Now that the madness of Festival frenzy is over, having spent a small fortune on dining out and Fringe tickets, there’s a need to tighten the purse strings, but that doesn’t mean having to curb my lifestyle. I’m still planning to eat out, but I will probably limit my dining to restaurants offering lunchtime set menus.
Now September’s here and with the nights drawing in, if truth be known, I’m a fan of a lunchtime meet-up as it means I can be tucked up nice and early. It’s also a fantastic way to experience some of the city’s best restaurants at a more achievable price point. And throw in restaurants that offer a BYOB into the deal, and you’re laughing.
Here’s a selection of my favourite places for lunchtime deals in various areas of the city.
Stockbridge
Stockbridge Eating House – A very affordable weekday set lunch menu at £14.95 per person for an ever-changing lineup that always includes Company sourdough & butter, saucisse sèche, a main dish with sides of bistro salad and beef dripping chips, and a sweet & coffee to finish. https://stockbridgeeatinghouse.co.uk/
Sotto – Opened in October 2024, Sotto doubles as an enoteca (wine bar) on the ground floor and downstairs a 36-seat trattoria, headed up by wine expert James Clark and Calabrian head chef Francesco Ascrizzi. Sotto runs its set lunch Wednesday–Saturday, 12–2 pm: £16 for one course, £22 for two, £26 for three. Don’t miss their Italian wine list. https://www.sottoedinburgh.com/
Credit Tina Leahy
West End
La P’tite Folie – ‘The Little Madness’ – occupies the charming Tudor House on Randolph Place, where owner Virginie has created a cosy haven for traditional French cuisine. Their two-course lunch at £21.95 has long been a well-guarded secret among discerning locals who appreciate exceptional value. https://www.laptitefolie.co.uk/
The Palmerston deserves recognition for their commitment to ingredient provenance, working directly with Scottish farmers, growers, and fishermen. Their daily-changing, European-style menu showcases seasonal variation beautifully. With their own butchery and bakery on-site, they minimise waste while maximising flavour. Set lunch runs Tuesday-Friday: two courses £21, three courses £26. https://www.thepalmerstonedinburgh.co.uk
Leith
Bistro Coco on Broughton Street offers family-run warmth with two courses at £25 or three at £31. Their location, just five minutes from major city centre attractions and shopping at St James Quarter, makes it perfectly positioned for a leisurely lunch. https://bistro-coco.co.uk/
The Walnut, my neighbourhood gem near Macdonald Road tram stop, serves flavourful dishes using local, seasonal ingredients in their delightful 22-seat space. Do save room for their legendary Walnut Whip dessert. Two courses £30, three courses £34. https://thewalnutedinburgh.co.uk
Kahani on Antigua Street offers remarkable value with their BYOB policy and lunchtime specials: one course (wraps or choice of seven curries with rice or naan) for £12.95 (noon-2 pm), or two courses for £14.95 (noon-3 pm). https://kahanirestaurant.co.uk/
The Bonnington, refurbished as a cocktail bar which serves small and large plates by Carlo Carrozzi, known for his award-winning ‘The Peruvian’ street food venture, the ‘kitchen is under the helm of Chef Elliot. His Sunday lunch focuses on “big flavour, proper tasty sides and plates made to share” – think roast chicken or sea bream with pommes boulangère, Swiss chard, and creamed leeks. Chicken for four costs £40, sea bream for two £30. Book ahead; they sell out fast. https://www.thebonningtonleith.com
City Centre
Chez Jules remains an old faithful where consistency trumps innovation. Their unchanging menu of French bistro staples – onion soup, steak frites, chocolate mousse – represents exceptional value: £9.90 for one course, £12.90 for two, or £15.90 for three. Fair warning: noise levels can be challenging, so I’d recommend keeping parties to a maximum of four for meaningful conversation. https://www.chezjulesbistro.com/
Dine, with four city locations (Murrayfield, The Tollhouse, Craiglockhart, and above the Traverse Theatre), offers Michelin-starred Chef Stuart Muir’s acclaimed midweek lunch menus from £23.50 for two courses or £30.50 for three (including tea or coffee). Their Weekend Wine Lunch provides three courses from their monthly Market Menu plus house wine for £59.50 per couple – exceptional value for this calibre of cooking. https://dineedinburgh.co.uk/
The Bottom Line
These restaurants prove that post-Festival financial recovery needn’t mean culinary compromise. Whether you’re seeking French bistro classics, Italian sophistication, or modern Scottish cuisine, Edinburgh’s lunch scene offers remarkable value for those who know where to look.
For additional budget-friendly options, my guide to Edinburgh’s BYOB restaurants provides even more wallet-friendly dining adventures. https://shorturl.at/8aT27
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