9 top delis and purveyors of food in Edinburgh
With cheeses, chutneys and seafood, these are a few of our favourite Edinburgh delis
George Mewes Cheese
3 Dean Park Street
Specialising in artisan and farmhouse cheese from Scotland and beyond, the name George Mewes is proudly proclaimed alongside cheeseboards in some of Edinburgh’s finest restaurants. Head to the source in Stockbridge for sharp Lanark blue and creamy Clava brie.
Herbie Of Edinburgh
66 Raeburn Place
This dinky Stockbridge deli is jam-packed with jars of kimchi, jams and chutneys. They air–dry their own hams, age their brie de meaux to squidgy perfection, and produce the best chicken liver pâté. You can take your treats to nearby Inverleith Park for a picnic.
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IJ Mellis
30 Victoria Street
From Anster to Wee Comrie, artisan Scottish cheese is a speciality in this cave-like shop near the Royal Mile. Here, as well as at branches in Stockbridge and Morningside, well–informed staff are happy to introduce unfamiliar cheeses, and you can stock up on fresh bread, wine and more.
Lupe Pintos
24 Leven Street
Anyone looking for handmade corn tortillas, obscure tequilas or hot sauce that might blow your face off should make the journey to Lupe Pintos deli near Tollcross. The homemade guacamole is to die for and it's a treasure trove of Mexicana inside.
Valvona & Crolla
19 Elm Row
This emporium of Italian delights never fails to charm. The shelves are stacked high with olive oils, wine and pasta and almost everything arrives direct from Italy, including huge knobbly Amalfi lemons, baby globe artichokes, cime di rapa, oozing gorgonzola and the sweetest tomatoes.
Welch Fishmongers
23 Pier Place
Crab, langoustines, and whole and filleted fish caught from the North Sea fill the ice beds of this Newhaven fishmonger. The selection, which extends to smoked fish, foraged samphire and homemade fishcakes, verges on intimidating. Plus, there’s something pleasing about boats bobbing in a cute little harbour just outside the door.
Also try… 181 Delicatessen in Bruntsfield; Eden Seafood on Rodney Street, a fishmonger with the frenetic energy of a Tokyo fish market and some of the best sashimi in town; and Fruttivendolo on Dalry Road for a cornucopia of imported Italian fruit, veg, treats and dry goods.
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.