seek textbook traditional flavors, calibrate expectations. Families do well here thanks to kid-friendly options like chicken katsu curry, gimbap, and plain rice, plus the kitchen can ease off the spice. The menu clearly labels vegetarian, vegan, and some gluten-free choices, which outnumbers what a few reviews suggest. Space is small and walk-ins only, so arrive a bit early with kids to avoid a wait.
At a Glance
- Big portions and fast kitchen make it great for pre-show meals
- Friendly, helpful staff with solid menu knowledge
- Clear vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free labeling across the menu
- Late evening dine-in may switch to takeaway only
- 10% service charge often added to bills
What Sets It Apart
- generous_portions_in_city_centre
- fast_kitchen_for_pre_show
- broad_veg_and_vegan_labels
What People Love
- Generous portions that feel like good value
- Crispy fried chicken when on form
- Comforting stews and hot bowls on cold days
- Friendly staff who guide choices without fuss
Points of Concern
- Authenticity debated: some find flavors mild or sauces too sweet; consider it Korean comfort adapted for broad appeal
- Policy quirks: walk-ins only and occasional dine-in cutoff near closing, which frustrates late arrivals
- Automatic service charge (10%) noted by several diners; ask if you prefer to tip manually
- Inconsistency on a few items (dry chicken, bland bibimbap) means ordering wisely matters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£24-33 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- For spice-averse: Bulgogi Deobap (£13.90) or Chicken Katsu Curry (£13.50)
- For veg/vegan: Japchae (£13.90, add tofu), Yachae Deobap (£12.50), Vegan Bibimbap
- Sharing starter: Haemul-Pajeon (£9.50) or Kimchi-Jeon (£9.50)
Perfect For
- Pre-Fringe or pre-theatre dinner with friends
- Casual date night with hearty comfort food
- Solo travelers seeking a quick, satisfying meal
- Families wanting mild, approachable options
Location Insights
Area: Upscale, central shopping and dining corridor popular with office workers, shoppers, and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit streets with steady foot traffic, especially evenings and festival periods.
Nearby: Steps from Princes Street retail, tram access, and Fringe festival venues; heavy visitor flow in summer.
New TownThe dining scene in New Town is diverse, featuring a range of upscale restaurants, trendy cafes, and traditional pubs. The area attracts a mix of business professionals during the day and tourists exploring the city, creating a lively yet refined social atmosphere.
Hanover StreetHanover Street is a bustling thoroughfare within New Town, lined with eateries, bars, and boutique shops. It offers a convenient and vibrant dining environment popular with both locals and visitors seeking quality food in a central location.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–21:30
Tuesday12:00–21:30
Wednesday12:00–21:30
Thursday12:00–21:30
Friday12:00–22:30
Saturday12:00–22:30
Sunday12:00–21:30
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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