Seemor
Sàigòn MémoireB?Proceed Cautiously
14 S St Andrew St, Edinburgh EH2 2AZ
· Vietnamese restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (1057 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout
Creative Vietnamese-leaning spot in central Edinburgh delivering flavorful pho and hospitable service, but with high prices, auto service charge, and authenticity disputes that polarize diners.
Why it gets a B? for overall quality
⚠️ Review concerns: This assessment reflects moderate uncertainty due to questionable review patterns. See details in Authenticity Assessment. Sàigòn Mémoire delivers reliable Vietnamese dining with generally strong food quality and attentive, friendly service, earning its grade B standing. However, inconsistent execution across visits—ranging from richly flavored broths to over-salted or bland bowls—and isolated food safety concerns prevent a higher grade. The convenient central location with warm ambiance makes it a solid neighborhood choice for pre-travel meals or casual dining, though premium pricing and moderate authenticity questions temper enthusiasm for repeat visits.
Restaurant Summary
Steps from the station, the room glows with lanterns and feels warm and welcoming. Service often comes with easy charm, and more than a few diners called the pho broth deeply soothing after travel or festival days. However, there are moderate authenticity concerns suggesting some reviews may be solicited or influenced. Expect a central-city crowd with a tourist-friendly vibe and brisk table service. The cooking leans Vietnamese with a few fusion-leaning flourishes—think pho in a teapot and a broad range of spicy specials—so it feels like elevated comfort rather than strict tradition. Fans praise the rich beef broths and fresh rolls, while detractors cite bland or over-salted bowls and occasional misfires like watery curry. Pricing sits on the premium side for the category, so come for convenience and coziness more than bargain hunting. Families can make it work: wings, fried rice, and crispy chicken with rice offer kid-accessible choices, while spice-forward soups may challenge picky eaters. Vegan diners are well covered with multiple pho and salad options, but note the automatic service charge and central pricing before settling in with the whole crew.
At a Glance
- Aromatic pho and welcoming staff earn strong praise
- Handy New Town location near Waverley for pre/post-train meals
- Pricing and automatic service charge surprise some diners
- Mixed reports on authenticity and seasoning consistency
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- teapot_broth_presentation
- central_near_waverley
- broad_vegan_pho_options
What People Love
- Comforting, aromatic broths that revive after long days
- Friendly, attentive service that makes you feel looked after
- Lantern-lit room that is easy on the eyes (and camera)
- Convenient central location steps from major sights and transit
Points of Concern
- Pricing is premium for the category and a service charge is often added automatically
- Seasoning and execution vary; some bowls are bland or overly salty
- Authenticity debated, with some guests preferring other Vietnamese spots in town
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food; CONCERN: Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (very high five-star share and templated responses) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£42-55 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Lean into pho variants for best odds of satisfaction; pair with a vegan-friendly roll for balance
- Families: consider Chicken Wings or Wok Fried Rice for simpler flavors
- Value-seekers: ask about set meals and lunch offers posted at the entrance
Perfect For
- A cozy bowl before catching a train
- Festival days when you want a flavorful, warming soup
- Small-group dinners that appreciate photo-friendly decor
- Veg-forward diners seeking vegan pho options
Location Insights
Area: Central New Town corridor near Waverley Station, high footfall with tourists and office traffic; photogenic interiors appeal to visitors.
Safety: Well-trafficked city-centre blocks with good lighting and steady pedestrian presence; generally safe.
Nearby: Steps from Waverley Station, Princes Street shopping, hotels, and festival venues; convenient pre/post-train dining.
New TownThe dining scene in New Town is diverse, featuring a range of upscale restaurants, trendy cafes, and traditional pubs. The area attracts a mix of business clientele during weekdays and tourists exploring the city’s historic and cultural offerings. The atmosphere is lively yet refined, with many venues offering contemporary Scottish cuisine alongside international options.
St Andrew Square areaThis micro-neighborhood around St Andrew Square is a bustling commercial and social hub, known for its proximity to financial institutions and luxury hotels. Dining options here tend to cater to business lunches, after-work gatherings, and visitors seeking quality dining experiences in a sophisticated setting.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–22:00
Tuesday12:00–22:00
Wednesday12:00–22:00
Thursday12:00–22:00
Friday12:00–22:00
Saturday12:00–22:00
Sunday12:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout
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