Seemor
Memed Barbecue Grill & Meze BarB+Worth Trying
57-59 S Clerk St, Edinburgh EH8 9PP
· Turkish restaurant, Mediterranean restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (758 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Authentic Turkish grills and generous meze with warm hospitality; solid dine-in choice, but manage expectations on price and avoid delivery if you want best results.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Memed Barbecue Grill & Meze Bar delivers solid food quality with bold charcoal-grilled meats and authentic meze paired with genuinely welcoming service, making it competitive with the area's better neighborhood Turkish restaurants. However, quality varies noticeably during peak times, and service pacing slows considerably on busy nights, preventing a higher grade. The warm, bustling atmosphere and family-friendly approach make it a satisfying choice for traditional Turkish dining when timing allows.
Restaurant Summary
Set on South Clerk Street, this spot feels warm and bustling without slipping into chaos, the kind of room where platters parade past and charcoal aromas do the convincing. Service often reads as genuinely welcoming, with little gestures like warm bread or tea at the end, and one diner noted, "we left full and happy, with the server guiding us to a great Turkish red." On truly busy nights, waits can creep and the room can swell with large-party energy, so timing helps. The kitchen leans classic Anatolian—grills, pide, and meze—over flash, a tradition-first approach rather than fusion theatrics. Adana and lamb shish are the safe bets; Ali Nazik and yoghurt kebab please those chasing deeper, smoky richness. Portions are usually hearty and priced in line with quality Turkish grill houses nearby, though some found the mixed grill less compelling per person when split too thin. If you crave bold charcoal flavors and shareable starters, this is a satisfying choice. Families are well covered: there is a proper kids menu (nuggets, meatballs, chicken shish with chips and rice) plus plenty of simple sides. For cautious eaters, stick to chicken shish, cheese pide, rice, and chips; adventurous kids can pick from halloumi or falafel. Dine-in is the best experience—delivery drew complaints about temperature and portions—so bring the crew and let the grill do the talking.
At a Glance
- Charcoal-grilled meats and authentic meze deliver bold, satisfying flavors
- Warm hospitality with occasional complimentary touches like bread or tea
- Strong vegetarian/vegan meze and a real kids menu for families
- Service pacing slows on busy nights; communication can lag
- Delivery orders report temperature and portion issues vs dine-in
What Sets It Apart
- charcoal_mangal_focus
- broad_vegan_and_gluten_free_meze
- kids_menu_at_grill_house
What People Love
- Smoky mangal flavor on kebabs and chops
- Hearty portions that feel generous
- Friendly, welcoming staff who guide choices
- Comforting classics like pide, hummus, and babaghanoush
Points of Concern
- Wait times stretch and updates lag during peak periods
- A few reports of undercooked poultry or temperature lapses on busy nights
- Mixed grill value depends on how many share; some felt shortchanged
- Delivery quality is inconsistent with dine-in standards (cold food, missing items)
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£38-52 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with Babaghanoush or Ezme, share a Mixed Hot Meze, then split Adana plus a Lamb Shish; finish with Baklava or Künefe if timing allows
- For vegetarians or vegans: pair Falafel, Hummus, and Vegetarian Casserole for a balanced, filling meal
- Families: kids menu at £9.50 offers familiar wins like nuggets or chicken shish with chips and rice
Perfect For
- Sharing a mixed spread of meze and grills with friends
- Casual family dinners with picky and adventurous eaters alike
- A comforting, tradition-forward Turkish meal
- Value-seeking carnivores who like smoky, well-seasoned meats
Location Insights
Area: Student-heavy Newington corridor with a mix of casual eateries and neighborhood shops; lively but not tourist-centric.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; typical urban vigilance at night.
Nearby: Close to the University of Edinburgh and the Southside arts venues; Fringe footfall seasonally; mostly locals and students.
SouthsideSouthside is a lively and diverse neighborhood with a mix of affordable eateries, traditional pubs, and trendy cafes. It has a strong student presence due to proximity to the University of Edinburgh, combined with long-term residents, creating a dynamic dining scene that ranges from casual to eclectic.
GrangeGrange is a quieter, more residential pocket within Southside, known for its Victorian architecture and green spaces, offering a more relaxed dining atmosphere with boutique cafes and family-friendly restaurants.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–00:00
Tuesday11:00–00:00
Wednesday11:00–00:00
Thursday11:00–00:00
Friday11:30–00:00
Saturday11:00–00:00
Sunday11:00–00:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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