Learn about the best of Edinburgh Fringe while indulging in some of the city's best food
Ages
5+
Duration
1.5 hours
Departs
Daily 2:00 pm
Highlights
Tuck into Scottish haddock fish & chips from one of the city’s newest and nicest additions 🐟🍟
Haggis isn’t for everyone, so we’ll spice it up (not literally, this is Scotland after all) by serving it in bon bon form with whisky marmalade, fried radish and kale!
Taste Scottish cheeses from an Edinburgh institution that’s been around more than 30 years 🧀
Hear about the history of Fringe from those who know it best, and catch word-class street performances with your group! 🤹
End your extended lunch with a Scottish twist on a classic dessert in Grassmarket 🍩
Tour Description
Fuel your Fringe festival adventures with a delicious intermission from the chaos of Edinburgh. This perfectly timed lunch food tour will take you from the Royal Mile’s cobblestones to hidden culinary gems that locals have been keeping secret for good reason.
While performers prep for their afternoon shows, embark on a culinary journey through Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. Forget queuing for lukewarm Fringe festival food stalls: sample classic Scottish fare, meet food artisans while admiring the displays from street performers all around, and finish with a show-stopping dessert that’s sweeter than a five-star review.
This Edinburgh food tour perfectly balances traditional Scottish cuisine with modern flair to keep things interesting – much like the festival itself. Experience the best of Scottish flavors while giving your feet (and wallet) a break from the Fringe frenzy. It’s the ideal tour for festival enthusiasts who want to taste Edinburgh’s culinary soul without missing a single show!
Perfect mix of history about Fringe and food in Scotland! The ideal length to fit in between shows. Thanks so much for an amazing tour.
Lindsey M | Tripadvisor
Dietary Information
Vegetarian-Friendly Tours but vegan, gluten-free, or kosher options may be limited. Please share dietary restrictions upon booking for best accommodation. Note that tastings outside those catered for your needs are at your own risk. The company assumes no responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances. Guests with severe or life-threatening allergies cannot participate in this activity for their safety.
Why Eat with Us?
Expert Local Guides: Fun, knowledgeable Edinburgh locals.
Edinburgh’s Hidden Gems: Enjoy exclusive access to local favorites where you’re treated like family.
Culinary Diversity: Taste a variety of delicious dishes, and hear the stories behind the food.
Cultural Immersion: See Edinburgh through the eyes of a local.
Established Expertise: Europe’s best food tours, top-rated since 2011.
"Perfect mix of history about Fringe and food in Scotland! The ideal length to fit in between shows. Thanks so much for an amazing tour.
" — Lindsey M | Tripadvisor
Please note that the items above are a selection of the delicious foods we often feature. Offerings may vary by day or season, but you're sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!
Meeting Point
The Milkman
52 Cockburn St, Edinburgh EH1 1PB
Your guide will be waiting for you underneath the “Fleshmarket Close” street sign, wearing our purple Eating Europe bag.
What people are saying
5.0
★★★★★
A great food adventure! Emory and Reese were fabulous hosts. The food tour was excellent sharing both history of food, culture and Edinburgh. The variety allowed us to experience foods I’ve only read about but never tried. Enjoyed the adventure of trying new foods in historical settings. One note - this tour equals a large lunch or dinner so come hungry!!
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H K
7/30/2025
Amazing food tour! The food was amazing! Emory and Reese were friendly and knowledgeable. A very nice sampling of some Scottish staples including a new take on Haggis and tablet ice cream
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Christa H
7/30/2025
Family Vacation Enjoyed this with my family, this included our 8 and 11 year old. The food portions were actually much bigger than expected and the places visited offered a good sampling of Scottish Fares.
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Orskil
7/26/2025
Easy to recommend We had a wonderful food tour with Ailsa! We have done food tours in many cities but Ailsa made this one particularly special - her knowledge of Scottish food and culture was on full display. The stops we visited were varied and the food tasty. We also used some of her recommendations later in our trip and they were excellent. A must do in Edinburgh!
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Adam H
7/25/2025
Great tour around the city Tour guide Lorna was amazing! She did great adding historical context to the food and very accommodating of everyone on the tour! Food choices were also good.
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Javoy J
7/22/2025
Visited different eating and drinking venues within old Edinburgh. Luanda is an excellent guide, great explainer and knowledgeable. Very enjoyable walk receiving information on significant landmarks while sampling local cuisine.
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Brian W
7/21/2025
Edinburgh scran Luana was very friendly and knowledgeable! I had an incredible time, and ate some delicious food. Yaay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Explorer39314374359
7/21/2025
Edinburgh food and culture. We had a great tour with Luana. She was extremely knowledgeable about the city and the local foods. We appreciated your friendliness and the overall tour. We enjoyed ourselves and strongly recommend this tour and Luana.
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George Adams
7/21/2025
Engaging and Fun! Our guide, Aisla, was fantastic! The food was diverse and filling. I started doing food tours to enrich my travel experiences. I definitely recommend this food tour for Edinburgh! Come hungry and leave happy!
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Meighan
7/20/2025
Our guide Ailsa was AMAZING!!! This tour was so much fun, and the food/drinks were absolutely delicious. Highly recommend this tour, and hopefully you’ll experience the joy of having Ailsa as your guide.
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Jeannette R
7/19/2025
This tour will make you full We had a great time with Luana and truly appreciated her knowledge of Edinburgh and the food we ate, especially as we were the only two on the tour. We will be happy to recommend this tour to friends and family. Many thanks!
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Mel T
7/17/2025
Best food tour of Edinburgh We go on food tours all over the world. This was one of the best. We sampled real Scottish food including haggis (actually pretty good), meat pies, beer, cider, skink soup (like a very good chowder). Our guide, Alisa was outstanding, very knowledgeable, very engaging. If you come to Edinburgh, this is the best food tour. And you see both the old town and the new town.
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Familytravelnut
7/16/2025
Why Eat with Us?
#1 food and drink experience in Europe - 14 years. 500,000 Clients. 25,000 Five-Star Reviews!
Every tour is meticulously curated to showcase the very best of Edinburgh’s food scene.
Exclusive access to the most legit local spots, from the famous hole in the wall to the trendy new restaurants.
Premium tours with expert guides, outstanding food, and drinks always included
Book now and save 15% off additional tours across Europe!
9 countries, 20 cities, 50+ food tours. Book now and receive a special loyalty code to save even more on future adventures.
Looking for a private food tour during the festival, before or after? Whether you’re visiting with a group or a local craving a unique day out, we’ve got you covered.
For more details or specific requests, reach out to [email protected] or call +1 917-909-6432.
Savour Edinburgh like a local with our expert food tour guides.
Ailsa
Born in Aberdeen, Edinburgh became my second home throughout my University years here.
My current favourite is the Palmerston by Haymarket Train Station - the best lunch deal you can find in Edinburgh!
I recommend that anyone who comes to Edinburgh should spend a day walking around the Old Town - tripping over cobblestones and getting lost in Closes are all part of the quintessential Edinburgh experience. The more 'dreich' the weather, the better.
Andre
Originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil, I came to Edinburgh for the first time in 2008 and, after a few visits, moved here permanently in 2023.
My favorite place to eat is Soul Vegan in the Southside area is the ultimate comfort food you can find in Edinburgh.
You should go to Calton Hill! You will get a very good understanding about the geography of Edinburgh, plus the views of the skyline are breathtaking.
Luana
I was born in the highlands of Scotland, near the Isle of Skye, then grew up in Brittany, France. I came back to live in Edinburgh as Scotland has always felt like home to me.
I love Nutan's, Indian Bistro in Tollcross! A wee restaurant with a real intimate atmosphere and delicious food. The Mango Lassi is fantastic!
I recommend finding a high point, as the skyline and views of Edinburgh are just gorgeous! You can do that from Calton Hill or Arthur's seat, but also from the top of the Scott's Monument or the rooftop of the National Museum!
Emery
I am originally from Philadelphia, PA in the United States
My favourite place to eat in Edinburgh is Paloma in Leith - the most delicious and creative Mexican-inspired food!
The National Museum of Scotland is one of my favourite places to visit. The history is inspiring and fascinating, I could spend all day walking around in there! I also love a trip to the National Gallery.
Rhys
I'm from North Wales, but have lived all over the place, Australia, Thailand, India, China, NZ, Switzerland, Iceland, and the last 6 years in Edinburgh.
As for favorite foods, I pretty much like everything on the menu at Ozzy’s in Haddington.
Carlton Hill has gotta be done by everyone, accessible, historic, great views, and an amazing energy to the place. There's also a bar to go and enjoy the sunset, but can get rather full rather quick!
A tour can be cancelled with a full refund up to 24 hours before tour departure.
Private Tours
A private tour can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure
Gift Cards, Travel Vouchers & Flexi-Pass™
Gift cards, travel vouchers and Flexi-Pass™ are non-refundable.
LATE ARRIVALS AND NO SHOWS
Due to extremely strict time slots for entry into attractions and for food preparation, both in-person & virtual/online, we recommend you show up 15 minutes before the scheduled starting time of the tour or experience. Our group tours begin & depart precisely at the scheduled tour or experience start time. If you show up late or cannot find the meeting point, for any reason, refund requests are not honored per policy. If you are having a hard time arriving on time we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible so we can do everything in our power to assist you with arriving at the meeting point at the scheduled time or reschedule to the next available tour.
CANCELLATION DUE TO PLANES, TRAINS, AUTOMOBILES OR ILLNESS
Inside of 24 hours, your spot on the tour has been reserved exclusively for you. Since we are unable to fill your spot if you’re unable to attend for any reason (including transportation or illness), we do not offer refunds after that time. Please plan ahead so that you are able to join us and don’t miss out!
DISCOUNT CODES
Discount codes are valid for new bookings only. They are not eligible for pre-existing bookings and can not be applied retrospectively.
AMENDMENT POLICY
We would be happy to assist you with rescheduling your tour, free of charge, with any requests made more than 24 hours of 8am CET on the date of the tour. We reserve the right to charge an amendment fee should you request to reschedule within 24 hours of 8am CET on the date of your tour . Once again, this is subject to availability and price changes. In general, we only charge you for any additional costs that we incur such as tickets. We have no intention of profiting from disruptions to your vacation and will work with providers and suppliers to get this cost reduced to a minimum.
CHANGES TO THIS POLICY
From time to time, the terms of this policy may change at the Company’s discretion.
CONTACT US
If you have any questions regarding this privacy policy, you can contact us using the information below:
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