Top 10 Cheap Eats in Edinburgh

By Student Cribs | June 14, 2023 | Reading Time: 5 minutes

Being a student in Edinburgh is particularly painful on your bank account. Rent prices challenge London and boozing can be a pricey affair. Here’s a list of affordable restaurants that won’t break the bank or your heart.

1.     Tupiniquim

In the grey haze of Edi, spice up your taste buds with some Brazilian style crepes. Described as ‘Brazil-in-a-box’ these gluten free pancakes will have your debit card jumping out of your packet, with a maximum price of a fiver.

2.     @Pizza
There is never a bad time for pizza and @pizza know it better than most. This casual and quick dinery gives you a huge range of choice at a very reasonable price. Keep it simple with a fan fav or design your own! Your pizza dreams can finally become a reality.

3.     The pakora bar (Indian)
Is there anything better on a cold Sunday evening than a chicken korma? Anyone who agrees with needs to try out the Pakora bar. The best thing about Pakora is its authenticity, the next best thing is the price! Try out the samosas they’re to die for.

4.     The Bluebird Café
A small, idyllic cafe nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, this simple eatery serves delicious, wholesome food that everyone will enjoy. The portions are large and you’ll definitely get the most for your money. Tip: the breakfast burrito with avocado salsa rivals any Chipotle burrito and I’ll fight anyone who says differently.

5.     Tani Modi
If you like brunch and good coffee, then Tani Modi is where you should be spending your next Sunday morning with the gang. A vegetarian friendly restaurant with incredible service and the fluffiest pancakes in Scotland. Brunch game has forever been changed.

6.    Social Bite
Described as ‘A Sandwich Shop with a difference’, Social Bite aims to combat the homeless problem within Scotland. All the proceeds from this chain of restaurants goes towards building homes for those without. 1 in 4 employees has struggled with homelessness at some point in their life. If that hasn’t sold you because you’re a cold hearted monster, the sandwiches are top notch.

7.     Gaia Deliatessan
Home is where the heart is and there is so much heart in this family run delicatessen and cafe. Specialising in all things Italy, head down to Gaia for pasta and paninis. With a rotating daily specials menu, you’ll never struggle to find something to eat.

8.     The Coffee Mill Café
This gem of a cafe is always busy, specialising in feel good food like a hearty English or Scottish breakfast! The service is impeccable and if you’re struggling to decide someone will always offer a recommendation. The location is also a win, right next to the castle.

9.     Mr Nicks
Still reminiscing about your summers spent in Corfu and Italy? Mr Nicks will transport you right back to the Med with a fantastic selection of Greek cuisine. For a quick lunchtime bite this is the place to go, the chicken gyro is next level delicious and who doesn’t love oven baked feta?

10.  Aurora
For something a little more up market, Aurora ticks all the boxes. A stylish, sleek restaurant with an equally trendy menu, Aurora is perfect for a date or a fancy night out on the town. Join their monthly Minimalist Supper Club for a 6 course meal for £40 a head.

If you’re not hungry after reading this list then you’re obviously superhuman and will probably survive the apocalypse. For the rest of us simple minded beings, head to one of these cheap eats and put down the tin of Heinz baked beans for the 4th day in a row!

Looking for a place to live next year in Edinburgh? 
Check out our amazing student houses and make an enquiry before you’re too late!