Welcome to Edinburgh, where history meets flavor and your taste buds are in the mood for a treat, whether wandering the old town’s cobbled streets, soaking up Stockbridge’s charm, or diving into the city’s vibrant food scene.
There is no need to worry about your budget we have got you Best Budget Eats Edinburgh and that too in a variety of cuisines such as Indian, Italian, Mexican, Chinese, and last but not least Scottish.
If you are a traveler on a budget check out our guide to 7 Best Day Trips from London
Here’s the list of 10 best budget eats Edinburgh, including Meals under £15? Let’s embark on this mouthwatering journey because delicious doesn’t have to be expensive!
Table of Contents
1. Franco Manco (Stockbridge)
If you are hunting for the best budget-friendly pizza in Edinburgh Franco Manco Stockbridge deserves a spot on your list. They serves authentic Neapolitan sourdough pizzas cooked to perfection in a traditional wood-fired oven.
The menu is really simple and they have cleverly numbered the menu making the decision easy for you. Their price ranges from £6.95 to £13.25. Pair your pizza with fresh salads, marinated olives, or homemade tiramisu for a full Italian feast.
This place is located in Stockbridge one of the most charming neighborhoods of Edinburgh and within walking distance from the city center as well. The rustic decor cozy seating and warm lighting create a welcoming ambience.
Here they also have a Private area with few sittings having a view of flowing river to get some awesome photos. The staff of this place is the best I ever had in my life especially the manager Christophe (What a gentleman) If he could he would have offered me everything complimentary. A MUST VISIT!!!.
2. The Pakora Bar
Looking for a spot that brings big bold flavors with a dash of quirk? Pakora Bar on Hanover Street, New Town is where this magic happens. Explore more about New Town in our guide to New Town Edinburgh Things To Do: Top 10 Attractions
This place celebrates one of the best Indian street foods in Edinburgh from crispy, golden pakoras( Tempura ) to mouthwatering curries and wraps bursting with flavors. You can start here with their signature dish “Pakora” and then head towards the flavorful curries like butter chicken, lamb curry, or vegan lentil everything on the menu ranges from £6.5 to £17. You can round out your meals with indulgent sides like garlic naan, spiced fire, and cooling yogurt dips.
I would give you a secret tip here always ask for their home brand of beer which was offered to us by one of the owners for tasting and after that, I’m still waiting for their brand to be launched in my home country. The service and hospitality were top-notch (exactly what you expect from an Indian restaurant).
This place has a very vibrant and colorful ambiance which even increases the charm of the place, it’s a Bollywood-inspired artwork with cozy seating and warm lighting a perfect place to go with your friends.
3. Ting Thai Caravan
If you are a fan of bold authentic Thai flavors served in a lively setting Ting Thai Caravan is a must-visit in Edinburgh known for its mouthwatering Thai street food this buzzing eatery offers a menu packed with flavorful dishes that transport you straight to the streets of Bangkok ranging from £4.60 to £12.40.
I want to recommend some dishes from the menu like Pad Thai, The Gaeng Massaman (creamy tofu gravy), Khao Soi(northern Thai coconut gravy), God Thai(fried chicken), and Som Tum(green papaya salad). Every item on their menu is thoughtfully crafted to deliver an authentic taste of Thailand.
Despite this place’s fast-paced environment, the staff is attentive, friendly, knowledgeable about the menu, and happy to recommend dishes. Talking about the ambiance, it’s a buzzing industrial chic space with communal seating, wooden tables, and decor inspired by Thailand’s vibrant streets. My favorite thing was the open kitchen.
While exploring these amazing places don’t forget to take lots of pictures. For the best photo spots, check out our blog on Top 10 Instagrammable Places in Edinburgh.
4. Oink
For a true taste of Scotland Oink is a go-to spot in Edinburgh. Specializing in mouthwatering hog roast sandwiches, this quirky eatery delivers hearty and flavorful meals perfect for a quick satisfying bite. With its locally sourced ingredients and simple yet irresistible menu this place is famous between both locals and visitors. I don’t think you will find anything more affordable than this place as its menu range is between £4 to £6.80.
The service here is fast and friendly they will give you suggestions on fillings or sauces to match your taste preferences. The ambiance of the place is really simple, and cozy no-frills interiors feature wooden counters and vibrant pink branding. The display of whole hog roast in the window adds a touch of spectacle and draws curious passersby inside. My recommendation would be to take away the food exploring the streets and iconic landmarks in Edinburgh.
5. Bodega
If you are craving bold authentic Mexican flavors in Edinburgh, Bodega is the place to be known for its freshly made soft shells tacos and inventive combinations, they bring a modern twist to traditional Mexican cuisine
They offer fresh and bold flavors with options for all meat lovers, vegans, and vegetarians. Some of my personal favorites of this place are soft shell tacos, quesadillas,house-made guacamole, spicy slaw, and a Mexican soda in the end. Their menu ranges between £5 to £8. The ambiance and service of the place is good as the staff pays attention to all the needs of the customers and cater to them perfectly.
6. Durbar Indian Restaurant
If you are exploring the explosion of spices, aromas, and authentic flavors Durbar Indian restaurant is your ultimate destination located at Shandwick. They offer you a combination of Indian and Nepalese cuisine. This hidden gem promises an unforgettable culinary journey that will have you coming back for more.
My recommendation from the menu would be their butter chicken, lamb rogan josh, vegetable biryani, Nepalese momos, and garlic naan. The menu ranges between £6.50 and £15. Some dishes go above £15, but they are designed to cater to two people based on the portion size.
They have a very royal Indian theme in their restaurant which aligns so well with the name and on the other hand, the staff is exceptional in the service. We had some doubts regarding the dishes on the menu and the head chef and the owner gave us ample time to explain the combinations of food and that too with patience which was like a cherry on the cake of their service. A truly exceptional gem on Princess Street.
7. Kampong Ah Lee
This place brings a slice of Malaysia to Edinburgh with its comforting and flavored-packed dishes. Kampong Ah Lee is nestled on Clerk Street. This cozy eatery is about authenticity and serving fragrant foods.
This place is a perfect representation of Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage. They focused more on the food and kept the ambiance minimalistic, creating casual dining seating.
If we look at the menu the Starters range from £4-£6 and the mains from £10-£13. Some of the best from the menu will be Char Kway Teow (Wok fried flat noodles), Nasi Goreng(Fried Rice Dish), Laska(Creamy Spicy Noodles), Beef Rendang(slow-cooked Beef in coconut Curry), Roti canai (Butterly Flatbread) and Vegetable Mee Goreng.
This place is best for students and people traveling on a budget like us and also one of the best budget eats Edinburgh. Their service is warm, attentive, and refreshing very down-to-earth staff, offering suggestions or tweaking spice levels to match your taste.
8. Chop Chop
If you are searching for handmade dumplings and authentic Northern Chinese food, Chop Chop is a place to be. Tucked away on Morrison Street this Edinburgh favorite combines traditional Chinese flavor with a modern no-fuss dining experience. The menu is crafted so beautifully that your tastebuds won’t ever forget them. Moreover, this place is one of the favorite spots suggested by Gordan Ramsay.
The starter price ranges from £4-£7 and for mains it’s £8-£13. The signatures from the menu will be Handmade Dumplings(Steamed or fried), Chowmein (Wok-fried Noodles), Spicy Aubergine (suitable for Vegetarians cooked in rich garlic sauce), Crispy Northern Beef (Thinly sliced and fried to perfection) and last but not the least the refreshing and light Cucumber Salad dressed with garlic and sesame oil.
The staff at this place is very welcoming and will offer you genuine recommendations based on their favorites. Food arrives fresh piping hot and surprisingly fast. The space is clean with minimal subtle Chinese accents like traditional artworks and warm tones that add to its charm. That makes it one of the Edinburgh best budget eats in Edinburgh.
9. The Haggis Box
If you want to celebrate Scotland’s national dish haggis head towards The Haggis Box where you can get heartily affordable meals giving you an authentic taste of Scotland, situated inside the Scottish Storytelling Centre on Royal Mile this cozy eatery offers a modern twist on Scotland’s most beloved comfort food. While enjoying Scotland’s traditional flavors, consider planning a trip along the North Coast 500 where you can taste more regional delicacies along with enjoying the views of scottish highlands.
The menu at this place is simple yet satisfying offering generous portions. Let’s take a deep dive into the menu The Traditional Haggis is a standout locally sourced and perfectly seasoned served with creamy neeps (mashed turnips) and tatties (mashed potatoes). For a vegetarian version, you have vegetarian haggis with lentils and oats. For an extra cozy touch pair your haggis with Soup of the Day.
Each dish is beautifully presented in a takeaway-friendly box making it the perfect quick and affordable bite while exploring Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.
10. The City Cafe
This is a retro American-style cafe located on Blair Street just off the Royal Mile. The city cafe is a great spot to recharge after wandering Old town. Check out our blog Old Town Edinburgh: Top 10 stops for your Day Tour to explore more attractions nearby.
It is a favorite spot among both tourists and locals. The place gives you 1950s vibes with hearty meals and wallet-friendly prices. Whether you are grabbing a quick bite or spending time with friends, The City Cafe promises a memorable dining experience.
The menu here ranges between £3.50-£15.95. The major highlights are the all-day breakfast, burgers like Classic Cheese and Vegan Delight, fluffy pancakes stacked with syrup and berries, creamy milkshakes, and last but not least our favorite loaded nachos.
The service of this place is fully efficient and warm, the staff here is attentive without being overbearing, orders are been taken promptly with a smile on face ad genuine appreciation.
Hence Edinburgh proved that you can eat well without spending a fortune. From hog roast rolls to Malaysian noodles and retro burgers, these spots offer unforgettable flavors without breaking the bank. So, grab your appetite and explore these top 10 budget eats Edinburgh that you won’t regret!
Leave a reply