Seemor
Maki & RamenB+Worth Trying
80 Nicolson St, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9EW
· Japanese restaurant, Gluten-free restaurant, Authentic Japanese restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (2481 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Lively ramen spot delivering flavorful bowls and good value, with occasional service hiccups and tight, steamy quarters; great spice options and clear halal/vegan choices.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Maki & Ramen delivers solid ramen craftsmanship with strong broth quality and flavorful signature bowls that justify its loyal following, but quality varies noticeably between visits, preventing higher-grade reliability. Tight seating and ventilation issues detract from the cozy aesthetic, while service swings between warm and inattentive depending on timing. Worth visiting for ramen enthusiasts seeking comfort-focused Japanese casual dining with clear dietary accommodations.
Restaurant Summary
The shop feels cozy and bustling, with a mini-Japan vibe and a wall of guest notes. Bowls arrive steaming and aromatic; one diner gushed, "the broth hit the spot and the noodles had great bite." Service often reads as warm and helpful, though a few nights slide into slower or curt interactions. The cooking leans elevated-traditional ramen with spicy crowd-pleasers like Hell Ramen, glossy black garlic broths, and a tender steak tataki bowl that halal diners note is clearly labeled. Creative vegan spins (Green Garlic Tonkotsu, Vegan Tan Tan) add variety without drifting into theatrics. It is a solid pick for ramen fans who value comfort with options. Families should note there is no kids menu and space is tight. While simple items like chicken katsu curry, edamame, or mild miso ramen can work for kids, reviews flag limited flexibility for child portions and spicy bowls dominating the spotlight. Expect stools and close seating rather than sprawling tables.
At a Glance
- Rich, flavorful broths with reliable spice options
- Clear halal and vegan labeling across key dishes
- Tight seating and ventilation can leave clothing smelling of food
- Service inconsistency from friendly to brusque on busy days
- A few isolated hygiene and allergy-handling complaints noted
What Sets It Apart
- spice-forward ramen options
- clear halal labeling
- creative vegan twists
What People Love
- That first sip of rich, garlicky broth
- Spice levels that actually deliver
- Halal steak tataki ramen clarity
- Fast, friendly fixes when mistakes occur
- Cozy, Tokyo-style shop feel
Points of Concern
- Crowded, tight seating and lingering cooking smells reported by several guests
- Service swings: some tables feel ignored or rushed during peaks
- One-off but serious dietary mishandling (egg in vegan order) and a food poisoning claim
- Billing concerns: auto service charge and bill-splitting issues noted by a few
- Review patterns show signs of polarization; strong positives but credible negatives on service and hygiene
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£26-33 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Pair Black Garlic Tonkotsu with Pork Gyoza for a balanced, umami-forward meal under £21
- Vegan diners: Vegan Tan Tan plus Edamame delivers variety and value around £19-20
Perfect For
- Craving a spicy ramen fix near Old Town
- Casual dinner before a Fringe show
- Solo slurp at the counter after work
- Quick warm-up on a chilly Edinburgh day
Location Insights
Area: Student-heavy, central corridor near universities and the Royal Mile; casual, quick dining with steady tourist spillover.
Safety: Generally safe with high foot traffic; typical city-center noise and crowds.
Nearby: Close to University of Edinburgh, museums, and Old Town attractions; strong takeaway flow and evening queues.
NewingtonNewington has a diverse dining scene with casual eateries, pubs, and some upscale restaurants catering to students and locals alike. The area is popular for its relaxed social atmosphere, with a mix of affordable and mid-range dining options, often frequented by university communities and families.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–14:30, 16:30–21:00
Tuesday12:00–14:30, 16:30–21:00
Wednesday12:00–14:30, 16:30–21:00
Thursday12:00–14:30, 16:30–21:00
Friday12:00–21:30
Saturday12:00–21:30
Sunday12:00–21:30
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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