Mentioned by Culture Trip
The Best Lunch Spots in Edinburgh
"Each Friday, Fountainbridge hosts some of Scotland’s best street food vendors at the Union Canal, behind Avka bar. It’s the perfect spot for a Friday lunch or a post-work treat. The line-up of traders changes each week, but you’ll often find local favourites such as Babu Bombay Street Kitchen, Barnacles & Bones, Bonnie Burrito, French Connection Creperie and Union of Genius Soup on-site."
"It has been offering delectable Franco-Scottish fare for more than10 years!. The city regulars make the bistro's main clientele. A very busy and much loved restaurant in Edinburgh."
"Cheerful, bustling, simply decorated with IKEA-style furniture and sitting in the pedestrian precinct of Rose Street, Mussel Inn does no more nor no less than it claims. There are starters like chowder, fishcakes, oysters, scallops or whitebait; mains such as spiced crab pasta, fish stew or sea bass. The speciality of course is mussels in half kilo or kilo pots which you can have completely unadorned, or in classic moules marinière style, they can come with blue cheese, bacon and cream, plus there are more options."
"What you see is what you get with the Mussel Inn — excellent seafood and impeccable service in a brilliant relaxed setting. Besides, the maritime feel could never get old. This beauty is conveniently located on Rose Street (just off Princes Street) and makes for the perfect pit stop in between the hustle and bustle of everyday city life."
"If you’re a sucker for seafood, this is the must-visit restaurant for you. The grilled Queen scallops, paired with black pudding, viola flowers and a yellow bell pepper dressing are priced at a reasonable £6.90 and the menu also contains a number of classic seafood dishes which means you really can’t go wrong."
"130 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1QS or Unit 3 Omni Centre, Edinburgh EH1 3AA (there are four more Frankie and Benny’s in Edinburgh). Frankie and Benny’s do a bottomless breakfast from Friday to Sunday. “Enjoy free refills on your favourite breakfast dish when you visit us before noon."
"One of my favourite lunch spot in Edinburgh is The City Restaurant on Nicolson Street. I visited this place several times when I lived in Edinburgh, mainly because they serve some of the best seafood dishes in the city, including fish and chips, scampi and tempura prawns. The City Restaurant has a very sleek and colourful interior, with comfortable seats and large windows overlooking the bustling street."
"Frizzante is a multi-award winning restaurant that’s steeped in local culinary history. Run by the son of famed Italian chef and restaurateur Don Pasquale, Frizzante aims to continue the success of its forebears by providing locals with authentic Italian dishes, a friendly and charming atmosphere, fantastic service and value for money. It’s been a long-standing family motto that the real stars are the regular customers who come and eat time and time again."
"Frizzante is the most recent venture of the charismatic and accomplished Don Pasquale and his son jonathan. Don Pasquale has been serving delicious Italian food to Edinburgh patrons for many years, and his son has clearly inherited his enthusiasm and charm. Frizzante specialises in Neapolitan and Mediterranean food."
"Avalanche Gapinski was born from a friendship between Avalanche Records owner Kevin Buckle and artist Gerry Gapinski, whose punk, dark, reimagined images of Edinburgh fitted perfectly with Kevin’s new vision for Avalanche. The shop also has prints and t-shirts from the Brazilian artist ‘Butcher Billy’ famous for his post-punk superheroes and photos with matching quotes from the award winning "Dark Edinburgh". Add in a fantastic range of vintage clothing from Armstrongs and upcycled clothing from Psychomoda, and their Waverley Mall store is a treasure trove of unique and interesting finds, spanning music, fashion, art and so much more."
"Waverley Mall is a shopping centre located at the east end of Princes Street in the heart of the city centre, next to Edinburgh Waverley railway station. Its prime location on the corner of Princes Street and Waverley Bridge means that it is ideal to escape the cold: you can browse in a variety of great clothing shops, pick up a souvenir or three before catching your train, or to grab a bite to eat in the food hall before catching the train. Waverley Mall, 3 Waverley Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1BQ"
"With direct access onto both Princes Street and into Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, Waverley Mall is an ideally located shopping destination. It's the perfect place to stop by for fashion, food and a last minute Scottish souvenir before catching your train."
"Located on the Royal Mile a short distance from the castle, the John Knox House & Scottish Storytelling Centre attraction is a treat for anyone interested in Scotland's rich cultural heritage. It was built in 1470 and is said to be the one time home of the protestant reformer after which it's named. A highlight of a visit is exploring the exhibits and displays related to the Scottish Reformation, a pivotal moment in the country's history."
"The John Knox House dates back to 1470, making it one of the oldest buildings in Edinburgh, as well as the oldest on the Royal Mile. Today, it’s a beautifully maintained museum that showcases the house and those who lived here, with special attention paid to the Scottish Reformation. Although it’s not on every tourist’s trail, those who do their research will be well rewarded with a fascinating trip back through time."
"John Knox House is a fascinating mediaeval building constructed in 1470. It is named after the famous Protestant reformer John Knox, although he actually only lived there for a short period in his life. The house was also home to James Mosman, an ardent supporter of Mary Queen of Scots who was one of the "Queen's Men" who seized Edinburgh Castle in a failed attempt to have her reinstated."
"Craigmillar Castle: Often referred to as ‘Edinburgh’s other castle,’ Craigmillar is one of the best castles the Scottish capital has to offer. The well preserved medieval ruins are situated just a half hour by bus from the city centre, and so the castle is incredibly easy to reach!"
"4 km from city center 9 out of 11 places to visit in Edinburgh. The ruins of this castle is a major tourist attraction in Edinburgh. It is located just after the Holyrood Park, almost 5km from the centre of the city."
"Alongside their restaurant on George Street, Cafe Andaluz serve authentic small plates of Spanish tapas. With furnishings from Spain, authentic fabrics, ornaments and mosaic tiling, an outing here is reminiscent of a summer evening meal on your favourite Spanish holiday. Bookings should be made advance via the website."
"Situated in the heart of George Street, this exceedingly popular Spanish tapas restaurant has an extensive range of tapas. A firm favourite is the Pollo Rebozado, succulent chicken fillets in a crisp batter coated with light grain mustard and honey."
"When seeking the best food around, they say to follow the locals. So when that hankering for sweetness sets in, S.Lucas is the spot to head. A true taste of Italy, with a hefty sprinkling of Scottish influence, this renowned ice cream parlour and café has digs in Morningside and Musselburgh."
"Edinburgh Printmakers recently moved into its new £11m home in Fountainbridge, offering a creative hub in the capital and now artists and locals alike can enjoy the new café, which has opened within the building called, Café Ink. Café Ink has 56 tables, as well as additional seating in the courtyard space for al fresco days. The menu has been designed to offer healthy, homemade, delicious dishes from breakfast through to early evening."
"Located in a modern art gallery, Cafe Ink at Edinburgh Printmakers is a super cool cafe with spacious indoor seating and a nice terrace. This cafe is located in the quirky neighbourhood of Fountainbridge, along the Union Canal. Cafe Ink serves sandwiches prepared with fresh ingredients, as well as a selection of salads, cold pasta and delicious cakes."