Edinburgh’s best places to eat out for students

A true Edinburgh institution, the Nile Valley cafe has been serving up lip-smacking wraps to Edinburgh University’s student population for quite some time. Expect a queue (that often winds down the road) because this place is pretty popular. We promise it’s well-worth the wait, however. The famous African wrap – loaded with chicken, avocado and the signature ‘spicy sauce’ – alongside the ‘Bary’ wrap (lashings of home-made hummus and zingy fried falafel) are hard to beat and will only set you back around £3-£4. What’s not to like?

In the mood for a hearty meal to keep you fuelled for all that hard studying? Look no further. The Mosque Kitchen is an informal, family-friendly, budget curry joint offering no-frills cuisine at brilliant prices. With fantastic veggie and vegan options, and meat dishes that are tender and sumptuous, it’s not hard to see why so many students love the place. Of course, the low prices help here too – you can bag yourself a large curry, a couple of sides and homemade naan bread for under a tenner! Staff are friendly and the service is slick.

A relaxed and casual coffee shop offering a daily soup selection (all homemade) alongside breakfast options and coffee, Union of Genius has long aimed to offer delicious food at low prices all whilst maintaining an ethical approach to cooking. To do so, the cafe draws on the finest seasonal produce, relies on local suppliers and gives out food for those in need. It also owns a van, usually located on Edinburgh University’s George Square, where you’ll find a wide choice of meat-based, vegan and free-from meals. The loyalty scheme rewards you for recycling too; return your used packaging or bring your own container for free soup!

Handily located on George Square (flocked each day by University of Edinburgh students), On The Roll is a small stand, serving up German hot dogs. Perfect for on the go – and if you’ve not got much cash to spare –  choose from Bratwurst, Currywurst and Krakauer sausages, which are all imported straight from the Munsterland region of Germany. Top it off with a squeeze of the ‘Spicy Sauce’, and for only £4, you have yourself a pretty tasty meal.

Fulfil all of your pizza – kneads – and get yourself down to the meadows, located next to Edinburgh University’s main library, where you’ll find the charming Wanderers Kneaded pizza truck. Specialising in sourdough and wood-fired pizzas – as well as fresh, local ingredients – the value for money here is extraordinary and the flavour combinations are extensive. From seasonal specials like the tomato-based pizza with Parma ham, martini-soaked Perello olives and brie, to more pared-back numbers like the classic margherita – there’s something to suit all tastes. Prices start at just £5, and portion sizes are generous. 

Vittoria on the Walk is an Edinburgh institution and has been part of the life of families, professionals, students and visitors to the city for almost 50 years! Opened by Alberto Crolla in 1970, this bustling, friendly, family-run Italian restaurant is now run by his grandson, Alberto Jr. Under his management, Vittoria’s restaurant in Leith continues to serve up a fantastic combination of great Italian food and friendly staff, ensuring it’s as busy as ever and one of Leith’s trendiest and most popular eateries (booking ahead is a definite must).