Seemor
DusitAMust Try
49A Thistle St, Edinburgh EH2 1DY
· Thai restaurant, Asian restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (1176 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout
Top-tier Thai cooking with attentive, efficient service in a compact New Town space; expect vibrant flavors, strong vegan options, and a brisk pace at peak times.
Why it gets an A for overall quality
Dusit exemplifies grade A standards through exceptional food quality anchored by vibrant curries and best-in-town pad thai, paired with outstanding service attentiveness that proactively handles dietary needs and explains dishes with genuine knowledge. Reliable execution across repeat visits, strong value for central Edinburgh, and a loyal following of return diners position this as one of the region's finest Thai restaurants, though the compact room and brisk pacing during peak service prevent the highest distinction.
Restaurant Summary
Tucked into Thistle Street, Dusit feels warm and bustling, the kind of compact New Town spot where servers glide by with steaming curries and quietly refill your glasses. Reviewers rave about hospitality and polish, with one noting the team "kept topping up our wine and walked us through the banquet". At peak times, the room hums and the pace can feel brisk at busy hours, but most diners leave plotting their next visit for that pad thai high. The cooking leans elevated traditional Thai rather than showy fusion: vibrant tom kha, rich Panang and green curries, wok-fired basil stir-fries, plus regional touches like Kua Kling and Hor Mok. The culinary approach leans classic with premium ingredients: recognizable Thai favorites sharpened by careful seasoning, heat on request, and consistent freshness. If you love clear, confident flavors over theatrics, this is a great fit. Families do fine here with rice, noodles, and milder curries, though there is no kids menu. Staff are accommodating and a private room downstairs has helped parents manage fussy little ones. That said, the compact room and lively pace mean it is better for adventurous families than for very picky eaters; coconut rice, egg fried rice, and Gai Manow are the safest bets.
At a Glance
- Best-in-town pad thai and beautifully balanced curries
- Attentive service that explains dishes and handles dietary needs
- Good value for central Edinburgh, especially the banquet
- Compact space and lively noise at peak times
- Rushed pacing reported during busy services; book if you prefer a leisurely meal
What Sets It Apart
- standout_pad_thai_reputation
- group_friendly_banquet
- strong_vegan_section
- private_room_downstairs
What People Love
- Emotionally satisfying curries with depth
- Pad thai that sets a local benchmark
- Staff who guide vegans and gluten free diners
- Banquet that feels generous and celebratory
Points of Concern
- Small, tightly spaced dining room can feel cramped when full (medium frequency)
- Table time management can feel rushed at peak periods (medium frequency)
- Noise rises at busy hours, not ideal for quiet conversation (low-to-medium frequency)
- Review patterns show high enthusiasm but generally credible given strong photo engagement (low risk)
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£34-46 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For vegans: Panang Tofu or Gaeng Keow Wan (veg) at £11.95
- Value play: Curries and wok mains £12.50-15.50 with coconut rice
- Splurge: Monkfish or seafood specials around £20-22
Perfect For
- A flavorful Thai feast before a night out
- Group dinners using the banquet menu
- Travelers seeking reliable, high-quality Thai in the city center
- Repeat visits to explore chef recommendations
Location Insights
Area: Elegant Georgian streets of New Town with boutiques and bars; draws office crowd, locals, and visitors.
Safety: Safe, well-lit, and busy in evenings with steady foot traffic.
Nearby: Close to Princes Street retail, cocktail bars, and other indie restaurants on Thistle St and nearby lanes.
New TownThe dining scene in New Town is diverse, featuring a range of options from fine dining and trendy bistros to casual cafes and traditional pubs. The area attracts a sophisticated crowd looking for quality food in a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere, with many establishments catering to both locals and visitors.
Thistle StreetThistle Street is a charming, quieter street within New Town known for its boutique shops and intimate dining venues. It offers a more relaxed and exclusive dining environment compared to busier nearby streets, appealing to those who appreciate a refined yet cozy setting.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Tuesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Wednesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Thursday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Friday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Saturday12:00–22:00
Sunday12:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout
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