Seemor
Spirit Of ThaiA-Worth Trying
44 Grindlay St, Edinburgh EH3 9AP
· Thai restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (397 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Reliable, generously portioned Thai near Usher Hall with friendly service and a few consistency and pricing gripes; best for classic curries and group set menus.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Spirit Of Thai delivers solid A-grade performance through strong food quality anchored by reliably praised curries and exceptional service attentiveness that makes it ideal for pre-show dining. Occasional consistency variations in sweetness and vegetable preparation, combined with a convenient but modest setting, prevent the higher distinction needed for grade A territory. The restaurant excels as a dependable neighborhood favorite with genuine repeat loyalty rather than as a destination establishment.
Restaurant Summary
Tucked just behind Usher Hall, Spirit Of Thai feels cozy and bustling when the curtain call nears, with servers who keep things moving for pre-show diners. Reviewers describe plates landing fast and hot, like, "We were seated quickly and food arrived before the opening act," and service is often called lovely and helpful, though a few felt staff could be firm on policies. The cooking leans classic Thai comfort over showmanship, with curries that many call "authentic" and portions that invite sharing. The culinary approach is traditional and crowd-pleasing: tried-and-true satay, spring rolls, and boldly flavored curries rather than fusion tricks. Green and red curries are the hits, Massaman soothes, and a whole sea bass special adds a flourish; the occasional gripe targets sweetness or veg doneness, but most plates are clean, aromatic, and satisfying. For families, this is an easy win: kids can stick to fried rice, satay, or mild curries, and spice can be dialed up or down. Portions are generous, pricing is mid-to-upper casual for the area, and an auto-added service charge catches some off guard—worth noting before you order.
At a Glance
- Generous portions with many diners taking leftovers
- Fast, friendly table service well-suited to pre-show meals
- Green, red, and massaman curries consistently praised
- 10% service charge auto-added on some bills
- Occasional inconsistency (sweetness, undercooked veg) on off nights
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- pre_theatre_location
- large_portions_takeaway_leftovers
- spice_level_customization
What People Love
- Comforting, aromatic curries that taste fresh
- Friendly, efficient staff who keep things moving
- Large portions and good lunch deals
- Ability to customize spice levels
Points of Concern
- Pricing feels high to some, especially with an automatic service charge on the bill
- A minority report sauces running too sweet or veg undercooked
- Small, cosy space can feel crowded or a bit noisy at peak
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (X% five-star, staff name repetition, marketing language) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£32-44 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with Satay Gai (£8.95) or Veg Spring Rolls (£8.50) to share
- Choose a curry: Chicken/Beef (£14.20-£14.80) or Prawns (£15.80) plus Egg Fried Rice (£4.70)
- Seafood enthusiasts: Choo Chee with monkfish (£18.80) or Whole Sea Bass (£20.80)
Perfect For
- Pre-theatre dinner before a concert at Usher Hall
- Casual group meal with sharable curries
- Spice-lovers who want Thai heat on request
- Travelers seeking a reliable city-centre Thai spot
Location Insights
Area: Central West End near theatres and concert venues; mix of locals, pre-show diners, and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, busy before and after performances; typical city-centre foot traffic.
Nearby: Steps from Usher Hall and theatres; convenient for pre- and post-show meals and nearby hotels.
West EndThe West End is characterized by elegant townhouses, boutique shops, and a diverse dining scene ranging from casual cafes to fine dining. It has a lively yet refined atmosphere, popular for both locals and visitors seeking quality food and cultural experiences.
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Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–23:00
Wednesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–23:00
Thursday12:00–15:00, 17:00–23:00
Friday12:00–23:30
Saturday12:00–23:30
Sunday13:00–23:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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