Seemor
Lucky YuB+Worth Trying
53-55 Broughton St, Edinburgh EH1 3RJ
· Asian restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (941 reviews)
Reservations
Playful Asian-fusion small plates with bold flavors, stylish vibe, and strong cocktails; go for dirty rice, potatoes, and miso aubergine, but expect time-limited seating and occasional spice/salt heaviness.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Lucky Yu delivers vibrant, creative small plates with strong food quality and warm, attentive service in a stylish room. However, inconsistent execution—particularly with seasoning and karaage texture—prevents a higher grade, and timed seating windows create occasional service friction during peak hours. The menu's bold fusion approach and standout dishes like dirty rice and miso aubergine make it competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants, though it falls short of destination-level distinction.
Restaurant Summary
Lucky Yu is the kind of spot where the room feels vibrant and chic and small plates parade out with color and confidence. Service is usually warm and chatty, and more than one diner left saying, "the dirty rice was the dish I will be craving." Do note the timed seating windows and that on busy nights the buzz can tilt loud. The culinary approach leans creative Asian fusion with modern flair: bold, sauce-forward plates that pull from Japanese and Korean ideas without being tethered to tradition. At its best, the food is punchy and polished—miso aubergine, crispy potatoes, short rib, and that famous dirty rice are the hits. At its worst, a few dishes run salty, spicy, or heavy, so order a mix and let the team guide you. For families, there are a few accessible choices—crispy potatoes and corn ribs tend to land well—though adventurous eaters will get the most out of the menu. There is no dedicated kids menu, and a couple of guests found spice levels higher than expected, so ask staff to steer you toward milder plates.
At a Glance
- Dirty rice, miso aubergine, and crispy potatoes draw consistent praise
- Stylish, lively room with strong cocktails and friendly staff
- Timed seating and reminders can feel rushed during peaks
- Seasoning can skew salty/spicy; karaage quality varies
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- inventive_asian_fusion_small_plates
- standout_dirty_rice_signature
- stylish_moody_interior
- strong_cocktail_program
What People Love
- That craveable dirty rice packed with umami
- Aesthetic details from glassware to moody lighting
- Engaged staff who help build a great lineup of plates
- Cocktails that feel crafted, not cookie-cutter
Points of Concern
- Timed seating windows and reminders can feel rushed on busy nights
- Karaage and a few dishes show inconsistency (dry or over-sauced at times)
- Spice and salt can be heavier than expected; menu labeling for heat could be clearer
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (X% five-star, staff name repetition, marketing language) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£35-48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with crispy potatoes and cucumber-courgette-carrot salad for balance
- Share dirty rice as an anchor, then add one seafood special (monkfish or scallop)
- Choose a bao only if you enjoy non-traditional fillings and bolder sauces
- Finish with the Chocolate & Sesame Parfait (£6) to reset the palate
Perfect For
- A casual date with shareable plates and cocktails
- Small groups celebrating a birthday
- Cocktail-forward nights with a few standout dishes
- Adventurous diners who enjoy bold umami flavors
Location Insights
Area: Stylish, central fringe area popular with locals for independent dining and drinks; mix of residents and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit streets with steady evening foot traffic.
Nearby: Near New Town shopping streets, bars, and boutique hotels; convenient for pre/post theatre or casual nights out.
New TownNew Town is characterized by its Georgian architecture, upscale shops, and a diverse dining scene ranging from casual cafes to fine dining. The area attracts a mix of locals and visitors seeking a sophisticated yet lively atmosphere with easy access to cultural attractions and nightlife.
Broughton StreetBroughton Street is known for its trendy boutiques, independent eateries, and a vibrant, community-focused vibe. It offers a more relaxed and eclectic dining environment compared to the busier city center, appealing to those looking for unique culinary experiences and a friendly neighborhood feel.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday17:00–22:00
Wednesday17:00–22:00
Thursday17:00–22:00
Friday17:00–22:00
Saturday12:00–22:00
Sunday
Available: Reservations
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