Affordable Fine Dining Edinburgh – 3 courses under £35

Looking for 5-star dining experiences on a backpacker’s budget?

With a bit of research and precise timings, it is possible.

Keep reading to find out our secret to affordable fine dining in Edinburgh.

Updated September 2026

Venue	Area	3-Course Lunch	Postcode
Chez Jules	New Town	£15.90	EH2 1DJ
The Palmerston	Stockbridge	£24	EH3 5BN
Montrose	Abbeyhill	£25	EH7 5DJ
Sotto	Stockbridge	£26	EH3 5BN
Tipo	New Town	£28	EH2 1DR
Bistro du Vin	Bristo Place	£29.95	EH1 1EZ
Noto	New Town	£30 (4 courses)	EH2 1DY
Hawksmoor	New Town	£30	EH2 2AA
Wedgwood	Royal Mile	£32.50	EH8 8BJ
Tattu	New Town	£32.50	EH2 2AA
The Witchery	Old Town	£49.50	EH1 1NE

Edinburgh’s Affordable Fine Dining Restaurants

You can eat lunch at these establishments for under £35. Yes, you read that right.

Up to 3 courses for under £35.

Now, I don’t know about you, but I’d say that’s a bargain!

Wedgwood

Wedgwood is an award-winning restaurant on the Canongate in Edinburgh that serves a lunch menu from 12-3 pm.

Combining Scottish and European cuisine ensures your taste buds are given a delightful dance.

Price?

For two courses you pay £27.50.

Sweet tooth?

Then three takes you up to £32.50.

Wedgewood also offers a takeout menu.

The Witchery

A predilection for opulence and history?

Well, one of Scotland’s most famous restaurants The Witchery is just for you.

Be warned: pre-booking is an absolute must.

In the shadow of the castle, you couldn’t get a more enchanting setting for such a glorious eatery.

Lunch is served from 12 pm until 5.30 pm, and two courses in this little piece of heaven now cost £39.50, or three for £49.50 – no longer under £35, but still a uniquely atmospheric splurge.

However, a bottle of water does cost £5; ask for tap.

The Witchery By The Castle also appears in my guide on the best places to stay in Edinburgh.

Chez Jules, 3 Courses Under £16

For the best value dining experience, head to Chez Jules on Hanover Street—a charming slice of Paris in the heart of the city.

Lunch is served from 12 pm to 4 pm, with one course for £9.90, two for £12.90, or three for £15.90.

Chez Jules and The Witchery also made it to our most romantic restaurant guide.

Montrose, 3 Courses £25

From the same team as Michelin-starred Timberyard, Montrose in Abbeyhill offers the same ingredient-led cooking at a fraction of the price. The set lunch runs Friday to Sunday, 12–2.30pm, with three courses for £25 or two for £20. There’s no choice – just a set menu driven by what’s seasonal. Expect dishes like crispy pork belly with baby kale and peppery sauce. Address: 1 Montrose Terrace, EH7 5DJ.

Noto, 4 Courses £30

Bib Gourmand-listed Noto is chef Stuart Ralston’s Asian-inspired sharing-plate restaurant on Thistle Street. The lunch set menu is £30 for four courses, served daily 12–2.30pm. The sticky-glazed bing bread with whipped tofu and chilli oil is a standout. Address: 47a Thistle Street, EH2 1DY.

Hawksmoor, 3 Courses £30

Hawksmoor at St Andrew Square offers a lunch set menu Monday to Saturday, 12–3pm: one course £20, two £25, three £30. Expect 35-day dry-aged steaks, charcoal chicken, and sticky toffee sundae. Address: 23 West Register Street, EH2 2AA.

Tattu, 3 Courses £32.50

Modern Chinese restaurant Tattu offers two courses for £27.50 or three for £32.50 at lunch, available Sunday to Friday 12–4.45pm and Saturday 12–3.45pm. The interior is striking, and the dishes are beautifully presented. Address: 18 West Register Street, EH2 2AA.

Bistro du Vin, 3 Courses £29.95

Bistro du Vin on Bristo Place serves two courses for £24.95 or three for £29.95 at lunch (12–2pm) and early evening (5–7pm), every day. Classic French bistro fare with a Scottish twist. Address: 11 Bristo Place, EH1 1EZ.

The Palmerston, 3 Courses £24

A Stockbridge favourite, The Palmerston offers two courses for £21 or three for £24 at lunch, Tuesday to Friday. Seasonal dishes made with produce from local growers and farmers. Address: Palmerston Place, EH3 5BN.

Sotto, 3 Courses £26

Italian enoteca Sotto in Stockbridge runs its set lunch Wednesday to Saturday, 12–2pm: one course £16, two £22, three £26. Pasta is the main event, with properly made fresh varieties. Address: 55 Thornton Street, EH3 5BN.

Tipo, 3 Courses £28

Another Stuart Ralston Bib Gourmand, Tipo on Hanover Street focuses on Italian cuisine with three courses for £28 at lunch. Expect handmade pasta and two choices each for starter, main, and dessert. Address: 110 Hanover Street, EH2 1DR.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest fine dining lunch in Edinburgh?

Chez Jules on Hanover Street offers three courses for just £15.90, making it the best-value fine dining lunch in the city. The Palmerston follows at £24 for three courses.

Can you get a Michelin-starred lunch under £35 in Edinburgh?

Not quite. The cheapest Michelin-starred lunch is Montrose (sister to starred Timberyard) at £25 for three courses, but Montrose itself does not hold a star. For starred restaurants, Heron offers lunch from £65 and Timberyard from £55.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, especially for Wedgwood, The Witchery, and Noto. Chez Jules and Hawksmoor are easier to walk into midweek. Montrose and The Palmerston recommend booking at least a few days ahead for weekend lunch.

What counts as fine dining in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh’s fine dining scene ranges from Michelin-starred tasting menus to Bib Gourmand neighbourhood restaurants. The common thread is exceptional ingredients, skilled technique, and attentive service – though the city’s style is notably more relaxed than London or Paris.

Are there vegetarian fine dining options?

Yes. Wedgwood, Noto, Montrose, and Hawksmoor all offer dedicated vegetarian menus or dishes. Wedgwood marks vegetarian options on their weekly lunch menu, and Noto’s sharing plates include several plant-based choices.