Leith, Broughton and Abbeyhill

Heading Leith-wards is the contemporary music strand of Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe Central’s new home at the St James Quarter – don’t miss the street food and community cafes

Words: Peter Simpson

Alby’s Big. Hot. Sandwiches. Alby’s will give you one of the city’s best lunches, stuffing all manner of stuff into some suitably fluffy focaccia.

8 Portland Pl, @albys_leith

Artisan Roast

One of the forerunners of Edinburgh’s coffee scene, Artisan Roast are still firing out excellent espresso at venues across the city.

57 Broughton St

@artisanroast

Bross Bagels Deli

Larah Bross’ Montreal-style bagels have become a local institution in just a few short years. You’ll find delicious flavours, inventive combinations and a generally cool vibe.

4 Little King St, @BrossBagels

Kvasa

The sourdough bakery moved into their Leith Walk shop a few months back, and have been impressing everyone with great bread and excellent sweets.

101 Leith Walk, @kvasa.bakery

Leith Depot

The Depot fought property developers and won, so we have to shout them out. Live music upstairs, community vibes downstairs, and great bar food with comically huge portions.

138 Leith Walk, @leithdepot138

Little Fitzroy

One of the city’s best coffee spots, you’ll know you’ve arrived by the queues on the pavement outside.

Great baristas, lovely folks, excellent espresso.

46 Easter Rd, @littlefitzroy

The Pitt Edinburgh’s year-round street food market is home to some of the country’s best food vans. Get down there before it closes for good at the end of August, moving to a new location in 2023.

125 Pitt St, @thepittmarket

Polentoni

Excellent sandwiches, bakery staples, really good pastries and cakes, homemade soups and gnocchi – if you’re in need of some Italian comfort food, this is the place.

38 Easter Rd, @polentoni_

Razzo

Edinburgh has its fair share of good pizza, and Razzo is near the top of the pile. Big puffy crusts, classic Neapolitan toppings, and slightly asymmetrical, which we find indicates quality.

59 Great Junction St, @razzopizzanapoletana

Williams and Johnson

The Leith roasters supply many of the city centre’s best cafes, but their own spot in the achingly cool Custom House complex by The Shore is an ideal place to check them out.

65 Commercial St, @williams_and_johnson

At 'The A Club' Merchants Hall, 22 Hanover Street, Edinburgh

4th - 27th August

Other acts include ABBA, Just Beatles, The Queen Killers and many more!