The thirty minute lunch
Whether you're after fresh pizza, mezze or something a little bit different, the capital has some great spots for lunchtime treats. Here's some of our favourites...
For the tastiest street food...
Ting Thai Caravan on Teviot Place never disappoints with its authentic Thai street food and whilst it does have seating, you can also grab dishes to go. Get there early to avoid the students and try the Small Box with marinated grilled chicken, lemongrass, ginger, lime leaf, cha plu leaf, garlic, coriander and coconut milk, £4.20 – it’s delicious. For a flavour of the Middle East, Pomegranate Express at 12 Nicolson Street is a newish arrival in town from the owners of Hanam’s, Pomegranate, Laila’s Bistro and Souq. It offers healthy Middle Eastern Buddha bowls, mezze, Lebanese breads and shawarma, seven days a week from noon to 11pm.
For a weekend blow out (or a hangover busting feast)...
The Pitt, Edinburgh’s famous streetfood market, takes over a warehouse and yard in Leith every Saturday (12-10pm) and Sunday (11am-7pm). Our favourite trader has to be Pitt Steak whose trademark Steak on Chips with gremolata is worth queuing for.
For the ultimate sandwiches...
Victor Hugo on the Meadows has been serving up its signature pastrami on rye since it first opened in 1955. The mammoth sandwich bursting with meat, cheese and sweet gherkins is known as the best pastrami sandwich in town – but the café/deli has plenty more on its menu too. If the Meadows seems like a mission, you’ll be pleased to hear they’re about to open the doors to another café on George Street. Also opening a second branch for carb-loving city dwellers, cheese toastie haven Meltmongers has expanded beyond its original café/ takeaway on Bruntsfield Place with a new outpost at 138 Dundas Street.
Bross Bagels is another must eat destination for carb loving locals. Now with delis in Porty, Leith and the West End, you’ll find homemade gourmet bagels like the Porkin’ Chick’ (sliced chicken breast, chorizo, smoked Applewood cheese, dill pickles, rocket & Mama Bross’ Rock Sauce), £5.50, as well as weekend specials in all their shops.
For proper pizza...
You’ll find tasty, freshly made pizza at Civerinos Slice on Forrest Road and, oh boy, it’s good. Slices (bigger than your head) start at £3.85 offering the perfect combo of New York Grandma Slice, made from a thin layer of dough stretched into an oiled Sicilian pizza pan, topped sparingly with 100 per cent shredded mozzarella, hand pulped San Marzano tomatoes, chopped garlic and olive oil, and baked until the top bubbles and the bottom crisps, plus a Coke Zero for £6.50 everyday.
For something a little different...
Inspired by an appreciation for great food and a passion for good old- fashioned hospitality, Good & Proper Deli Co on Raeburn Place offers everything from quiche to frittata, salads and delicious homemade sausage rolls, £4.50. Forget the cheap versions; we’re talking a meaty combo of chicken, pork, basil and parmesan which will change the way you look at sausage rolls forever. For a lighter option, the North African spiced roasted squash salad with chickpeas, dates and pomegranate, £7.50, is a great takeaway option for sunny days in the Botanics just up the road.