Where to eat in Edinburgh that doesn’t cost and arm and a leg? The question that is asked over and over again by locals and tourists alike. Edinburgh is home to a fantastic array of budget friendly restaurants and cafes that can cater to your every desire. We’ve picked out a few of our top picks for cheap eats in Edinburgh to try.
Ting Thai Caravan
This popular Asian street food restaurant often has queues outside, but don’t worry the food is well worth the wait. Ting thai is casual dining at its best with communal seating, raised stools and an open kitchen so you can see the chefs at work. The food is packed with flavour, which you’ll keep coming back for. If you are looking for authentic thai cuisine, at a reasonable price, this is the place for you.
http://www.tingthai-caravan.com/
Taquito
Well known for generous portions, their meal deal of a burrito and drink for only £5 is a winner. A packed burrito filled with rice, salsa, veggies, cheese and your choice of meat will keep you full for hours! They also offer quesadillas, tacos, nachos and fajitas and you can add guacamole, sour cream or double meat / cheese to any of their meals. If you are craving tasty Mexican street food at a great price, this is the place for you.
Mosque Kitchen
Fast, delicious and great value. Mosque kitchen offer a range of different curries starting from just £6. This buffet style lunch spot is popular with the locals and is great if you want to grab a quick and tasty lunch on the go. Pick your curry, pick your rice, drinks and sides available, find a seat and enjoy your meal! If you’re still hungry after there’s a range of desserts too.
Oink
With a whole roasting pig in the window to entice you in, Oink serves up fresh hog rolls daily. With 3 locations across the city you can get your fix. Rolls crammed full of tender pork topped with stuffing or haggis plus a selection of sauces including apple, chilli jam, bbq, chilli cheese or mustard, this budget grab and go lunch will keep you full all-day long. A small, or piglet, roll will cost £3.40, the regular Oink is £4.60, whilst the larger Grunter is £5.80. Simple, satisfying and delicious.
https://www.oinkhogroast.co.uk/
Wings
Just off the Royal Mile you’ll find Wings. With over 50 different flavour combinations including Ya Jerk, Chipuffalo and MustA Been the Honey on the menu each portion comes with 6 wings topped with your choice of sauce or seasoning. Like a bit of heat and a challenge? Try and get onto their wall of fame by completing the suicide challenge; 6 wings, 1 sauce no sour cream. Sounds simple right? The inhouse suicide sauce is hot hot hot and comes with its own attempt at your own risk warning so only give this a go if you can handle some heat.
Civerinos Slice
This American style pizzeria offer pizza by the slice or for those with a bigger appetite or groups who want to share there’s a 20-inch option. A relaxed setting which is the perfect spot to meet friends and grab a slice or two. They also have some interesting drinks options with their boozy slushes always popular. Fancy some sweet? They’ve got you covered with that to with a Nutella stuffed calzone and cream! If you don’t manage to finish your meal, don’t worry you can take the leftovers home.
https://www.civerinosslice.com/
Union of Genius
Scotland’s first soup café offers a simple but hearty menu of warming, fresh homemade soups. Perfect for lunch, there are different and unique flavour options every day so there’s something for everyone. The addition of bread made in house, artisan coffee and a range of gluten free cakes make it well worth a visit.
Meltmongers
Sometimes you can’t beat a simple grilled cheese. The gooey cheesy goodness is a crowd pleaser and meltmongers know how to deliver some great flavours. Whether you go for a traditional grilled cheese with cheddar and American cheese or mix it up and try some new flavours including their Cuban or Le Fondre melts you won’t be disappointed; and with prices ranging from £4.40 - £6.95 it won’t break the bank.
http://facebook.com/meltmongers
The Manna House Bakery & Patisserie
Serving up fresh bakes for over 10 years, the Manna House may be a small bakery, but they have a big reputation for creating a range of great tasting loafs, sweet pastries, traybakes and tasty treats that everyone can enjoy. They also have fresh sandwiches, salads and soups if you are looking for something a little more substantial.
http://themannahousebakery.co.uk/
L’Alba D’Oro
You can’t have a foodie list without a Scottish classic the chippy. Want fish and chips? Then look no further. The fish is fresh, the batter is light, and the chips are crispy what more could you want from a fish supper? Don’t forget the Edinburgh tradition of salt n sauce. Don’t fancy a supper? They also sell pizza, pasta, burgers and sandwiches.
Stockbridge Market
So, although it isn’t a restaurant it does make our list as an extra bonus. This weekly market runs every Sunday in the popular area of Stockbridge and has a great selection of food available. Wander round and let your taste buds go wild. A favourite of ours is the pork dumplings from Harajuku Kitchen - only £3.50 and bursting with flavour. Casa Royal add a bit of theatre with their paella which is cooked fresh on 2 or 3 massive pans, be prepared for a bit of a queue though as this is always very popular.
http://www.stockbridgemarket.com/stockbridge.html
Eating out doesn’t have to cost a fortune and hopefully our selection has peaked your interest and you’ve added a few of these places to your must try list. Why not try one today?
We’ve picked out a few of our top picks for cheap eats in Edinburgh to try
Written by Karen
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