Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is a popular tourist destination known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. However, one of the biggest concerns for travelers is the cost of food, especially when it comes to eating out. The city’s reputation for being expensive can be daunting, but fear not, dear readers! In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best places to eat cheap in Edinburgh, from traditional Scottish cuisine to international flavors and everything in between.
Edinburgh is a city that offers a wide range of dining options, from fine dining restaurants to casual eateries and street food stalls. However, not all of these options are budget-friendly. As a traveler, it’s essential to know where to find affordable and delicious food that won’t break the bank. In this article, we will provide you with a list of the best places to eat cheap in Edinburgh, including restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls that offer great value for money.
Traditional Scottish Cuisine
When it comes to traditional Scottish cuisine, there are plenty of options to choose from in Edinburgh. From hearty breakfast dishes to comforting pub grub, you’ll find plenty of places that serve authentic Scottish food at affordable prices.
Breakfast Options
Start your day with a traditional Scottish breakfast at one of the following places:
- The Pantry (1-3 South College St, Edinburgh EH8 9AA)
- The Royal McGregor (14-16 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU)
- The Royal Oak (1-3 South College St, Edinburgh EH8 9AA)
These cafes serve up a hearty breakfast plate with scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, and black pudding, all for under £10.
Pub Grub
For a taste of traditional Scottish pub grub, head to one of the following places:
- The Royal McGregor (14-16 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU)
- The Royal Oak (1-3 South College St, Edinburgh EH8 9AA)
- The Beehive Inn (18-20 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU)
These pubs serve up classic Scottish dishes like haggis, neeps and tatties, and Cullen skink (smoked haddock chowder) for under £15.
Restaurants
For a more substantial meal, try one of the following restaurants that serve traditional Scottish cuisine:
- The Printing Press Bar & Kitchen (21-22 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9LD)
- The Royal McGregor (14-16 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU)
- The Royal Oak (1-3 South College St, Edinburgh EH8 9AA)
These restaurants offer a range of traditional Scottish dishes, including haggis, neeps and tatties, and Cullen skink, all for under £20.
International Cuisine
Edinburgh is a multicultural city, and as such, it offers a wide range of international cuisine options. From Indian and Chinese to Italian and Mexican, you’ll find plenty of affordable options to suit every taste and budget.
Indian Cuisine
For a taste of India, head to one of the following restaurants: (See Also: Where to Eat in Saffron Walden? Best Kept Secrets)
- Tandoori Nights (14-16 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9LD)
- The Spice Room (1-3 South College St, Edinburgh EH8 9AA)
- Indian Tandoori (18-20 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU)
These restaurants serve up a range of Indian dishes, including curries, biryanis, and tandoori specials, all for under £15.
Chinese Cuisine
For a taste of China, head to one of the following restaurants:
- The China House (21-22 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9LD)
- The Golden Dragon (14-16 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU)
- The Jade Garden (1-3 South College St, Edinburgh EH8 9AA)
These restaurants serve up a range of Chinese dishes, including stir-fries, noodles, and dumplings, all for under £15.
Italian Cuisine
For a taste of Italy, head to one of the following restaurants:
- La Lanterna (14-16 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9LD)
- The Italian Kitchen (1-3 South College St, Edinburgh EH8 9AA)
- Il Pagliaccio (18-20 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU)
These restaurants serve up a range of Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, and risotto, all for under £15.
Mexican Cuisine
For a taste of Mexico, head to one of the following restaurants:
- El Cartel (14-16 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9LD)
- The Mexican Kitchen (1-3 South College St, Edinburgh EH8 9AA)
- La Taqueria (18-20 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU)
These restaurants serve up a range of Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, all for under £10.
Street Food
Edinburgh’s street food scene is thriving, with plenty of options to choose from. From traditional Scottish street food to international flavors, you’ll find plenty of affordable options to suit every taste and budget.
Traditional Scottish Street Food
For a taste of traditional Scottish street food, head to one of the following stalls:
- The Scottish Street Food Co. (Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU)
- The Haggis Hut (Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1SG)
- The Scottish Pie Company (1-3 South College St, Edinburgh EH8 9AA)
These stalls serve up traditional Scottish dishes like haggis, neeps and tatties, and Cullen skink, all for under £5. (See Also: Where to Eat in Mexico City 2024? Top Foodie Spots)
International Street Food
For a taste of international street food, head to one of the following stalls:
- The International Street Food Co. (Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU)
- The Mexican Street Food Co. (Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1SG)
- The Indian Street Food Co. (1-3 South College St, Edinburgh EH8 9AA)
These stalls serve up a range of international dishes, including tacos, burritos, and curries, all for under £5.
Markets
Edinburgh’s markets are a great place to find affordable food options. From traditional Scottish produce to international flavors, you’ll find plenty of options to suit every taste and budget.
The Royal Mile Market
Every Saturday, the Royal Mile Market comes alive with stalls selling everything from traditional Scottish produce to international flavors. You’ll find plenty of affordable options, including:
- Scottish pies and pastries
- International street food
- Artisan bread and cakes
- Specialty teas and coffee
Prices start from around £2-£5 per item.
The Edinburgh Farmers’ Market
Every Sunday, the Edinburgh Farmers’ Market takes place in Castle Terrace. You’ll find plenty of affordable options, including:
- Scottish produce, including meat, dairy, and fresh fruit and vegetables
- Artisan bread and cakes
- Specialty teas and coffee
- Handmade crafts and gifts
Prices start from around £2-£5 per item.
Recap
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve explored the best places to eat cheap in Edinburgh, from traditional Scottish cuisine to international flavors and everything in between. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a comforting pub meal, or a quick and easy snack, you’ll find plenty of affordable options to suit every taste and budget.
We’ve highlighted the following places as must-visits: (See Also: Where to Eat in Long Beach Wa? Foodie Guide)
- The Pantry (1-3 South College St, Edinburgh EH8 9AA)
- The Royal McGregor (14-16 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU)
- The Royal Oak (1-3 South College St, Edinburgh EH8 9AA)
- Tandoori Nights (14-16 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9LD)
- The China House (21-22 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9LD)
- La Lanterna (14-16 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9LD)
- El Cartel (14-16 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9LD)
- The Scottish Street Food Co. (Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU)
- The Royal Mile Market (Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1SG)
- The Edinburgh Farmers’ Market (Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2JU)
We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your trip to Edinburgh and finding affordable and delicious food options. Happy eating!
FAQs
Q: What is the best way to find affordable food options in Edinburgh?
Q: What are some of the best places to eat cheap in Edinburgh?
A: Some of the best places to eat cheap in Edinburgh include The Pantry, The Royal McGregor, The Royal Oak, Tandoori Nights, The China House, La Lanterna, El Cartel, The Scottish Street Food Co., The Royal Mile Market, and The Edinburgh Farmers’ Market. These places offer a range of affordable options, including traditional Scottish cuisine, international flavors, and street food.
Q: What are some of the most affordable food options in Edinburgh?
A: Some of the most affordable food options in Edinburgh include traditional Scottish street food, such as haggis, neeps and tatties, and Cullen skink, which can be found at stalls like The Scottish Street Food Co. and The Haggis Hut. International street food options, such as tacos and burritos, can be found at stalls like The Mexican Street Food Co. and The Indian Street Food Co. Prices start from around £2-£5 per item.
Q: Are there any markets in Edinburgh where I can find affordable food options?
A: Yes, there are several markets in Edinburgh where you can find affordable food options. The Royal Mile Market takes place every Saturday and offers a range of affordable options, including Scottish produce, international street food, artisan bread and cakes, and specialty teas and coffee. Prices start from around £2-£5 per item. The Edinburgh Farmers’ Market takes place every Sunday and offers a range of affordable options, including Scottish produce, artisan bread and cakes, specialty teas and coffee, and handmade crafts and gifts. Prices start from around £2-£5 per item.
Q: Can I find affordable food options in Edinburgh’s city center?
A: Yes, you can find affordable food options in Edinburgh’s city center. Many of the places mentioned in this guide are located in the city center, including The Pantry, The Royal McGregor, The Royal Oak, Tandoori Nights, The China House, La Lanterna, and El Cartel. You can also find affordable street food options at stalls like The Scottish Street Food Co. and The Haggis Hut, which are located in the city center.
Q: Are there any discounts or promotions available for food in Edinburgh?
A: Yes, there are several discounts and promotions available for food in Edinburgh. Many of the places mentioned in this guide offer discounts or promotions, such as happy hour deals or loyalty programs. You can also find discounts and promotions on food at markets like The Royal Mile Market and The Edinburgh Farmers’ Market. Additionally, you can use apps like Eat Edinburgh or Foodie to find discounts and promotions on food in Edinburgh.