We are doing three days in Edinburgh about halfway through a 3 week trip that includes Germany, Netherlands, and Scotland. We are a family of 4 (kids 13 & 11) and are already booked at Makars Mash on night 1, and Scran & Scallie on night 2. I've read loads about the amazing dinner options in the city, and have quite a long list of options (The Outsider, Howie's, Dishoom, I could go on and on), but I feel like at that point in our trip we'll be looking for something that is lighter and at least a little more affordable and relaxed. We want to get the 'vibe' of the city, but not feel so stuffed physically and financially. I'm sure my fellow travelers know this feeling partway through a trip. We'll be staying in a hotel, or at this point we'd cook in! Any standout suggestions? That third day/night we'd be in the Dean/Stockbridge area if that narrows it down.
Posted by
Isle of Skye, Scotland
1464 posts
You could always go to a supermarket and pick up supplies for an 'in room picnic'. We often do that when away. M&S have a good food hall and you can find free wooden cutlery (usually near the check outs). They also have wine and cocktails in small bottles/tins which mum and dad might enjoy, as well as plenty of soft drinks.
Posted by
Freedonia
17462 posts
Nando's. It's an institution in the UK.
But there are also plenty of options for pizza and burgers.
How adventurous are your kids regarding food?
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5738 posts
Maybe try the food court at St. James shopping area? Otherwise, I think that M&S Food Hall is also a good call. My son lives in Edinburgh near Stockbridge - I can also ask him what he recommends locally.
Posted by
London
492 posts
I would also suggest trying one of the local pubs- these are definitely more relaxed and tend to be less expensive. Plus, there is no pressure to order a full main course for everyone since there are people there who aren't even eating at all.
Posted by
Paris
10835 posts
Nando's, Wagamama . . .
Posted by
OP
Massachusetts
4 posts
Thank you! Love the picnic idea, and I stupidly forgot that Edinburgh would have M&S and Wagamama, both of which we have regularly frequented on other UK visits.
One kiddo is very adventurous food-wise, while the other will be pleased with a potential daily diet of fish & chips. As a family, we often eat lots of chicken and veggies.
I'd love to get some healthy salads in there. Where we live there's a few relatively healthy cafes that certainly give a sense of our town, but are very affordable as well, so I think that's sort of what we are looking for.
Will definitely check out Nando's.
We may also end up in Leith, so recs there welcome as well.
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
1012 posts
Do go to Leith. It's lovely there. Lots of places to eat. Teuchters Landing has great outdoor seating. I didn't eat there, just had a drink. The Port of Leith Distillery has tasty small plates and incredible views, including Figure VI of Andrew Gormley's Six Times. I enjoyed a very reasonable Sunday roast at the King's Wark.
Posted by
Washington DC
29101 posts
I like the salad boxes at Pret a Manger, but I'm sure you're well aware of that chain from previous trips.
Posted by
SoCal
1801 posts
I'll ditto skyegirl's suggestion for M&S Food Hall. Also there is plenty of good pizza in Edinburgh. And those who enjoy Indian and Pakistani cuisine will be overstocked with affordable options.
I'll admit to never having visited a Nando's. Maybe next month.
Posted by
Isle of Skye, Scotland
1464 posts
Nando's might indeed be an institution, but having eaten there once, I vowed never again. Kids might well like it, but I found it underwhelming and would far rather go to a Pizza Express if I had kids in tow. At least at Pizza Express I can have a glass of wine, a nice pizza or salad, & a sweet treat with my after dinner coffee.
Nando's bottled sauces to prepare your own dinner at home - well that's another story (brilliant for spicing up chicken for a quick mid week supper), but not much good unless you've a kitchen at your disposal.
Posted by
Breckenridge, Colorado
71 posts
We are @ Mother India in Edinburgh. It was a small plates Indian restaurant. Excellent
Posted by
Memphis TN USA
32 posts
Magnum, a lovely local spot, not pretentious. Full of locals and local flavor. One of my favorite "low key" meals in Edinburgh. https://themagnumrestaurant.co.uk/
And, as I always do, I would suggest you consider using hostels as family accommodations as they have family rooms with ensuites and full kitchens. I enjoyed being able to shop, cook and clean up and store leftovers in the huge kitchens at the SYHA throughout scotland. next trip perhaps? Saves money, basic accommodations, clean and simple.