Known for its purple boxes and smiley face logo, Cafe Piccante serves Edinburgh revellers until 3 am. The chippy food is fair rather than gourmet, but the welcoming vibe and iconic deep-fried Mars bars make it a reliable Broughton institution.
Eat your fill with food and drink in Edinburgh
Ah, a favourite subject of ours! When it comes to food and drink in Edinburgh, the city is just brimming with restaurants, cafes, bistros, gastro pubs, pizzerias, chippies and just about everything else to tickle your fancy.
If you're looking to dine out, Girdy & Birdy are gradually eating their way through the 'Burgh and updating their restaurant experiences regularly, both on the blog, and - more frequently - through social media.
You don't even have to eat out, either! You can order in, with many delivery services (such as JustEat, Deliveroo and UberEats) happy to bring exactly what you want straight to your door. Food and drink in Edinburgh is always a delight!
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Review: Manni’s, a halal smash burger and fried chicken joint on Elm Row
Run by two teenage brothers, Manni’s lights up Leith Walk with crunchy buttermilk tenders, creeping chilli dust, and loaded fries. It is an unpretentious, high-value late-night haunt that punches well above its price tag on taste and size.
Girdy & Birdy Review: Gio’s, Slateford Road
Girdy & Birdy review Gio’s on Slateford Road. Discover standout fresh pasta, rich lobster ravioli, and why this buzzing Edinburgh Italian earns a 5/5 rating.
Review: Fika, a Nordic bakery retreat on Dundas Street
Tucked down Dundas Street, Fika is a light-filled New Town sanctuary serving standout cinnamon rolls and rotating bakes. Safe, calm, and blissfully detached from city centre noise, it provides the ideal independent stop for quiet coffee and pastry.
Review: Guido’s Proper Fish & Chips, a chippy in Leith
Guido’s brings proper sit-down dining to a traditional Great Junction Street chippy in Leith. Expect fresh haddock, crisp jumbo sausages, and punchy burgers served in an unpretentious room packed with authentic local character and friendly staff.
Review: Red Squirrel, a gastropub on Lothian Road
Looking for a quick pre-show meal near Edinburgh’s West End theatres? The Red Squirrel pairs hearty Campervan steak pie with swift, friendly service. It delivers a solid, comforting plate right when you need honest food served on the clock.
Girdy & Birdy review: Gordon Ramsay’s Beef Wellington Experience, Bread Street Kitchen
Forget pumpkin spice: Gordon Ramsay’s Beef Wellington Experience at Bread Street Kitchen Edinburgh is autumn dining at its peak. Flawless pastry, succulent steak, and an indulgent dessert board make this £100 feast on St Andrew Square unmissable.
Radar: Popeyes to open on North Bridge
Popeyes confirms a new 60-cover restaurant at 46 North Bridge in Edinburgh city centre, bringing its famous Louisiana fried chicken steps from Waverley Station.