Review: Bread Meats Bread, A Burger Classic on Lothian Road

Bread Meats Bread is already in the running for the best burger joint in Edinburgh, so it will be no surprise that this is a very positive review. It’s a well-earned reputation, built on towering burgers, gooey cheese, and loaded fries. While they have a few locations, this review is about their restaurant on Lothian Road.

For eleven months of the year, the Lothian Road branch is my favourite Bread Meats Bread in the city. The other month? August, during the Festival, when their larger North Bridge site becomes a welcome oasis to retreat to when the city goes mad.

But for the rest of the year, the Lothian Road venue wins. It’s perfectly central, the staff are always super friendly, no matter how busy they get, and the service is impressively quick. It’s a place that proves fast food doesn’t have to mean bad food.

The Food

This is not some sad, fast-food joint where tiny, unappetising burgers are left drying on a grill. Oh no. These are proper, delicious, and memorable burgers, made to order and served piping hot.

The menu is extensive, featuring everything from classic smash burgers to hearty chicken burgers and even chicken subs. I tend to favour the larger ‘House Classics’, but there’s no single burger I’m loyal to; they’re all tempting. My recommendations? The Philly Cheesesteak burger is fantastic, the Sunshine on Beef is a joy, and the spicy Angry Bird is a must-try for chicken fans. They’ve always been hot, juicy, and so good I could probably eat a second one straight away, despite their size.

It’s not just for carnivores either, with a solid range of vegan burgers, sandwiches and grilled cheese options. The sides are a main event in themselves. You can get regular fries, but why would you when there are dirty fries and poutine to be had? The Buffalo fries, which are essentially chips loaded with hot sauce and a cheese mayo, are a personal favourite. Honestly, every single poutine is worth trying.

The Venue

As I mentioned, the service is a real highlight. I’ve popped in between films during the Scotland Loves Anime festival, with barely any time to order and eat, and yet the team always manages to deliver. They’re cheerful, efficient, and welcoming.

The venue itself is compact and bustling. It has a high-energy vibe that’s great for a quick and satisfying meal. It is probably not the place to bring twenty of your friends, nor is it ideal if you have a pram. The space is best suited for groups of two to four people. That said, they always cope cheerfully when I rock up by myself needing a whole table to tackle one of their creations.

Things to do in the City Centre

Bread Meats Bread is located on Lothian Road, putting it right in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End and on the edge of the City Centre. It’s an ideal spot for a pre-theatre dinner, being just a short walk from the Usher Hall, Traverse Theatre, and Lyceum.

For visitors, many of the city’s main attractions are nearby. You can take a scenic walk up to Edinburgh Castle or explore the shops on Princes Street. If you’re looking for something different, The Edinburgh Dungeons offer a thrilling historical experience. Should you need to store your bags for the day, services like Radical Storage have convenient drop-off points nearby.

The area is well-serviced by transport. Haymarket Station is a 15-minute walk away, providing train links across Scotland, while Edinburgh Waverley is also easily accessible. The city’s tram line serves both, and countless Lothian Buses run along Lothian Road. For those flying in, there’s a direct tram and bus link to Edinburgh Airport.

Overall

Bread Meats Bread is a long-standing survivor and a true Edinburgh classic. The Lothian Road branch delivers on all fronts: delicious, high-quality food, friendly and lightning-fast service, and a prime location. It’s really hard to imagine life in Edinburgh without it.