9 great places to grab a bite near Edinburgh Playhouse
There's a plethora of tasty establishments near the theatre for pre-theatre grub
Down The Hatch
13 Antigua Street
There’s little chance of leaving hungry with the generous portion sizes at this Canadian diner. The dining room is tucked through the back in a funky, church-like space where huge bowls of poutine dripping with gravy and cheese curds are served alongside towering burgers and chicken wings. This is not impress-your-date territory: it’s going to get messy.
Edinburgh Street Food
Omni Centre, Leith Street
Great fun, whether you’re looking for a quick solo feed pre-show or a night with the gang. Edinburgh Street Food caters for all: the ten current traders include Haldi’s reimagined Delhi street food, Chix buttermilk fried chicken fun and Razzo’s Neapolitan-style pizzas. Order by app at the long, shared tables inside or with a Calton Hill view outside.
Ka Pao
St James Crescent, St James Quarter
Ka Pao’s second venture (after their Glasgow original) doesn’t disappoint. Small plates have vibrant and exciting South-east Asian aromas and flavours (there’s a dinky kid-friendly menu for young diners, too). Fried chicken and crisp pork belly are solid contenders for best dish, but hispi cabbage with cashew nut butter, corn ribs with salted coconut and a handful of adventurous curries also stake a claim.
La Sal
22 Union Place
This no-fuss Spanish restaurant ticks all the boxes for speedy pre-theatre needs. Across the road from the Playhouse, tuck into tapas (meatballs, cured meats, pork cheeks, calamari, tortilla: you get the picture) and generous paellas (vegetarian, seafood and meat options). Wash it all down with a selection of Spanish beer and wine or a cheeky jug of sangria.
Little Picardy
18–22 Greenside Place
Not just close to the Playhouse: Little Picardy is in the building, with direct access to the theatre foyer. This stylish, light-filled spot gives pre-theatre crowds enticing small-plate options (roasted sesame cauliflower, tiger prawn crostini, sweet potato falafel), as well as cheese, charcuterie and vegan grazing boards. A theatre bar that actually works.
Simply Greek
8 Union Street
This bright restaurant isn’t afraid to wear its Greek credentials on its sleeve, with a menu that wends its way around the classics. Build a groaning table for a group or dine solo on a couple of skewers with a generous Greek salad. Extra points for the ‘OMG how did you actually make this’ house sauce and an all-Greek wine list.
Also try… small plates, burgers and good beers at Jeremiah’s Taproom, buzzy Vietnamese chain Pho in St James Quarter and pre/post-show dining and lubrication at The Alchemist.