Grassmarket is a popular place to sit outside with a drink when the weather plays ball in Edinburgh. Photo / Forever Edinburgh
Grassmarket is a popular place to sit outside with a drink when the weather plays ball in Edinburgh. Photo / Forever Edinburgh
Here are some top recommendations to savour the best of Edinburgh’s cuisine during the city’s arts festival and its iconic Fringe – or any other time! By Nikki Birrell.
Edinburgh is a city that impresses on every level and its food options are no exception. During its International Festival and famed Fringe, from August 2-26, the streets are filled with performers, the air buzzes with excitement and the city’s culinary scene rises to the occasion. For festival-goers, finding great food that suits every budget and taste is essential.
The Edinburgh International Festival and its famed offshoot the Fringe attract thousands of visitors to the city every August. Photo / Forever Edinburgh
Singapore Coffee House: great breakfast
A hidden gem for breakfast lovers, Singapore Coffee House offers an eclectic mix of Asian and Western breakfast options. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and friendly service, this cafe provides an ideal spot to unwind before diving into the day’s festival events. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional eggs and bacon or something more adventurous, like the highly recommended spiral curry puff, the menu holds many gems. This includes drinks, and some classic Singaporean brews very much worth a try.
To start your day with a touch of indulgence, head to Lannan Bakery. Renowned for its exceptional pastries, this bakery is a local favourite. The freshly baked goods are so popular that it’s advisable to arrive early to avoid the queues and ensure you don’t miss out (pastries tend to sell out as early as 10am). From buttery croissants to exquisite tarts, each item is a vision of care and precision, making for a perfect breakfast or mid-morning treat.
For those seeking hearty, flavourful and inexpensive meals, Mosque Kitchen is an unmissable spot. Famous for its curries, this venue offers a range of delicious, home-style dishes that cater to both meat lovers and vegetarians. The no-frills dining experience focuses purely on the food, which is rich in spices and generous in portion sizes. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal amid a busy day of festival activities and with capacity for 150 people, you won’t have to wait too long for a table.
Chef Dan Ashmore of fine-dining sustainable Edinburgh restaurant ASKR. Photo / Michelle Bhatia
ASKR: an ethical splurge in Leith
When you’re ready to splurge on a memorable dining experience, ASKR in Leith offers not just exceptional food but also a commendable ethos. Chef Dan Ashmore and his team have created a menu dedicated to sustainability, using local and seasonal ingredients. The food is innovative in a way that still nods to Scottish cuisine and locally foraged ingredients are incorporated into both the food menu – and the drinks (we particularly loved the gorse-infused gin and pineapple daiquiri and the elderflower champagne). On the tasting menu, everything has been touched by flame or coals (ASKR is an old Norse word for “ash”), lending a delicious smoky or grilled trace, whether that be a flame-kissed melt-in-the-mouth oyster or a moreish fluffy cooked-to-order flatbread with a smoky aubergine dip. An experience not to be missed and in one of Edinburgh’s “coolest’ neighbourhoods.
Leith is one of Edinburgh’s “coolest’ neighbourhoods. Photo / Forever Edinburgh
Chez Jules: great value and cute ambience
For a charming dining experience that won’t break the bank, Chez Jules is the perfect choice. This French bistro is celebrated for its cosy ambience and excellent-value set menus. These feature classic French dishes, all prepared with fresh ingredients and served in a warm, welcoming setting. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner, providing a serene escape from the festival’s hustle and bustle.
For those wanting to experience traditional Scottish fare, The Last Drop in the historic Grassmarket area is a must-visit. This pub is famous for its classic dishes such as haggis, neeps and tatties, and hearty steak and ale pies. The authentic atmosphere, complete with historical anecdotes (its name derives from the square outside, which was once Edinburgh’s hanging grounds), provides a fascinating backdrop for enjoying Scotland’s culinary heritage.
