Guide to Eating Out in Edinburgh on a Budget

Bia Bistrot

Best for lunch

Eating during the day rather than in the evening is great for your budget and if you're looking for gourmet but cheap food in Edinburgh, Bia Bistrot is just the place. The seasonal menu includes yummy British dishes such as venison carpaccio, glazed pork belly and a range of perfectly cooked fish. Better still, the daily set menu is a bargain at £9.50 for two courses at lunchtime or between 5pm and 6pm.

19 Colinton Road, 0131-452 8453, biabistrot.co.uk

Appetite

Best for take out

This Edinburgh catering company has recently opened a takeaway shop for an alternative lunch in Edinburgh, with a daily menu that switches from enchiladas to curries and everything in between. The lunch box has a choice of salads by the side, all for around £5. Take your meal out to Stockbridge and dine with lovely views over the Water of Leith.

42 Howe St, 0131-225 3711, appetitedirect.com

Peter's Yard

Best for coffee and cake

The Swedish cafe serves a selection of soups, salads and breads and cakes to die for. Try the aromatic cardamom twists (£1.90) that are popular wih the locals with a fragrant coffee (from £1.80) for a relaxing break from the festival crowds. There's also outdoor seating on the leafy Middle Meadow Walk - a great people watching spot.

Quartermile, 27 Simpson Loan, petersyard.com

Sheep Heid Inn

Best for sunday roasts

When it comes to Sunday lunch in Edinburgh, you can't beat the Sheep Heid Inn for a hearty and traditional roast. One of the oldest pubs in Scotland, this 650 year old inn is a haven of old fashioned pub style and cooking. The roast beef comes with homemade Yorkshires, bowls of crisp roasties and a jug of gravy for just £11.95.

43- 45 The Causeway

Red Squirrel

Best for pub grub

If you're looking for old fashioned good restaurants in Edinburgh, Red Squirrel won't disappoint. The food here is simple but delicious, with different burgers, homemade fruit crumbles and excellent ales all making an appearance. With two courses offered each day for just £10 and food served until 9pm, this is a great pub for lunch or dinner.

21 Lothian Road, fullerthomson.com/eating-and-drinking/red-squirrel

The Bon Vivant

Best for something special

It's harder when it comes to eating out in Edinburgh on a budget in the evenings, but the warm, welcoming and good value Bon Vivant has to be one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh for affordable meal. The soft lighting, wood floors and relaxed atmosphere make it ideal for an intimate dinner, there’s an excellent wine list and the interesting tapas style ‘bites’ for desserts and starters are just £1 each.

55 Thistle Street

Cover image from Peter's Yard