Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the stunning Edinburgh Castle to the picturesque Royal Mile, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this vibrant city. But, as with any popular tourist destination, dining out can quickly become an expensive affair. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on where to eat in Edinburgh on a budget.
Whether you’re a foodie on a mission to try the best of Scottish cuisine or just looking for a quick and affordable bite to eat, we’ve got you covered. From traditional pubs to modern cafes, and from hearty breakfasts to delicious dinners, we’ll show you where to find the best value for your money in Edinburgh.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh and want to eat like a local without breaking the bank, keep reading. We’ll take you on a culinary tour of the city, highlighting the best budget-friendly eateries, cafes, and restaurants that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Traditional Scottish Eats
Scotland is famous for its hearty, comforting dishes, and Edinburgh is no exception. From traditional pubs to family-run cafes, you’ll find plenty of places serving up classic Scottish fare at affordable prices.
The Best Traditional Scottish Eats
Here are some of our top picks for traditional Scottish eats in Edinburgh:
- The Royal McGregor: This cozy pub in the heart of the city serves up delicious Scottish classics like haggis, neeps, and tatties, as well as a mean plate of fish and chips.
- The Beehive Inn: Located in the Old Town, this charming pub is famous for its traditional Scottish breakfast, which includes haggis, eggs, and bacon.
- The Royal Oak: This family-run pub in the West End serves up tasty Scottish dishes like Cullen skink (smoked haddock chowder) and Aberdeen Angus burgers.
Where to Find the Best Haggis
Haggis is Scotland’s national dish, made from sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onions, oatmeal, and spices. It’s often served with neeps (mashed turnips) and tatties (mashed potatoes). Here are some of the best places to try haggis in Edinburgh: (See Also: Where to Eat in Tewkesbury? Foodie Guide)
- The Royal McGregor: As mentioned earlier, this pub serves up a delicious plate of haggis, neeps, and tatties.
- The Beehive Inn: This pub also serves a mean plate of haggis, eggs, and bacon.
- Edinburgh Farmers’ Market: Every Saturday, the Edinburgh Farmers’ Market takes place in the Royal Mile, where you can find local producers selling fresh haggis, as well as other Scottish delicacies.
Cheap Eats in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a student city, and as such, there are plenty of affordable eateries serving up delicious food at budget-friendly prices. Here are some of our top picks for cheap eats in Edinburgh:
The Best Cheap Eats
Here are some of our top picks for cheap eats in Edinburgh:
- Ed’s Easy Diner: This retro-style diner in the city center serves up tasty burgers, sandwiches, and milkshakes at affordable prices.
- Five Guys: This popular fast-food chain has a location in the city center, serving up juicy burgers, crispy fries, and creamy milkshakes.
- Wok This Way: This Asian-inspired eatery in the Old Town serves up tasty noodle dishes, stir-fries, and curries at budget-friendly prices.
Where to Find the Best Street Food
Edinburgh’s street food scene is thriving, with plenty of vendors serving up delicious food at affordable prices. Here are some of the best places to find street food in Edinburgh:
- Edinburgh Farmers’ Market: Every Saturday, the Edinburgh Farmers’ Market takes place in the Royal Mile, where you can find local producers selling fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and other Scottish delicacies.
- The Royal Mile: This historic street is lined with street food vendors serving up everything from traditional Scottish fare to international cuisine.
- Grassmarket: This bustling street in the Old Town is home to a variety of street food vendors serving up everything from burgers to tacos.
Cafes and Bakeries
Edinburgh is a city that loves its coffee, and you’ll find plenty of cafes and bakeries serving up delicious treats at affordable prices. Here are some of our top picks for cafes and bakeries in Edinburgh:
The Best Cafes and Bakeries
Here are some of our top picks for cafes and bakeries in Edinburgh:
- The Pantry: This cozy cafe in the city center serves up delicious breakfasts, lunches, and cakes at affordable prices.
- The Baked Potato Shop: This popular cafe in the Old Town serves up tasty baked potatoes topped with a variety of ingredients, including cheese, bacon, and sour cream.
- Paul’s Bakery: This family-run bakery in the West End serves up delicious bread, pastries, and cakes at affordable prices.
Where to Find the Best Coffee
Edinburgh is a city that loves its coffee, and you’ll find plenty of cafes serving up delicious cups at affordable prices. Here are some of the best places to find coffee in Edinburgh: (See Also: Where to Eat in Moalboal? Best Local Secrets)
- The Pantry: As mentioned earlier, this cafe serves up delicious coffee, as well as a variety of tasty treats.
- Five Points Coffee Roasters: This specialty coffee roaster in the city center serves up expertly brewed coffee at affordable prices.
- The Coffee Shop: This cozy cafe in the Old Town serves up delicious coffee, as well as a variety of tasty cakes and pastries.
Recap
We hope this guide has given you a taste of the best places to eat in Edinburgh on a budget. From traditional Scottish eats to cheap eats and cafes, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Whether you’re a foodie on a mission to try the best of Scottish cuisine or just looking for a quick and affordable bite to eat, we’ve got you covered.
Here are some key points to remember:
- The Royal McGregor, The Beehive Inn, and The Royal Oak are great places to try traditional Scottish eats.
- Ed’s Easy Diner, Five Guys, and Wok This Way are great places to find cheap eats.
- The Pantry, The Baked Potato Shop, and Paul’s Bakery are great places to find delicious cakes and pastries.
- Edinburgh Farmers’ Market, The Royal Mile, and Grassmarket are great places to find street food.
FAQs
Where is the best place to try haggis in Edinburgh?
The Royal McGregor, The Beehive Inn, and Edinburgh Farmers’ Market are all great places to try haggis in Edinburgh.
What is the best place to find cheap eats in Edinburgh?
Ed’s Easy Diner, Five Guys, and Wok This Way are all great places to find cheap eats in Edinburgh.
Where is the best place to find street food in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh Farmers’ Market, The Royal Mile, and Grassmarket are all great places to find street food in Edinburgh. (See Also: Where to Eat in Cochem? Top Recommendations)
What is the best place to find coffee in Edinburgh?
The Pantry, Five Points Coffee Roasters, and The Coffee Shop are all great places to find coffee in Edinburgh.
Can I find vegan and gluten-free options in Edinburgh?
Yes, many of the places mentioned in this guide offer vegan and gluten-free options. It’s always a good idea to check with the restaurant or cafe before visiting to confirm their options.