The Meadows, Marchmont and Summerhall

This part of town is notable for its various parks and gardens. In the middle is George Square – home to Underbelly and Assembly – or you can head round the corner to Summerhall

Words: Peter Simpson

The Argyle Bar

A cute corner bar just off the Meadows. Grab an outside seat and watch the student comedy troupes sprint by, or head down to the Cellar Bar for nightly jazz and vaudeville shows.

15 Argyle Pl, @argyle_cellar_bar

Cult Espresso

Cult pairs a stripped-back split-level aesthetic with delicious, expertly crafted coffees and a tightly curated food menu.

104 Buccleuch St @cultcoffeeedin

Dagda

A cracking real ale bar that’s also the size of a large living room, Dagda is a place to rediscover your convivial spirit over a pint. Grab a booth if you can.

93 Buccleuch St

Detour Espresso

Sat about halfway down the Meadows, Detour serves up an excellent cup of coffee in a light and airy space ideal for a pre-show pitstop.

39 Argyle Pl, @detourespresso

Elliott’s

A combination of provisions shop, cafe and events space, all helmed by chef and food writer Jess Elliott Dennison.

21 & 27 Sciennes Rd, @elliottsedinburgh

Machina Espresso

Machina roast their own beans, so they know what they’re all about. Their new spot in Marchmont is bright, breezy and hard to miss.

38 Marchmont Rd, @MachinaEspresso

The Nile Valley Cafe

This unpretentious Sudanese cafe is our top pick for an ad-hoc Fringe lunch – the Africa wrap (falafel, feta cheese, broad beans, hummus and spicy peanut sauce) is a particular favourite.

6 Chapel St

Noodles and Dumplings

A no-frills Chinese diner in the heart of Newington, this is where you go for glutinous hand-pulled noodles and delicious broth served in bowls the size of your head.

23 South Clerk St

The Original Mosque Kitchen

An Edinburgh institution, the Mosque Kitchen serves up delicious curry all day long with huge plates of spicy goodness starting at just a few quid. If you haven’t been yet, go now.

50 Potterrow

The Royal Dick Summerhall’s bar is stocked with beer from the on-site brewery and gin from the onsite distillery, and its courtyard is one of the city’s most sprawling beer gardens.

1 Summerhall, @summerhallery

Soderberg

The extensive outdoor seating might draw you in, but the food will keep you there –crispbreads, cardamom buns, sourdough breads, salads, sandwiches and more await.

1 Lister Sq, @soderbergbakery