Seemor
Thamel EdinburghB+Worth Trying
7, 11 E London St, Edinburgh EH7 4BN
· Nepalese restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (474 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Vibrant Nepalese-Indian spot with standout curries, creative cocktails, and a downstairs speakeasy; excellent food but service consistency, crowding, and auto service charge can frustrate.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Thamel delivers solid neighborhood dining with exceptional food quality—the slow-cooked Nihari lamb shank and Manchurian chicken are consistent standouts—and strong service attentiveness that earns genuine praise. However, inconsistent execution on busy nights and crowding concerns prevent grade A territory, while the mild review authenticity concerns create moderate uncertainty in assessment. The hidden speakeasy and cocktail program add appeal, but the restaurant competes solidly rather than distinctly within Edinburgh's dining landscape.
Restaurant Summary
Thamel brings a slice of Kathmandu energy to the east end of New Town, with a dining room that feels warm and buzzing and a hidden bookcase leading to a moody speakeasy. Diners rave about servers who check heat tolerance and steer you well, saying things like, "They guided us on spice and even brought yogurt to soften the chili." Expect a lively room with creative cocktails and the occasional live jazz or DJ downstairs. The cooking leans contemporary Nepalese with Indo-Chinese accents: comforting curries with modern twists, precise tandoor work, and desserts like masala chai tiramisu. Signature picks include the slow-cooked Nihari lamb shank, Manchurian chicken chilli for a tangy-spicy hit, and seafood grills like sea bass tawa fry. Flavors are bold and generally well-balanced, though a few diners mention sweetness in butter chicken or oily textures on off nights. Families should have an easy time ordering: kids can stick to butter chicken, korma, naan, and fries while adults explore bolder dishes. Staff often adjust heat levels, and there are plenty of mild, familiar options. Do note the buzzy atmosphere and the downstairs bar can run loud at peak times; if quiet matters, request upstairs seating and earlier slots.
At a Glance
- Slow-cooked lamb shank and Manchurian chicken are consistent hits
- Stylish room with hidden speakeasy and strong cocktail program
- Auto-added 10% service charge frustrates some guests
- Service consistency varies from stellar to inattentive on busy nights
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- hidden_speakeasy_bar
- indo_chinese_nepalese_fusion
- fall_off_bone_lamb_shank
- live_music_in_bar
What People Love
- Tender lamb shank that falls off the bone
- Vibrant sauces with layered spice
- Playful cocktails and the hidden bar experience
- Warm, personable servers who guide spice and pairings
Points of Concern
- Auto 10% service charge appears on bills; removable but disliked by several diners
- Crowding and tight seating near the bar reduce comfort during peak times
- Service inconsistency: some tables feel rushed or unattended during busy periods
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food; CONCERN: Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£34-48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair a classic (Butter Chicken £14 or Rogan Josh £15) with a veg curry (Chana Masala £10.50) plus garlic naan (£4.50) and rice (£3.95-4.95) for balanced flavors under ~£45 for two excluding drinks
- Seafood lovers: Sea Bass Tawa Fry (£19.50) or Scallops Moilee (£23.00) as a premium main with a light veg side (Green Leaf Tarkari £10.00)
Perfect For
- Date night with speakeasy cocktails before or after dinner
- Group catch-ups where sharing small plates and curries is ideal
- Pre-theatre dining near the Playhouse
- Travelers seeking modern Nepalese with flair
Location Insights
Area: Central New Town fringe with a mix of residential blocks, boutique hotels, and after-work dining; draws locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, with steady foot traffic into late evening.
Nearby: Near Edinburgh Playhouse and Broughton Street dining strip; bars and transport links within short walk.
Old Town EastThis part of Old Town blends historic charm with a lively dining and social scene, featuring a mix of traditional Scottish pubs, modern eateries, and casual dining spots. The area is popular for its accessibility to cultural attractions and a diverse crowd enjoying both day and night activities.
HolyroodA quieter sub-area within Old Town East, Holyrood offers a more relaxed dining atmosphere with a focus on gastropubs and cafes catering to professionals and visitors exploring the political and historic sites nearby.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–22:30
Tuesday12:00–22:30
Wednesday12:00–22:30
Thursday12:00–22:30
Friday12:00–23:00
Saturday12:00–23:00
Sunday12:00–22:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →