Where to dine out during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

We love Café Piccante all year round, but during the Fringe Festival this well-loved fish and chip shop transforms into something truly spectacular. Not your usual chippie, Piccante – with its glittery disco ball, late night drinks licence and its own in-house DJ – is the perfect destination to soak up any Fringe-induced drinking. Expect bright neon lights, plenty of friendly chatter with strangers, and a whole host of singing and dancing as you wait for your order. Food here is super tasty: the batter is always light, the chips are hot and the fish is fresh. Prices are low and the clientele are a fabulous mixed bunch too – what’s not to love?

You’ll soon work out that most of the food consumed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is served from a truck, snaffled standing up, and eaten with disposable cutlery. This is no bad thing. The key is to spot the hidden gems – one of which is Tuk Truk, an off-shoot of the sensational Indian Street food restaurant by the same name. Expect lots of usual ‘roadside plates’ (Puri Yoghurt Bombs, Chicken Tikka, Samosa Chaat) alongside some special, Fringe-friendly treats (we’ve loved the Chicken Lollipops in the past). The street food focused menu lends itself well to being enjoyed quickly between shows, or even shared amongst friends sat down in the Meadows. There’s always usually a queue – but we promise it’s well-worth the wait.

In need of something that’s portable, quick and cheap? Pizza covers all those bases (if you’ll pardon the pun). Civerinos is the neighbourhood pizza bar that locals and visitors alike rave about on the regular. Opt for a single slice of hot, crisp Margherita (just £3.95) or go the whole hog an order a 20” pie to share at £19.50. With other more adventurous numbers available too – alongside some pretty exciting seasonal specials – Civerinos is best enjoyed sat in the Meadows (just a two-minute walk away) with a pint or glass of something cold. Buon appetito!

Fancy something a bit more substantial that a quick bite in between shows? Head to The Little Chartroom in trendy Leith for a sit-down curer you won’t forget. This neighbourhood bistro is run by a husband and wife duo, and is super warm and welcoming, not least during the Fringe! The dishes are simple but delicious, and there’s plenty for both veggies and meat-eaters alike. For a slice of luxury (at exceptionally decent prices) look no further.

Be warned – you’ll have to book ahead to bag yourself a table at this wee gem. We promise it’ll be well-worth the forward planning, though. Chez Jules is a fabulously camp and kitsch eatery, where the ‘menu du jour’ consists of all the French clichés you could possibly imagine: Moules Frites, Escargots, French Onion Soup and Tartiflette. Don’t be put off by the somewhat heavy-handed red-chequered tablecloths and the ‘Chat Noir’ posters that line the walls, the food here is sensational and the staff are all charming. Veggie options are cutting edge and easily square-up to the meatier counterparts (think Beetroot Tartare with cured yolk, filo crisp and salt-baked beetroot), and the desserts are not to be missed either. Make a reservation and thank us later.

If you want to line you stomach well with some really good quality food, then look no further than Shish. This is a new Turkish-style restaurant that’s opened its doors in Newington, Edinburgh’s southside of the City, bringing Turkish flavours to Scotland’s culinary capital. At the helm in the kitchen, the passionate team of chefs have created an inspired menu underpinned by true authenticity and rich taste. Highlights include Karisik Izgara – a traditional mixed grill platter with chargrilled lamb and chicken, lamb ribs, chicken thigh, succulent meatballs and adana kebab; Tire Kofte – skewered tomato infused kofte served with buttery tomato sauce and garlic yoghurt;Kafes – juicy whole rack of lamb, carved and served at your table; Levrek– grilled marinated seabass served with olives, capers and asparagus; and Kusbasili Pidi – Turkish style flatbread topped with cubes of beef, capsicums and tomato.

Haute Dolci opened its doors in Edinburgh at the tail end of last year, bringing its infamous luxe desserts and popular brunches to the Scottish capital. The new Edinburgh site is the 17th Haute Dolci store and the first to open in Scotland. Located in the vibrant St James Quarter, Haute Dolci is the perfect sweet spot for locals and destination shoppers alike. Offering an affordable, yet luxurious experience to all those who seek delicious food and a truly indulgent moment. Get your sweet fix through desserts that include the popular Dolci Made By You, with diners picking one base, one sauce, one topping and a scoop of gelato. Bases include American waffles, Dolci pancakes, French toast, French crepes, cookie dough or fudge brownies. Sauces include Nutella, strawberry, and Belgian milk chocolate among others. Toppings, meanwhile, range from fruits and nuts to a range of different chocolates, while gelatos include evergreen favourites like Madagascan vanilla and the super luxurious stracciatella.