Food

Edinburgh City Guide: Cheap Eats

By BzHeriotWatt 27 May 2021

Edinburgh is filled with fantastic eateries sampling everything from good, quality local produce to flavours sourced from around the world.

There are a range of cheap and cheerful restaurants and cafes all over the city that you'll want to visit time and time again. Here are just a few to take your flatmates to try out!

Oink - Various locations

Fan of a hog roast? Look no further than Oink! There are 3 outlets across the city centre, serving up delicious pulled pork rolls for a bargain price. First you choose your amount of pork - Piglet (small) for £3.95, Oink (medium) for £5.40 or the Grunter (large) for £6.80. Then, choose your bread, stuffing and a range of sauces. They also have meal deals for £7.50 which includes a drink and a packet of crisps or piece of shortbread. You have to come here at least once during your time in the city!

Ting Thai Caravan - Teviot Place and Lothian Road

If you like Thai food then the Ting Thai Caravan is a must-visit. Their delicious and authentic Thai cuisine has received high-praise from locals and students, and it has two locations in the city centre. Most of their main courses are reasonably priced at around £7/£8 but if you're looking for a light lunch they also have tasty small boxes that are available for £3/£4. The Teviot Place restaurant opens from 12 so is an ideal choice for either lunch or dinner.

Meltmongers - Bruntsfield Place

Just opposite the bottom of Bruntsfield Links is Meltmongers, who make mouth-watering homemade toasties on their sourdough bread starting from just £4.80. There are a range of fillings on offer like the Cuban sandwich, Philly cheese steak sandwich and even a mac and cheese grill! If you don't want a toastie they also serve cooked breakfasts and burgers and if you just fancy a quick coffee break then there's great choice of hot drinks available too.

Bonnie Burrito - Various locations

Bonnie Burrito has created an exciting fusion of Mexican classics with a Scottish twist. From just serving Mexican street food in a van, Bonnie Burrito has now opened two additional stores on Clerk Street and Gorgie Road - it's been that popular! They've got some really interesting choices for their burritos, such as the Irn Bru pulled pork and Scottish haggis. You can build your own burrito from as little as £5 so it's well worth a try to eat something you won't get anywhere else!

Fatty Owls - Bread Street

In the Winter months, the Scottish capital can get bitterly cold which is where Fatty Owls steps in to warm up your cockles. The 'best wee cafe in Edinburgh' has lots of hearty meals that won't break the bank but will leave you feeling warm inside. They've got sandwiches and toasties, morning rolls, cooked breakfasts, homemade chilli con carne and much more. You can get their soup and any sandwich deal for £6.50 if you're calling in at lunch time!

Red Box Noodle Bar - W Nicolson Street

Close to the University of Edinburgh is budget Chinese fast food restaurant Red Box. Here, you can grab a noodle or rice box with your choice of meat, 3 vegetables and sauce for just £6.90. For an extra 50p you can choose to have a mixed meat box if you just can't decide which to go for. All food is freshly made and served quickly and hot which makes it perfect if you've only got time for a flying visit!