Review: Toastology – A Toasted Sandwich Bar in Stockbridge

Toastology is technically a coffee shop on Deanhaugh St, but describing it as such feels like a disservice. Yes, you can get coffee, and yes, they serve milkshakes, but the real draw, the reason the queue often snakes tothe door, is the toasted sandwiches.

It’s a popular spot. In every visit I’ve made, Toastology has been completely full. There is a cosy little area with tables and chairs tucked away at the back, separate from the counter, but snagging a seat there requires good timing. Generally, you will find yourself waiting in the queue, perhaps behind a couple of others who have had the same idea.

I tend to visit Toastology when life has been frantic, perhaps when I’ve been foolish enough to forget my packed lunch or just when the day demands an emotional pick-me-up. Rather than making do with a meal deal from a supermarket, I head here. It is usually during the rush hour, which explains the bustle, but let me be clear: it is worth queuing for. I have never had a bad sandwich here.

The Big Cheese

There are essentially four categories of sandwiches on offer: the “Big Cheese” signature dishes, “Little Cheese” combos, plant-based options, and breakfast toasties if you arrive early enough.

I believe I have worked my way through the entire Big Cheese menu at this point. My personal favourites are the Stockbridge Stack, which comes loaded with pulled ham hock, and the New Yorker, featuring delicious beef pastrami. The Highlander and the spicy fajita options are also excellent.

You will find there is a short wait after ordering, but that is because every sandwich is made fresh to order- a key factor in why they taste so good.

The cost is fair for what you get. The signature dishes sit around the £8 or £9 mark, while the smaller combos and plant-based options are closer to £7. Yes, that is significantly more expensive than a plastic triangle sandwich from a petrol station, but the two are incomparable. The quality at Toastology is leagues ahead, largely due to the freshness of the ingredients and their three-cheese blend of sliced Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack.

Sweet Treats and Insider Tips

Despite these being hefty, rewarding sandwiches, they are so delicious that I tend to wolf mine down almost immediately, often taking it outside to eat on the busy Stockbridge street because I lack the willpower to wait.

But there is more to Toastology than just bread and cheese. They offer a vast array of tempting baked goods for dessert, including pistachio cookies and various chocolate treats.

The insider tip, however, is the hot chocolate. Stockbridge seems to be dominating the Edinburgh hot chocolate scene at the moment, and the offering here is a strong contender. It is rich, comforting, and the perfect accompaniment to a cold Scottish afternoon.

Since the venue is small and often busy, Toastology works perfectly as a takeaway option. It tends to be open all week round, making it a reliable stop for a high-quality lunch.

Things to do in Stockbridge

Stockbridge is one of Edinburgh’s most charming “villages within the city”. If you have grabbed a takeaway toastie, you are only a short walk from Inverleith Park or the Royal Botanic Garden, both excellent spots for a picnic.

For visitors to the city, the area is accessible from the city centre. If you are arriving by rail, TheTrainline can get you to Edinburgh Waverley, from where a short bus ride or a brisk 20-minute walk brings you to Deanhaugh Street.

Overall

Toastology is an absolute recommendation from me. Whether you need a comfort food fix or just a high-quality lunch, the fresh ingredients and generous fillings make it a standout choice in Stockbridge.

Recommended.