Seemor
MontroseAMust Try
1-7 Montrose Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5DJ
· Restaurant, Wine bar
· 4.6/5 Google (119 reviews)
Reservations
Destination-worthy modern European cooking with a natural-wine bent and a split personality (intimate dining room upstairs, lively wine bar below), excellent food and service but a funky wine list and premium prices will not suit everyone.
Why it gets an A for overall quality
Montrose exemplifies grade A standards through exceptional food quality and outstanding service attentiveness that consistently deliver refined, creative dining. Execution shows occasional variation in desserts and saucing, and seating comfort varies by zone, preventing the highest tier, but knowledgeable staff and strong destination appeal position it among the region's finest modern European establishments.
Restaurant Summary
Montrose blends an intimate upstairs dining room with a livelier wine bar below, creating a space that feels warm and bustling without tipping into chaos most nights. Reviews highlight staff who guide pairings and explain dishes with ease, with one diner noting, "the team walked us through each course and the wines made everything pop." Expect thoughtful hospitality and a curated, candle-lit setting. The cooking leans creative and seasonal with a natural-wine sensibility: contemporary plates with smart, sometimes daring flavors rather than showy theatrics. Oysters appear in several guises, small plates change with the market, and the tasting menu reads like a chef’s playlist. Most diners rave about precision and balance, though a few mention occasional misses or rich finishes; the wine list skews natural and can feel funky if you prefer classic bottlings. Families should note this is more of an adult-leaning spot. While bread, simple pastas on set lunch, and mild desserts might work for some kids, the menu focuses on oysters, offal, and adventurous combinations. There is no explicit kids menu, so plan accordingly if you have picky eaters.
At a Glance
- Elevated, creative cooking with standout oysters and strong tasting menu
- Knowledgeable, welcoming service that handles allergies and adjustments
- Natural-wine list skews funky and lacks detailed by-the-glass descriptions for some
- Seating comfort varies; some chairs and bar perch spots noted as less comfortable
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- dual-concept_space_upstairs_downstairs
- serious_natural_wine_program
- chef-driven_tasting_and_set_lunch
- exceptional_oyster_preparations
What People Love
- Emotionally engaging service that personalizes the experience
- Inventive plates that balance texture and acid
- A cozy upstairs room with candlelight and linen
- A downstairs bar that invites grazing and discovery
- Confident wine guidance that ties the meal together
Points of Concern
- Natural wine emphasis may not appeal to classic palates; by-the-glass options can feel limited and pricey
- Portions on tasting and vegetarian menus can read small for some diners
- Noise and crowding can spike during busy periods, and bar seating may be assigned even with a booking
- Pricing is premium, especially with bottles or pairings, so budget accordingly
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£42-66 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with 2 oysters per person, share panisse and a seasonal vegetable plate, then a pasta or richer special; finish with the tres leches if available
- For a budget-friendly experience, book the £26-£30 set lunch and add bread (£4) or an extra small plate
Perfect For
- A celebratory tasting menu with curated wine pairings
- A date night starting with oysters and small plates
- A long lunch on the value-led set menu
- Wine-focused evenings exploring natural selections
Location Insights
Area: Emerging east-of-centre stretch blending residential Abbeyhill with creative venues and independent shops; attracts food-focused locals and destination diners.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic along Montrose Terrace/Regent Road; typical urban vigilance recommended at night.
Nearby: Near Calton Hill and Regent Road; reachable from city centre; mix of pubs, cafes, and indie retail nearby.
Montrose TerraceMontrose Terrace is part of the eastern edge of Leith, characterized by a mix of residential buildings and independent eateries. The dining scene here is eclectic, featuring casual cafes, contemporary bistros, and traditional pubs, reflecting the area's creative and community-oriented vibe.
East LeithEast Leith offers a more subdued and residential feel within the broader Leith area, with a focus on neighborhood dining spots that emphasize local produce and relaxed social settings.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday17:00–00:00
Friday12:00–00:00
Saturday12:00–00:00
Sunday12:00–00:00
Available: Reservations
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