Cheap ​​Places to Eat in Edinburgh

About the author: Hello! My name is Madelaine Lee but I usually go by Maddie. I am currently a 2nd year Fine Art student at the University of Edinburgh. I love doing things that are hands on – whether it's art and crafts, gardening, painting, pottery, you name it! I am also very much a nature girl and love going on walks and hikes. My art studio is where I spend most of my time, but if not you will probably see me dancing or ice skating too. I can't wait to share the ins and outs of university life with all of you!

Eating out can sometimes feel like a luxury rather than a normal part of life, especially after rent, transport and night outs. But Edinburgh has plenty of spots where you can still treat yourself to food out without emptying your wallet.

From classic chippies to European bistros, I’m here to bring you to a few great Edinburgh places that balance price, portion size and atmosphere.

Fresh pasta that feels fancy without being too expensive 🍝

Ragù Pasta on 92 George Street is an Italian restaurant that focuses on fresh pasta made in-house, with classic Italian sauces like slow-cooked ragù, creamy carbonara, and tomato-based options. It is only around £10-15 per main dish, which I think is a really good deal for authentic pasta! The menu also includes sides like focaccia and burrata, and has vegetarian and vegan options.

I’ve managed to get the slow-cooked ragù pasta whilst it was on 20% discount, so be sure to check out their website for any current offers! That pasta was genuinely one of the most filling and delicious pasta dishes I’ve ever had. I would definitely rate the quality of their food a 5/5!

The atmosphere is a modern but casual warm lighting and slightly lively. It works for a casual dinner before a night out or a dinner date with a friend, and is an option that is an "affordable treat” for the sort of place you go when you want something that’s better than takeaway but is still reasonable.

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The chippy: a student classic 🐟

For anyone living around Marchmont or Newington, Salvatore’s Fish and Chips is exactly what you want from a traditional fish and chip shop: quick, cheap, and generous with their portions. The menu has all the classics including fresh haddock suppers, sausage and chips, pizza crunch, and burgers. A fish and chips meal is usually around £10 which is pretty standard for Edinburgh chippies today, and my personal favourite order is just getting a large portion of chips to share between myself and a friend.

It’s a takeaway shop, so I tend to grab the order, sit on a bench and eat outside with friends. Marchmont and Newington is close to lots of student housing and university buildings, meaning it’s definitely a go-to for late-night snacks and post-lecture comfort foods. Me and my flatmates can’t hold ourselves back from getting something from them at least once a month!

Candlelit dining on a student budget 🕯️

Hidden just off George Street in the New Town area on Hanover Street, Chez Jules (a French bistro) do some of the best value sit-down meals you can find in Edinburgh city centre. Chez Jules has been trending all over my TikTok, and probably yours too! I had to give it a try.

The vibe is very much cosy, with dim lighting, tightly packed tables, and sounds of chatter over wine. This place is small and always busy, so make sure to expect a bit of a wait or make reservations prior to your meal.

Chez Jules is especially known among students and locals for its cheap lunch deals where you can get two- or three-course meals for the price of a takeaway. I've gotten a steak with fries for just £9.99! Meals also come with complimentary starter bread, butter, and salad with olives, and some other popular dishes that dominate the menu include their french onion soup and mussels.

A hidden gem for budget food 💎

The Nile Valley Cafe at 6 Chapel Street, near the University of Edinburgh and Southside, is a small Sudanese café. It’s a favourite among students looking for cheap, convenient and delicious food, and the menu includes wraps, falafel, salads, and grilled meats.

They have generous portions and bold flavours – nothing too fancy, just a simple cafe vibe. It’s affordable, filling and a great alternative to standard fast food.

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General tips for eating out as a student in Edinburgh ✅

• Many restaurants offer significantly cheaper menus during the day, especially around the city centre.
• Look for neighbourhood spots like Marchmont, Bruntsfield and Newington, as they tend to have more student-friendly prices.
• Sharing or splitting food with friends can make slightly pricier restaurants much more affordable.

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