Scottish£old-townDaily 11:00-18:00
Oink hog roast counter on Victoria Street in Edinburgh Old Town, carving a whole suckling pig from 11:00 daily, the city's best £8 lunch in a roll.
Try: Hog roast roll with haggis stuffing
Tip: Closes when the pig runs out, often before 15:00 on busy days. The haggis-stuffed version is the authentic Edinburgh choice.
Mexican£southsideMon-Sat 12:00-23:00, Sun 12:00-22:00
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.
Seafood£new-townMon-Thu 17:00-21:15, Fri-Sun 16:00-21:15
L'Alba D'Oro on Henderson Row in Edinburgh New Town, opened 1975 and named UK's best fish and chip shop by The Times, a takeaway chippy chipping its own.
Try: Battered haddock and chips
Tip: Evening-only: opens at 16:00. Arrive at opening to avoid the post-work queue that builds from 17:30.
Pizzeria£old-townSun-Thu 12:00-22:00, Fri-Sat 12:00-23:00
Civerinos Slice on Hunter Square in Edinburgh Old Town, the counter arm of the Civerinos restaurant. At 5 Hunter Square. Booking recommended.
Try: New York-style pizza by the slice
Tip: Slices rotate through the day; pepperoni and margherita are always on. Fold it in half New York-style and eat standing.
Seafood£old-townMon-Thu 11:00-22:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-23:00, Sun 11:00-22:00
Bertie's Proper Fish and Chips on Victoria Street in Edinburgh Old Town, a sit-down and takeaway chippy cooking fresh Scottish haddock battered to order.
Try: Battered haddock and chips
Tip: Takeaway counter at the front is faster than the sit-down section. Order at the counter and eat on the Grassmarket steps.
Indian£southsideDaily 12:00-00:00
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.