01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Edinburgh Fringe food guide including top restaurants and cafes this August
Here are some of the top eateries in the Scottish capital during the Festivals.
The Edinburgh Fringe has kicked off for another year, and the Scottish capital is buzzing with activity. The yearly arts festival, which is the biggest in the world, regularly attracts millions of people.
Whether you live in Edinburgh, or are visiting specifically for the Fringe, the city is truly a sight to behold in August. It is also a perfect opportunity to take in Edinburgh's one-of-a-kind culinary scene.
The Daily Record has rounded up some of the top restaurants and eateries around Edinburgh to head to this summer. From unfussy cafés where you can grab a quick bite in between shows to fancier venues for a three-course meal, you certainly aren't short of options.
Mootz General Store, Raeburn Place
The Edinburgh Fringe can be a hectic experience, and sometimes you don't have time for a proper three-course meal. In that case, there is nothing better than a delicious sandwich.
Mootz General Store doesn't just serve up any old sandwiches though, with its enormous servings and its divine fillings. To top it off, the Tuscan schiacciata bread used is perfectly airy and crispy.
More information can be found on the Mootz General Store Instagram page.
The Palmerston, Palmerston Place
Walking into The Palmerston feels like stepping back in time, in the best way possible. The old-fashioned restaurant and bakery truly embodies the word 'classic', and before even tasting the food you get the sense that you are somewhere special.
Speaking of food, The Palmerston offers a daily-changing menu—rewarding repeat visits—with a special focus on European cuisine. The restaurant is also surprisingly affordable given its opulent interiors, with a set lunch menu available for as little as £21.
More information can be found on The Palmerston website.
Cafe Grande, Bruntsfield Place
This unassuming bistro and café is a Bruntsfield institution, have served up tasty food to locals since 1984. Beloved for its friendly atmosphere and simple-but-delicious menu, it is a great spot for breakfast or lunch.
Among the dishes on offer at Cafe Grande are fish and chips, steak frites, and a variety of burgers. Meanwhile, be sure to save room for its mouthwatering desserts—with the indulgent chocolate fudge cake being a must-try.
Nile Valley Café, Chapel Street
Another spot that is ideal for a quick bite to eat between shows, especially given its position right in the heart of the action, is the Nile Valley Café. A favourite amongst Edinburgh's student population, the African eatery offers exceptional food at inexpensive prices.
It is not uncommon to see the queue snaking outside the door, which is the classic sign of a top-quality restaurant. If you try just one thing at the Nile Valley Café, make sure it is its falafel wrap.
Civerinos, various
In terms of quick and easy food that is also truly delicious, it is hard to beatCiverinos pizza. The local chain has many venues dotted around the city, from Stockbridge to Portobello, so you are unlikely to ever be too far from one.
Unfussy and cool, Civerinos is a great spot for an evening bite to eat after a show. Customers can enjoy a wide range of pizzas with classic toppings, as well as a number of pasta dishes and amazing sides such as truffle fries and giant mozzarella sticks.
Noto, Thistle Street
For something a bit more chic, Noto is a perfect choice. The independent restaurant, which is tucked away near Edinburgh's Princes Street, focuses on sharing plates, wines, and cocktails.
The menu at Noto was inspired by its chef-owner's time living and working in New York. Among the tantalising dishes available are North Sea crab with warm butter and sourdough, beef tartare with black garlic and crumpet, and sea bream with sweetcorn succotash and jalapeño.
More information can be found on the Noto website.
Dulse, Queensferry Street
Another fancy restaurant in the centre of Edinburgh is Dulse, which specialises in traditional Scottish seafood dishes with a modern touch. Downstairs, you will find a cosy wine and cocktail bar, while its restaurant is situated on the first floor.
Dulse offers both a la carte and tasting menus, with the latter coming especially recommended. The menu, which includes dishes such as Shetland mussels with roast garlic and truffle crusted Shetland cod with roast cauliflower, also has carefully selected wine pairings.
Mirin, Albert Place
Mirin is a trendy Asian fusion restaurant located in Edinburgh's buzzy Leith district. The laid-back eatery proudly serves up a "mixture of deranged junk food and delicate cooking".
At Mirin, you can enjoy meat, fish, or vegetable dumplings alongside small plates such as monkfish, veal, and Yakitori. Also on offer are noodles, kimchi crust burgers, and a selection of desserts to satiate your sweet tooth.
