Top Foodie Picks at the Edinburgh Fringe
Leave a CommentVisiting Edinburgh for the Fringe this year? Or perhaps the famous Air Tattoo? Well, make sure you exploit this beautiful capital city’s impressive reputation as a foodie’s heaven and check out our top foodie picks.
With 4 Michelin starred restaurants, Edinburgh is full of must-visit places, from top restaurants to tiny hole-in-the-wall sandwich bars. We’ve compiled a list of our favourite for you but, of course, there will always be so many more…
Fhior
For trendy, playful dishes and local ingredients, look no further. Fhior prides itself on an accessible culinary experience and even gives you the option not to see the menu! The amazing produce of Scotland is showcased in a seasonally changing menu with reasonable tasting menu pricing. You can have their 7 course dinner for £80 pp (plus paired wines for £60 pp) or 10 courses for £105 (plus paired wines for £85 pp).
Where: 36 Broughton Street, Edinburgh EH1 3SB
Vibe: Celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or 5* Edinburgh Fringe review!
Website: https://fhior.com/
Purslane
For a great, reasonably priced tasting menu, look no further. This nook in the heart of Stockbridge describes itself as “all about, fresh local produce with a mix of old and new techniques using worldwide influences”. Head Chef, Paul Gunning, has worked internationally, from London to France and Australia. This is reflected in the modern, rustic and inventive menu. Featuring and showcasing local produce, a real highlight is the 5 or 7 course tasting menu. With the 7 course menu priced at £65.00 per person or £105.00 per person with Matching Wines and £130.00 Per Person with Premium Matching Wines, you can’t find much better than this for this quality of food.
If your budget has gone mainly on theatre tickets or sightseeing then definitely consider their fab set lunch menu. At just £16.95 fora two course set menu or £19.95 for a three course set menu, it’s available everyday Wednesday to Sunday. Reasonably priced wine pairings available.
Where: 33a St. Stephen Street, Stockbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 5AH
Vibe: A special date night or a holiday meal. Fit for an occasion but one that won’t break the bank!
Website: https://www.purslanerestaurant.co.uk/
Taisteal
The menu at Taisteal will have you ‘oohing’ and ‘aahing’ at flavour combinations you didn’t even know you thought you would want. Their current sample menu features exciting prospects like Pea and Jalapeno soup, Lobster Ravioli, Bisque with Mango Chilli Salsa, alongside classic pairings like Cured & Smoked Duck Breast with Duck Ragu, Sweet Potato & Cherry Jus, and Tonka Bean Creme Brulee.
Their tasting menu options are so reasonably priced that you’ll be rushing to book (remembering that they are closed on Sundays and Mondays and open from 5pm during the rest of the week.
The 5 course tasting menu is £45pp and the 7 course tasting menu is £55pp. Matching drinks are available for £28 or £35pp.
Where: 1 Forth Street, Edinburgh EH1 3JX
Vibe: Innovative, adventurous food that won’t break the bank
Website: https://www.taisteal.co.uk/
The Fishmarket, Newhaven
Located right on the choppy seafront, the team from Ondine bring you Newhaven’s Fishmarket. Featuring some of the freshest seafood you can get, rustic and packed full of flavour, the famous lobster thermidor (pictured) does not disappoint.
Where: 25 Pier Pl, Newhaven, Edinburgh EH6 4LP
Vibe: A relaxed lunch you’ll be dreaming about for weeks to come.
Website: https://www.thefishmarketnewhaven.co.uk/
Cafe Royale
Architecturally impressive, this hidden gem lies just off Princes Street, a stone’s throw from Edinburgh Waverley Station. Highlights include freshly caught Scottish catches of the day and fresh produce from Loch Fyne. The cold and dressed oyster, ‘Macbeth’ toastie, and cocktails can’t be missed either!
Where: 19 W Register St, Edinburgh EH2 2AA
Vibe: Opulent in decor but not in price. Great for a pre-train journey snack or drink, which we do as a family tradition!
Website: https://www.caferoyaledinburgh.com/
Condita
One of Edinburgh’s Michelin-starred restaurants, Condita offers a surprise tasting menu from chef Conor Toomey. If you’re an adventurous foodie and don’t mind the unknown then this could be perfect for you. The menu is £130 per person with paired wines for £70 pp. Make sure to reserve and note that they’re open Tuesday to Saturday evenings. Given the element of surprise, we can’t share much, but the Condita Instagram page will give you some mouth-watering insights on what could be in store if you book.
Where: 15 Salisbury Place, Edinburgh, EH9 1SL
Vibe: Surprise! Adventurous foodies eat your hearts out.
The Scran and Scallie Pub
The sister restaurant of Kora by Tom Kitchin, The Kitchin and The Bonnie Badger, this gastro pub boasts an impressive selection of spirits and whiskies, even by Scottish standards! Holding a Michelin Bib Gourmand, The Scran and Scallie is a friendly neighbourhood pub with incredible award-winning food and drink on offer.
Where: 1 Comely Bank Rd, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH4 1DR
Vibe: Rustic-chic and whiskies galore.
Ondine
Ondine’s food is a fusion of Scottish produce and worldwide flavours, inspired by the global influence permeating Edinburgh since the first spice boats docked at the Port of Leith. The classic Fish Soup is married with North African saffron, orange, and Harissa based Rouille. Locally sourced fresh Dunbar crab in the Crab Risotto is paired with Spanish saffron and tarragon and Salt and Pepper Squid comes with a Vietnamese dipping sauce.
If these taste combinations appeal to you then you must book in at Ondine.
Where: 2 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1AD
Vibes: “Proper seafood”, fancy schmancy
Website: https://www.ondinerestaurant.co.uk/
El Cartel (Casera Mexicana)
At El Cartel, you really do get a taste of Mexico. Each dish is made to order from scratch and even their tortillas are made from scratch each day, using traditional Masa Harina. Each dough ball is individually hand-pressed to make the tortilla shape. Having eaten at El Cartel, this attention to detail definitely shows! Even their hot sauce is made in house! There are also veggie and vegan options; the whole menu is very reasonably priced. El Cartel is owned by the Bon Vivant Group who also own one of our favourite bars in the city, The Devil’s Advocate, in the heart of the Old Town.
Where: 1, Roxburgh’s Court, 323 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1LW
Vibe: Solo buenos vibos! Whether it’s Margerita Monday or Tequila Tuesday! Lots of fun and authentic Mexican food.
Website: https://elcartelmexicana.co.uk/
Wedgwood
Wedgwood was a fantastic location for Hogmanay dinner before midnight. Their produce is locally-sourced and the atmosphere is cosy, classy, and comforting. The ‘Wee Tour of Scotland’ tasting menu is £65.00 (£60.00 for vegetarian) and is packed full of delicious seafood dishes in particular.
If you’re interested in foraging and sustainable eating, Wedgwood also offer foraging tours in East Lothian followed by lunch at the restaurant for £125 pp. This sounds like a must-do for any foodie visiting the city!
Where: Royal Mile, 267 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BQ
Vibe: Modern Scottish, cosy
Website: https://www.wedgwoodtherestaurant.co.uk/
Bross Bagels
Whether you’re performing in the Fringe and living scantily (but happily) off one meal a day, or if you’re looking for a hearty, quick lunch after climbing Arthur’s Seat, Bross Bagels is the place for you.
With a cornucopia of bagel options, there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for traditional Scottish flavours, try the McBross with haggis,smoked applewood, latke, caramelised onion chutney and Mama Bross’ Rock Sauce. If you’re after breakfast then The Goy will sort you out (bacon,fried egg, latke, smoked applewood cheese and Mama Bross’s Rock Sauce), or for a light, vegan any time snack, try The Hungry Vegan with smashed avo, cherry vine tomatoes, chilli oil and rock salt.
Where: 177 Portobello High Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH15 1EU; 72 Saint Stephen Street, Edinburgh EH3 5AQ; 4 Little King Street, Edinburgh EH1 3AR; 165a Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh EH10 4DG
Vibe: The best bagels in town… one of Grace Dent’s favourite snack stops.
Website: https://www.brossbagels.com/
Canny Man’s
Famous amongst Southerners as Rick Stein’s favourite Edinburgh pub, this nook really is a gem! With a great selection of wines, ales and the firm favourite locally brewed Innis & Gunn, it’s a great stop off for lunch, drinks or just if you need a rest!
Photo credit: Canny Man’s – www.cannymans.co.uk
Where: 237 Morningside Road, Edinburgh EH10 4QU
Vibe: An unforgettable spectacle in a down-to-earth traditional, Scottish environment.
Website: www.cannymans.co.uk