Edinburgh Festival 2024 promises to be big, bold and busy, so we don’t want you growing hungry between all those fabulous shows. Here are 20 great places to top up your energy levels near the main venues – for a quick bite or a big breather. Umi This is a cosy Japanese eatery with wooden booths and an extensive menu of cold dishes, tempura, noodles and sashimi.
The sushi rolls, grilled aubergine with miso, and spicy yasai ramen are particularly good. Sister venues Kenji Sushi in Stockbridge and Bentoya in Tollcross are excellent too. 12-14 Chapel St.
umiedinburgh.com Paz Late night tacos anyone? Open all day, with no reservations, it’s always worth seeing if you can get a table at Paz. The margaritas are iced, the tacos are hot and the vibes impeccable.
64 Thistle St, paztacos.com Edinburgh Street Food For any kind of food, any time of day, and crucially, in any weather, Edinburgh Street Food is the place to be. We love Bundits’ packed hirata bao buns and gourmet mac and cheese from Cheesin’.
Order on the app and have dishes from different vendors brought straight to your table. There is loads of seating indoors and out, and it’s great for groups. Leith St, edinburgh-street-food.
com Kalpna Serving big portions of healthy Indian vegetarian food since 1975, Kalpna draws on Punjabi, Gujarati and South Indian cooking traditions. The £15 lunch buffet is excellent value or come in the evening to order a la carte. 2-3 St Patrick Square, kalpnarestaurant.
com Bowls Poke b.