Mosque Kitchen on Nicolson Square in Southside Edinburgh, opened 1998 inside the Edinburgh Central Mosque courtyard, a counter-service Pakistani-style.
Try: Lamb biryani
Tip: Order at the till, pick up at the counter; the lamb biryani at £7 is the long-running lunch deal for medical students.
Stewart Brewing in Loanhead on the south edge of Edinburgh, founded 2004 by Steve and Jo Stewart, a craft brewery running a Craft Beer Kitchen with public.
Tip: Their Craft Beer Kitchen runs public sessions for brewing your own pint; book ahead by a fortnight via their website.
Mosque Kitchen on Nicolson Square in Edinburgh, serving halal Pakistani and Indian curry, rice and naan at prices barely changed since the 1980s, cash only.
Try: Lamb curry with rice and naan
Tip: Peak lunchtime queue moves fast. Order the lamb curry with a naan and bring cash for speed.
Bonnie Burrito on South Clerk Street in Edinburgh, a student-area Mexican counter building burritos and bowls with fresh-cooked fillings for under £10.
Try: Build-your-own burrito
Tip: The Clerk Street branch is the original and busiest. Go at 12:30 rather than 13:00 to skip the university lunch wave.
Kebab Mahal on Nicolson Square in Edinburgh, a halal Punjabi curry house open since 1979, serving tandoori grills and biryanis until 02:00 on weekends.
Try: Tandoori mixed grill
Tip: Later is better here: after midnight on a Friday the atmosphere is distinct. The lamb tikka is the order.
Kebab Mahal on Nicolson Square in Edinburgh, a halal Punjabi grill open since 1979, serving tandoori chicken and lamb curry until 02:00 on weekends.
Try: Tandoori grill and lamb curry
Tip: Cash is quickest for the late-night takeaway crowd. The lamb tikka and naan is the order after midnight.
The Clerk Street bar in Newington runs a queer-friendly alternative programme with eclectic decor, regular drag nights and a quieter dance floor than the Pink Triangle clubs.
Tip: The Saturday alt-rock DJ is the standout, arrive by 22:00 to grab one of the upholstered booths near the bar.