Bristo Square

During August, a cluster of university buildings generates its own gravity. Pleasance Dome, Gilded Balloon Teviot and Bedlam Theatre are all within a few hundred yards of one another – surrounded by a pick of great bars and restaurants

Words: Peter Simpson

Che

Falafel cures all ills, so if you’ve hit it a bit too hard, head to Che for a chickpea nightcap. The freshly-fried falafel, wrapped up with salad and pickles, will see you through.

21 Forrest Rd

Civerinos Slice

Need to recharge after running from show to show? Head to Civerinos Slice and get a piece of a 20-inch pie. Seriously, these slices are enormous.

49 Forrest Rd, @civerinos_slice

El Cartel Mexicana

This branch of El Cartel is in the belly of the Fringe beast, but grab some tacos and soon that staircase queue in Teviot will be far from your mind.

15 Teviot Pl, @elcartelmexicana

George Square Street Food

Expect to find a raft of street food vans parked up in-andaround the George Square homes of Underbelly and Assembly. We recommend seeking out The Buffalo Truck (black van, amazing fried chicken).

Paradise Palms

A genuine lynchpin for Edinburgh’s creative community, Palms has a bit of everything. It’s a performance space, a record shop (and record label), a veggie diner, and a hugely fun bar.

41 Lothian St, @edinburghpalms

Saboteur

South Asian street food with a great range of veggie options, Saboteur is right next to illustrious sibling Ting Thai Caravan, but without the queues.

19 Teviot Pl, @saboteurrestaurant

Thomas J Walls

Taking up residence in the former opticians on Forrest Road, Thomas J Walls is a pretty grand place for a coffee. It’s also bloody enormous, so grabbing a seat is rarely an issue.

35 Forrest Rd

Ting Thai Caravan

Totally affordable, incredibly tasty and more than a little exciting, Ting Thai Caravan is in many ways the perfect lunch spot. Get down early for a seat at the canteen-style benches.

8 Teviot Pl, @tingthaicaravanedinburgh

Union of Genius Soup’s great, and Union of Genius’ soup is greater than most. Loads of veggie options, plentiful servings and super-quick service make this a perennial favourite.

8 Forrest Rd, @unionofgenius