Edinburgh-Restaurant and Pub recommendations?

You might find this recent Forum posting regarding places to eat in Edinburgh helpful.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/scotland/restaurants-in-edinburgh-672ee94e-164c-4f32-a784-66b9c6c3fbfb

Hi,
Not sure if these are in the Rick Steves book or not. Two I went to last year that we enjoyed were Howie’s and Ecco Vino. Ecco Vino is on Cockburn St. right off the Royal Mile. Reservations are probably a good idea at both.
We had breakfast a couple of mornings at Society Bar and Kitchen. Very good, think it may be on Princes St. at Waterloo.

The Mussel Inn if you enjoy shellfish. They have other offerings too. I ate here twice. Delicious food and fabulous service.

https://www.mussel-inn.com/

Bow Bar near the Harry Potter place on the very colorful street and the White Hart - great drinks at both!

I'm a big fan of Nicholson's pubs, which are part of a massive pub and restaurant chain in the UK. Nicholson's tend to be very traditional city based pubs that serve pies, steak and traditional British Food. Exactly as you asked, nothing fancy or very expensive. My favourite in Edinburgh was the Mitre Bar 131-133 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1SG, although the Rose Street Brewery 55-57 Rose Street Edinburgh EH2 2NH at was closer to my hotel. www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk

I don't know what's in the guide, but we enjoyed both the Sheep Heid Inn pub (supposedly the oldest, continuously operating in Scotland, or some such) and the cafeteria in the library in old town (yummy jacket potatoes for lunch).

https://www.thesheepheidedinburgh.co.uk/#/
https://www.businessinsider.com/sheep-heid-inn-oldest-restaurant-edinburgh-scotland-review-photos-2021-7

https://www.nls.uk/visit/visit-george-iv-bridge/

For lunch I really liked Bread Meats Bread on North Bridge, it's close to Waverley and a block or so from the Royal Mile--they serve an enormous variety of sandwiches and toasties, burgers, poutine, chicken, a couple of salads and have several vegetarian and vegan options...cocktails, too. Pleasant atmosphere, good portions and quick service.

https://breadmeatsbread.com/edinburgh-north-bridge/

No idea what is in the guide.

In 2023, we shared an outside table with a lovely couple from Wales at the Deacon Brodies Tavern. And joined the afterwork crowd at the lively and beautiful Guildford Arms before dinner at Howies Waterloo.

Howie's has been my go-to restaurant choice for several trips to Edinburgh. Both locations are very good and not too expensive. Be sure to get the cullen skink as a starter.