What Food To Try in Edinburgh and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Edinburgh for 2024.
National currency: Pound Sterling, symbol — £ (international currency code GBP).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Edinburgh cafes and restaurants
$19.1
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $15.25
$76.2
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $63.53
$8.3
Combo Meal
Starting from $6.99
What to Try in Edinburgh
Must-try Dishes
Full Scottish Breakfast - A hearty mix of eggs, haggis, black pudding, sausages, bacon, and baked beans, often served with toast. Locals enjoy this filling dish on weekends, and it's the ultimate way to start a day of exploring.Stornoway Black Pudding - A rich blood sausage made from a blend of pork blood, fat, and oatmeal, known for its unique flavor. You'll find locals munching on this at breakfast or enjoying it in a sandwich from street vendors throughout the city.
Haggis, Neeps and Tatties - A warm, savory dish featuring the famous haggis served with buttery mashed turnips (neeps) and potatoes (tatties). This staple is often eaten for dinner, especially during Burns Night, accompanied by a traditional toast.
Cullen Skink - A creamy smoked haddock soup thickened with potatoes and onions, offering a deliciously smoky flavor. Commonly enjoyed as a starter in pubs and restaurants, it warms you up on chilly days (which is often!).
Bridies - A pastry filled with minced meat and spices, often accompanied by mashed potatoes or served as street food. These are favorite snacks for locals, especially during Festival season, perfect while strolling around the city.
Beer-Battered Fish and Chips - Crispy fish, often cod or haddock, coated in a light beer batter and accompanied by thick-cut chips. Pubs serve this classic dish at lunch or dinner, and many locals prefer it with a splash of malt vinegar.
Venison Stew - Tender venison slow-cooked with local root vegetables and herbs, often resulting in a rich, warming dish. Perfect for winter evenings, this hearty stew reflects Edinburgh's close ties to its hunting heritage.
Scotch Egg - Sausage-wrapped hard-boiled egg, breaded and deep-fried for a delightful crunch. Frequently found at picnics or as a street food option, it's a practical meal on the go that fills you up without breaking the bank.
Desserts & Drinks
Scottish Breakfast Tea - Scottish Breakfast Tea (hearty blend) - A robust black tea often brewed strong with a splash of milk, perfect for kickstarting the day. Locals usually enjoy it alongside a hearty breakfast, especially during chilly mornings.Irn-Bru - Irn-Bru (iconic soft drink) - This vibrant orange beverage, made with carbonated water and a blend of sweeteners, has a unique flavor profile that's hard to describe. A popular choice among Scots, it's often consumed at lunchtime or as a mixer for whisky at pubs (just don’t mistake it for orange soda, because it’s absolutely not!).
Whisky - Uisge Beatha (water of life) - Made from malted barley and aged in oak casks, it often boasts notes of peat smoke or caramel depending on the distillery. You'll find it served neat in a dram, especially around the warm atmosphere of local pubs during the cooler months—just remember, no ice!
Cranachan - Cranachan (layered dessert) - A delightful mix of whipped cream, fresh raspberries, toasted oats, and a drizzle of whisky (don’t skip that!). Traditionally enjoyed during summer festivals, its texture is a creamy contrast to the crunch of oats, and it’s typically served chilled.
Tablet - Tablet (crumbly fudge-like sweet) - This sugar confection made of condensed milk, sugar, and butter has a melt-in-the-mouth texture that is addictively sweet. Commonly enjoyed during holidays or special occasions, it's often shared among friends and family, making it a staple in many Scottish homes.
By the way, if you're wandering the Royal Mile, keep an eye out for sweet shops selling both cranachan and tablet—perfect spots to take a sweet break!
Food and Groceries in Edinburgh
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.42 |
| Bananas | $1.14 |
| Oranges | $2.68 |
| Potatoes | $1.39 |
| Apples | $2.47 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.38 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $2.02 |
| Imported Beer | $2.53 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $8.89 |
| Milk 1L | $1.31 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $11.25 |
| Chicken | $7.68 |
| Cigarettes | $15.25 |
| Rice | $1.59 |
| Local Cheese | $8.84 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Wandering through the bustle of a Saturday market recently, the aroma of fresh baked goods wafted through the air. Local vendors showcased their artisanal bread, muffins, and pastries, each with a story behind them. It’s fascinating to see how locals make it a ritual to grab baked treats after doing their shopping, often pairing them with a steaming cup of local coffee. This scene isn't just about food; it reflects a communal habit where food plays a central role in the social fabric.
In Edinburgh, meal times are quite structured compared to other cities. Breakfast typically kicks off between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, and you’ll find brunch bustling in areas like Leith and Stockbridge on weekends that can stretch into the afternoon. Lunch is usually from about 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, and dinner starts early, often by 6:00 PM. I remember paying around £10 for a hearty lunch in the bustling Grassmarket area last week, which is pretty standard for a decent meal. In pricier neighborhoods like New Town, that same meal could easily run £15 or more. Seasonal variations do come into play – lighter summer fare tends to cost a little less than cozy, hearty winter dishes.
Payment customs here are straightforward. Cash is still accepted, but most places prefer card payments, especially since the pandemic. Oh, and before I forget, tipping is generally around 10-15% if service isn’t included, though it’s entirely discretionary. Something I've noticed recently is that many establishments have shifted towards table service, which is a change if you’re used to the bustling cafés where you ordered at the counter.
A common mistake for tourists is thinking that they can get away with eating at odd hours. Some eateries, especially smaller ones, close between lunch and dinner—like from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM—leaving hungry wanderers frustrated.
One delightful local custom is enjoying a ‘pint and a pie’ during match days or any pub gathering event. It’s classic Edinburgh, and the pubs, especially in Haymarket, fill to the brim with locals relishing this tradition. As for reservations, especially during the festive season, it's wise to book ahead—places can get packed quickly.
With younger locals gravitating towards artisanal cafés and independent eateries, it seems there's an exciting shift in the food culture here, embracing sustainable practices while still holding onto beloved traditional dishes. It’ll be interesting to see how this evolution continues to shape Edinburgh's rich food landscape.
In Edinburgh, meal times are quite structured compared to other cities. Breakfast typically kicks off between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, and you’ll find brunch bustling in areas like Leith and Stockbridge on weekends that can stretch into the afternoon. Lunch is usually from about 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, and dinner starts early, often by 6:00 PM. I remember paying around £10 for a hearty lunch in the bustling Grassmarket area last week, which is pretty standard for a decent meal. In pricier neighborhoods like New Town, that same meal could easily run £15 or more. Seasonal variations do come into play – lighter summer fare tends to cost a little less than cozy, hearty winter dishes.
Payment customs here are straightforward. Cash is still accepted, but most places prefer card payments, especially since the pandemic. Oh, and before I forget, tipping is generally around 10-15% if service isn’t included, though it’s entirely discretionary. Something I've noticed recently is that many establishments have shifted towards table service, which is a change if you’re used to the bustling cafés where you ordered at the counter.
A common mistake for tourists is thinking that they can get away with eating at odd hours. Some eateries, especially smaller ones, close between lunch and dinner—like from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM—leaving hungry wanderers frustrated.
One delightful local custom is enjoying a ‘pint and a pie’ during match days or any pub gathering event. It’s classic Edinburgh, and the pubs, especially in Haymarket, fill to the brim with locals relishing this tradition. As for reservations, especially during the festive season, it's wise to book ahead—places can get packed quickly.
With younger locals gravitating towards artisanal cafés and independent eateries, it seems there's an exciting shift in the food culture here, embracing sustainable practices while still holding onto beloved traditional dishes. It’ll be interesting to see how this evolution continues to shape Edinburgh's rich food landscape.