Best Local Lunch Spots and Snack Places in Edinburgh

BrewDog Edinburgh offers generous food portions and an impressive beer selection with both house brews and guest taps. Staff provide exceptional service, being friendly, attentive, and great with families and pets. The atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming. Wings get high marks, especially buffalo and dragon spice flavors.

Service can be slow even when the restaurant isn't busy. Some wing flavors like herby lemon don't appeal to everyone. The venue gets very loud when crowded, which may not suit those seeking a quieter dining experience.

Staff consistently friendly and helpful across visits. Beer selection impressive with various options and tastings available. Gluten-free options excellent for coeliacs including dedicated buns and beers. Food highlights include Korean BBQ loaded fries and burgers. Games create fun atmosphere. Good music and lively vibe perfect for groups and special occasions.

Food quality inconsistent with some dishes extremely greasy and inedible. Monthly special loaded fries particularly problematic - so oily they caused illness. Staff failed to check on dissatisfied customers or address food concerns. Limited food options compared to drink variety. Greasy preparation methods affect multiple menu items.

Guests praise the exceptional craft beer selection and knowledgeable staff who provide excellent recommendations. The industrial atmosphere and brewery setting create a unique Edinburgh dining experience. Food quality receives high marks, particularly the creative burgers and sharing plates.

Some visitors find the venue too noisy and crowded, especially during peak hours and weekends. Service can be slow when busy, with long waits for food and drinks. A few reviewers mention inconsistent food quality and higher prices compared to traditional Edinburgh pubs.

Visitors praise the fresh baked bread and excellent coffee as standout items. The cinnamon roll and ham cheese toastie receive high marks. Staff consistently provide friendly service in a clean, lovely atmosphere. Many consider it a favorite local spot with top quality food that keeps customers returning regularly.

Some items like the blueberry bun and pistachio tart receive lukewarm reviews as just okay. The busy larger location struggles with table clearing, as waitresses have difficulty keeping up with the popular demand during peak times.

Visitors praise the excellent coffee quality and delicious Swedish pastries, particularly the chestnut bun. The selection of cakes and buns receives high marks. Some customers are so satisfied they walk miles to return. The air conditioning provides welcome relief on hot days.

Service quality varies significantly with reports of poor customer service and inflexible staff attitudes toward accessibility needs. Coffee service can be messy with spills. Pricing is considered high. Online ordering has issues with delayed shipping and missing gift cards.

Customers praise the exceptional quality of fresh-baked breads and pastries. The minimalist Scandinavian design creates a calm, welcoming atmosphere. Staff receive high marks for friendliness and knowledge. Coffee quality consistently impresses visitors, with many noting the perfect temperature and flavor balance.

Some find portions small for the price point. Weekend queues can be lengthy with limited seating availability. A few customers mention inconsistent service speed during busy periods. Limited savory lunch options disappoint those seeking heartier meals beyond breakfast items.

Outstanding breakfast spot with perfectly cooked dishes like crispy hash potatoes, poached eggs, and eggs Benedict. High-quality locally sourced ingredients shine through open kitchen preparation. Excellent coffee made from quality beans. Friendly, attentive service creates a welcoming atmosphere. Large portions offer great value for money.

Limited seating fills up quickly, requiring advance booking. Automatic service charge feels awkward to remove despite being labeled optional, creating uncomfortable pressure. Small space means crowding during peak breakfast hours. Some visitors felt the mandatory gratuity policy detracted from otherwise positive experiences.

The Larder offers exceptional food quality with fresh ingredients and generous portions. Staff are warm, friendly, and accommodating. The full Scottish breakfast receives high praise, while lunch options like fresh sandwiches and hearty soups impress. Coffee is good and service is quick and efficient.

The restaurant is very small with limited seating, making reservations essential. Walk-ins are frequently turned away, especially on weekends when long lines form outside. The menu has limited options, though what's available is well-executed. Weekend waits can be particularly challenging.

Visitors praise the fresh, high-quality ingredients and authentic Scottish flavors. Many appreciate the knowledgeable staff who explain ingredient origins and provide excellent recommendations. The cozy atmosphere and commitment to local sourcing receive frequent mentions.

Limited seating can mean waiting during peak hours, especially weekends. Some find prices higher than typical cafes. A few visitors mention the small space can feel cramped when busy, and menu options may be limited for those with dietary restrictions.

Visitors rave about the authentic Scottish pies with flaky, buttery crusts served piping hot. The scotch pies have generous meat portions and great flavor at reasonable prices. Multiple varieties available including steak and ale, chicken and mushroom, and haggis options. Perfect for quick snacks while exploring Edinburgh.

Some found the chicken pies could use more meat filling. Asian visitors noted they didn't fully appreciate the haggis pies, suggesting they may be an acquired taste for those unfamiliar with traditional Scottish cuisine.

The pies receive high praise for excellent taste and quality, with perfect crusts and delicious fillings. The haggis options are particularly loved. Service is friendly and attentive. Prices are considered fair and reasonable. Wide variety of pastries including cherry turnovers and haggis rolls satisfy visitors.

The music is too loud with inappropriate rap that makes dining uncomfortable. Limited seating space makes takeaway preferable. Some pies arrive overcooked with hard pastry. Portions can be expensive for the quality received. The busy atmosphere may not suit everyone seeking a relaxed meal.

Customers praise the exceptional pastry quality and generous meat fillings. Many highlight the friendly service and authentic Scottish flavors. Visitors appreciate the reasonable prices and convenient location near major attractions. The steak and ale pie receives particular acclaim.

Some customers mention limited seating and small shop size leading to crowding. A few reviews note inconsistent availability of certain pie varieties. Wait times can be longer during peak tourist hours.

Beloved tearoom serves authentic Scottish breakfast with excellent tea and coffee. Staff provide warm British hospitality. Delicious pastries, scones, and toasties including cranberry bacon brie. Charming decor with classical music creates cozy atmosphere. Quick turnover despite no reservations. Reasonable prices and generous portions.

Very tight space makes it unsuitable for luggage or prams. No reservations accepted so expect potential waits. Some scones can be dry. Limited seating creates cramped conditions that may not accommodate all visitors comfortably.

Visitors praise the charming decor and quaint atmosphere that creates a lovely dining experience. The friendly staff provides welcoming service while well-prepared food includes delicious quiche and exceptional scones. The relaxed setting features adorable interiors, excellent cakes, and garden seating when weather permits.

Some guests find the atmosphere pretentious despite mediocre food quality that doesn't match the hype. Late-day visits may disappoint with tired atmosphere and limited selections. Seating can be cramped in corners near loud groups, while food items like thin scones may not meet expectations.

Visitors praise the authentic Victorian atmosphere and charming decor. The homemade scones receive consistent acclaim for being fresh and delicious. Many appreciate the reasonable prices and generous portions. The cozy, intimate setting creates a memorable experience that feels genuinely Scottish.

Some guests find the space cramped and difficult to navigate. Service can be slow during busy periods. A few visitors mention that food quality can be inconsistent. The narrow layout makes it challenging for larger groups, and some find the vintage furniture uncomfortable for extended sitting.

Authentic Spanish tapas restaurant with excellent food quality and warm atmosphere. Standout dishes include goat cheese with marmalade, meatballs, lamb shoulder, and scallops. Great sangria selection. Staff generally helpful and food arrives quickly. Perfect for sharing meals with friends.

Service can be inconsistent with long waits for attention after initial drink orders. Tables may feel cramped for larger groups. Some experiences include dirty plates left stacking up, no check-backs from servers, and payment issues with incorrect change handling.

Excellent food quality with superb flavors and fresh ingredients. Professional, friendly staff including standout service from Tony from Marseille. Beautiful decor creates lovely atmosphere. Good portion sizes and fair pricing. Wide variety of tapas options including vegetarian, meat, and fish dishes. Delicious desserts with generous portions.

Service becomes slow during busy periods despite being generally efficient. Portion sizes could be more generous according to some guests. Restaurant lacks authentic Spanish background music which would enhance the overall dining experience. Limited negative feedback overall from reviewers.

Diners praise the authentic Spanish flavors and generous portion sizes. The paella receives particular acclaim for its perfectly cooked rice and fresh seafood. Staff knowledge of Spanish wines impresses guests, while the lively atmosphere creates an enjoyable dining experience.

Some visitors find the noise levels too high during busy periods. A few diners mention inconsistent service speed, particularly when the restaurant is full. Occasional complaints about tables being too close together and limited vegetarian options for non-meat eaters.

The Outsider offers stunning Edinburgh Castle views from window tables and delicious food including fresh mussels, perfectly cooked steaks, and venison focaccia. The modern atmosphere is welcoming with fast service and great value. Outstanding staff like Aida provide exceptional hospitality that elevates the dining experience.

Food temperature can be inconsistent with some dishes served cold rather than hot. The restaurant gets very busy and can appear understaffed during peak times. Reservations are phone-only, making it difficult to secure tables. Walk-ins may face waits or limited seating options away from the best views.

The Outsider offers excellent food with fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes. Castle views from upper level tables create memorable dining. Service is attentive and accommodates dietary restrictions well. The wine list is impressive and entertaining to read. Staff are lovely and make visits special, with quick seating despite popularity.

Service becomes very slow when busy, especially during peak dinner hours around 8pm. The kitchen gets overwhelmed with large groups. Reservations are required and must be made by phone about two weeks ahead. Castle view tables are not guaranteed despite requests. Patience is needed due to high popularity.

Diners consistently praise the spectacular castle views and professional service. The modern Scottish cuisine receives high marks for creativity and quality ingredients. Many highlight the romantic atmosphere and special occasion feel. The seasonal menu keeps regulars returning.

Some guests find portions smaller than expected for the price point. Service can be slow during busy periods. A few diners mention the restaurant feels overly formal. Limited vegetarian options disappoint some visitors.