Budget
Rapido
All the usual fish and chip shop favourites at the right hand end of the counter, plus plenty of vegetarian options. Head to the left-hand end of the counter for pastries, wraps, pasta dishes and some tantalising desserts. Also a good range of pizzas. There's a couple of tables and also some stools at a window shelf if you want to eat in.
Snax
West register street, is a small independent fast food joint. the food is cheap and edible, perfect for tourists on a budget. also has a decent selection of vegetarian options.
Piccante
If you want an atmosphere with your greasy food fix then this is the place. Very friendly staff and a DJ at weekends. The menu includes everything you'd expect from a Scottish chippy. The home-made burgers are a real stand-out and deep-fried mars bars are available for tourists.
Midrange
Oloroso
(http://www.oloroso.co.uk), 33 castle street, tel 0131 226 7614. contemporary cuisine in a stunning rooftop location. can be a little pretentious at times.
Cafe St Honore
34 thistle street lane. pairing scottish food with fresh seafood, this chic cafe is warm and inviting.
Henderson's
Henderson's, 94 Hanover Street, 0131 225 2131 (http://www.hendersonsofed...). Edinburgh institution, self service salad bar in the basement and vegetarian bistro round the corner.
The Mussel Inn
61-65 rose street (http://www.mussel-inn.com). seafood restaurant owned by shellfish producers, ingredients direct from the west coast.
A Room in the West End
26 william street (http://www.aroomin.co.uk/...). a local favourite serving modern scottish cuisine at reasonable prices. has another branch a room in town at 18 howe street.
Lune Town Cantonese Restaurant
38 william street. this award winning chinese restaurant is on the corner of manor place and william street near to st mary's cathedral in the west end.
Rincón de España
Near haymarket station. a lively and atmospheric restaurant serving solid tapas cuisine.