Here are some of the most affordable but tasty places in Edinburgh that you should definitely try out if you happen to be in town.
Edinburgh Larder Café: Most people seem to agree that this eatery is one of the city’s best places for a tasty, healthy breakfast. After all, the café prides itself on its’ locally sourced, farm to table menu and generally friendly staff. Many of the preserves on the menu are even made in-house. While some visitors report that cost can be an issue if one isn’t careful, the entrees average around $10 apiece and most diners consider the restaurant to be a decent value option. Prospective customers should also be aware that the modestly sized room can get crowded at peak times and make their plans accordingly. The café is open from 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays, but it opens an hour later on weekends than it does at other times.
Union of Genius: This eatery is known primarily for their flavorful soups. In fact, their rotating menu features six different selection per day, each of which comes with a side of home baked bread. The café also has a number of coffee drinks, breakfast items, salads, and snack foods available for purchase. However, travelers who arrive late in the day should be aware that some of the more popular choices could be sold out when they get there. Visitors should also be aware that Union of Genius is small restaurant with limited seating and definitely keep that in mind when making plans to stop by. As a result, claustrophobic folks might instead want to get their repast from the company’s soup van which typically hangs out in the George Square area.
Oink: This eatery’s limited menu has only three sizes of pulled pork sandwiches, which range in price from piglet-sized at £2.95 ($4.20 USD) to the ‘grunter’ at £4.95 ($7.05). However, since the entrées are small, guest may want to order a larger size than they would normally get. Diners have the choice of white or brown buns as well as the option of adding toppings that include chili relish, sage and onion, apple sauce, or haggis. Cracklings are also available here for those that come early enough. Travelers should be aware that Oink only takes cash in most instances. It can be found at 34 Victoria Street and it is generally open from 11 am to 5 pm most days of the year.
Happy Travels!
Sources: Trip Advisor; Yelp; Oink; Union of Genius; Edinburgh Larder Café
Author’s note: the food shown in the above photographs is only representational of the menu items offered by each place.