Five of the best places to get lunch during the Edinburgh Festival

Looking for the best places to grab some lunch during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival? Well look no further

Published 10th Aug 2015
Updated 8 th Aug 2023

So you're heading to Edinburgh for the festival and amongst the riot of colour, noise and entertainment you find yourself in need of some refreshment, fuel or something more extravagant.

Only problem is you're worried that most places might be too busy or you're not sure where is good.

We've done the hard work for you and picked out some of the best places to grab a quick bite to eat while enjoying the festival.

1. Boxsmall

(Princess Mall Roof Terrace, EH1 1BQ, runs until the 31st August, 10am – 7pm)

Boxsmall10

Reinventing the rooftop space of Princes Mall, Boxsmall is a revolutionary new family entertainment space offering a great place to grab a quick bite to eat.

Customers can enjoy culinary delights from local traders including Jones & Son, Orinoco Latin Food, Kampung Ali, Howies and Rabbies Cafe, as well as sample everything from haggis and noodles to burgers and pulled Scottish beef.

Best of all, Boxsmall have launched a new lunch deal that will see you get any of the above for just £5.

2. Union of Genius

12 of the best places to eat in Speyside - including ‘hidden gem’ Thai restaurant, pub classics and Michelin recommended fine dining 

( Forrest Rd, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH1 2QN, 0131 226 4436)

Dumbo the Union of Genius soup van. Picture: UofG

Dumbo the Union of Genius soup van. Picture: UofG

Scotland's first soup cafe is a great place to grab a little bit of respite and enjoy some soups, coffee and even a hot chocolate (just in case you're feeling a little cold in Scotland's less than impressive summer weather).

Each weekday there will also be the chance to grab some amazing vegan food and soups from the Union of Genius soup van - affectionately known as Dumbo - which will be situated on the north west corner of George Square.

You can check out their weekly soup menu on Facebook and Twitter.

3. Under the Stairs

Island cafe with stunning views to team up with Michelin-recommended Edinburgh restaurant for one-off supper club

(3A Merchant St, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH1 2QD, 0131 466 8550)

veg

Picture: Under the Stairs

Looking to escape the madness for just a little while? There's no better place to sit back, relax and enjoy some delicious food than at Under the Stairs.

The shabby chic interior is cosy and bright, like the kind of living room you dream of owning. You can also enjoy some local art as you enjoy the freshly made food and all for a great price.

Steamed mussels, crispy streak strips, maple glazed smoked tofu and Moroccan lamb are just some of the amazing foods you'll find on their exciting menu.

Not a bad place to while away an our or two.

New Scottish restaurants added to the Good Food Guide

4. Tupiniquim

(Green Police Box, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9AU, 07908 886184)

If you know about Doctor Who then you know exciting things can be found inside old police boxes. Well this one is green, not blue (more suiting the Brazilian aesthetic) but the point still stands: Tupiniquism is bringing a little samba style and sunshine to Edinburgh.

Serving sweet and savoury (gluten free) crepes, pressed juices and freshly-ground coffee, Tupiniquism - named after an indigenous people of Brazil - is a great place to grab some healthy, fresh food on the go.

5. Tony Singh's pop-up restaurant, Roadtrip

(31-35 Grassmarket Edinburgh EH1 2HS, 0131 300 3456)

Tony Singh is bringing his Pop up kitchen to the Grass Market. Picture: PA

Tony Singh is bringing his Pop up kitchen to the Grassmarket. Picture: PA

Larger-than-life celebrity chef Tony Singh has brought his unique street food pop-up, Road Trip, to Edinburgh's Grassmarket.

Housed for the duration of the Edinburgh Festival at Metro Brasserie in the Apex International Hotel, the pop up will offer food that's 'Scottish, Indian and everywhere in between'.

The street food style offering, made with the finest international and locally sourced ingredients, draws inspiration from Tony’s travels across the globe and features the now legendary haggis pakora, the Coogate burger and Tony's curry of the day.

And yeah we forgot to mention the awesome desserts including Tony's Flooda - 'lush Indian milkshakes' - and Churros.

We'll see you there!

Location:
Driven by a passion for all things drinks-related, Sean writes for The Scotsman extensively on the subject. He can also sometimes be found behind the bar at the world famous Potstill bar in Glasgow where he continues to enhance his whisky knowledge built up over 10 years advising customers from all over the world on the wonders of our national drink. Recently, his first book was published. Dubbed Gin Galore, it explores Scotland's best gins and the stories behind those that make them.
Copyright ©2024 National World Publishing Ltd
Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy
crosschevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram