Where to go for a burger in Edinburgh

The Scottish chain has restaurants on Lothian Road and at the Fort Kinnaird shopping complex on the edge of the city. Its menu displays international influences, with a strong leaning toward Korean and American flavours. It even pays homage to a famous joke by Scottish comedian Kevin Bridges, in its ‘Chad Hogan’ burger. The burgers here start at just £8.50, with one of its self-declared must-haves, The Luther (a delectable, caramelised, glazed ring doughnut toasted with a cheeseburger, candied bacon, gochujang mayo and crispy onions) coming in at only £9. Be sure to try the Canadian-style poutine made from cheese curds and house gravy, too. It’s become a cult hit with diners.

This bar and kitchen is found on East London Street, just a stroll away from the main city centre. It provides 100 per cent vegan food and products with a range of burgers that are small, but perfectly formed. Classic Quarter Pounder 12 is made up of a soy patty with diced onion, beef tomato, crispy lettuce and lashings of classic burger sauce. Or you might like to try a Truffle Shuffle Cheese and Bacon Burger, with smoked ‘bacon’, caramelised onion, smoked gouda, white cheddar sauce and black truffle mayo. Or there’s a Filet o’ To-Fish of smoked tofu and nori in beer batter with onion, beef tomato, tangy tartare and lettuce. Add your voice of sauces, pickles, hand-cut fries, or Vietnamese loaded chips.

A relaxed city centre pub with a Scottish feel, Holyrood 9a is a cosy spot for all-day dining. Burgers form the main event on its menu and are locally sourced from Shaws Fine Meats, with a brioche bun and rustic fries. In addition to the classics, you’ll find some quirky combos, such as The Bohemian – a steak burger with Emmental cheese, sliced turkey, rocket, prosciutto and basil mayo, as well as a haggis patty with fried onions and sriracha mayo. Holyrood 9a has chicken and veggie versions too, as well as two vegan options, including the Moving Mountains plant-based burger, accompanied by vegan cheddar, red onion, tomato and basil pesto mayo.

This trendy Leith-based local serves up 7oz hand-pressed patties made from 100 per cent beef. They come sandwiched in a dairy-free white burger bun, with a dressed side salad and Cajun seasoned fries (a sweet potato alternative is also available). Choose from a range of burgers, such as the haggis-topped Scotsman, the Brooklyn Burger with cheese, onion rings, American mustard, pickles, lettuce, tomato and burger sauce, or My Neighbour Teriyaki piled high with pulled pork, Asian slaw, rocket, cucumber and Wings Edinburgh’s own Teriyaki Sauce. The Black Fox also offers three chicken burgers and three veggie options, made with your choice of halloumi, falafel or black bean.

It’s all about the smoke at this barbecue restaurant found in a basement on the Royal Mile. Bubba Q’s casual, US-style dining is popular with families. Order a Wholly Smokie, with double helpings of beef (patty and brisket), homemade pickles and Kansas BBQ sauce. Those with a sweet tooth will love the Dirty Donut, incorporating bacon, cheese and maple syrup. And meat-free diners can tuck into Bubba Q’s Big V with halloumi, red pepper, crispy onions, avocado sauce and sweet chilli. There are lots of sides to add to your burger too, like coleslaw, onion rings, corn and tater tots.

No list of Edinburgh burger joints is complete without The Cambridge. The New Town gastropub specialises in gourmet homemade burgers in stylish yet relaxed surroundings. Its patties are made using 100 per cent Scottish beef, buffalo and chicken and locally sourced ingredients, with smaller portions available for younger diners. Here you choose your single or double patty (beef, buffalo, chicken or bean), then choose your topping, followed by sides and any additional toppings. Hawaiian, Swiss, Mexican and Scottish-style ingredients all make an appearance on the menu. The Cambridge’s bespoke approach to building your meal allows for lots of variation, giving vegetarian diners even more freedom.