Right in the heart of the shopping district, the ‘Place to Eat’ at John Lewis in the St James Centre, is a great place for a bite to eat. It might be in the middle of a department store, but the food is good and the restaurant has stunning views out across the city if you can elbow your way to a window seat.

www.johnlewis.com
St James Centre, Edinburgh EH1 3SP
+44(0)131 556 9121
Google map: bit.ly/ux1yCS

* Rachel is our Been there local for Edinburgh. You can view her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/edinburgh-local-rachel-brown.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/RachelBrown

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If you’re near to the Royal Mile you could try the little Turkish treasure Café Truva. The hot chocolate is to die for, and the place just charming. The danger is you’ll make yourself so comfortable you’ll forget all about the Christmas shopping.

www.cafetruva.com/
251-253 Canongate Eh8 8BQ
+44(0)131 556 9524
Google map: bit.ly/rM6LCm

* Rachel is our Been there local for Edinburgh. You can view her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/edinburgh-local-rachel-brown.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/RachelBrown

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They say drinking tea is a British obsession. Well, it certainly is an obsession of mine.

As autumn weather blows into the city, I can think of nothing better than taking shelter in a teashop and lovingly wrapping myhands around a good old mug of tea. And I’ve found a new tea-shop, and what a cracker it is too.
Eteaket is hidden just minutes from the busy Princes Street but provides a welcome relief from the chains that dominate the high street.
This ‘tea boutique’ is quirky and charming - and there’s not a teabag in sight. Hand-picked tea leaves and more types of tea than you could ever dream up – this quaint yet funky tea room also does a fine range in accompanying cakes.
The etiquette here is to sit back and enjoy your cuppa, so why not give a try. The earl grey comes highly recommended. As does the scone and jam now you come to mention it.

www.eteaket.co.uk/
41 Frederick St, Edinburgh EH2 1EP
+44(0)1312262982
Google map: bit.ly/mUQ6Ot

* Rachel is our Been there local for Edinburgh. You can view her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/edinburgh-local-rachel-brown.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/RachelBrown

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Sometimes a fry up is exactly what the doctor ordered. This is a super little no frills, no fuss, ‘clean as your Grannie’s kitchen,’ café on Leven Street. Large mugs of builder’s tea for less than the cost of your bus ticket. Try a ‘tattie scone’ for the full Scottish breakfast experience.

27 Leven Street, West End , Edinburgh EH3 9LH
Google map: bit.ly/nWMZYO

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If a fine and inexpensive cup of coffee is the potion that you require, then head up to Nicholson Street and pull up a pew in this little café, alongside the totem poles and pot plants.
Free wi-fi means you can stay in touch with the outside world as you hibernate in a warm corner.

www.blackmed.co.uk
2 Nicolson Street, Southside, Edinburgh, EH8 9DH
+44(0)131 557 6269
Google map: bit.ly/r6PRM9

* Rachel is our Been there local for Edinburgh. You can view her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/edinburgh-local-rachel-brown.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/RachelBrown

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This little gem defies the scourge of the Royal Mile and is actually good. Genuinely friendly staff delight in serving you their latest fresh offerings.
Feel your hangover disappear with their delicious bacon roll, or enjoy a Scottish breakfast of smoked salmon and bagels.
Plenty of suitably de-toxing teas to go around.
Watch the crowds rush by along the Royal Mile from your own spot in the window. You really will wish it was always Sunday.

www.alwayssunday.co.uk
170 High Street, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh EH1 1QS
+44(0)131 622 0667
Google map: bit.ly/oiHPDJ

* Rachel is our Been there local for Edinburgh. You can view her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/edinburgh-local-rachel-brown.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/RachelBrown

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Hidden on a corner of George Street, you can’t fail to breathe in the sweet coffee aroma as you walk past Wellingtons. Change your plans and make time to head down the steps and into the shop.
You might not get a table in this small but charming haunt, but find a spare stool and make friends with someone new.
Try a flat white and one of the large slabs of the cake that adorns the counter.
If you encounter a sunny day, pull up a pew at a pavement table, and watch the people of Edinburgh hurry by.

33a George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2HN
+44(0)131 225 6857
Google map: bit.ly/olHTy5

* Rachel is our Been there local for Edinburgh. You can view her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/edinburgh-local-rachel-brown.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/RachelBrown

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If you are in search of a vegetarian snack, Hendersons Of Edinburgh is split over two locations on Hanover Street as well as a bistro on Thistle Street in Edinburgh's New Town. The restaurant, bistro and deli offer a variety of vegetarian treats as well as other fair trade, organic nibbles. As a popular arts venue, in the evening you can sit back in the restaurant and enjoy musical performances or after your meal take a look upstairs around the contemporary art gallery.

94 Hanover St, Edinburgh, EH2 1DR
+44(0)131 225 2131
www.hendersonsofedinburgh.co.uk/
Google map: bit.ly/dTjvYN

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The Elephant House is a gourmet tea and coffee shop nestled on George IV Bridge in the heart of historical Edinburgh. Opening at 8am everyday of the week, treat yourself to every tea, coffee and hot milk blend imaginable from your regular Espresso to the exotic 'Banana Bounty'. Not only can you enjoy a unique tea and coffee experience but you can indulge yourself in the variety of cakes and bagels on offer. The cafe's central location makes it ideal to stop by for locals and travellers alike.

21 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EN
+44(0)131 220 5355
www.elephanthouse.biz/
Google map: bit.ly/gzMSy0

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Snax Café is a real find. In an increasingly gentrified Leith, it’s brilliant to find such an unpretentious cafe serving simple, fresh and well-prepared food at attractive prices. My (all-day) veggie breakfast - fried egg, hash browns, tattie scone, beans, fried tomato and a buttered roll, all for £2.70 – was delicious. For lunch recently, I had a tasty granary roll generously over-stuffed with lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber, sun-dried tomatoes, jalapeno peppers and grated cheddar. Everything was crisp and fresh, and it cost £1.70, which included a free can of soda or bottle of water. You can sit in (there are around 24 seats) or take your food away, and they’re open really early. The food is fresh and not greasy, and everyone working there is bright and friendly.

8 Portland Place, Edinburgh, EH6 6LA
Tel: 01315 542000
Three other branches in Edinburgh and Leith.
Google map: tinyurl.com/387c9wj

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As an unpaid and broke intern forlornly lurking around Edinburgh, every day for weeks I would pass Clarinda’s Tea Room. No flashy sign or outside seating, just a sitting-room sized window with lace curtains which I longed to look behind.
Visiting friends from London gave me the much-needed excuse to finally venture inside. Clarinda’s turned out to be a doilied heaven; cakes on display and a scent of baking in the air which reminded me of my native Norway’s old-time cafés and visiting my Grandmother’s house. The best Cream Tea north of the border made our experience complete.

Clarinda's Tea Room, 69 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BS
Google map: tinyurl.com/3588kqc

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A beautiful cafe with incredible food. Off the beaten track slightly, in the heart of Marchmont, so you'll likely avoid swarms of festival-goers, but popular with the locals so it will be fairly busy nonetheless.
Booking is sensible on weekends for brunch, when they serve a classic menu cooked to perfection. Their Full Scottish Breakfast - an essential experience when visiting Edinburgh - is almost definitely the finest in the city. Sandwiches and proper mains available too. All dishes at reasonable prices and guaranteed to delight.

146 Marchmont Road, +44 (0)131 446 9873
www.toastedinburgh.co.uk/Brunch.html
Google map: bit.ly/8Y7rRn

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If you like coffee you must visit Artisan Roast. Once tasted all other coffee will seem like pale imitations of the real thing. They buy direct from the growers and roast on site. What's more, if you bring your own cup then you pay less!

57 Broughton Street, Edinburgh, near Edinburgh Waverley station, www.artisanroast.co.uk
Google map: bit.ly/aa9mMl

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It's a noodle bar in central Falkirk, near Edinburgh-ish, it has great noodles, and quite cute waitresses.

Melville St, Falkirk, which is very central.
Not far from Falkirk Grahamston station.
www.cotton-house.co.uk/sumo/index.html
Google map: tinyurl.com/35egv78

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When you have been turned away from all the clubs along George Street ("No track shoes tonight, mate"), or it's 3am and you're not quite ready to take off your dancing shoes, the only place that's going to make you feel better on the walk home is the disco chippy, officially known as Cafe Piccante. Not only can you get a Bacardi Breezer with your fried pizza and chips, but a DJ is in situe to help you carry on the party. Order the 'Man's Special': burger, chips and a pint.

Cafe Piccante, 19 Broughton Street, 0131 478 7884, www.cafepiccante.com

Google map: tinyurl.com/ylkab94

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Tea rooms with extensive range of unusual teas served by the pot.

Just off George Street in the centre of the New Town. Eteaket also does free tea-tastings on Wednesday mornings. A great place for proper afternoon tea, as well as light lunches.

41 Frederick Street, New Town
www.eteaket.co.uk

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A great place to stop for tea and excellent scones.

Slightly out of the city centre, but worth the stroll across the Meadows or a bus ride to the well-heeled suburb Of Morningside. There are plenty of independent shops along Morningside Road for a pleasant browse.

370 Morningside Road, Edinburgh EH10
www.loopylornas.com

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It can be difficult to find cheap food at the Fringe - especially as most places seem to be packed or overpriced in August.

Here are some tips for eating on a budget:

- Carry a bottle of water, a few snacks and a packed lunch with you during the day - you can munch during during long queues for tickets, and avoid the premium prices at cafes and sandwich shops in the city center.

- Head to the Edinburgh Farmer's Market on Saturdays for some budget-friendly food. Held between 9am and 2pm at Castle Terrace, it's stalls sell filling hot takeaway food, such as venison burgers and a hog roast!

- Some of the venues have great cafes, but they can get crowded in between shows. Instead, try the street stalls around the main venues such as Johnston Terrace and Bristo Square. The Traverse Theatre Bar and Café has a decent selection of reasonably priced food, and the courtyards inside the Pleasance Dome Theatre are home to stalls selling huge hot dogs and burgers.

- With some shows, food actually comes as part of your ticket. Early risers can catch Shakespeare for breakfast at C Venue at 10am, and watch the Bard’s best plays with a croissant and a cup of tea or coffee.


- For a cheap meal out, check out the Mosque Kitchen (officially called The Lunch Box) where you can pick up huge portions of halal curries for just a few pounds.

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Its a emporium of everything ladies love. From unusual lingerie and nick nacks, to the most divine home made cup cakes ever. We had a decadent afternoon tea served in the cafe which was absolutely five-star.

15 William Street, at the West End. Lots of lovely speciality shop in the street too

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The independent cinema and cafe-bar Cameo on Edinburgh's southside is a delightful place with friendly staff and real atmosphere.

I will surely miss having coffee or a bottle of beer before or after a carefully selected movie...

Cameo bar, Tollcross, Edinburgh

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