The Full Student Guide To Edinburgh Lunch Spots
After a busy morning of lectures and working hard on campus, nothing beats a good catch up with your friends over lunch.
For students living in the Scottish capital, you’re sorted when it comes to an afternoon meal out, with a variety of different places across the city offering all sorts of cuisine.
With so many different places to choose from when your belly is rumbling, it can be hard to decide on just one spot, but don’t worry, we’re here to help.
In this full student guide, we’ll be giving you a full rundown of the top Edinburgh lunch spots!
1. Honeycomb & Co.
When it comes to Edinburgh lunch spots, there’s no doubt about it that Honeycomb & Co. is one of the best.
Situated on Merchiston Place, this warm and friendly eatery has a passion for great tastes and flavours, with an extensive menu to choose from.
Lunch is served everyday from 12-2:30pm, with every dish on their menu made from scratch and in-house so you can guarantee that it tastes amazing.
A highlight has to be the Lamb Burger with Chunky Chaat Masala Wedges, or for a vegetarian option, try their Roast Vine Tomato & Fresh Basil Soup.
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Address: 1 Merchiston Pl, Edinburgh EH10 4NP
2. Makars Mash Bar
Rated number 1 on TripAdvisor for Edinburgh lunch spots, Makars Mash Bar is world famous for serving Scottish cuisine at its best.
Specialising in mashed potato served with a range of toppings and made from delicious, healthy and locally produced foods, this place is the definition of comfort food.
For a traditional plate, why not try their Beef Haggis With Heather Honey & Turnip Pure with your choice of mash?
Or, for a vegan option you can order their Vegetarian Haggis & Whisky with Peppercorn and Cream Sauce.
This cosy mash bar is a must-visit for lunch enthusiasts in Edinburgh, so be sure to check it out.
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Address: 9-12 Bank St, Edinburgh EH1 2LN
3. Loudons New Waverley
For lovely and fresh food served in stylish surroundings, Loudons New Waverly is where you need to head to.
This award-winning cafe and artisan bakery has built up quite the reputation in Edinburgh thanks to their amazing breakfast, brunch and lunch menu.
Here you can get together with friends and enjoy the likes of Prosciutto toast, served with fresh basil pesto, boiled egg and cream cheese together, with plenty of extra virgin oil.
They also serve up a mean cappuccino, so if you’re a coffee lover, make sure to drop in for a bite to eat and a cuppa!
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Address: 2 Sibbald Walk, Edinburgh EH8 8FT
4. Urban Angel
Urban Angel has been making serious waves in Central Edinburgh over the last couple of years with their unrivalled menu.
There’s plenty to choose from at lunch time to suit everyone’s tastes, no matter if you’re vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free.
A favourite for us is their delicious pulled pork burger with slaw & wild garlic aioli, served with hand cut chips.
For a nice and healthy summer salad, we’d recommend the watermelon & feta with olives, mixed chillies, fresh mint and basil.
Their ever-changing specials list is well worth checking out too, so head on down and try for yourself!
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Address: 121 Hanover St, Edinburgh EH2 1DJ
5. EM’s Kitchen
If you’re on the hunt for the best lunch spots in and around Edinburgh, EM’s Kitchen should definitely be up there.
Open every day from 8am until 4pm, this stunning cafe serves some of the most loved dishes, from Scottish breakfasts to Eggs Florentine to Nutella & Banana Pancakes.
Fancy splurging out? Go for a delicious cocktail to compliment your lunch, you deserve it after that morning study session!
With great-tasting food, quick and friendly service and a nice vibe, we’re sure you’ll leave this place impressed.
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Address: 38 St Mary’s St, Edinburgh EH1 1SX
6. Wanderlust Cafe & Bistro
On the hunt for the best places to eat with your besties? Wanderlust Cafe & Bistro is a cosy little lunch spot on Canongate.
Kitted out in contemporary interiors, if you’re craving New York Style Wraps, Full Scottish Breakfasts, Halloumi Fries or BBQ Ribs, then this is the place for you.
Don’t worry, there’s also plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options too, so no matter your dietary requirements, you’ll find something to suit.
Their lunch menu is top notch and great value, so ditch cooking in your student flat and head on down…
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Address: 274 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8AA
7. Tani Modi Brunch House
If you’re after somewhere to have a catch up with your pals, Tani Modi Brunch House is a small, family-run cafe on Hanover Street.
This much-talked about lunch spot serves up traditional Italian plates from Peperino Piadina to Hummus & Avocado Ciabatta to Campagnola Salad.
If you’re feeling peck-ish, they also serve up homemade cakes and sweet treats, with something new on offer everyday!
Having been a part of the Edinburgh food scene for over 10 years, this place fills up very fast.
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Address: 103 Hanover St, Edinburgh EH2 1DJ
8. The Pantry
One place which comes up in conversation time and time again as a great lunch spot is The Pantry.
This simple and modern restaurant is located in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town, and specialises in top class lunch options.
Open every day of the week from 9am until 4pm, here you can enjoy highlights like their Pork Belly Rice Noodle Salad, or their Prawn Rolls.
Be sure to check out their special board to discover the soup and sandwich of the day too, you don’t want to miss out!
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Address: 1 N W Circus Pl, Edinburgh EH3 6ST
9. The Piper’s Rest
You’ll find The Piper’s Rest in Edinburgh’s famous Old Town, serving up traditional Scottish food and craft beers.
If hearty pub grub is what you’re after, you can count on this place to come through, with a wide range of dishes to choose from.
How does the Frying Scotsman Burger served with onion rings, whisky cream sauce and chunky chips sound?
Or for a healthier option, try their Pomegranate & Chickpea Salad, consisting of spinach, beetroot and walnut salad served with spiced chickpeas and pomegranate.
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Address: 3 Hunter Square, Edinburgh EH1 1QW
10. The Pakora Bar
The Pakora Bar is the ultimate lunch hangout for authentic home-made Punjabi street food.
Here you can choose from a large selection of pakoras, samosas, Indian desserts and more, with vegetarian options also available.
A crowning glory has to be their Paneer Pakora Wrap served with spicy chips and mango chilli.
They’re open every day of the week from 12 until 9:30pm, so get a plan sorted with your pals and take a visit.
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Address: 111 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AU
As a student in Edinburgh, you’re blessed with so many lunch spots to choose from with each offering something different!
Are you wanting to find out more about life in Edinburgh? We’ve got just the guide for you with 10 Reasons Why Student Life In Edinburgh Is Far From Boring.