Seemor
THE PAKORA BARB+Worth Trying
111Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AU
· Indian restaurant, Indian takeaway, Modern Indian restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (2352 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
A warmly run Punjabi-Scottish spot known for standout pakoras, family hospitality, and inventive drinks, with a few complaints about bread quality, occasional service friction, and value for some items.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
The Pakora Bar delivers solid neighborhood dining through exceptional food quality anchored by standout pakoras and Punjabi lamb curry, paired with warm, attentive service that creates genuine hospitality. However, consistency challenges with breads and occasional spice balance prevent grade A territory, while moderate review authenticity concerns introduce slight uncertainty into the assessment. The family-run ethos and creative drinks elevate the experience above typical casual Indian dining, making it competitive with Edinburgh's better neighborhood restaurants.
Restaurant Summary
Tucked near Dynamic Earth, the room feels warm and bustling without the Royal Mile crush. Guests highlight family hosts who walk you through the menu and pour creative drinks, with one diner noting the team made them feel like part of the family. The cooking leans Punjabi comfort with a Scottish wink: think crisp pakoras, slow-cooked lamb, and that playful mango lassi pale ale. The culinary approach leans elevated traditional with light fusion touches; best results show in pakoras, lamb curry, and chai, while breads draw occasional grumbles. It suits diners who want bold, homestyle flavors more than theatrical fine dining. For families, the vibe is casual and kid-manageable. Fries, mild butter chicken, rice, and chocolate cake are safe picks, though many dishes carry spice. One review mentioned firm staff feedback with kids near fixtures, so supervision helps. Portions are reasonable, and there is enough familiar food to keep younger eaters happy.
At a Glance
- Exceptionally warm, family-led service with real menu guidance
- Standout pakoras and Punjabi lamb curry praised repeatedly
- Unique drinks like mango lassi pale ale elevate the experience
- Breads (roti/naan/paratha) sometimes feel frozen or inconsistent
- A few reports of defensive responses and pushy upselling dampen service for some
What Sets It Apart
- mango_lassi_pale_ale
- haggis_pakora_signature
- family_hosted_menu_guidance
- broad_vegan_gluten_free_options
What People Love
- Being welcomed and guided like house guests
- Crispy pakoras with punchy sauces
- Slow-cooked lamb curry depth
- Chai and inventive cocktails that match the food
- A cozy, colorful room with good music
Points of Concern
- Breads can be underwhelming or feel frozen according to several reviews
- Occasional friction when giving feedback; some guests felt dismissed
- Isolated safety complaints exist but do not form a clear pattern
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (templated replies, staff name repetition, enthusiastic marketing tone) which may not reflect typical experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£24-38 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build a shareable start: Golgappa plus a mixed pakora (£8-8.50) with mango chilli and mint yoghurt sauces (£0.50 each)
- For a fuller Punjabi plate: Punjabi Lamb Curry (£18) or Palak Paneer (£16) with boiled rice (£2.50) and naan (£3.50)
Perfect For
- Casual dinner after Holyrood Park or Dynamic Earth
- Sharing plates and drinks with friends
- Travelers seeking Punjabi comfort with local twists
- Solo diners wanting a welcoming spot
Location Insights
Area: Cultural/visitor corridor near Holyrood and Dynamic Earth; mix of tourists and locals seeking casual dining.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked during day/evening around attractions; calm at night.
Nearby: Near Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Park, and the Scottish Parliament; hotels and museums draw steady footfall.
HolyroodHolyrood is a lively neighborhood characterized by its proximity to the Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Park. The dining scene includes casual cafes, traditional pubs, and contemporary eateries catering to a mix of students, professionals, and visitors. The area balances a relaxed atmosphere with a steady flow of tourists and locals enjoying the cultural and natural landmarks.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday12:00–21:00
Thursday12:00–21:00
Friday12:00–21:00
Saturday12:00–21:00
Sunday12:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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