Seemor
Black IvyB-Worth Trying
4 Alvanley Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 1DU
· Restaurant, Bar, Cocktail bar
· 4.5/5 Google (2093 reviews)
Stylish boutique hotel bar-restaurant with lively vibes, solid comfort-food cooking, excellent breakfasts, and real noise trade-offs; good overall value for the category but not ideal for light sleepers.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
Black Ivy delivers solid neighborhood dining with exceptional setting appeal overlooking The Meadows and strong service attentiveness that keeps guests satisfied. However, inconsistent execution on signature dishes like steaks and roasts and moderate uncertainty around review patterns prevent a higher grade. Best experienced for breakfast skillets and pub classics rather than premium mains.
Restaurant Summary
Black Ivy blends hotel polish with a buzzing neighborhood bar, all set beside The Meadows. Expect stylish decor, upbeat energy, and staff who generally go the extra mile. As one diner put it, "The bar was packed but the team still found time to help and sort a room issue." The kitchen focuses on elevated comfort: think hearty breakfasts, pub classics, and Scottish touches like haggis bon bons. The culinary approach leans elevated traditional with modest twists: approachable dishes first, creativity second. Breakfasts and fish and chips earn steady praise, while steaks and Sunday roasts draw mixed notes on tenderness, temperature, and value. Families will find kid-amenable choices in burgers, pancakes, mac and cheese, and fries. Do note the lively atmosphere and occasional DJ nights; great for energetic diners, less ideal for babies or very early bedtimes. Based on the menu, picky eaters can be covered, but light sleepers should avoid park-view rooms directly over the bar on weekends.
At a Glance
- Stylish interiors and festive decor create a special vibe
- Breakfast skillets and pub classics satisfy reliably
- Nighttime noise can disrupt front rooms over the bar
- Steaks and Sunday roasts show inconsistency in value and doneness
- Book quieter rooms away from bar if sensitive to noise
What Sets It Apart
- park_view_rooms
- standout_festive_decor
- hearty_breakfast_skillets
What People Love
- Warm, attentive staff who fix problems fast
- Buzzing bar atmosphere with DJ on some nights
- Views over The Meadows from select rooms
- Hearty breakfast skillets and solid pub staples
Points of Concern
- Noise can be significant in rooms above or near the bar, especially weekends
- Steaks and Sunday roasts receive value and texture complaints from some diners
- Service can feel stretched at peak times though still friendly
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (low-activity accounts, marketing-style language) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£42-58 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- If budget-conscious, choose burgers (£17.50-19) over steak (£28) for better value
- Share a couple of nibbles and a main to manage costs
- Vegan diners: try Falafel & Spinach Burger (£16.50) or Flatbread & Baba Ganoush (£7.50)
Perfect For
- Weekend city breaks with bar energy
- Casual date nights with cocktails
- Group catch-ups in a lively setting
- Brunch hunters seeking hearty plates
Location Insights
Area: Leafy residential edges of The Meadows; popular with students, families, and professionals; relaxed yet lively on weekends.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, steady foot traffic around The Meadows and nearby high streets.
Nearby: Opposite Bruntsfield Links/The Meadows; near cafes, pubs, boutiques; 20–25 minute walk to Old Town/Princes Street.
MarchmontMarchmont is a popular residential neighborhood characterized by its Victorian tenements and proximity to the University of Edinburgh. The dining scene is eclectic, featuring casual cafes, student-friendly eateries, and some upscale restaurants, reflecting the area's youthful and academic population.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
View full analysis on Seemor →