Affordable Food, Drink, and Entertainment Venues in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is one of my favorite cities in Europe (I lived here for 8 years, so I'm a bit biased) and it also has an incredibly diverse and affordable food scene. From haggis pakora to delicious ice cream, a pint of Deuchars in a 16th-century pub to Edinburgh's best cheesemonger, this food guide covers the places I return to every time I visit Edinburgh.
Breakfast Venues in Edinburgh
1. Best Western Bruntsfield Hotel
Address: 69-74 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh EH10 4HH
A solid start to the day. Guests can enjoy the continental buffet (cereals, fruits, fruit juices, pastries) or order a freshly cooked full Scottish breakfast or one of five different omelets. I opted for the full breakfast: beans, fried tomato, haggis, black pudding, sausage, potato scone, and scrambled eggs. It's not something I would eat every day, but it's definitely delicious. If you're visiting Scotland for the first time, a full Scottish breakfast is an experience not to be missed.
2. Holyrood 9A
Address: 9A Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AE
My favorite spot for a Scottish breakfast in the city. Holyrood 9A is a warm, dark-wood pub located right at the start of Holyrood Road, just at the beginning of the Royal Mile. The breakfast is great, the burger menu is excellent (over 20 varieties, starting at £11.95), and they serve over 50 beers on tap from around the world. If you're coming for breakfast, the haggis-based options (£10.50) are a must-try.
3. The Edinburgh Larder
Address: 15 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh EH1 1NB
The best-kept secret in the Old Town and the place I go for the best bacon sandwich in Edinburgh. The Larder is committed to quality, local ingredients, and honest cooking. The award-winning smoked streaky bacon from Ramsay of Carluke is served on a fresh roll for £5.75, and a full Scottish breakfast is £14.95. The prices aren't cheap, but the quality is worth every penny.
Tip: Make a reservation in advance. The Larder fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
4. MUMS Great Comfort Food
Address: 4A Forrest Road, Edinburgh EH1 2QN
Formerly known as Monster Mash, MUMS serves the best comfort food in Edinburgh. The amazing breakfasts featuring three types of sausages served with mash are a must-order: lamb and mint, herby pork and apple, all covered in horseradish mash and topped with tomato and herb sauce (gluten-free). This dish, costing around £14, is filling, nutritious, and just what you need on a chilly Edinburgh morning. It will keep you full for hours. They also have bacon rolls for £2.95.
Lunch and Dinner
5. Ting Thai Caravan
Address: 8-9 Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH1 2QZ
Always filled with students from Edinburgh University, and there's a good reason for that. Ting Thai is one of the best Thai restaurants I've eaten at outside of Thailand. No reservations, the queues can be long but it's worth the wait. I had the Massaman Curry for £9.80, which was rich, aromatic, and a great value. The place has an electric, canteen-style energy that enhances the dining experience.
Tip: Arrive early, especially for lunch. No reservations, no exceptions.
6. Beirut
Address: 11 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AU, United Kingdom
Authentic Lebanese dishes at excellent value in a comfortable setting. The Shish Tawouk Wrap (£14.95) featuring marinated chicken cooked over charcoal with garlic sauce is fantastic, while the Moussaka Stew (£18.95) offers deep comfort. Starters start from £9.95 and are worth ordering a few to share: hummus, baba ganoush, and grilled halloumi are all excellent. Best of all, it's BYOB (bring your own bottle), so you can stop by the nearby Tesco, grab a bottle of wine, and enjoy a good meal without spending too much. The staff is really warm and helpful.
7. The Pakora Bar
Address: 111 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AU, United Kingdom
I discovered this place through my friend Abhishek; it is run by a Punjabi family and everything is prepared fresh. The star of the show is the signature haggis pakora, which is just as good as you would expect. I also tried the homemade Punjabi chicken curry (warning: it may be spicy) and sipped on a super sweet mango lassi. The lassi, pakoras, and curry came to under £10 total, which is a bargain anywhere in Edinburgh.
Pubs and Drinks in Edinburgh
8. The World’s End
Address: 2-8 High Street (Royal Mile), Edinburgh EH1 1TB
Walk along the Royal Mile and when you reach the intersection of St Mary’s Street with High Street, you will find The World’s End on the corner. This pub marks the exact spot of the old city boundary of Edinburgh. Look for the cobblestones embedded in the road outside, and you are standing where the city gates were. Beyond this point, the world was said to have ended for the old Edinburgh residents. Inside, the pub serves excellent fish and chips and ranks among the best beers in the city. Order a pint of the local beer choice, Deuchars IPA, and enjoy.
Tip: Look for the cobblestones embedded in the stones outside. They mark the exact location of the old city gate.
9. Canny Man’s Pub
Address: 239 Morningside Road, Edinburgh EH10 4QU
A fixture in Edinburgh since 1871 and one of the most unusual pubs you will enter. Canny Man’s is a maze filled with interesting items accumulated over decades: deer heads, rifles, music sheets, stuffed animals, foreign banknotes above the bar. I think they make the best Bloody Mary in Scotland and offer over 250 malt whiskies. Also, if you want to feel luxurious, there’s a Salmanazar (nine-liter bottle) available for champagne. It’s worth a trip to Morningside. You’ll immediately understand what I mean when you step inside.
Smoothies, Coffee, and Snacks
10. Hula Juice Bar
Address: 103-105 West Bow, Edinburgh EH1 2JP
Hula is located at the very bottom of West Bow, at the start of Victoria Street, which is the prettiest street in Edinburgh. Come here for the best smoothies in the city, delicious soups, and excellent coffee. My favorite smoothie, Sunshine in a Cup (peach, mango, and orange), is as cheerful as it sounds. There’s also free wifi and a truly sunny atmosphere no matter what the weather is like outside.
Cheese and Ice Cream
11. IJ Mellis Cheesemonger
Address: Stockbridge: 6 Bakers Place, Edinburgh EH3 6SY | Morningside: 330 Morningside Road, Edinburgh EH10 4QJ
A paradise for cheese lovers. Walk along Circus Lane in Stockbridge and you will find the Stockbridge branch of Edinburgh's best cheesemonger. The selection covers Europe: Roquefort, Comte, Manchego, Gorgonzola, Prima Donna, cheddar, Lanark Blue, and more. The staff is extremely friendly and allows you to taste before you buy, making for a very happy and cheese-filled hour here. Before leaving Scotland, don’t forget to try the cheddar from the Isle of Mull. Outstanding. In most good Edinburgh restaurants, you can also order a cheese platter served with oat biscuits at the end of a meal.
12. Mary’s Milk Bar
Address: 19 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2HS
The best ice cream in Edinburgh, without a doubt. Take the bus towards the west end of Grassmarket and grab a scoop of ice cream from Mary’s for a panoramic view of the castle (especially beautiful when the lights come on in the dark). The flavors change daily, freshly made by Mary every morning, but if you’re lucky enough to find smoky chili chocolate or pistachio, order it right away. Expect to wait in line. It’s worth the wait.
Tasting Whisky in Edinburgh
13. The Scotch Whisky Experience
Address: 354 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2NE
If you’re making a short visit and don’t have time to go to a distillery, the Scotch Whisky Experience at the top of the Royal Mile is the next best thing. The tour allows you to explore the whisky-making process with a fun barrel ride, and an expert guide explains the different regional styles with stunning 180-degree visuals. At the end of the tour, guests choose a dram to taste from the Diageo Claive Vidiz Whisky Collection, which is one of the accepted wonders of the whisky world and the largest collection in the world with 3,384 bottles. The crystal tasting glass will be yours.
Silver Tour: £25 adults | Gold Tour: £39.75 adults
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