My Top Budget Eats in Edinburgh
Because delicious food doesn't need to break the bank!
Now I am sure we all know Edinburgh is a pretty expensive city both to live in and to visit. It is also a city with an AMAZING food scene with so many fantastic spots to try. But thankfully (and honestly one of the reasons I love the food scene here so much) many of my these spots are pretty affordable. Of course there are the high end places that are perfect for special occasions but as someone who was previously a broke student in the city I can confirm there are so so many brilliant cheap eats that do not sacrifice on flavour!
Homies
Homies pizzas is one of my favourite Edinburgh eateries period… that just happens to also be great value! They serve up MASSIVE Detroit Style pizzas with lots of delicious toppings, a pillowy airy crust and the star of the show the cheese frico (or crispy cheese crust to you and me). It is available at their main branch which is joint with Butta Burger at Quatermile, at Edinburgh Street Food and on Deliveroo. Individual slices (which are still huge and the perfect single serving) start at £7.50 and whole pizzas (perfect for 2) start at £12.50. In Edinburgh city centre this is a steal!
Locations: 8 Lister Square, Stand at Edinburgh Street Food
Dietaries: Veggie and Vegan Options, No GF Options
Paz Tacos
Paz Tacos is a more recent addition to the Edinburgh food scene but it has already taken the city by storm and for good reason - these are some of the best tacos I have ever eaten! Freshly charred corn tortillas loaded with flavourful toppings, condiments and hot sauce on the table to satisfy any spice heads like me! Tacos start at £7.50 for pairs that are a pretty large size so I would say 2 sets (about £15 a head) and you would be STUFFED!
Location: 64 Thistle Street
Dietaries: 100% GF, Veggie and Vegan Options
Baba
Now this might seem like an odd addition to the list as Baba would be classed as one of Edinburgh’s “nicer restaurants”, located in a fancy hotel and probably more for special occasions (it was actually where I celebrated my last birthday). But as fancier restaurants go this is by far the cheapest, best value in the city and honestly one of the tastiest. The menu is Middle Eastern based and focuses on sharing plates most of which are vegetable forward (hence making them more affordable). A must order IMO is the blackened sweet potato with saffron yogurt. They also have delicious cocktails so perfect for a celebration without costing the earth!
Location: 130 George Street
Dietaries: GF, Veggie and Vegan Options
Matto
With their thin base, airy leopard print charred crust, rich tomato sauce, melty cheese, delicious toppings… Matto has Neapolitan pizza absolutely nailed! My favourite is their No. 10 pizza (tomato base, mozzarella, pepperoni, chilli honey and basil), the cheesy rosemary garlic bread and their seafood basket (including calamari, breaded prawns and cod bites). Matto has 3 locations across the city so there is always one close by when you need a pizza fix!
Location: 370 Morningside Road/ 29 Newington Road/ 12 Cadzow Place
Dietaries: Veggie and Vegan Options, No GF Options
Chorrito
Hot sauce brand that runs a cantina Thursday - Sunday serving up some of my favourite bites in the city! Their menu changes weekly and mainly focuses on tacos. The corn tortillas are individually pressed and grilled to order right in front of you in their open kitchen (it really doesn’t get fresher than that) and loaded with flavour packed toppings! My must order is the baja fish taco which came with a green apple slaw and chipotle mayo. The entire menu is gluten free. But potentially my favourite part about this spot is the “hot sauce station” on each table so you can try all their unique hot sauces and make each dish your own. I also highly recommend sitting at the bar as you get the best view in the house of your food being made, the staff are lovely and you are really transported somewhere special.
Location: 126 Leith Walk
Dietaries: 100% GF, Veggie and Vegan Options
Chizeru Teu
Now sushi is not known for being an affordable meal and whilst ordering lots of rolls, sides and sashimi would still add up here, Chizeru Teu have an extensive menu with lots of more affordable options. My go to is the Chirashi Don - a bowl of sushi rice topped with sashimi, pickles and tamago with a side of miso soup all for £15.50! I remember the first time I ordered this I was SO SO shocked how much really high quality sashimi you got. Overall a great way to get your Japanese fix without breaking the bank!
Location: 278 Morrison Street
Dietaries: GF, Veggie and Vegan Options
Yo Burger Mama
My favourite fried chicken in Edinburgh! And yes I know thats a bold claim and whilst I love and frequent plenty other spots I really do think the fried chicken at Yo Burger Mama just edges it as my number 1. It’s what I would call “homey Southern USA style fried chicken” made with super tender chicken thighs and that perfect crispy, craggily spicy coating that can be enjoyed as is or loaded into epic burgers. But it doesn’t stop there, Yo Burger Mama offer a range of beef burgers, veggie/ vegan burgers, loaded nachos and sides. Mains are all under £15 and MASSIVE portions! Overall just delicious comfort food that everyone will love.
Location: Lioness of Leith Pub, 21-25 Duke Street
Dietaries: No GF Options, Veggie and Vegan Options
Chez Jules
You guys did not actually think I could write this list without including Chez Jules did you? 3 courses for £12.90 in Edinburgh city centre??? Enough said! No but in all seriousness this has to be the definition of great value. Their weekday lunch special starts off with complimentary baguette and butter, some salami, olives and salad with their house french dressing. I opted for the french onion soup, steak frites in peppercorn sauce and chocolate mousse to finish. So is this the best french food you will ever have? No. But it is pretty delicious and for the price you cannot go wrong! The steak was perfectly cooked and the chocolate mousse was a stand out for me being rich, creamy and indulgent. Not to mention the rustic French bistro decor that makes this place a real gem!
Location: 109 Hanover Street
Dietaries: GF Options, No Veggies/ Vegan options
Harajuku Kitchen
Serving up delicious Japanese dishes such as the freshest sushi, rich miso soup, crispy tonkatsu, tangy kaiso salad and much much more! But what I really want to talk about here is their weekday lunch deal available at their main bistro. For just £14.90 you get miso soup, sticky rice and a choice of 2 small mains. With options including takoyaki, karaage chicken, agedashi tofu, potato salad and much more, there is something to suit all tastes and diets. A must IMO is the tonkatsu with is perfectly golden crispy breading, tender juicy pork and sticky, savoury, tangy sauce. Enjoy with a crisp fresh asahi beer for a treat lunch that is perfect for a special occasion but still under £20 a head! They also have stands at Edinburgh street food, Stockbridge and Grassmarket market selling gyoza, noodles and sushi burritos for a grab and go option.
Location: 10 Gillespie Place, Stand at Edinburgh Street Food/ Stockbridge and Grassmarket Market
Dietaries: GF, Vegan and Veggie Options
So there you have it my favourite budget eats in the city from pizza to sushi to fried chicken to steak. So take it from me Edinburgh is a wonderful foodie city that you definitely do not need to spend a fortune to enjoy!
Love Sophie
Hey can you suggest some breakfast places