A lively central Edinburgh Thai spot with genuinely appealing dishes and strong fan loyalty, but pricing, portion size, and occasional service lapses keep it from being an easy yes for everyone.
Time 4 Thai delivers solid food quality with standout dishes like curry, satay, and mango sticky rice that earn consistent praise, but inconsistent execution on temperature and seasoning prevents a stronger grade. Strong service attentiveness and an appealing Old Town setting with excellent nighttime lighting create a welcoming casual dining experience, though occasional delays and modest portions temper the overall polish.
Time 4 Thai comes across like one of those central Edinburgh places that lives on repeat visits, late-night rescue missions, and the occasional birthday dinner. The setting gets a lot of love: people mention purple-lit exteriors, a cosy dining room, and a room that feels good for both quick lunches and more polished dinners. The happiest reviews are enthusiastic enough to sound almost evangelical, with diners calling out warm welcomes, attentive staff, and meals they’d happily chase across the city. The kitchen’s sweet spot is classic Thai comfort with enough range to keep regulars interested: curries, satay, wok dishes, soups, salads, and the usual dessert finish of mango sticky rice. The menu itself is reassuringly Thai rather than gimmicky, and that lines up with many diners praising flavor, freshness, and authenticity. The catch is that the restaurant seems to live in a slightly risky middle ground: when it lands, it really lands; when it misses, the complaints are usually about sweetness, lukewarm plates, small portions, or a bill that feels heavier than expected. For families, the menu is workable rather than specially built for kids. There are familiar options like chicken satay, spring rolls, plain jasmine rice, chicken curry, and stir-fried chicken or rice dishes, so picky eaters won’t be stranded. But this is still a Thai restaurant with some spicy dishes and a few adventurous flavors, so it’s better for kids who are comfortable with Asian food than for the ultra-fussy crowd.
Area vibe: Elegant Georgian district with retail, offices and dining geared to locals and visitors
Safety: Generally safe with good lighting and steady pedestrian traffic into the evening
What's nearby: Close to Princes Street, Waverley Station, high-street shopping, offices and several restaurants and bars