Seemor
City Restaurant Fish & ChipsA-Worth Trying
35 Nicolson St, Edinburgh EH8 9BE
· Fish & chips restaurant, Delivery service, Fast food restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (2662 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Bustling sit-in chippy by the Festival Theatre with reliably crispy fish, big portions, friendly service, and a broad comfort-food menu at moderate prices.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
City Restaurant delivers solid A-grade performance through strong food quality anchored by crispy fish and generous portions, paired with exceptional service attentiveness that keeps the pre-theatre crowd moving smoothly. Reliable consistency and fair value support its reputation as a trusted neighborhood staple, though the modest setting appeal and traditional comfort-focused menu prevent it from reaching grade A territory—it excels as a dependable casual destination rather than a culinary destination.
Restaurant Summary
Right on Nicolson Street next to the Festival Theatre, City Restaurant feels warm and bustling with shiny booths, window views, and staff who keep things moving. Diners talk about "crispy batter, fresh fish" and friendly, efficient service, with portions that often defeat even hungry walkers. It is the sort of pre-theatre staple locals and visitors rely on. The cooking leans classic rather than flashy: a broad menu of fish and chips, burgers, pies, and a few Italian touches. Haggis bon bons and haddock dominate the chatter. The culinary approach is traditional comfort-first: familiar flavors, hot plates, and consistency over theatrics. It suits groups who want dependable crowd-pleasers at fair prices. Families are well served by kid-friendly staples like pizza, burgers, and macaroni cheese, plus straightforward fish and chips. The current menu backs that up with gluten-free batter options and vegetarian picks; no dedicated kids menu is noted, but portions are big enough to share. On busy show nights, arrive early or book to keep things smooth.
At a Glance
- Crispy, fresh fish with generous portions
- Friendly, quick service ideal for pre-theatre
- Strong gluten-free options for fish and batter
- Peak-time crowding and occasional booking/closure confusion
- A few isolated complaints about greasy fish or bland pizza
What Sets It Apart
- gluten_free_fish_and_chips
- theatre_adjacent_location
- large_portions_value
What People Love
- That first crackly bite of batter
- Big plates that actually fill you up
- Genuinely kind, efficient service
- Convenient location for shows and sights
Points of Concern
- Peak times can mean waits and tighter seating; book ahead around theatre shows
- A few isolated reports of greasy or off-smelling fish; rare but noted
- One detailed complaint about refusing a solo diner a larger table during a busy period
- Occasional confusion about closures around holidays or events
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£28-38 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose haddock for the quintessential experience
- Gluten-free batter is available on both haddock and seabass
- Share starters like Haggis Bon Bons to leave room for large mains
Perfect For
- Pre-theatre dinner before a show next door
- Casual family meal with comfort-food favorites
- Gluten-free fish and chips craving
- Group catch-ups where portions matter
Location Insights
Area: Lively central corridor serving theatre-goers, students, and tourists; casual and fast-paced pre-show hub.
Safety: Generally safe, high foot traffic and lighting; standard city-center vigilance at night.
Nearby: Adjacent to Festival Theatre, near National Museum and university buildings; strong pre/post-show demand.
SouthsideSouthside is a lively and diverse neighborhood with a mix of student housing, independent shops, and casual dining options. The dining scene includes affordable eateries, pubs, and international cuisine catering to a youthful and eclectic crowd, with a relaxed and friendly social atmosphere.
BrunswickBrunswick is a sub-area within Southside known for its proximity to the University of Edinburgh and a concentration of student accommodations. It features a mix of casual cafes, budget-friendly restaurants, and quiet residential streets, creating a community-oriented yet vibrant dining environment.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–22:00
Tuesday11:30–22:00
Wednesday11:30–22:00
Thursday11:30–22:00
Friday11:30–22:00
Saturday11:30–22:00
Sunday11:30–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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