Edinburgh’s tastiest toasties

The menu changes regularly at Argyle Place in Marchmont, ensuring a creative and super-fresh range of food. We’ve spotted some amazing toasties over the months, including the Rueben sandwich, made with marbled rye bread, salt beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and the cafe’s own burger sauce; its take on the classic cheese toastie, made using Isle of Mull Cheddar and spiced sauerkraut on sourdough; and the indulgent breaded and fried toastie with cheddar and Gruyère cheese layered with sliced ham or caramelised onion and a side of black garlic mayo for dipping. Argyle Place’s minimalist, Scandi-inspired interior is dog-friendly and it roasts its own coffee, the ideal liquid accompaniment to your toastie.

Book a table at the Fruitmarket Gallery’s Market Street cafe for a cuppa and a grilled sandwich: salt beef with sauerkraut, Emmental cheese and Russian dressing; cured ham, aged cheddar,

tomato and chilli jam; and roast sweet potato with harissa houmous and coconut dressing are among the options available to you. There are also homemade soups, salads and cakes, all made with locally sourced ingredients. The gallery’s minimalist design is reflected in the cafe’s own decor, with clean lines and natural materials creating a bright and airy space conducive to a relaxed lunch with friends, or for spending your lunch break solo, with a good book.

This joint does what it says on the tin… It’s the home of all things grilled cheese and bread. Try the Highlander with creamy peppercorn sauce, Macsweens haggis and the house three cheese blend; Cheese ‘N’ Quackers with crispy duck, tangy hoisin sauce, fresh spring onion and three cheese mix; the pizza toastie (Margherita or pepperoni); or spicy fajita with carvery cut chicken, green jalapeños, mixed peppers, spicy salsa and three cheese blend. You’ll find Cheese ‘N’ Toasted on Deanhaugh Street in Stockbridge.

Founded in 2015 by Rachel Morgan and Emily Cuddeford, this scratch bakery’s name comes from the 12 triangles that make up a traditional croissant. The menu is focused on baked goods such as croissants, cold/slow fermentation sourdough bread and pastries, and is committed to using traditional methods of baking. It has won several awards for its food and design, including the Best Newcomer award at the Observer Food Monthly Awards in 2016 and opened eight cafes across the city, so there’s sure to be one in your ‘hood. Try the toasties with fillings like taleggio, ‘nduja and honey; cranberry jam, brie, prosciutto and cheesy bechamel; and cheesy, spicy kimchi made with Twelve Triangles’ own fermented veggies.

We couldn’t have a toastie guide without including a top Croque Monsieur. This French delicacy consists of ham, cheddar and béchamel sauce, and you can sample an excellent one at The Fox and Faun Bar and Kitchen. This one’s melted in a triple toast stack and served with a side salad. Add a fried egg to make it a Croque Madame, or order the vegetarian version with courgette and aubergine in place of the ham. This is a family-friendly venue; for the kids, there’s melted cheddar on white bread at a fraction of the price.

Another toastie classic is the Club Sandwich. The Beach House version employs a generous portion of free-range chicken, bacon, spinach, tomato, red onion and garlic mayo. It also has toasted paninis and a toasted peri-peri wrap, alongside specials. And there’s a cheese toastie option for the little ‘uns. Pop down at lunchtime for some seaside scran and a catch-up with your mates over your melt. Did you know that The Beach House has set up shop in Leith too? You’ll find it set back from Marine Esplanade, on Carron Place.