Lunch options in Edinburgh

“I haven’t had a home-cook Pho for a long time and it’s so heart warming to taste something that delicious - totally recommend and would come back again and again!”

“Went to the cafe twice— it was that good. The pancakes were to die for for breakfast. Burger I had was very tasty, and not at all dry. Coffee and tea served were both astounding, and the full breakfast I had on my second visit was very delicious. To top it all, the service was top-notch. They were accommodating and were engaging with us kindly. A must visit if you’re around Royal Mile!”

“I found this place by chance and had the best luck, as it was about to close. The attention is really warm and kind. The coffee is AMAZING. I had the fortune to get a pistachio cookie and it’s great. Will be back really soon. Everybody talks about what this Edin’s hidden gem has to offer, you need to see it for yourselves. Visit this venue, you won’t regret.”

“I had an incredible experience at this restaurant! The chicken noodles were absolutely delicious, best in my life. The staff who served us was incredibly kind and attentive, making the whole dining experience even more enjoyable. Highly recommend! Greetings from Argentina!”

“First time here for a solo treat for myself, I was warmly welcomed. As I looked through the menu, it was a tough decision to decide what to eat. I asked for help and Tyson (my waiter) kindly helped advise me make a decision. Didn’t take long, service was quick. Overall delighted with my Ramen, I went for the Steak Takati! I recommend if you like a spicy kick! Very pleased. Thank you!”

“The food has so good that it transported me to the place of origin. And the best part has been the treatment that we received, which has been phenomenal. Thanks a lot!”

“The type of charming local cafe that is sadly all too rare these days, serving a wonderful mix of traditional Scottish dishes and cafe fair with some authentic turkish options. The food is freshly and lovingly prepared to order delivered quickly and with relish. The prices are surprisingly reasonable given the quality. Staff very warm and welcoming and happy to cater to preferences. Ample seating inside and some charming outside tables give it s real Mediterranean feel in the Costa del nitten. Owner passionate about food and pleasing his customers. Only single downside is having to wait awhile for a table as it is so loved by the local community that it's always busy, which is the biggest green flag for a cafe one can give. Highly recommend.”

“Amazing staff. Absolutely loved the food. Loved the vibe. My first time trying Mese and it's delicious. I can't wait to return!”

“Wow what a beautiful restaurant and totally different from most Indian restaurants I've been to... Love it. The waiters are very professional and friendly and the food was amazing. Really tasty, nice spice and the very nice tikka chicken. A little more expensive than other places but well worth it. Needless to say I'll definitely return next time I'm working in the area!”

“Went for lunch with a friend who lives in Penicuik. Amazing value compared with anywhere in Edinburgh. Good freshly prepared food and friendly, helpful service.”

“The risotto was delicious and everything else we ordered was very tasty! Can really recommend.”

“Tasty grub and friendly staff, good deals on breakfast. Inexpensive lunch”

“I love love love this place ! The food is incredible, amazing service and superb atmosphere and with hand on my heart I can say the best Thai food ive tasted in Edinburgh for a looooong time! I will be back soon for more of this amazing cousine.”

“Lahcen was absolutely amazing, served me both times I went. Very helpful and kind. I definitely recommend trying Sofia's out, the food is delicious and the hospitality is 5*”

“Great Greek food in Edinburgh! Family owned spot with authentic Greek food options and large portions. Everything we ordered was very flavorful and felt like being in Greece again. We chose the bread basket, tzatziki, pita pita (grilled chicken fillet with pita bread) and the yaourtlou. The bread was nicely grilled with a good covering of olive oil, salt and oregano. Addicting! The tzatziki was as they serve it in Greece and definitely a must order for the table. The chicken fillet was tender and very flavorful, served with thick cut fries. Finally the yaourtlou was delicious with a good serving of red tomato sauce, yogurt, herbs and spices with a large soutzoukaki portion. Happy to have come across this place while in Edinburgh!”

“Excellent fish, excellent service. We mussels then had halibut to share with cherry tomatoes, olives, capers, potatoes. Exquisite. Tomatoes so good I wanted a few more as there was so much fish! Highly recommended.”

“We had a delightful dinner here in April 2023 on an evening that had already been made memorable by my having been notified that my mother had been accepted into a mime school in Amherst. Really comfortable pub atmosphere here and great food. A bit noisy with the hardwood floors. For dessert we especially liked the cream cheese pie and the sticky toffee pudding. For mains the favorite was prob the sea bass.”

“This place is so, so good. The owner’s were so kind and talked to us about our trip. I had the garlic pizza bread and then split the homemade chocolate cake and tiramisu with two other people. Everything was hot and so tasty. Highly recommend, especially if you’re staying at the Houstoun Manor House nearby as it is just a few steps away!”

“We went to hike Arthur Hill and while coming back, we chose the quickest way to Princess Streat. At the Meadowbank House bus station, we have this little treasure. When you walk into this place, you feel welcome. You feel special. You feel good. The owner welcomes you with a smile and lovely food recommendation. Even offered us free tea to sip while the food was being prepared. Very generous. Scotland weather and tea are meant to be best friends. I've ordered their momos with hot sauce and a chicken chowmin. Both turned out great and I am feeling so good heading into the rain. Thank you for the great meal and hospitality!”

“We stopped by Tuk Tuk for lunch and had a wonderful experience. The service was excellent — friendly and attentive from start to finish. We shared the chaat as an appetizer, which was fresh and full of flavor, and then had Dal Makhni with garlic naan for our main course. The portion sizes were generous, and the dal was perfectly creamy and delicious. Highly recommend for anyone looking for authentic, flavorful Indian food!”

“Fist time we had visited for a long time, the food was excellent, we shared a mixed starter for 2, it consisted of chicken skewers, king prawn in batter, spring rolls & Thai fish cakes, served with satay sauce, chilli sauce and a vinegar based dressing this was lovely. I had stir fried chicken with vegetables in oyster sauce, my partner had stir fried king prawns in chilli sauce & we shared coconut rice.”

“Lunch fabulous at Café Marlayne (76 Thistle Street) which I can highly recommend! I started with PATE DE POISSON (Arbroath smokie pate, horseradish, creamy cheese) and then PITHIVIERS DE LAPIN (Rabbit, leek and aged cheddar in butter puff pastry with grain mustard sauce) my main. Excellent service, excellent food!”

“Food was absolutely brilliant, the staff were very friendly and really helpful. If it wasn't for a works night out going on it would be another 5 stars. Would go back in a heartbeat.”

“Awesome service, Turkish coffee and the salad, near the peaceful and beautiful neighborhood.”

“My first breakfast in Edinburgh was here, and it was absolutely delicious! I fell in love with every dish, and the latte was amazing. I highly recommend all the dishes. Some of the staff were Turkish, which was really helpful when it came to understanding which options were halal. As a Muslim, it felt very comfortable and welcoming. I’d definitely come back to this place on my next visit to Edinburgh!”

“The food was incredible, the service was very efficient and fast. The space was cosy and quaint. I ordered chicken chinese mushroom udon noodles with a fried egg and they were absolutely amazing, probably the best I have ever had. I was so impressed with the portion and it left me full for the rest of the day!”

“The food is always 10/10. Never disappoints. You know you will get value for your money and delicious food every time”

“Outstanding spot , just discovered it! Authentic and delicious, best Korean I've found in Edinburgh. Plus , they have a substantial mini mart with loads of Korean food drink and sauces. Highly recommend!”

“Cool underground vibe with amazing bartenders. Cocktails were really unique, innovative, and tasty. Recommend!”

“Ok, WOW. A very unexpected, amazing food experience. Looking in for the first time, you think???? But then …… Oskar (the chef) was absolutely delightful. Customer service was through the roof and the food… Well, the kebab was just superb, the chips thick and crunchy, and the sauces were so good, my son also couldn’t fault his burger. Oskar fed our group with a range of dishes all so tasty and homemade. This must be my best hidden gem of a find EVER!!! Just WOW. I’m so looking forward to a follow up visit. Unfortunately, this might have ruined me for alternative Turkish/Kurdish dining, FOREVER!!! FYI: as you can see, I finished it all. Not sure how cause it was massive.”