Though eating out in Edinburgh can be pricey, there are still many cheap eats in Edinburgh. However, if you pick the right place, you can enjoy many budget eats in Edinburgh. This blog will help you explore the reasonably priced restaurants in Edinburgh city centre and find the best destination for casual dining and quality lunch across various cafés, restaurants, and pubs.
15 Cheap Eats Edinburgh List
In this part, we’ll offer a list of budget eats in Edinburgh, including their features, specialities, locations and must-try levels, which can help you better understand the details of these cheap restaurants in Edinburgh.
Origano
Origano, among the affordable restaurants in Edinburgh, is hidden behind the painted shutters, adorned with a confusing picture of a flapping dove and a smoking man in a hat. It opens from 5 p.m. on weekdays and 12:30 p.m. on weekends. The cost-effective restaurant provides budget eats in Edinburgh, like excellent antipasto, pasta and pizza. Bruschetta pepperonata and caprese salad, at an affordable price of £4.25, are great starters. It’s usually packed with people at night from Monday to Friday, requiring you to book ahead of schedule. What attracts most people is the pizza dough and bread made in-house. The pizzas have prosciutto, spicy sausage or salty olives on the top and have three sizes. In a word, Origano is a cost-effective option for all desiring a good meal.
- Location: 236 Leith Walk, Edinburgh, EH6 8PD
- Must-try Level: ♥♥♥♥
Masti
Masti brings traditional Indian street food to Morningside Road, Edinburgh, and authentic Indian food at Dundee Terrace, near Fountain Park. With a cheap lunch in Edinburgh, it welcomes those who are new to Indian cuisine, as well as those who are familiar with India’s spices and seasonings. The chef cooks authentic, delicious Indian dishes, which are all cheap eats in Edinburgh, that you will love. The recommended dishes are Biryani, Tandoori Chicken, Chilli Chicken and our most loved Samosa Chaat.
- Location: 86 Morningside Road, EH10 4BY; 9 Dundee Terrace, EH11 1DL
- Must-try Level: ♥♥♥
The Pakora Bar
The Pakora Bar, founded in 2005 by three brothers, is one of the best cheap restaurants in Edinburgh. Its opening time is from Tuesday to Sunday, starting from 12:00 p.m. It has many specialities, including pakora, Punjabi-style curry, and dhal of protein. Pakora is a popular Indian snack made from gram flour and vegetables, and dhal of protein is a staple food in many countries. The three brothers use their mother’s recipes, combining traditional and contemporary flavours inspired by Punjabi cuisine. With a focus on community and personal touch, the family invests their heart and soul into the business. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, its new home can hold up to 140 guests and provide cheap eats in Edinburgh. One notable addition to the mix is the stunning mezzanine, named The Pakora Garden, which is available to hire for private functions.
- Location: 111 Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8AU
- Must-try Level: ♥♥♥♥
Civerinos
Civerinos, with Edinburgh best cheap eats, offers a satisfactory dining experience with excellent food and a welcoming atmosphere. Regarding reasonably priced restaurants in Edinburgh city centre, the pizza bar will always rank at the top. Though its service could be slow during busy times, the delicious food still attracts numerous gourmets. People thoroughly enjoyed their dining experience, particularly the distinctive New Haven-style pizza, a unique offering in Edinburgh. All the pizzas were exceptional, making this a must-visit for pizza enthusiasts.
- Location: Raeburn Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 1HJ
- Must-try Level: ♥♥♥
Storries Bakery
Storries Bakery, a 24-hour bakery, is one of the best cheap places to eat in Edinburgh. It’s common to see it filled with drunk crowds at midnight, and it’s relaxing to have hot pies after drinking. It seems to remain open all night, meaning the old-school bakery caters to the needs of those leaving the pubs. For all that time, thousands of hungry Edinburgh residents have popped into the 24-hour bakery for cheap eats in Edinburgh after a night out, along with night-time workers from the NHS and emergency services. The steak pie, priced at about £1.50, is the safest choice for first-time buyers.
- Location: 279 Leith Walk. Edinburgh EH6 8PD
- Must-try Level: ♥♥♥♥
Ting Thai Caravan
Ting Thai Caravan is among the cheap places to eat in Edinburgh. It started as a small festival pit-stop in 2012, offering authentic Thai street food to the festival masses, but now it has become a permanent residence. Ting Thai takes pride in cooking every dish to order from fresh. The menu originates from our family of Thai chefs, and all processes involved in preparing and cooking our tasty food are authentic to the region. Sometimes, perfection takes a minute or two. It boasts many specialities, like Gai Cha Plu, a succulent marinated chicken dish; Gaeng Pha Talay, a seafood jungle curry; and The Nam Tok Nua, a fresh, spicy take on the traditional Thai beef salad. However, with the same supply, the prices at night, from £4 to £9, could be slightly higher than during the day.
- Location: 55-57 Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH1 2DJ
- Must-try Level: ♥♥♥♥
Oink
As the 4th generation of farmers, the restaurant holders are passionate about good food. Oink offers cheap food in Edinburgh, catering for many special occasions. Having seen the growing popularity of hog roast through our Farmers Market stall and knowing that it’s the ideal quick and tasty meat to serve hot on a roll, like bacon, they decided to go one better and open a shop specialising in just that. It, among the affordable restaurants in Edinburgh, has a fun name, which has certainly attracted a lot of attention. It has built up a huge loyal following from students and tourists and from hungry office workers on the run.
- Location: 34 Victoria Street, EH1 2JW; 38 Hanover Street, EH2 2DR; 82 Canongate, EH8 8BZ
- Must-try Level: ♥♥♥
Red Box
Red Box, among the best budget restaurants in Edinburgh, is a noodles bar close to Edinburgh University’s main George Square campus, as well as the Teviot, Pleasance and Potterrow student unions. It, with cheap food in Edinburgh, gains great popularity among the visitors at the Fringe Festival during the summer days, and it’s sought-after by students during the term. Locals and students alike flock to Redbox for incredible value for money and delicious Asian flavours. Make your own noodle boxes, scrumptious sides and meal deals that will keep you full for days on end. The specialities include chow mein noodles, ramen noodles, and udon noodles. In addition, it offers a convenient online delivery service, helping you a lot when you’re unwilling to leave the study.
- Location: 51 West Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EMEA EH8 9DB
- Must-try Level: ♥♥♥♥
Chez Jules
Chez Jules, a basement French bistro, provides the best cheap food in Edinburgh. It opens from 12:00 to 10:00 p.m., for 7 days a week, from Sunday to Thursday, while it’s from 12:00 to 11:00 p.m. between Friday and Saturday. It boasts many specials with pocket-friendly prices, such as fish soup with rouille gruyére cheese crouton, coarse pork terrine with onion chutney and toasts, and toasted brioche bread with mushrooms fricassee, smoked bacon, garlic and white wine cream. Chez Jules could please your tongue tip and belly with wonderful flavors and give you considerate service.
- Location: 109 Hanover Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 4DJ
- Must-try Level: ♥♥♥
Bonnie Burrito
Bonnie Burrito, among the cheap places to eat in Edinburgh, has a goal that’ll satisfy residents’ cravings by offering the finest in Mexican cuisine with a unique Scottish flair. It has spiced up traditional Mexican favourites by infusing them with local specialities like the renowned Irn-Bru pulled pork and delectable haggis. Starting as a vibrant Mexican street food truck, it has skilfully combined the rich tastes of Mexico with Scotland’s culinary treasures and then provides cheap eats in Edinburgh.
- Location: 82 S Clerk St, Edinburgh, EH8 9PT
- Must-try Level: ♥♥♥
Snax Cafe
Snax Cafe, which offers cheap eating in Edinburgh, is an independent coffee and lunch spot located in the centre of Edinburgh. It opens from Monday to Sunday, and at 7:30 a.m. on weekends. It has been attracting hangovers for years, with various delicious foods, like sausages, bacon, and black pudding, as well as baked potatoes, burgers, and toasties for vegetarians. Meanwhile, people can get breakfast or lunch delivered to their door 7 days a week through delivery service. It can also cater for any event without mobile trailer brought to the location or delivered on the day.
- Location: 118 Buccleuch Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9NQ
- Must-try Level: ♥♥♥
The Mosque Kitchen
The Mosque Kitchen, established in 2003 next door to Edinburgh Central Mosque, is one of the good cheap restaurants in Edinburgh. It’s located in Edinburgh’s city center, close to many tourist attractions, including the Royal Mile, Princes Street, Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum, Arthur’s Seat and Many More. As a renowned restaurant, it offers authentic and affordable Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, the best cheap eats in Edinburgh. Its menu, from flavorful curries to delicious kebabs and vegetarian options, can satisfy food enthusiasts. In addition, it has warm hospitality and a commitment to community engagement, making it a must-visit with cheap eats in Edinburgh. It’s perfect for a quick bite or a large group!
- Location: 31-33 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9BX
- Must-try Level: ♥♥♥♥
Nile Valley Café
Over the past two decades, Nile Valley Café has been home to cheap eats Edinburgh. It’s close to a Mosque and in the central part of student land. Since opening in 1996, it, with cooking methods and ingredients, has offered various meals at a low price. Its walls are painted yellow and decorated with diverse African-style and festival ornaments, club night posters and woven hangings, which are seemingly out-of-date. At lunchtime, finding a seat requires significant effort, or lunchtime is tight due to abundant customers. Hence, having meals in the café at night is a wise choice. Despite the hurried service, the servers and food are satisfying. You can enjoy many delicious meals, such as falafel and baba ganoush wraps, rich tagines, spicy Egyptian lamb molokhia, chicken wings, tabbouleh or fish curry. Surprisingly, you can bring your own bottle without charge for corkage.
- Location: 6 Chapel Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9AY
- Must-try Level: ♥♥♥
Bar Napoli
Bar Napoli, a family Italian restaurant, is one of the best cheap restaurants in Edinburgh. It is two minutes walk from Edinburgh’s prestigious and stylish shopping areas, George Street and Princes Street. The amazing team offers great food, great value, authentic ambience and great service. For over three decades Bar Napoli has served Edinburgh’s residents and visitors with the wonderful combination of modern and classic Italian dishes, complimented by the complete wine list and the cheap eats in Edinburgh. Bar Napoli is ideal for a business lunch, celebrations, large parties, and graduations.
- Location: 75 Hanover St, Edinburgh EH2 1EE
- Must-try Level: ♥♥♥♥
Oink Grassmarket
Oink Grassmarket, a small shop of hog roasts, is on the right side of Victoria Street, a wonderful place for those desiring to please your appetite. It, set up by two Scottish farmers, offers cheap food in Edinburgh. It has morning rolls with roast pork, whose popular name is pulled pork. It has cracking and a choice of sage and onion stuffing, apple sauce, chilli relish or haggis. There are different types of meals: a small stomach can pick the Piglet, costing £2.95; the Oink is in the middle, which is £3.95; and if you have a big appetite, you can choose the Grunter, £4.95. Meanwhile, the restaurant provides a soup of the day, as well as hot and cold drinks. Obviously, it, with a rotating whole pig on a spit or a smaller hog roast leg, is not for the vegetarians, but boasting outdoor service, it’s the best choice for the wedding, christening, and medieval ‘Live Action Role Playing’ weekend.
- Location: 34 Victoria Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2JW
- Must-try Level: ♥♥♥♥
How Can uhomes.com Help?
If you are an internaional student who is looking for budget eats in Edinburgh, you can get a lot of help from us. At our online platform, uhomes.com, you’ll have various cost-effective options for living across Edinburgh. For example, we cooperate with Vita Student, offering you the very best student living experience with breakfast. Vita Student Iona Street is a vibrant student accommodation in Edinburgh offering studios and 1/2/3 bedrooms. Located at 50 Iona Street, Edinburgh, Scotland EH6 8FN, the accommodation is near universities, like the University of Edinburgh and Moray House School of Education.
In addition, Vita Student Fountainbridge is a popular student accommodation in Edinburgh, offering various studio rooms. Located at 125a Fountainbridge, Tollcross, Edinburgh, Scotland EH3 9QG, the Vita accommodation is near the University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh College of Art. Many restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies, shops, bars, and a cinema are close to the flats.
Whether you’re looking for student accommodation in the UK near campus or a friendly shared flat with easy transport links, with a couple of clicks, you can find the most appropriate one! Stop scrolling through endless options and start your London adventure right. Your perfect student home is waiting at uhomes.com!
Conclusion of Cheap Eats Edinburgh
After reading the blog, you must learn a lot about the cheap eats in Edinburgh. From hearty breakfasts to authentic global flavors, the city offers budget eats in Edinburgh without compromising on quality. Whether you’re a student on a budget or simply love discovering hidden gems, these affordable spots prove that great dining experiences don’t require fancy price tags. So grab your appetite and start exploring!
FAQ of Cheap Eats Edinburgh
Which restaurant has the best cheap eats in Edinburgh?
Here are Edinburgh’s top 5 budget-friendly eateries offering amazing value:
Storries Bakery – Legendary 24-hour pies from £1.50, perfect for late-night cravings
Chez Jules – £12.90 three-course French bistro meals with free bread/pâté
Civerinos Slice Bar – New York-style pizza slices (£4.25-6.50) bigger than your head
The Mosque Kitchen – Hearty Indian curries under £5 in a no-frills canteen setting
Snax Cafe – £5.60 full Scottish breakfasts to cure hangovers
What are the top 5 restaurants with the best cheap eats in Edinburgh?
Here are Edinburgh’s top 10 cheap eats under £15:
- Storries Bakery – 24-hour pies from £1.50
- Chez Jules – £12.90 French 3-course meals
- Civerinos – Giant NY pizza slices (£4.25-6.50)
- The Mosque Kitchen – £5 Indian curries
- Snax Cafe – £5.60 full Scottish breakfasts
All deliver quality without breaking the bank!
What's the best cheap eats in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh’s best cheap eats combine quality and value. Top picks include Civerinos for giant £4.25-6.50 pizza slices, Storries Bakery’s legendary £1.50 pies, and The Mosque Kitchen’s £5 curries. For hearty meals, Chez Jules offers £12.90 French 3-course lunches, while Snax Cafe serves £5.60 full Scottish breakfasts. Ting Thai Caravan (from £4) delivers authentic Thai flavors. These spots prove you can enjoy great food in Edinburgh without overspending—perfect for students, travelers, and budget-conscious foodies alike.
