Seemor
The Artisan Pasta MakerB-Worth Trying
138 Dundas St, Edinburgh EH3 5DQ
· Restaurant, Pasta shop
· 4.7/5 Google (355 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout
Handmade pasta in a tiny, cozy space with a BYO-from-next-door wine setup; excellent flavors for many, but expect limited seating, occasional stock outages, and prices that feel high to some.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
The Artisan Pasta Maker delivers excellent handmade pasta with standout ragus and meatballs, supported by genuinely friendly service and a charming neighborhood setting. However, occasional stock outages and temperature inconsistencies prevent higher performance, while tight seating and modest comfort limit appeal beyond dedicated pasta enthusiasts. A solid neighborhood gem for craft-focused diners who value authenticity over ambiance.
Restaurant Summary
A few steps off the busier streets, this tiny pasta room feels warm and bustling when full, with flour-dusted charm and a neighborly partnership with the wine bar next door. Service is often genuinely friendly and helpful, and when the kitchen is in rhythm the plates sing—think glossy ragus and crisp-edged meatballs. The cooking leans elevated traditional rather than flashy, a handmade, sauce-driven approach that rewards those who love classic Italian textures and clean flavors. Most praise centers on fresh pasta with a proper bite and satisfying staples like lasagna ragu and alla gricia, with a couple of playful twists (a carrot-and-curry sauce pops up). This suits diners who value craft over theatrics—just note daily menu shifts and occasional stock hiccups. For families, the space is very small but kid-possible: simple options like tortelloni with butter and sage, lasagna, or focaccia help, though adventurous items (nduja heat, seafood) might challenge picky eaters. Be aware the restroom and drinks are next door, which can be awkward with children; early seatings feel more relaxed for families.
At a Glance
- Fresh handmade pasta with standout ragus and meatballs
- Charming tiny room with friendly staff and a fun wine-bar partnership
- Limited seating, occasional long waits and stock outages
- Portions can feel small for the price to some diners
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- micro-size_handmade_pasta_room
- wine_bar_partnership_next_door
- daily_changing_menu_offerings
What People Love
- The satisfying bite of fresh pasta
- Rich, slow-cooked ragus
- Crispy meatballs with bright green sauce
- The cozy collaboration with the wine bar next door
- Daily-changing menu that keeps things interesting
Points of Concern
- Very limited seating; reservations or early arrival advised
- Service can lag when a large group next door is prioritized
- Portions feel small and prices high to some diners
- Restroom and drinks are next door which some find inconvenient
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (staff shout-outs, marketing language) which may not reflect typical diner experience
- For innovation 6.0: Expect classic-leaning dishes with a few twists rather than showy fusion
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleHybrid
Average Cost£28-42 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Value route: Burrata salad (£6.50) + Pappardelle al Ragu (£12-14 range depending listing) + Tiramisu (£5) ≈ £24-26
- Vegetarian path: Parmigiana (£8) + Cannelloni in Padella (£15) + Crema al Limone (£6) ≈ £29
- Spice lovers: Tagliatelle Nduja (£13) or Tagliolini Nduja e Burrata (£11) balanced with a cooling starter
Perfect For
- A casual date where handmade pasta is the star
- Solo pasta craving with a glass from next door
- Pasta-focused lunch off the main drag
- Small catch-up with a foodie friend
Location Insights
Area: Upscale residential-meets-boutique corridor bridging New Town and Canonmills; frequented by locals, gallery goers, and visitors exploring beyond Princes Street.
Safety: Generally safe and well-lit with steady foot traffic; quiet at late hours compared with Old Town hotspots.
Nearby: Nearby wine bars, cafes, independent shops, and the Water of Leith path; close to Stockbridge market area.
West EndThe West End is a lively part of New Town with a mix of boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. It attracts a diverse crowd including locals enjoying trendy dining spots and visitors exploring the city’s cultural offerings. The dining scene ranges from casual eateries to fine dining, often set in elegant historic buildings.
nullnull
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
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, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →