During lockdown, we became much better acquainted with the diverse array of fabulous restaurant-quality food available to eat at home. Perhaps you’re self-isolating, quarantining after a trip abroad, or just fancy a hassle-free night in with some tempting international flavours. Here’s our guide to the most inspiring places to order to your door, or takeout, in Scotland’s capital.
@pizza
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Created with a keen focus on speed, @pizza offers the fastest pizza you will find whilst also maintaining the highest standards of quality. The pizzas are made in front of you, to your own design, and are cooked in just 60 seconds. You can even order ahead to jump the queue at www.atpizza.com/atpizzatogo. Perfect for a quick lunch on the move or a fast dinner, @pizza offers consistently fantastic food without the wait. It’s fantastic pizza, made faster than the average drive-thru! @pizza has been ranked as the ‘No.1 Pizza in Edinburgh’ for over 2 years, so you’ll be guaranteed to love it.
Orinoco Latin Food
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Opt for a South American feast from Orinoco Latin Food. This family-run establishment specialises in Venezuelan and Colombian street food with plenty of vegan-friendly options. Enjoy exotic ingredients and dishes like empanadas (patties), cachapa (filled pancake), yuca frita (fried cassava sticks), Pabellón criollo (a traditional rice, bean and plantain dish) and farm-style soups. It’ll be delivered fast and fresh or you might prefer to pop in and soak up the colourful, fun vibe at this little Leith gem.
The Pakora Bar
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Founded by three brothers, this cheery Punjabi street food bar serves up dishes based on their mum’s own recipes. The haggis pakora is famous and a must-try – a veggie option is available too, along with a range of samosas, wraps, dhals, curries, burgers and lassi to wash it all down. With trendy tropical decor and a handy central location, it’s well worth stopping in for your takeaway, or you can order via Deliveroo. And as it’s open into the wee small hours, it’s ideal for a hearty and satisfying late-night snack.
Pomegranate
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Order a fragrant Middle Eastern mezze selection including dishes from Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran. If you’re finding it tricky to choose, plump for a family bundle, the ever-popular Soujuk sausages or a fancy kebab, followed by some melt in the mouth Baklawa and rosewater sorbet. Takeout from Pomegranate at the east end of the city, or order on any of the major delivery platforms.
app.middleeastinedinburgh.co.uk
The Fishmarket
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Another staple of takeaway cuisine is fish and chips – and they’re served gourmet style at The Fishmarket in Newhaven. Make it traditional with some battered haddock (small portions are available for kids and those with less of an appetite), or push the boat out with a Scottish lobster supper. There’s also squid, monkfish and Aberdeen Angus burgers. The eatery’s prime location beside the harbour provides the perfect backdrop to eat your takeout beside the water as the sun sets over the sea.
www.thefishmarketnewhaven.co.uk
Ting Thai Caravan
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The first Ting Thai Caravan opened on Teviot Place and proved an instant hit with queues for tables often extending onto the street. Now the team behind the funky street food joint have opened a second establishment on Lothian Road. Their south-east Asian dishes can be delivered to your door or collected from either branch. Jungle curries, spicy soups, pickled veg and sticky pork are among the delicacies that await, along with the chef’s weekly special. Try it and you’ll soon understand the hype.
Victor Hugo Deli
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If you’re in search of a lunch or breakfast to go, grab some fancy treats at this French-style deli. It’s a true veteran of the city gastronomic scene. Victor Hugo took up a salubrious residence beside The Meadows back in 1969 and has recently opened a second location on swanky George Street. The menu is extensive, with eggs galore, ryes, baguettes, rolls, ciabattas, quiches, burgers, pasta and freshly baked cakes all made on site. Coffee aficionados love the roasts and there’s a wealth of healthy soft drinks. You can also pick up some high-end groceries while you’re here.
Spitaki
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Hidden away just slightly off the beaten track in Bonnington, is this award-winning authentic Greek Taverna. Owned and run by chef Christos Bampalis, Spitaki opened five years ago and means ‘the little house’. Find all your favourites here: souvlaki, calamari, taramosalata, keftedes, dolmades and Mediterranean salads. The menu of filling plates will please carnivores, vegetarians, vegans and those following a gluten-free diet. Food is available for collection from the restaurant on East Claremont Street.
