Seemor
Mother India's Cafe EdinburghA-Worth Trying
3-5 Infirmary St, Edinburgh EH1 1LT
· Indian restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (3275 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Lively Indian small-plates spot near the Festival Theatre with consistently tasty dishes and speedy service, though portions are tapas-size and some delivery orders disappoint.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Mother India's Cafe delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality and strong service attentiveness, with particularly impressive quick service execution. The intimate Old Town location near theatres makes it a practical pre-show destination, though modest space comfort and occasional consistency variations prevent grade A territory. Reliable small-plates execution and friendly staff make it competitive with Edinburgh's better neighborhood Indian restaurants.
Restaurant Summary
A central Old Town staple where the room feels warm and bustling before showtime. Servers are generally quick and accommodating, guiding newcomers through the small-plates format. As one diner put it, "we shared several dishes and each arrived hot and flavorful." The cooking leans traditional with a small-plates twist—think butter chicken, railways lamb, and monkfish tikka rather than theatrics—so it is produce-driven and familiar more than avant-garde. The culinary approach leans contemporary and produce-driven: classic recipes adapted to a shareable format so you can try more without overcommitting. Families do well here thanks to butter chicken, naan, and rice that most kids will recognize. Portions are tapas-size, so order an extra bread or rice for hungry youngsters. There is no dedicated kids menu, but the mild options and shareable plates make it easy to build a kid-friendly spread.
At a Glance
- Consistently tasty small plates with quick service
- Great pre-theatre location near Festival Theatre
- Portions are small by design; costs can add up
- Delivery quality and issue resolution are inconsistent
- Strong gluten-free and several vegan options
What Sets It Apart
- indian_tapas_format
- strong_seafood_selection
- pre_theatre_convenience
What People Love
- Share-and-sample format that encourages variety
- Rich, comforting curries with balanced spice
- Responsive staff who guide on heat and portions
- Seafood options like monkfish tikka and prawn dishes
Points of Concern
- Tapas portions can feel small; plan on 2-3 dishes per person plus bread or rice
- Delivery via apps draws frequent complaints about packaging, quality, and refunds
- Spice heat can run higher than expected on some "mild" dishes
- Some diners find certain dishes bland or inconsistent compared to Glasgow sister venues
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£28-38 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build a set: 1 seafood plate + 1-2 curries (£7.5-10.75 each) + naan (£3.5-4.5) + rice (£3-4) for £28-36 per person
- Vegan diners: Chana Daal, Aloo Gobi & Green Peas, Okra and Potatoes, and Vegetable Pakora form a complete spread
Perfect For
- Pre-theatre dinner with time to spare
- Sharing plates with friends who like variety
- Casual date night with comforting flavors
- Solo diners seeking quick, flavorful bites
Location Insights
Area: Central Old Town near university buildings and theatres; caters to pre-theatre diners and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, busy streets with steady foot traffic, especially evenings around showtimes.
Nearby: Close to Festival Theatre, University of Edinburgh sites, Royal Mile; strong tourist and student mix.
Old TownThe Old Town offers a diverse dining environment ranging from traditional Scottish pubs to modern bistros and international cuisine. The area is lively, especially during festivals, with a mix of casual and upscale dining catering to visitors and locals alike. It is well-connected and generally safe, with a bustling social atmosphere.
SouthsideSouthside is a vibrant sub-area within the Old Town, known for its eclectic mix of eateries, cafes, and bars popular with university students and young professionals. It has a relaxed yet energetic vibe, with many affordable dining options and a creative, youthful atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–21:30
Tuesday12:00–21:30
Wednesday12:00–21:30
Thursday12:00–21:30
Friday12:00–21:30
Saturday12:00–21:30
Sunday12:00–21:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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