 Deciding where to eat in Edinburgh is simple...follow the locals!!
There are so many great eateries out there, deciding where to eat in Edinburgh can seem a daunting task! Â I'm going to give you the heads up on where the locals like to go to tuck into delicious food at affordable prices in an unceremonious environment. We don't all dine at fancy restaurants every night. In fact, a lot of people much prefer to leave the suit at home and enjoy reasonably priced food in a relaxing, informal environment. I know I do! If you agree with me and have already uncovered some hidden culinary gems, share them with the rest of us! Write a review and I'll put your work on the site! The key word here is cross-section. I'll try to give you a broad range of recommendations from hearty pub-grub to top-notch no-frills curries. We'll look at a value-for-money Asian buffet, a friendly Polish dining-room and a slice of Turkey in the heart of Edinburgh. Everyone likes Italian food and the people of Edinburgh are no exception. We'll look at a bistro, bakery and deli rolled into one and of course you can't leave Edinburgh without visiting the chippy! There really is something to satisfy everyone's taste and budget. So let's work up an appetite and find out where to eat in Edinburgh... The Antiquary BarThis extremely popular pub has something of a cult following. It is a top student hangout while also being a regular choice for people of all ages and tourists who hear about it on the grapevine. The Antiquary has been open for 35 years and hasn't changed much in that time. It has always been a very popular pre-club pub but is famed for its all-in Sunday breakfasts which, back in the early-nineties, were virtually unheard of. The locals remain loyal to the Antiquary's breakfasts knowing that the food is locally sourced and the quality is high. It truly is a pub for everyone from any walk of life. The Mosque KitchenIf cheap and cheerful is your thing, The Mosque Kitchen is the place for you - if you like Indian food that is! You have the option to eat outside come rain or shine, the portions are huge and the selection of exotic Indian drinks is impressive. It's quite simple - come with a handful of pound coins in your pocket and leave with a stomach-full of delicious home-made Indian food. Jimmy Chung'sPeople in Edinburgh like the idea of paying a set price and then eating until their hearts are content. This is the name of the game at Jimmy Chung's. The company has two restaurants in Edinburgh. One next door to Waverley Station and another at 30, Grindlay Street. Jimmy Chung's is a Chinese buffet restaurant which also offers a number of tasty options from other parts of Asia.
I recommend going to Jimmy Chung's for a late lunch (you won't need dinner, trust me) which is available until 4pm. Pay a very reasonable price and eat as many starters, main meals and simple desserts as your stomach can handle. After 4pm, the prices go up as the dinner buffet begins. I have always found the waiting staff to be attentive and smiley and the up-to-date music playing in the background adds to the convivial atmosphere of the restaurant. Now you know where to eat in Edinburgh if you love your all-you-can-eat buffets! My top tip - try the Mongolian lamb dish! Pani SolinskaEdinburgh has a sizeable Polish population which is great because we get to try some of their extremely tasty dishes and of course...vodka. Pani Solinska is a cute, homely dining-room of a restaurant which serves up traditional Polish fare and stocks particularly good wine and vodka. It's an excellent choice for an afternoon snack, full dinner or as a warm-up bar before a night on the town. Pani Solinska serves up outstanding goulash, dumplings, herring and cured sausage. So if you like to try out slightly unusual cuisine in an intimate atmosphere, a wander into the New Town is definitely worth it. Empires Perhaps I'm slightly ignorant but when someone mentions Turkish food, I automatically think of kebabs. Especially the incredible Iskender I once had in Slovenia. Empires has changed my entire outlook on Turkish food. Their wide range of 'meze', a Turkish version of Spanish tapas, shows how varied Turkish cuisine can be. This family restaurant is located just off the Royal Mile at 24, St. Mary's Street. Given the great spot they have and the quality of the food, it is no surprise that it's full at the weekend. I highly recommend reserving a table. Empires run a bring-your-own-bottle system for which they charge a small fee for corkage. Now here's the unique selling point...at the weekend they have live performances by a number of outstanding musicians who specialise in Greek and Turkish and folk music....so you really can have your meze and eat it! Vittoria on the WalkEver wish you had a big, entertaining and happy Italian family? Vittoria on the Walk opened in 1970 and has a keen following not only in the suburb of Leith but amongst student, professionals and families across the city. The atmosphere in the restaurant is as bold and lively as the colours which adorn the front of the restaurant. People flock to Vittoria to fill themselves with fresh, fulfilling Italian food prepared and served by owners and staff who genuinely care about their business and your satisfaction. In fact, Vittoria has been so successful, the owner Tony Crolla has opened a new restaurant, 'Vittoria on the Bridge', on George IV Bridge. So if the suburb of Leith is a little too far out of the way for you, head on over to your big Italian family on George IV Bridge just off the Royal Mile. Henderson's Bistro
Ideal for a pre-shopping or post-shopping snack or even for a full meal, Henderson's Bistro provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere. They offer a range of delectable cakes, pies, cheesecakes and sumptuous coffee for those with a light hunger. If you've worked up a real appetite you can choose from a number of creative and exquisitely arranged main dishes featuring a range of fruit, vegetables, nuts and herbs. Particularly popular at the weekend, Henderson's Bistro prides itself on its personal touch reflected in their friendly table service. The forgiving lighting and autumn colour-scheme will also relax you and make you feel at home. Harry Ramsden's Chip ShopA trip to Edinburgh, Scotland or even the United Kingdom would not be complete without savouring a bag of chips. It is simply a must. Compliment your chips with one of many different tasty snacks such as fish, haggis, rump steak, black and white pudding and smoked sausage. Drown your chips in salt and brown sauce (my favourite!) or opt for vinegar instead. One of the best chip shops in Britain is the chain Harry Ramsden's. Although this is a chain of chip shops, the quality of their product is unquestionable and they effectively represent what has become a British tradition. You can find Harry Ramsden's in the Princes Mall on Princes Street. If you want to go local however, there are chippies everywhere. A 5-10 minute walk in one direction will take you past at least one of them. If you are particularly brave....ask them to deep-fry a mars bar for you! Your Edinburgh restaurant reviews, stories and experiences!The Farmers Market Edinburgh and The Pink Olive I have been to the Farmers' Market Edinburgh on Castle Terrace on quite a few Saturday mornings now and the smell is absolutely amazing! The Pink Olive is a tiny restaurant on West Nicholson Street which has a changing and seasonal menu. |
