18 places to eat around Edinburgh University
We've picked the best food spots close to campus for students or showgoers
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The area spreading out from Edinburgh Uni’s Teviot/Potterrow/George Square campus thrums with life, particularly during Fringe season in August. So whether you’re a ravenous student or a hangry festivalgoer, those rumbling tummies can be silenced. Get coffee and cardamom buns at Söderberg Pavilion at the heart of Quartermile, where the Swedish-themed baker also serves waffles and baked eggs for brunch, then excellent sourdough pizzas at night. At the other end of the imposing Edinburgh Futures Institute, Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard is a spacious all-day dining haven overlooking leafy Meadows Walk.
Over the road, Indian stalwart Khushi’s dishes up classics and regional dishes in a smart new home, while Civerinos Slice, inspired by New York’s slice joints, usually has around 12 different pizzas on the pass, most available by generous slice or pie. At Union Of Genius, it’s always soup season, with multiple comforting combos every day, plus daytime sandwiches, bakes, salads and chillis to warm your cockles. Round the corner in Bristo Place, newbie Uncle Tiger dishes up a rotating Asian street food menu that changes focus every six weeks. Close by on Lothian Street, The Gilded Saloon has proved a hit with regular comedy downstairs (from the Gilded Balloon team), cleverly tweaked pub classics upstairs and outdoor seating galore in summer. Next door, Antojitos Cantina have set up shop in Paradise Palms, delivering adventurous plant-based Mexican dishes for vegan diners.
Stroll over to Drummond Street for fast-cooked, Indian street food at TukTuk or go Nepalese at Solti where highlights include Himalayan specialities like tangy Hamali hot pot. Weave back towards Teviot, passing Lebanese-style mezze dining at Beirut on Nicolson Square, generously filled signature sourdough focaccia at Fettle and a hit of Szechuan heat at big and buzzing San Chuan. Further down Potterrow, Umi does fresh sushi, tempura and beautiful bowls of ramen or pop into Sen on nearby West Nicolson Street for fine Vietnamese cooking, mainly from Nam Dinh province (great vegan/vegetarian menu too).
Café-cum-Indian restaurant 10 To 10 In Delhi on Nicolson Street does perfectly spiced dopiazas and lamb curries and is one of the best value lunch spots in the area, while Soul Vegan in West Richmond Street delivers a street-food slanted vegan Malaysian menu that leans towards the comforting. Just a little further south, Kalpna has been a friendly destination for the city’s vegetarians since 1975 and remains a reliable spot for a well-priced south Indian feast.
This TipList is taken from Eat & Drink 365, our sister mag recommending the best in restaurants, bars, cafés and more across Edinburgh. Want a copy? It’s available online or across all good stockists in Scotland’s capital.