Grab a bite near… The National, Edinburgh
Chow down in the centre of Edinburgh with these top tips
7 & 52 Cockburn Street
The stripped-back walls and artful décor make it an Instagram favourite, but it’s worth dodging photo shoots for a good strong coffee and a sweet bite. The second location up the street is just as nice but more of a squeeze.
43 Frederick Street
Colourful interiors, colourful food: Rosa’s Thai is a relaxed and welcoming new outpost of the popular London chain. Great for groups (there’s plenty of space), there are sharing platters, generous bowls of panang curry, chewy pad Thai noodles and sweet and sour som tam papaya salad.
64 Thistle Street
Edinburgh’s newest taco joint is a great place for a quick bite or a spicy Margarita. Try homemade tacos with confit octopus, aioli, pineapple and salsa; or flat-iron steak, bone marrow crema, leeks and avocado. Walk-ins only, so have a back-up plan.
National Galleries Of Scotland: National, The Mound
Conveniently placed at the garden entrance of the National Gallery, this is a cut above your usual gallery caff. The sourcing is impeccable, with fruit and veg from the Contini kitchen garden and quality produce from across Scotland always on the menu. The afternoon tea comes highly recommended.
104 George Street
An institution on the Meadows since 1955, this newer branch offers the same menu in a convenient city centre location. Pastrami on rye is the house special (have it toasted) and eggs florentine in a brioche bun is a decadent quick lunch. For a picnic in the gardens, get your sandwiches here.
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This article was written in partnership with Monkey Shoulder.