We will be in Edinburgh for 4 nights next week. Recommendations for dining? We are a family of six (kids 15-21), so nothing too fancy or expensive needed but fun! Pub type food probably what we will be looking for I would imagine, but have never been to city. Found a few recommended hidden gems for desserts on internet list - Lovecrumbs, Mary's Milk Bar, The Piemaker.
Thank you!
Just returned from Edinburgh and can recommend The Orchard on Inverleith Road (B901) in the New Town section just north of the Water of Leith bridge. It is on three bus routes (I believe Lothian 8, 23, and 27). It is a pub with a modestly priced full food menu. It was quiet and family friendly when we ate there (twice) during the 7 PM to 8:30 PM time frame.
BTW there is a launderette just around the corner where you can either wash & dry your own (they'll give you change) or else leave your laundry for the attendant to do for you.
If you are on the Royal Mile, at the downhill end near Palace of Holyrood, Clarinda's Tea Room has good soup, sandwiches, quiche, scones etc. It's recommended in RS guidebook and was independently recommended by the clerk at our hotel. We enjoyed it.
For a really cheap and good quality meal, see if you can find a Morrison's supermarket that has a cafeteria inside. The one in Fort William near the train station was excellent.
Two places next to each other on Infirmary Street, 2 blocks south of the Royal Mile: a real "find" on our trip last August, was an outstanding, and relatively inexpensive Indian restaurant, the Mother India Cafe. Right next door, the Royal Oak Pub is tiny upstairs, but has a bit larger room downstairs. For traditional music, the Royal Oak is the place!
Also, for roast pork sandwiches (and a whole roasted pig is displayed in the front window - how fun is that?) look no further than either of the 2 locations of Oink! One's at Grassmarket, and the other at Canongate, a couple of blocks up from Holyrood Palace ant the Scottish Parliament building. Not fancy, not expensive, but really delicious, and they'll even add rice or haggis, or a rice/haggis combination to your sandwich.
the kids that are under 18 will be limited to where they can eat and what times if you are visiting pubs ,usually if the place is serving meals under 18'/s can eat with adult but must vacate premisis by 8 or 9 pm.Please check with any place you want to eat in with staff before you trail everyone in.
Hi. I was there last summer for five nights, and on my own, so "pub-like" atmosphere is my first choice...don't want to sit there looking strange in a quiet restaurant with white tableclothes surrounded by couples...HA. So here's some thoughts... Whiski on High Street in Old Town... in New Town, Cafe Royal or The Standing Order (food was OK, the place is gorgeous, have lunch or a drink here)...or La Laterna (also in New Town) if you are in the mood for Italian. Another lunch spot is The Cambridge Bar for burgers (again, New Town). Enjoy!
Thank you for that tip UncleGus! Will be going with our group that includes my two nieces who will definitely have to exit before pub time (ages 7 and 10). Thank you for mentioning that.
Will,
My daughter just finished studying a semester in Edinburgh & she recommends the following:
'Mother India Cafe' & 'The Mosque Kitchen', both of which offer good Indian food at a very reasonable price.
'Ting Thai Caravan', has reasonably priced Thai food which I enjoyed very much when I visited her.
Holyrood 9A, has very good hamburgers & fries.
Lunch preferences:
'Oink' for delicious pulled pork sandwiches. We ate here too:-)
'The Pie Maker', for a variety of savory pies-- very inexpensive.
'The Black Medicine Coffee', is good for sandwiches, paninis & bagel sandwiches, as well as a variety of drinks, including coffee, smoothies, etc.
(I enjoyed a delicious lemon cake here too!)
'Union of Genious', a good place for soups, cakes & snacks.
Enjoy your trip, Edinburgh is a beautiful city!
Thanks for the great suggestions. We are also following this forum topic as we will be in Edinburgh for 5 days in July. Will make a point to try many of these places!
Just throwing in a recommendation for Deacon's House Café right on the Royal Mile. They only serve breakfast and lunch, but the food is excellent and reasonably priced. We became regulars there last Fall while in Edinburgh for a week, and look forward to stopping in again in a few months.
Although it is a franchise restaurant, we found Zizzi's to have a good menu and reasonable prices. Otherwise, Edinburgh is full of great pubs.
Mussel Inn on Rose Street: http://www.mussel-inn.com/
Kilo bucket of mussels are what I ordered but other sea foods and "surf & turf" on the menu. Any where you are elbow deep in mussels is casual. They self-report to be "family friendly".
Another vote for Oink for lunch. Very good and very affordable.
Just wanted to second the vote for Oink! We're going (back) to Edinburgh in November and I have been dreaming of their pork for months
