Looking for more bang for your buck? We know the feeling. Luckily, the Scottish capital is touting a boatload of wallet-friendly eateries where you can eat out on a budget. Whether you're after casual spots in the city centre for Japanese eats or thrifty set menus and vibrant interiors in the New Town, we have rounded up Edinburgh's affordable restaurants for cheap eats - we're talking food for under £20 and drinks deals with your meal for less than £30.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 1st July 2025
For hearty and delicious cheap eats, Stewart Brewing in Bilston is sure to impress. For under £10 you can enjoy a classic margherita or pepperoni pizza touting a signature homemade tomato sauce or, opt for a tasty Caesar salad made up of smoked chicken, parmesan and crunchy croutons. There are 18 taps of constantly rotating craft beer to pair with your meal, to be enjoyed in their modern, colourful venue or out in the sunny beer garden.
After some of the best cheap eats in Edinburgh? Dishing out 2 for 1 meals, BrewDog on Lothian Road is offering up a mouthwatering range of American eats, alongside a cracking vegan Monday deal. Think buy one get one free across all plant-based or vegetarian dishes such as Beyond meat burgers, Buffalo cauliflower wings and truffle cheese fries, here or at Doghouse. Almost all their burgers cost less than £15, and you can also enjoy two sides for £6 any day of the week. Even better? There are over 20 taps of fresh craft beer to enjoy with your meal.
If you're on the hunt for delicious brunches on a budget, we recommend checking out the independent, family-run Loudons in Fountainbridge, where you'll find minimalist Scandinavian decor and plenty of natural light. This friendly eatery has been serving the local area since 2011, making quite the name for itself among brunch lovers. Enjoy meals such as Scottish smoked salmon, cinnamon swirl pancakes and peppered beef brisket eggs Benedict for less than £15, as well as cocktails for under a tenner to top it all off.
A popular chain with over 30 years of experience on the UK high street, ASK Italian Edinburgh is a conveniently located and affordable restaurant found just off Princes Street - perfect for a meal before or after your other errands, activities and visits to attractions in the city centre. Expect twists on classic dishes and flavours, including burrata pancetta carbonara and mushroom truffle calzone on a creamy white base.
For the one of the best casual restaurants in Edinburgh city centre for cheap eats, head to YO! on Princes Street. Make your way through the selection of thrifty maki rolls, katsu curries and sticky beef teriyaki that arrive on a signature conveyer belt, with some dishes starting from as little as £2.95 each, and sharing platters coming in at only £14.95. As for drinks? Expect sake or Asahi beer, alongside rice lager from Brewgooder.
Looking for the best mid-range restaurants in Edinburgh for cheap eats? Boasting fragrant chicken curries, lamb chops with turmeric chips and tea-steeped chickpeas, Hanover Street venue Mowgli knows a thing or two about good Indian cooking, with an extensive street food-inspired menu. Even better? This restaurant won't set your wallet back too much as several of their menu items go for less than a tenner, alongside their great value tiffin lunchboxes that start from £18. The interiors are just as impressive at the food here, from the hanging ropes and fairy lights to a beautifully decorated ceiling and indoor trees.
Wanna dig into delicious grub without breaking the bank? Venture to Laila on Cockburn Street or in the New Town for some stunning eats and Instagrammable, pretty pink interiors, alongside indulgent cocktails and hot chocolates available from the bar. This quirky spot was founded by two talented women local to Edinburgh, one of which used to be a private chef, so you know you're in for some top-notch Scottish cooking here. Choose from a mouthwatering selection of brunch plates, including shakshouka, pink avocado toast, buttermilk pancakes and loaded harissa beef pittas, all for under £16.
Known for its 16th-century features and gastro mains, Luckenbooths from The Bon Vivant Group is a top pick for cheap eats in Edinburgh Old Town, found on the iconic Royal Mile. Delve into elevated Scottish fare, from haggis and swede pie to fish 'n' chips, all washed down with a range of lip-smacking craft brews. And if you're visiting a little earlier in the day, there are plenty of breakfast dishes here for £10 or less.
A relaxed bar and bistro that's found on the former site of a derelict pub, The Lioness of Leith boasts affordable but top-quality fare. This rustic venue features dark walls, traditional wooden furnishings and quirky artwork on the walls, as well as a cracking selection of local and international drinks.
Burger Mama are in the kitchen slinging out gourmet dishes using local, award-winning produce. There's an extensive choice of beef, chicken and meat-free patties with toppings like chipotle mayo or spicy mac 'n' cheese, as well as nachos, chicken baskets and more. And the best part? Almost every main course is under £15.
Slug and Lettuce is a great option for cheap eats in Edinburgh New Town, with two-for-one cocktails every single day to back it up. Fronting a pretty space, alongside a daytime menu, this venue is sure to fill stomachs up with hearty burgers or wraps, alongside three for £17 small plates such as crispy shredded chicken, halloumi fries or burrata and tomato salads. You can even get your hands on a two-person sharing platter for just £25.95, promising three tiers of tasty bites. If you're not in the area, opt for the George Street location instead.
Innis & Gunn in the West End is fronting some fun international plates in a laid-back space, filled with industrial interiors and long wooden tables. They offer tasty dishes like baked camembert sharers, buttermilk fried chicken burgers and classic or mushroom steak fries, as well as a set lunch menu that offers a delicious sandwich and a drink for just £9.95. Be sure to pair your meal with a fresh pint of craft beer, with 26 different taps available.
Half price 12-inch pizza every Monday? Yes please. Marcos Pool Hall and Pizza Bar in Haymarket is the place to go for some of the best casual dining in Edinburgh, with toppings ranging from spicy pepperoni to a classic margherita, as well as a cracking selection of gins, beers and wines. Their pizzas can be devoured for as little as £5.75 when this offer's on, though they're not much more than a tenner any day of the week. What's more, there are pool tables aplenty when it comes to entertainment.
Pizza Masterclass - Pizzaiolo in Training £55 per person and 9 other offers
Great food does not have to come with a high price tag, and Pizza Pilgrims is proof of that. This Edinburgh hotspot serves up generous portions of authentic Neapolitan pizza at prices that will not make your wallet wince.
The smoky aubergine parmigiana is packed with bold, comforting flavours, while the double pepperoni with hot honey delivers the perfect balance of heat and indulgence. Whether you are grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a full meal, this Rose Street gem is a go-to for affordable Italian dining.
Promising two-for-one cocktails a all times and an extensive menu of affordable American dishes, TGI Fridays is a great choice for anyone on a budget. This laid-back spot can be found on Castle Street in the city centre, promising relaxed interiors and a welcoming atmosphere.
Their plates range from mozzarella dippers to loaded nachos, chicken tacos and juicy burgers. Don't miss out on dessert either - we recommend the honeycomb cheesecake.
Manahatta proves you don't need to break the bank for a stylish night out. Their revamped menu offers delicious, Big Apple-inspired dishes, including gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options at accessible prices.
Whether you're after a casual dinner or pre-drinks bite before heading out, Manahatta delivers great food, great cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere, all without the hefty price tag.
All Bar One is known for its cocktails, but it's also home to some great lunch deals. Think any sandwich or wrap with a drink for £9.95 on weekdays, alongside a bottle of house wine and four small plates to share tapas-style on Tuesdays for £26.95. And if it's morning meals you're after, you can enjoy two brunch dishes for £15 before 12pm Monday to Saturday, including truffled scrambled eggs or French toast with bacon and maple syrup.
Known for offering unlimited tea or coffee with every brunch or main menu dish, The Last Drop is great for those low-cost meals. Visit this Old Town boozer for its craft ales or the hearty range of grub, ranging from hearty chicken and bacon pies to chargrilled ribeye steaks or cheese-heavy burgers, with plenty of plant-based options available too. And if you're in the mood for something lighter, they're also offering three small plates for £17.
Searching for cheap restaurants in Edinburgh city centre? Make your way over to El Cartel and enjoy everything from Mexican tacos and droolworthy street corn to mango chicken wings or deep-fried cream cheese and jalapeno balls, paired with a selection of over 80 different types of mezcal. Every dish here costs less than £10, with the exception of their larger burgers, designed to be shared across the table. Good news - there's also a site in Roxburgh.
Situated near Edinburgh castle, Baba is a colourful restaurant boasting a delicious Mediterranean and Middle Eastern menu, inspired by the flavours of the Levant. Think mezze plates for around less than a tenner each, including everything from grilled mussels with toasted pitta to pickled shallots and chicken wings, as well as signature cocktails like the Almond Blossom or a rose and hibiscus spritz, all for £12 or less.
One of the best affordable restaurants in Edinburgh city centre is Teviot Row hotspot: Ting Thai. This industrial-style venue fronts exposed brick walls, canteen-style furniture and a flavour-packed selection of small plates. Our picks? The slow-cooked pork loin rice noodles, crunchy tofu topped with toasted peanuts or spicy chicken wings, with most dishes costing between £10 and £12 each.
Fancy cheap eats in Edinburgh city centre? Visit New York-inspired pizzeria Civerinos at their locations in Portobello, Finnieston, Hunter Square or Forrest Road. Make your way inside, where you'll be met with quirky art deco-inspired tiled walls, retro light fittings and a mouthwatering Italian menu. Our picks? Be sure to devour a spicy sausage or wild mushrrom pizza, accompanied by tasty drinks like their signature frozen margarita. Slices start from as little as £4.25 here, and you can even get a whole 20-inch pie for just £20.
When it comes to the best casual dining in Edinburgh? Paradise palms is the answer. Their small plates start from as little as £2.50, with many of their main meals coming in at well under £15 too. They were voted the best vegetarian restaurant in the Scottish Food Awards for 2017, and they've lived up to that reputation since with a fully meat-free menu of loaded fries, crispy chicken-style burgers, barbecue corn ribs and much more.
One of the best cheap restaurants in Edinburgh, Wahaca really knows how to nail flavour-packed bites without breaking the bank. Sink your teeth into street eats, including slow-cooked beef brisket tacos and grilled chicken burritos, all while taking in the vibrant atmosphere. You're not missing out on any quality with the price here though, as MasterChef champion Thomasina Miers created this venue with top-notch authentic cuisine in mind, using low-carbon ingredients where possible and indicating the most planet-friendly choices on their menu.
When it comes to cheap eats at Edinburgh restaurants, the Latin American-inspired Las Iguanas is at the top of our list. Head inside, where you'll spot vibrant furniture, wooden fixtures and pretty greenery, before exploring the tapas-style plates like loaded nachos topped with shredded chipotle beef, cheese and mango empanadas, lemon fish tacos or cheesy chicken quesadillas. Even better? You can enjoy four cocktails and two dishes here for just £27 per person.
