Mon & Tue (2:30pm-9:30pm), Wen & Thu & Fri (1:30pm-9:30pm), Sat & Sun (12:00pm - 10pm) | We have Gluten Free sushi | Sushi deals here
Quick Link to:
UPDATED August 01, 2025
Since the 2024 Fringe passed, as a Ukrainian proverb says, a lot of water has flowed under the bridge.
So we’ve updated the guide to what you should try during Fringe: interesting cuisines and venues you can visit exclusively in Edinburgh or elsewhere in the world.
If you’re already here, we strongly recommend giving them a try, as well as checking out notable spots near the main locations.
We’re also actively writing reviews of various Fringe performances that we—administrators, owners, staff, waiters, the chefs from Minami, and other people—have attended, so you can read them and decide what to pay attention to among the huge number of events.
Minami | Ukrainian Style Sushi | Tasty Fringe Combination
Minami is an oasis for sushi lovers seeking authenticity right in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town.
Tucked away on West Register Street, this Sushi restaurant prides itself on meticulously crafted sushi rolls and sashimi that rival what you’d find in Kyiv.
The chefs source fresh seafood ( a bit more expensive but freshness on a first place ) and combine it with imported Japanese ingredients to create beautifully plated dishes bursting with flavour.
From classic nigiri to innovative Western-inspired rolls, every bite at Minami reflects a harmony of tradition and creativity.
The atmosphere is minimalist and calm – a gentle escape from Fringe crowds – with attentive staff ensuring an excellent dining experience. It’s no surprise that patrons rave about Minami as “the best sushi in Edinburgh”, praising its quality and variety
Hungry Wolf | A Georgian Home in Edinburgh
Craving something different? Hungry Wolf delivers an authentic Georgian dining adventure that Fringe-goers won’t soon forget.
This unassuming, family-run eatery on Iona Street (a short bus ride from the city center) has earned a cult following for its traditional Georgian dishes like khachapuri – the famous cheese-filled bread boat – and pkhali, vibrant veggie pâtés.
The restaurant itself is small and homey, often described as feeling like you’ve stepped into a Georgian grandmother’s kitchen – complete with only a handful of tables and mismatched chairs.
What Hungry Wolf lacks in size, it makes up for in big flavors and warmth. Regulars praise the cheesy, beany, bready goodness of the food, lovingly cooked fresh each day .
Don’t miss their handmade khinkali (soup dumplings) when available, or the hearty stews spiced with herbs and walnuts. To complement the meal, Georgian lemonades and wines are sometimes on offer, adding to the experience. The owners’ hospitality is genuine – they chat with customers and ensure everyone is well-fed (their motto is literally “Fresh equals quality & taste”mapquest.com).
Dining here feels less like eating out and more like visiting family.
Maison Bleue | French/North African Flair Meets Scottish
A long-time fixture on picturesque Victoria Street, Maison Bleue offers a fusion of French, North African, and Scottish cuisine that mirrors Edinburgh’s multicultural vibe.
During the Fringe, this restaurant’s outdoor tables are perfect for people-watching, while inside you’ll find bohemian décor and a lively atmosphere.
The menu is a unique mix: you might start with Moroccan-spiced merguez sausages or haggis bon-bons (haggis rolled into bite-size breaded balls) served with whisky dipping sauce.
Follow with their famed 10-hour slow-cooked lamb tagine or a classic Scottish venison stew – both available on the same menu missvickyviola.com.
Seafood lovers will enjoy options like mussels à la Bretonne (French style) alongside Scottish salmon. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared to showcase robust flavors from each culinary tradition.
Despite the gourmet quality, Maison Bleue remains mid-priced and friendly, offering fixed-price lunch and pre-theatre deals (great for festivalgoers on a schedule)foodanddrink.scotsman.com
With belly dancers entertaining on special nights and a well-curated wine & cocktail list, a meal here is as memorable as a Fringe show itself.
The Advocate | Traditional Scottish Pub & Food
Located at 7 Hunter Square in Old Town, The Advocate is a charming pub‑restaurant housed in a converted historic pump house. It’s a favoured spot for Fringe visitors looking for seasonal Scottish‑led dishes with a friendly pub buzz.
Their menu highlights creative twists like black haggis with pomegranate molasses, Isle of Mull cheddar arancini, or classic fish & chips.
With a 300‑bottle whisky selection and warm service, it pairs culture with comfort. Prices for main dishes typically range between £15‑£30, with the overall experience staying within your budget range.
Chez Jules | French Bistro Delight
Tucked below Hanover Street in New Town, Chez Jules offers rustic French charm within a cosy basement bistro.
Known for its unbeatable lunch prix fixe, guests receive salad, pate, bread, olives and mains such as skirt steak au poivre, steamed mussels or coq au vin starting from £12.90 for two courses—amazing value for central Edinburgh.
The full menu ranges up to around £30‑£35, making it comfortably within your £20‑£50 bracket. Offering classic dishes like frog legs, snails, boudin noir and a seafood platter for two, it’s a blissful escape into French comfort in the heart of the festival city.
Bonus - 5 Festival‑Only Food Courts
During the Fringe, several pop‑up food courts and street‑food hubs spring to life. Here are five festival‑exclusive vendors or areas perfect for those on the move, offering quick delights and bold flavours—garnering much praise in 2025 guides:
Pleasance Courtyard Vendors
Hosted by Edinburgh University Students’ Association, vendors include Harajuku Street Food (Karaage chicken), Smash and Stack Burgers, Mint wraps (chicken or halloumi), Pizza Geeks, and Total Meltdown (grilled cheese sandwiches). All priced between £6–10 per dish, ideal for pre‑ or post‑show eats. These are stationed in Pleasance Courtyard, a Fringe hub super‑central during shows.
Assembly / Underbelly Street Vendors
Located around George Square Gardens, Assembly and Underbelly host a rich mix: Ting Thai bubble‑prawn skewers, We Sell Dumplings, Chick + Pea falafel, Hot Donuts, and gelato by Alandas. Flavours span from Thai spice to sweet vegan treats, with most items under £10.
Edinburgh Street Food (ESF) Market
A bold independent street‑food hub showcasing local traders. Expect Fred’s Backyard BBQ brisket fries, Antojitos vegan tacos, Chix chicken & waffle fries, and dessert from SoftCore. It is not fixed in a restaurant but rotates through Fringe zones—quick, flavour‑packed, and £5–£12 per portion
Stockbridge Social (Innis & Gunn Pop‑up)
Opening 1 August for Fringe, this open‑air venue on Raeburn Place features Scottish trades—Cromars fish & chips, Flame to Fork steak frites, Wanderers Kneaded pizza plus brewery drinks and local gin. Spin‑off entertainment and live music make it an atmospheric festival favourite. Food prices: £8–£15.
Bristo Square Pop‑ups
Managed by the University of Edinburgh, this festival street‑event space hosts various food stalls during Fringe: rotating traders offering everything from falafel wraps to artisan baking inside the Bristo Square market zone. Accessible right near Cowgate venues—quick service and eclectic options.
✅ Summary Table
| Venue / Court | Type | Typical Price | Cuisine Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pleasance Courtyard | Fringe courtyard hub | £6–10 | Chicken, pizza, wraps, cheese |
| Assembly / Underbelly Street | Fringe street area | £5–10 | Thai, donuts, falafel, tacos |
| ESF (Edinburgh Street Food) | Mobile food stalls | £5–12 | BBQ, vegan tacos, comfort |
| Stockbridge Social | Outdoor pop‑up | £8–15 | Scottish comfort, pizza |
| Bristo Square Pop‑ups | Festival square zone | £5–12 | Global quick‑bites |
These vendor hubs are temporary and curated specifically for the Fringe (and overlapped events), offering standout street‑food flavours with minimal fuss and excellent value.
With love team of Minami Sushi.
