If you're looking for a cheap Edinburgh restaurant, search no more. Here's the best budget eats, as based on the verdicts of hundreds of happy eaters
Whether you're from Auld Reekie or visiting for the Fringe, there's nothing better than finding a cheap restaurant in Edinburgh. We've asked review and booking site TripAdvisor for the most highly rated budget restaurants and cafés.
1. Casa Amiga
Set on Edinburgh’s Leith Walk, this small Portuguese run café specialises in coffee, freshly baked pastries and delicacies from Portugal. The Pastel de nata, a traditional Portuguese custard tart is a firm favourite with the locals.
One TripAdvisor traveller said: “Great little cafe in Edinburgh. Great selection of cakes, desserts and savoury foods, at good prices too. The tarts were delicious! You won’t be disappointed!”
2. Gaia Delicatessan
This small family-run Italian delicatessen and café on Leith Walk serves up freshly made Italian dishes including pastas, cheese and meat boards and antipasti. A wide selection of Italian produce is also available to buy from their deli.
One TripAdvisor traveller said: “Amazing homemade pasta and paninis. Great atmosphere and really reasonably priced. I'll definitely be back!”
3. Edinburgh Larder Cafe
Just moments from Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile, this café and bistro focuses on using locally sourced, seasonal produce. Popular for its Sunday brunches, the café also offers a selection of healthy breakfast options, deli platters and freshly baked cakes, all of which are gluten free.
One TripAdvisor traveller said: “We loved everything about our breakfast here. The coffee was perfect, scone was amazing and the egg and salmon was excellent. We just really liked the atmosphere and focus on local ingredients. Can't recommend enough!”
4. Bluebird Café
Close to the Botanic Gardens, and with a menu inspired by the owner’s travels to America’s deep south, diners can expect to find a selection of dishes based on American classics including pulled pork, buttermilk pancakes, chilli dogs and nachos.
One TripAdvisor traveller said: “Excellent food, great staff and excellent value for money. The pulled pork and giant frank sandwich is to die for!”
5. The Safari Lounge
Just east of Edinburgh’s New Town, this jungle-themed bar and restaurant offers a wide selection of well-priced dishes. From sushi to Korean steamed buns and chicken wings there is a wealth of options to choose from and a vast selection of beers on tap to accompany them.
One TripAdvisor traveller said: “If you want your food cooked fresh and tasty come here. Great value, pleasant staff and a good atmosphere. Well worth a visit.”
6. Union of Genius
Handily close to the University of Edinburgh, the Union of Genius menu staple is soup with up six seasonal varieties, including vegetarian and vegan options daily. Diners can match their soups with freshly made artisan breads or choose from a variety of gluten free and vegan baked goods.
One TripAdvisor traveller said: “Ticked all the boxes: very friendly staff, good homemade food and they have gluten free bread. Coming back tomorrow!”
7. Oink
Located on Victoria Street in the Grassmarket, Oink, as its name suggests serves only one thing and that’s pork. Their infamous hog roasts are heartily served in a choice of rolls, come in three sizes and customers can add a selection of toppings including sage and onion stuffing, apple sauce and chilli relish.
One TripAdvisor traveller said: “I loved Oink, one of the best places I've eaten. The food is really tasty, prices are excellent and service is some of the quickest I've seen in a place that does food of that quality.”
8. The Pie Maker
With a choice of over thirty different savoury and sweet pies all coming in under £3, The Pie Maker can be found in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre. This establishment has a small seated area for diners wishing to eat in and has a wide selection of vegetarian options.
One TripAdvisor traveller said: “The pies here are simple and delicious. You probably can't find a cheaper meal in Edinburgh with most pies costing less than £3.”
9. Milk
This small and modernly designed café in Haymarket is best known for its lunches and offers a selection of sandwiches, salads and burritos. The café also has a daily changing menu of sweet baked goods, artisan coffee and variety of herbal teas.
One TripAdvisor traveller said: “We were over the moon to come across this tiny café. Our breakfast was delicious and freshly made, excellent value and served by friendly staff.”
10. Café Anadamiro
Just a stone’s throw from George Square, Cafe Andamiro is a Japanese and Korean restaurant serving authentic dishes such as gyoza, katsu curry and ramen. They also serve a number of traditional deserts and their own specialty herbal teas.
One TripAdvisor traveller said: “A gem of a restaurant! Great choice of dishes, cosy, friendly, relaxed surroundings and very reasonably priced.”
