Alby’s
Our winner of the superlative sandwiches in town, hands down. Alby's 'Big Hot Sandwiches' change weekly but they're consistently delicious - if they have it, order the fried chicken parm focaccia, although we're eagerly awaiting the return of the battered chicken balls with house sweet and sour sauce - an outrageous take on a Chinese takeaway, in the best way.
Bross Bagels
Edinburgh mini-chain Bross has been serving up loaded bagels since 2017, even adding a bagel hotel to its portfolio (yes, really). The builds vary from site to site but you can't go wrong with the quintessentially tongue-in-cheek Cluster Pluck on an everything bagel with turkey, salami, slaw, Applewood and signature Mama Bross Rock Sauce.
Fin and Grape
Fin and Grape opened during lockdown and quickly found fame for its takeaway lobster rolls. These days it's a truly excellent restaurant proper, but we like to pop downstairs to the wine bar for generously-filled lobster rolls and icy glasses of Grüner.
King of Feasts
Rob Casson, aka King of Feasts, has taken the helm at the Polwarth Tavern, bringing a monthly-changing menu of self-proclaimed 'trash cooking' to hungry punters. On a recent trip we opted for The Duke: fried chicken, American cheese, dill pickle cream cheese, buffalo sauce mayo and salt and vinegar crisps, aka a crisp butty on steroids.
Shrimpwreck
Shrimpwreck has gained a cult following for its street seafood at Portobello, seven days a week. The OG shrimp bun has been on the menu since day one and is worth the trip alone, but we wouldn't blame you for levelling-up your order with some Old Bay spiced fries.
Pomelo
One of Edinburgh's hidden gems, Pomelo is well-known for its hand-ripped noodles but if you head there early enough at lunchtimes you may snag one of its signature sandwiches. The fillings vary but our favourite is the gochujang chicken in homemade pineapple bun for the ultimate sweet-savoury sando.
Gulp Ramen
Naming a ramen joint as a purveyor of top sandwiches may seem nonsensical, but trust us on this. Gulp Ramen may specialise in tonkotsu but it's the small plates that have our heart, particularly the tonkatsu slider with tonkatsu pork cutlet, chashu shoulder, American cheese, crispy wonton and pickled daikon in a brioche bun.
Banh Mi Bar
We love these Vietnamese baguettes, generously laden with punchy pickliness, pâté and roasted meat. Bonus points go to the East Market Street branch by Waverley station, where you'll often find us stocking up for envy-inducing train picnics.
