12 of the best places to grab food on the go in Edinburgh
If you’re navigating a tight Fringe schedule, these are the best spots to refuel in between shows
Sometimes you just need something fast to plug the hungry gap as you criss-cross the city, something munchable to sustain you as you battle the crowds to find a bench that’s not yet been pressed into service as a venue. Lannan Bakery is very much worth the hype but, let’s face it, you’re going to be queuing all day so standing in a line for a pastry probably isn’t on your to-do list. Instead, pre-order in advance (well in advance) and pick up your laminated treats plus a few grocery bits and pieces from Lannan Pantry next door. The Pastry Section also does a mean line in morning goods without the lines, alongside some truly beautiful cakes. You’ll find them in Stockbridge, Leith and the West End. If you’re looking for a vegan sweet treat, Considerit is a great shout: they’re by Summerhall and everything is plant-based and made in-house.
For lunch, how about a huge sandwich? Mootz General Store in Raeburn Place does home-baked schiacciata sandwiches that easily feed two. They have regular specials but the classic Mootz with mortadella never fails. Panificio is one of the city’s best-kept secrets: huge focaccia sangers made to order, plus a whole cabinet of cannoli if you fancy something sweet and handy near Haymarket Station. Alby’s pioneered big hot sandwiches in Edinburgh; they’re still the best if you need to power through a long day of show-hopping.
When night falls and hot chips beckon, try to steer away from the crowds. As a rule of thumb, a fish and chip shop on a suburban street rather than a tourist throughfare is more likely to pass the locals’ strict flavour and freshness standards. Honourable exceptions to the location rule are bougie The Chippy By Spencer and 2am cheesy chips from disco chippy Café Piccante, both on Broughton Street. Neither should work. Both do. Finally, if a kebab is calling, know that good spots do exist. Look for a queue or direct yourself towards Palmyra Pizza, a rite of passage for a shawarma wrap, or Neighbourwood and Leith Shawarma, both on Leith Walk.