Seemor
Wee BuddhaA-Worth Trying
2B Jamaica St, Edinburgh EH3 6HH
· Asian restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (524 reviews)
Reservations
Creative Asian-Scottish small plates with friendly, brisk service and lively vibes; great for sharing, but expect auto service charge and some noise.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Wee Buddha delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality and strong service attentiveness with notably fast execution. The creative Asian fusion approach with local flourishes earns consistent praise, though limited seating and occasional crowding prevent the higher distinction needed for grade A territory. Reliable execution across multiple dimensions makes this a competitive neighborhood favorite worth experiencing.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with a rustic, cozy look, and plates fly out fast for sharing. Staff are often friendly and quick, though a couple of diners felt rushed near closing. One guest summed up the vibe: "Small, lively, and the food landed hot and fast." However, pricing includes an auto-added service charge and rice is sometimes extra, so plan accordingly. The cooking leans contemporary fusion with Scottish winks—think haggis wontons, squid with chilli-garlic, and flexible udon bowls. The culinary approach leans creative and produce-driven: modern Asian comfort with local flourishes rather than strict regional authenticity. It suits diners who like to graze on bold flavors, wings, and noodles, and it rewards ordering a mix of veg dishes, seafood, and a curry or two. For families, there are several kid-comfort options like steamed rice, seasoned chips, veggie spring rolls, edamame, and mild udon. The room can be loud and compact, but food choices are adaptable. If your crew avoids spice or adventurous fusion, steer toward the simpler items and ask staff for guidance, especially since gluten-free items are not labeled on the printed menu.
At a Glance
- Lively, cozy spot with fast-paced small-plate service
- Strong vegetarian options and flexible noodle bowls
- Consistently praised squid, udon, and fusion small plates
- 12.5% service charge is auto-added and surprises some diners
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- scottish_asian_fusion_twists
- robust_vegetarian_lineup
- shareable_small_plates_with_speed
What People Love
- Punchy flavors and crisp textures
- Speedy service with hot plates
- Playful Scottish-Asian twists
- Good value for sharing and portion size
Points of Concern
- Auto-added 12.5% service charge catches some by surprise
- Noise can be very high due to hard-surface acoustics
- Gluten-free options exist but are not labeled on the menu, making ordering harder
- Some dishes skew fried and can feel like takeaway if you order only those
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
- 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£22-32 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For a balanced meal: Haggis Wontons + Udon (veg or prawn) + Blanched Pak Choi
- Spice lovers: K-Wings + Udon with chilli bean sauce + Malay Curry (chicken or prawn)
- Veg-forward: Six Spice Crispy Bean Curd + Veg Udon + Malay Veggie Curry
Perfect For
- Sharing small plates with friends
- Casual date night with cocktails
- Pre-theatre or quick, flavorful dinner
- Veg-forward groups who still want variety
Location Insights
Area: Leafy New Town fringe with a mix of residential streets and independent bars and eateries; draws locals and visitors exploring central Edinburgh.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit and well-maintained; typical central Edinburgh foot traffic.
Nearby: Near Stockbridge and city centre; convenient to pubs, shops, and galleries; compact streets with limited curb parking.
New TownThe dining scene in New Town is diverse, featuring a range of upscale restaurants, trendy cafes, and traditional pubs. The area has a lively yet refined social atmosphere, attracting both locals and visitors seeking quality dining experiences in a stylish setting.
West EndThe West End is a distinct part of New Town known for its artistic vibe, independent shops, and intimate dining venues. It offers a slightly more relaxed and eclectic atmosphere compared to the core New Town area, popular among those looking for unique culinary experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday17:30–22:30
Wednesday17:30–22:30
Thursday17:30–22:30
Friday12:30–23:00
Saturday12:30–23:00
Sunday
Available: Reservations
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