With this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe now underway, we’ve taken a look at the best places to grab a bite to eat in between shows.
Focusing on four areas where most of the world’s biggest arts festival’s venues are located, including Leith, New Town, Old Town and Pleasance/Bristo Square, we’ve recommended eateries to cater all tastes, from quick and easy takeaways to fine dining experiences.
See our photo gallery below to get ideas for where to stop for food during the Fringe this August in Edinburgh.
9. Leith Shawarma
Situated on Leith Walk, Leith Shawarma is round the corner from a haul of Fringe venues at Manderston Street. This Middle Eastern restaurant and takeaway has a 4.7 out of five Google rating based on 238 reviews. Reviewers like this restaurant's delicious and fresh shawarma, especially the lamb and chicken options, and appreciate that the flatbread is made in-house. They also highlight the generous portions and good value for money. Guests mention the staff are friendly, kind, and provide excellent service. Leith Shawarma is open seven days a week 12pm-11pm. | Google Maps
10. Domenico's
This charming little Italian restaurant down by The Shore on Sandport Street is close to Fringe venues on Commercial Street, Bernard Street and Ferry Road, as well as Ocean Terminal. This small homely eaterie is always popular so you will need to book ahead to get one of the few tables on offer, but the delicious pastas on offer are well worth making that extra effort to enjoy one of the city's best restaurants in between catching Fringe shows this August. Although a sit down meal is highly recommended, this Leith restaurant also does tasty sandwiches, wraps and cakes to go during the day. Domenico's is open 12pm-2.30pm and 5pm-9pm, Monday to Thursday, 12pm - 9.30pm Friday and Saturday, and 5pm - 9pm Sunday. | Stock
11. Jolly
This landmark Italian restaurant at the top of Leith Walk on Elm Row has been serving locals for many years and is always packed out, so best to book ahead. But given it's reasonably priced menu is full of all the usual Italian favourites, and the great central location between Leith and the city centre, The Jolly is a great 'cheap and cheerful' choice for somewhere to eat during Fringe shows in Edinburgh this year. The Jolly is open Monday-Friday, 12pm-2:30pm and 5pm-9:30pm, Saturday 12pm-9:30pm, and Sunday 12:30pm-9pm.
12. Barry Fish
Barry Fish, at the Shore, offers a truly impressive fine dining experience in elegant surroundings, overlooking the Water of Leith. Opened last year by one of Scotland’s most renowned chefs, Barry Bryson, Barry Fish brings the sea directly to your plate and leaves you wanting more. This gem of a restaurant really is a great place to visit for a fine dining experience in between Fringe shows. Showcasing the best fish and shellfish from Scotland, the 34-cover restaurant and bar also serves a variety of dishes to suit non-fish eaters, as well as offering wines, cocktails, craft beer and Scottish cordials. The Low-Tide and Big Snacks menus include Barry Fish sea trout pastrami and Loch Fyne oysters. Eyemouth crab; sea bream and sea bass ceviche; octopus; while kedgeree dishes are also available. The evening dinner menu includes shelled half lobster; whole sea bass or bream; and ‘The Big Pie’ made with beef cheek Bourguignon and pancetta. Barry Fish is open Tuesday to Saturday, 4.30pm until 10pm. | supplied