The best restaurants to eat in before a show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (expert view)

With the Festival returning to the capital, we asked some of the best bloggers and reviewers in the city to pick out the best places to eat before a show.

Published 6th Jul 2017
Updated 8 th Aug 2023

Ting Thai Caravan

Teviot Pl, EH1 2RA

(Chosen by Food Blogger Nicki Sturzaker of Edinburgh Foody)

Festival

Ting Thai Caravan. Picture: TSPL

Nicki said: "I'd pick Ting Thai Caravan on Teviot Place, it’s in the heart of a lot of Fringe action and is a great Thai, no frills, street food place.

"They don’t take any reservations, which means there can sometimes be a queue, but it moves pretty quickly. It’s a vibrant, busy place with great dishes to fuel you up when you are on the go."

Educated Flea

32B Broughton St, Edinburgh EH1 3SB

(As chosen by The Scotsman food critic Kayt Turner)

Festival

Educated Flea. Picture: TSPL

Kayt said: "Broughton Street is fit to bursting with nice wee places to eat - but the Educated Flea does rather know all of them into a cocked hat.

"From crispy pigs ears to nibble on while you look over the menu to the delight that is their cheesy mash (worth a visit on its own) there's nothing that disappoints.

"The staff are friendly - really knowledgeable about their wine list - and, most importantly for this, they get you out in time without you ever feeling rushed.

"Their two-course lunch is only £12 with their pre-theatre menu at £15."

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The Street Food Stalls at George Square Gardens

George Square, EH8 9LH

(Chosen by Food Bloggers Caroline von Schmalensee and Kerry Teakle of Edinburgh Foody)

Festival

Picture: Spice Girl

Caroline said: "Everywhere is busy during the festival, especially around the main venues. For an informal festival vibe, I recommend eating from the various street food vendors at George Square Gardens and in St Andrew's square."

Kerry said: "I'd check out any of the food stalls round George Square, my favourite being Umami Spice Girl, I'm also a big fan of Union of Genius!"

Chop Chop

248 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh EH3 8DT

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(As chosen by The Scotsman food critic Kirsty Mcluckie)

Kirsty said: "For any of the big shows at the EICC, such as Trainspotting Live, there is Chop Chop, an Edinburgh institution on Morrison Street which serves the best Chinese food in Scotland.

"Go for dishes of spicy fried or boiled dumplings and mix your own chilli dips. The service is quick but it is a busy place so best to book. Shouldn't be missed by any visitor to the capital."

La Petite Mort

32 Valleyfield street, Edinburgh

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(As chosen by The Scotsman food critic Kayt Turner)

Le Petite Mort. Picture: TSPL

Kayt said: "I can't deny that I think the name oversells somewhat. It's good, but is it *that* good?

"In parts it most certainly it. From the unusual cocktails (beware some need to be ordered at least 24 hours in advance - yes, really) to the sheer comfort of the pork belly with puy lentils, there's an awful lot to keep you here long after the curtain has gone up.

"Thanksfully, you are literally next door to the theatre, so a quick dash is (just) do-able.

"They don't have a set pre-theatre menu - but their dinner service starts at 5pm - so you have plenty of time to load up before the delights of your performance."

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