Where to Eat
The Royal Mile is packed with places to eat and drink (of seriously varying quality) and far too many to list here. I’ve therefore restricted this section to places that I have used, would recommend and not because I’ve been paid to list them. I’ve included full blown Restaurants, cafes for lunch and decent takeaways for food on the go.
Angels with Bagpipes– A new restaurant across from St. Giles. Opened by Marina Crolla in 2010, it produces excellent modern Scottish food and has received many plaudits. The Scallops with pork and black pudding are fab.
343 High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1PW
Tel: 0131 220 1111
Starters £6.00-£12.00, Main Courses £13.00-£21.00
Gordon’s Trattoria – A Royal Mile institution, Gordon’s has been producing good, dependable Italian food since 1982.
231, High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1PE
Tel: 0131 225 7992
Starters £7.00-£12.00, Main Courses £9.00-£22.00
Pulcinella – Formerly Le Sept, the Veneruso family who have had restaurants in the Grassmarket for many years, have now expanded into Hunter Square.
5 Hunter Square, Edinburgh, EH1 1QW
Tel: 0131 225 5428
2 Course set Lunch £10.00
Pizza Express – Always dependable if uninspiring.
23 North Bridge, Edinburgh, Midlothian
Tel: 0131 557 6411 or
59-63 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, Midlothian
Tel: 0131 225 9669
Whiski Bar and restaurant – A good place for a Pub lunch, with better than average pub grub but this is reflected in the prices. Does an excellent Steak and Ale pie.
119 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1SG
Tel: 0131 556 3095
Starters £4.50-£9.50, Main courses £9.50-£23.00
Wedgewood – Fine dining, but it can be a bit style over substance. Winner of restaurant of the year 2011 in Scottish Licensed trade news.
267 canongate, Edinburgh,EH8 8BQ
Tel: 0131 558 8737
Starters £7.00-£13.00, Main courses £14.00-£24.00
Pancho Villas – One of the first Mexican restaurants in Edinburgh, owned by Mexican born Mayra Nuñez. Authentic food made using quality ingredients. I usually have beef Quesadillas which are excellent.
240 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8AB
Tel. 0131 557 4416
Starters £4.00-£10.00, Main Courses £10.00-£15.00
Lunches
Patisserie Valerie – A new addition, the French inspired chain has opened a place on Northbridge. Not cheap, but done with real flair and the best chocolate mousse cake I’ve ever tasted.
Marinas – First venture for Marina Crolla, it’s cramped but food is excellent. It does a mean Bacon Sandwich.
61 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, Midlothian
Tel: 0131 622 7447
Edinburgh Larder – Another small café, Eleanor specialises in simple, locally sourced food of excellent quality.
15 Blackfriars Street Edinburgh, EH1 1NB
Tel: 0131 556 6922
Café at Storytelling Centre – Run by Richard and Moira, who started the well regarded Spoon, there’s always a delicious selection of cakes and pastries.
43 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR
Tel: 0131 556 1229
Food on the Go
Fortunately, (in my opinion) the Royal mile has so far resisted the global onslaught of the Golden arches and the Colonel. There are no burger joints or fast food chicken emporiums.There are some of the expected international chains such as Subway and Starbucks, but there are a number of independants thriving as well.
You can get a cheap meal deal at Boots on Northbridge or Greggs on Southbridge, but try one of my favourites, the Pie Maker further along Southbridge towards the University. (a huge selection and a hundred times better than you’ll get from an outlet selling mass produced products)