It'll come as a surprise to nobody that we love eating out, but we can't ignore that purse strings are feeling ever tighter (even outside of London, believe it or not). Fortunately for us, many of our most-loved restaurants in Edinburgh offer set lunch menus at exceptional value, and we've rounded up five of our favourites.
It was The Palmerston's weekday set lunch that first brought us through its doors, and we've been going back ever since. From Tuesday to Friday you can get three courses of Lloyd Morse's cooking for £21. It changes daily, but frequent appearances come from the likes of mince on dripping toast, homemade pasta and seasonal sorbets. Available Tuesday to Friday, 12-2:30pm.
For weekend dining, our pick is The Little Chartroom, where Roberta Hall-McCarron and her team curate a weekly-changing three course menu for just £34. Plus, there's always the option to upgrade to add a cheese course - which we highly recommend you do, because more often than not it comes with a tarte tatin in place of crackers. Double pudding, anyone? Available Friday to Sunday lunchtimes.
'Hidden gem' is a cliché but it does apply to Fin and Grape, which as far as we're concerned doesn't get nearly enough recognition in Edinburgh's 'best-of' lists. The neighbourhood seafood restaurant and wine bar offers three courses for a bargain £18, often including its signature salt cod mousse with grilled bread, which is one of our favourite starters in town. Available Friday to Sunday lunchtimes.
Already known for its excellent value day-round - the original Glasgow site has retained its Bib Gourmand for the second year running - Ka Pao has upped the ante by introducing a generous lunch set. On weekdays guests can get a starter, curry, side and jasmine rice for a steal at £17.50, leaving change left over for Ka Pao's coconut and pandan soft serve, which is a must-try. Available Monday to Friday, 12-4pm.
Although not technically a set menu (or restricted to lunch, at that), we'd be remiss to exclude Bentoya's namesakes from this list. Ranging from £12.90 to £13.90, choose from signature bentos filled with the likes of takoyaki, roast duck, tempura and gyoza, all served with miso soup and rice for a deeply satisfying midday meal. Available lunch and dinner, Monday to Sunday.
