Susie’s Diner
It’s got a bit of a ‘school dinner’ canteen appearance, but don’t despair: the grub here will be familiar only if you went to the sort of school that served up home-made vegetarian delights with a hearty selection of hot dishes and fresh salad accompaniments. Susie’s is good for thirsty wine drinkers too with wine on offer by the glass.
51–53 West Nicholson Street, 0131 667 8729, Mon noon–8pm, Tue–Sat noon–9pm, Sun 1pm–8pm.

Tequila Joe’s
This is the novelty option, for that night when you give in to the cheese. Seriously filling Tex Mex food including quesadillas and nachos are served up, before this place turns into a disco at the stroke of 9.30pm. Make sure you squeeze in some chocolate waffles for pudding, before getting someone to roll you onto the dancefloor.
47 Hanover Street, 0131 220 6818, Sun–Thu 11am–11pm, Fri & Sat 11am–3am.

International Starters
Down on the scenic shores of Leith, this place has a menu full of different starter options, the idea being that you pick two or three and that makes up your meal. You can mix up styles – and confuse your stomach – by ingesting Turkish lamb kebabs, fiery fajitas and haggis parcels, all in one sitting.
82 Commercial Quay, Leith, 0131 555 2546, Mon–Fri 5pm–10pm, Sat noon–3pm and 5pm–10pm, Sun 12.30pm–9.30pm.

The Dogs
A bit of a classy hangover cure restaurant, this place serves stodgy, alcohol absorbing (but unfortunately not absolving) Scottish and British food. It’s like the classiest diner you have ever been in, with painted cornices and dark wood furniture. The food hits the right spot too; try sausage, lentils and onion gravy, or roast pumpkin and sage barley risotto – both under a fiver.
110 Hanover Street, 0131 220 1208, www.thedogsonline.co.uk, open daily noon-10pm.

Juice Monkey
Because sometimes – even against your better judgement – you feel you should go for the healthy option, Juice Monkey serves up freshly prepared smoothies and booster juices, as well as a selection of tasty snacks. Experiment with different fruit and vegetable combinations – strawberry and broccoli might turn out to be a winning formula – or ask their friendly manager, who’s bound to be an expert on detoxing, for his personal recommendation.
54 Clerk Street, 0131 667 4450, Mon–Fri 9am–7pm, Sat 10am–6pm, Sun noon–6pm.