Best Cheap Eats: Affordable Restaurants In Edinburgh

Looking for more bang for your buck? We know the feeling. Luckily, this popular city is touting a boatload of wallet-friendly eateries. Whether you're after casual spots in the city centre for Japanese eats or thrifty tapas-style plates and vibrant interiors in the New Town, we have rounded up Edinburgh's affordable restaurants for bites that won't break the bank.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 18th June 2024




Wahaca Edinburgh

One of the best cheap restaurants in Edinburgh, Wahaca really knows how to nail flavour-packed bites without breaking the bank. Sink your teeth into street eats, including slow-cooked beef brisket tacos and grilled chicken burritos, all while taking in the vibrant atmosphere. You're not missing out on any quality with the price here though, as MasterChef champion Thomasina Miers created this venue with top-notch authentic cuisine in mind, using low-carbon ingredients where possible and indicating the most planet-friendly choices on their menu.

BrewDog Edinburgh Lothian Road

Vegan Monday

Dishing out 2 for 1 meals in Edinburgh city centre, BrewDog on Lothian Road is offering up a mouthwatering range of American eats, alongside a crackin' vegan Monday deal. Think buy one get one free across all plant-based or vegetarian dishes such as Beyond meat burgers, Buffalo cauliflower wings and truffle cheese fries, here or at Doghouse. Even better? There are over 20 taps of fresh craft beer to enjoy with your meal.

YO! Edinburgh Princes St

For the one of the best casual restaurants in Edinburgh city centre that are also affordable, head to YO! on Princes Street. Make your way through the selection of thrifty maki rolls, katsu curries and sticky beef teriyaki that arrive on a signature conveyer belt, with some dishes starting from as little as £2.95 each, and sharing platters coming in at only £14.95. As for drinks? Expect sake or Asahi beer, alongside rice lager from Brewgooder.

Granary, Edinburgh

Boasting rustic interiors and classic British grub, Granary is a Leith venue worth visiting. So, what's on the menu? Think braised pork cheeks, seafood orzo or crispy cheddar mac 'n' cheese, followed by an indulgent sticky toffee pudding with salted caramel ice cream and a butterscotch sauce. And if you visit between Monday and Thursday, you can enjoy a burger and a beer for £20. There's even a whole load of signature cocktails to wash down these tasty eats. You don't need to ask us twice.

Luckenbooths

Known for its 16th-century features and gastro mains, Luckenbooths from The Bon Vivant Group is a top pick for cheap eats in Edinburgh Old Town, found on the iconic Royal Mile. Delve into elevated Scottish fare, from haggis and swede pie to fish 'n' chips, all washed down with a range of lip-smacking craft brews. And if you're visiting a little earlier in the day, there are plenty of breakfast dishes here for £10 or less.

Innis & Gunn Edinburgh

Big Lunch Munch

Innis & Gunn in the West End is fronting some fun international plates in a laid-back space, filled with industrial interiors and long wooden tables. They offer tasty dishes like baked camembert sharers, buttermilk fried chicken burgers and classic or mushroom steak fries, as well as a set lunch menu that offers a delicious sandwich and a drink for just £9.95. Be sure to pair your meal with a fresh pint of craft beer, with 26 different taps available.

Slug and Lettuce Edinburgh, Omni Centre

Slug and Lettuce is a great option for cheap eats in Edinburgh New Town, with two-for-one cocktails every single day to back it up. Fronting a pretty space, alongside a daytime menu, this venue is sure to fill stomachs up with hearty burgers or wraps, alongside three for £17 small plates such as crispy shredded chicken, halloumi fries or burrata and tomato salads. You can even get your hands on a two-person sharing platter for just £25.95, promising three tiers of tasty bites. If you're not in the area, opt for the George Street location instead.

Stewart Brewing

For hearty and delicious cheap eats, Stewart Brewing in Bilston is sure to impress. For under £10 you can enjoy a classic margherita or pepperoni pizza touting a signature homemade tomato sauce or, opt for a tasty Caesar salad made up of smoked chicken, parmesan and crunchy croutons. There are 18 taps of constantly rotating craft beer to pair with your meal, to be enjoyed in their modern, colourful venue or out in the sunny beer garden.

The Last Drop

Known for offering unlimited tea or coffee with every brunch or main menu dish, The Last Drop is great for those low-cost meals. Visit this Old Town boozer for its craft ales or the hearty range of grub, ranging from hearty chicken and bacon pies to chargrilled ribeye steaks or cheese-heavy burgers, with plenty of plant-based options available too. And if you're in the mood for something lighter, they're also offering three small plates for £17.

Loudons Fountainbridge

If you're on the hunt for delicious brunches on a budget, we recommend checking out the independent, family-run Loudons in Fountainbridge, where you'll find minimalist Scandinavian decor and plenty of natural light. Enjoy meals such as Scottish smoked salmon, cinnamon swirl pancakes and peppered beef brisket eggs Benedict for less than £15, as well as cocktails for under a tenner to top it all off. 

El Cartel Teviot

Searching for cheap restaurants in Edinburgh city centre? Make your way over to El Cartel and enjoy everything from Mexican tacos and droolworthy street corn to mango chicken wings or deep-fried cream cheese and jalapeno balls, paired with a selection of over 80 different types of mezcal. Every dish here costs less than £10, with the exception of their larger burgers, designed to be shared across the table. Good news - there's also a site in Roxburgh.

Mowgli – Edinburgh

Looking for the best mid-range restaurants in Edinburgh? Boasting fragrant chicken curries, lamb chops with turmeric chips and tea-steeped chickpeas, Hanover Street venue Mowgli knows a thing or two about good Indian cooking. Even better? This restaurant won't set your wallet back too much as several of their menu items go for less than a tenner. The interiors are just as impressive at the food here, from the hanging ropes and fairy lights to a beautifully decorated ceiling and indoor trees.

Laila Cockburn Street

Wanna dig into delicious grub without breaking the bank? Venture to Laila on Cockburn Street or in the New Town for some stunning eats and pretty pink interiors, alongside indulgent cocktails and hot chocolates available from the bar. Choose from a mouthwatering selection of brunch plates, including shakshouka, pink avocado toast, buttermilk pancakes and loaded harissa beef pittas, all for under £16.

Porty Vault

Fronting a menu of bao and small plates for less than a tenner each, Porty Vault is a great choice of affordable dining destinations thanks to their kitchen collaboration with Bundits. Think fluffy buns stuffed with prawn katsu and Korean braised short rib, as well as salt and pepper mushrooms or miso cucumber. Thirsty? Pair your bargain bites with a freshly pulled pint or cocktail at this Portobello road destination.

Veeno Edinburgh

Wine Wednesdays!🍷

On Rose Street in the New Town, Veeno is slinging out a range of mouthwatering bites at prices that won't break the bank. Think pizza loaded with wild mushrooms and truffle, meaty bolognese pasta, charcuterie boards and so much more, paired with a delish glass of vino or cocktails for less than £10 each. And if you're looking for a cheap set lunch menu in Edinburgh city centre, be sure to check out their offering of two courses for £14.95, or three for £19.95.

All Bar One Exchange Edinburgh

TWO BRUNCH DISHES FOR £15 EVERY DAY TILL 12PM and 1 other offer

All Bar One is known for its cocktails, but it's also home to some great lunch deals in Edinburgh city centre. Think any sandwich or wrap with a drink for £9.95 on weekdays, alongside a bottle of house wine and four small plates to share tapas-style on Tuesdays for £26.95. And if it's morning meals you're after, you can enjoy two brunch dishes for £15 before 12pm Monday to Saturday, including truffled scrambled eggs or French toast with bacon and maple syrup.

Gusto Italian - Edinburgh

Sign up to our complimentary Gold Club today and enjoy £10 off your next visit, 5% cashback every time you dine, a round of drinks on us on your birthday, exclusive invites to VIP events, and more! and 1 other offer

Looking for indulgent Italian eats that are also wallet-friendly? Then you'll love Gusto, found on George Street. This stylish space offers a whole lot of tasty pizzas for £15 or less, topped with everything from goat's cheese or pepperoni to vegan nduja. They also serve all kinds of meat, seafood and pasta dishes, alongside a great value boozy brunch for just £37 per person.

Civerinos

Fancy cheap eats in Edinburgh city centre? Visit Civerinos at their locations in Portobello, Finnieston, Hunter Square or Forrest Road. Make your way inside, where you'll be met with quirky art deco-inspired tiled walls, retro light fittings and a mouthwatering Italian menu. Our picks? Be sure to devour a spicy sausage or four cheese pizza, accompanied by tasty drinks like their signature frozen margarita.

Las Iguanas Edinburgh

When it comes to cheap eats at Edinburgh restaurants, Las Iguanas is at the top of our list. Head inside, where you'll spot vibrant furniture, wooden fixtures and pretty greenery, before exploring the tapas-style plates like loaded nachos topped with shredded chipotle beef, cheese and mango empanadas, lemon fish tacos or cheesy chicken quesadillas. Even better? You can enjoy four cocktails and two dishes here for just £27 per person.

Ting Thai

One of the best affordable restaurants in Edinburgh city centre is Teviot Row hotspot: Ting Thai. This industrial-style venue fronts exposed brick walls, canteen-style furniture and a flavour-packed selection of small plates. Our picks? The slow-cooked pork loin rice noodles, crunchy tofu topped with toasted peanuts or spicy chicken wings, with most dishes costing between £10 and £12 each.

Paradise Palms

Looking for affordable restaurants in Edinburgh Old Town? Paradise palms is the answer. Their small plates start from as little as £2.50, with many of their main meals coming in at well under £15 too. They were voted the best vegetarian restaurant in the Scottish Food Awards for 2017, and they've lived up to that reputation since with a fully meat-free menu of loaded fries, crispy chicken-style burgers, barbecue corn ribs and much more.

BABA

Situated near Edinburgh castle, Baba is a colourful restaurant boasting a delicious Mediterranean and Middle Eastern menu, inspired by the flavours of the Levant. Think mezze plates for around less than a tenner each, including everything from grilled mussels with toasted pitta to pickled shallots and chicken wings, as well as signature cocktails like the Almond Blossom or a rose and hibiscus spritz, all for £12 or less.