13 Food Vendors Not to Miss at the Fringe
Edinburgh University Students’ Association hosts ten of the city’s best local vendors, delivering award-winning and mouth-watering food and drink at their iconic festival venues.
Article Source: Edinburgh University Students’ Association
Last Updated: 31 July 2025 16:25
Edinburgh University Students’ Association hosts ten of the city’s best local vendors, run in partnership with Pleasance Theatre Trust, Gilded Balloon and Shedinburgh.
Pleasance Courtyard
Total Meltdown, Harajuku Street Food, Mimi’s Bakehouse, Pizza Geeks, Smash and Stack Burgers, Mint
The Pleasance Courtyard is brimming with unique bars and food outlets, including the Main Courtyard Bar — one of the busiest bars in the city during the Fringe. This space features heated and covered seating areas, creating a traditional beer garden atmosphere. It’s a great place to enjoy the buzz of the festival, come rain or shine.
Taste the “Best Street Food in Scotland” (Scottish Food and Drink Awards 2018) with Harajuku Street Food, offering its famous Karaage Fried Chicken and Stir-Fry Yaki Udon Noodles.
Edinburgh's gourmet burger stall, Smash and Stack Burgers is situated in the Front Courtyard with its classic dishes — including beef, chicken and veggie burgers made from local ingredients.
Mint will make your tastebuds dance with its renowned Chicken and Halloumi Wrap, as well as plenty of meat-eater and vegan options, and Pizza Geeks, who “set out on a quest to find the one pizza that rules them all”, will serve-up freshly made Neapolitan-inspired pizza with a slice of geek.
Total Meltdown continues to boast the “best grilled cheese sandwiches”. Using sourdough bread, mature cheddar and high-quality ingredients, no wonder its food was rated 10/10 by The Sunday Herald.
Meanwhile, city-favourite Mimi’s Bakehouse returns to the Pleasance Courtyard Green with their mouthwatering baked goods, as well as Machina coffee, Eteaket tea, Luca's ice cream and savoury lunch options. Situated beside the Kid Zone, families will especially love this option.
Other highlights include Arthur’s Bar (a relaxed bar area tucked away behind the Pleasance Courtyard looking out to Arthur’s Seat), Cragg's Bar (located under the famous yellow stretch tent — the perfect spot for a drink and a bite) and the Cabaret Bar (combining a bar and performance space inside the main Pleasance building, the Cabaret Bar has previously drawn a broad audience with established comedians such as Frank Skinner, Rich Hall and Jenny Éclair).
Pleasance Dome & Plaza
The Dome Bar, Box Bar, Bar & Kitchen, Chicken & Fries
The Dome Bar is the main bar in the Pleasance Dome, offering a wide selection of draft, bottles, spirits and hot food. Situated in the lower Dome is the Box Bar complete with deck seating, giving the perfect summer festival feeling. If you fancy a bite, you can also find the Bar & Kitchen with a full food and drinks menu, perfect for a proper pit-stop between shows.
Outside the Pleasance Dome on Pleasance Plaza (named as one of the Fringe’s top places to be) you can find Tender Love with a delicious selection of chicken options.
Charles Street Lane
Mac Love, Greek Street Food, Churros Truck
Between Pleasance Plaza and Appleton Tower (Gilded Balloon) sits Charles Street Lane. Missing from festival in 2024, it's exciting to welcome back this beloved food hot spot lined with street food staples, including Mac Love with their popular mac ‘n’ cheese, Greek Street Food offering a variety of traditional dishes, and Churros Truck (unsurprisingly, with their delicious range of churros).
Appleton Tower
Pink Lady Bar, Bao Buns, The Little Parlour
Just across from Charles Street Lane sits Appleton Tower. Here, you can find our outlets Pink Lady Bar which offers a wide selection of draught, bottles, spirits, coffee and cakes. You can also find the UK's best bao buns, served just outside Appleton Tower's Chapel Street entrance. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, The Little Parlour will be serving luxury gelato-style ice cream, sweets, milkshakes and bubble waffles. Teviot Row House is currently closed for renovation and will reopen in 2025. This festival, Gilded Balloon can be found at Appleton Tower.
Gilded Balloon are also taking over the Wee Red Bar this summer with a live venue launch of Shedinburgh, an area to collaborate and broadcast shows during the day and at night a live entertainment venue with a small bar and outdoor seating area. For more information, visit: https://shedinburgh.com/
Drinks
A broad selection of drinks is available across the venues — Madri, Coors, Alpacalypse Session IPA, Staropramen, Aspall Cyder and Blue Moon to name a few. In addition, you will find Alcohol 0% options, Rekorderlig Ciders, NICE Wine, Gordon’s Gin, Fever-Tree soft drinks and much more. We also have some “Grab and Go” canned items that will ensure you can quickly get served, even while you wait in your queue for the show, so refreshments are never far away!
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Big screen family fun lands at Vue this February half term
With a fantastic roster of brand-new blockbusters and familiar favourites, there's plenty for the whole family to enjoy at Vue this Scottish half term!
READ MORE
OMNi enters home stretch of landmark refurbishment
Edinburgh's affordable leisure and entertainment hub, OMNi has announced its centre-wide refurbishment is progressing well and is due to complete at the end of March 2026.
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland marks major milestone for its Scottish Sport Fund
Aldi Scotland has marked a major milestone for its Scottish Sport Fund, reaching £500,000 in donations after ten years of supporting grassroots sports clubs across the country.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest announces 2026 programme
Opening this year's festival at Potterrow, is multi-award winning, trad music powerhouse RURA performing tunes from their 15-year-long repertoire; and Scottish newcomers Astro Bloc!
READ MORE
Uncle Tiger brings a rotating line up of Asian flavours and night time energy to Bristo Place
A new restaurant opening on Edinburgh's Bristo Place this February is offering diners something a little different...
READ MORE
The Leddie Loves package launches this February
Whether it's a quiet getaway or a Valentine's treat, let The Leddie set the scene for a romantic getaway!
READ MORE
Love is in the air as the biggest wedding showcase in Scotland returns this weekend!
The ever-popular Scottish Wedding Show returns to Glasgow this Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th February, bringing together thousands of happy couples for a loved-up weekend of wedding planning fun!
READ MORE
Summerhall Arts announce applications for Second Annual Group Show and reveal winner of Annual Exhibition Collaboration with Edinburgh College of Art
Summerhall Arts is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Second Annual Summerhall Arts Group Show, taking place in spring 2026.
READ MORE
Pioneering street dance collective THREE60 take their work on tour across Scotland
This Spring, pioneering street dance collective THREE60 are taking their bold and highly energetic show World’s Evolution on tour across Scotland.
READ MORE
Margarita Mile set to shake up the capital
Edinburgh's top bartenders and mixologists are getting set to shake things up with the city's first 'Margarita Mile' for Margarita Month!
READ MORE
Forever Edinburgh partners with Civerinos to launch limited edition Local Legends pizzas for National Pizza Day
Forever Edinburgh is teaming up with Edinburgh favourite Civerinos to fire up National Pizza Day!
READ MORE
Top 10 family days and dining deals to enjoy in Scotland this February half term
From the World of Illusions to dazzling jellyfish lanterns, Scotland is packed with unforgettable adventures for the whole family to enjoy!
READ MORE
Foodies Festival returns to Edinburgh for a spectacular 21st Birthday celebration
Food lovers, music fans and families are in for a treat as Foodies Festival returns to Edinburgh for three packed days of delicious food, live music, hands-on experiences and family fun!
READ MORE
The Royal Yacht Britannia serves perfect blend for Queen Elizabeth II centenary
The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh has created a new Royal Tea and enhanced guided group tour experience to mark 100 years since the birth of Queen Elizabeth II in 2026.
READ MORE
Des Clarke brings new comedy show, Life After Des, to Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow
After more than a decade away from touring (yes, ten full years), Des Clarke is back where he belongs... under the lights, mic in hand, oversharing for your entertainment.
READ MORE
How to beat the crowds and save on entry at Camera Obscura this February
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions has announced extended opening hours throughout the February half term, giving visitors even more time to enjoy one of Edinburgh's most popular attractions.
READ MORE
Music icons take centre stage on the big screen at Vue Edinburgh this February
From legendary rock bands to modern global sensations, music fans are invited to experience an electrifying line-up of artists on the big screen at Vue Edinburgh Omni Centre.
READ MORE
Historic Edinburgh attraction unveils first ever immersive dining experience
This February, The Real Mary King's Close launches its longest and most ambitious experience yet - The Cape Controversy, inspired by the real secret Edinburgh Enlightenment society, the Cape Club.
READ MORE
Conifox Adventure Park launches Easter Festival 2026 with egg hunts, characters and family fun
Conifox Adventure Park is inviting families to celebrate Easter with a magical spring adventure as its much-loved Easter Festival returns for 2026!
READ MORE
Eat Out Edinburgh returns this March with new line up of restaurants including Brasserie Prince at The Balmoral
A month of exceptional dining awaits as Eat Out Edinburgh returns to the city this March, inviting locals and visitors alike to enjoy a month of exclusive deals and special menus!
READ MORE
Half term savings at Dobbies
Families looking for great-value half-term days out will find plenty to enjoy at Dobbies Garden Centres this February.
READ MORE
Number One welcomes Will Lockwood from Roots York for one night chef collaboration
Number One at The Balmoral, led by Chef de Cuisine Mathew Sherry, will host a special one-night collaborative dinner with Will Lockwood, Head Chef of Michelin-starred Roots York.
READ MORE
The fastest growing multi arts festival in Scotland returns for 2026
Kelburn Garden Party returns this July to the enchanted grounds of Kelburn Castle in Scotland, celebrating its 16th year of music, art, nature and adventure!
READ MORE
Commonwealth nations confirmed for 3x3 Basketball at Glasgow 2026
Glasgow 2026 has confirmed the nations set to compete in the 3x3 Basketball competition at this summer's Commonwealth Games.
READ MORE
Bonnie & Wild team up with The Famous Grouse for Guinness Six Nations hospitality deal
Bonnie & Wild has teamed up with The Famous Grouse ahead of the upcoming Guinness Six Nations campaign, which kicks off this Thursday when France take on Ireland at the Stade de France in Paris.
READ MORE
75 participants sought for charity challenge across five Victorian pools this Easter Monday
Who's ready for their next adventure? Edinburgh Leisure is calling on spirited individuals for the 2026 Victorian Pool Crawl!
READ MORE
The Scottish Motorhome, Caravan and Holiday Home Show: Everything You Need To Know
With up to 200 exhibitors showcasing everything from motorhomes to boats, e-bikes, tents and awnings, this year’s show has something for every type of adventure.
READ MORE
Dynamic Earth boosts accessibility with new British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted Planetarium experiences
Scotland's leading science centre enhances its commitment to accessibility with BSL-interpreted shows and new Changing Places facilities.
READ MORE
Dobbies launches Easter events with fun for families and four legged friends
Dobbies is inviting families and pets to join the Easter fun, with a fantastic selection of events to enjoy!
READ MORE
Free event to offer legal and property advice for families navigating dementia
A free event in Edinburgh is set to offer families impacted by dementia the chance to hear from a panel of experienced professionals.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links