last updated August 2021
Coffee & Snacks
Uplands Roast, North Meadow Walk
Expect deeeeeelicious coffee and – during the winter months – one of the best (and richest) hot chocolates with chocolate straws and a perfectly toasted marshmallow on top. But, mostly, go there for the coffee and great tunes
Gourmet Sausage Rolls, (right next to Uplands Roast)
Expect vegan, vegetarian and meaty sausage rolls of all kinds. Made by a lovely man (whose name I have currently forgotten) and who is always happy to have a quick chat about anything and everything. Stay updated and see our current exhibitions here.
Get to know our opening times, There are various locations across the city
Expect delicious coffee, excellent breakfast treats and some great drinks from independent/local brands
La Barantine, 202 Bruntsfield Place
Expect all typical French yumminess and buttery goodness. This boulangerie has a special place in my heart because they sold me butter with 84% fat so that I could make some sourdough croissants. Favourite treat: the croissants. They also sell some of the best croissants and pain au chocolat
This bakery also has various locations across the city – on Dalry Road, Morningside Road (opening soon) and Portobello Highstreet.
I LOVE this place – a favourite combo of mine that offers you the highest level of deliciousness: oat milk flat white with a pain au chocolat (if you can wait, go home and heat it up in the oven – I’m already drooling at the thought of it)
Real Meals
Expect…..eeeh… Pizza, of course!! Anything and everything on this menu is worthy of a mention. Neapolitan-style goodness to the fullest. the museum. Ideal for schools and events.
Expect gyros wraps stuffed with yummy tzatziki, chips and whichever type of filling you choose. Prior to covid, this was my go-to to motivate my hungover self out of bed. Nowadays, you can even order a substantial gyros wrap to your front door.
There are two locations in Edinburgh: Lothian Road and Teviot Place (I think this one currently only does take away)
Expect good Thai food, which doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg. Their Green Thai Curry and Pad Thai are my personal faves, but I believe I can safely say that anything on their menu will be good. My flatmates and I have probably tasted everything that’s on the menu at some point or other.
This place may not look like much from the outside, but ooooooh boy, does it delight your tastebuds. Hot sandwiches are taken to the next level and they even offer veggie and vegan options. Recommended from the bottom of my heart.
P.S. They make good fries, too.
Top recommendation: the Fish Soup and the Fish Cakes. I haven’t been to Fisher’s in the City, though am sure that it’s just as good. Fisher’s Leith also has super friendly staff and excellent wines to go with the food.
The Pitt Market, 137 Pitt Street
Beer benches, food stalls and a wonderful atmosphere – what more could you want? Head there on a sunny day, it’s a great oasis when you’ve finished strolling through the city. Although it’s a market, you may need to book in advance (thanks to Covid restrictions…), so just double-check.
Scran & Scallie
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The Lookout
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The Palmerstone
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Cheesy Chips
The Marmaris Dalry Takeaway, 72 Dalry Rd
Top recommendation: if the lady is behind the counter, go for the gravy. She – hands down – makes the BEST gravy in town (disclaimer: tried and tested by me, myself and I). Though I may be slightly bias (read: definitely bias), as I went to this chip shop so many times during Lockdown-Numero-Uno that the workers recognised me even on the street. Embarrassing? Maybe… Do I really care though? No. It’s all for the love of some fantastic cheesy chips.
Yum Yum Kebab Original, 18 West Port
(just off Grassmarket Square)
Expect… I mean, you know, the usual. It’s all gravy baby.
Globetrotter, 169 Bruntsfield Place
As I write this, Globetrotters is closed – hopefully, it’s just temporary, because although slightly pricy their cheesy chips and curry sauce is worth every penny. The sauce to chip ratio is (imo) just perfect – not drenched, just beautifully coated.