Edinburgh Food and Drink: Tips from the Tops

Guy Masterson, The Marilyn Conspiracy 

Assembly George Square Gardens, 2-27 Aug, not 13, 1:45pm

My recommendation is Gusto on George Street. I dine here at least twice a week during the Fringe. The service is always top notch; polite and efficient. More importantly it offers a varied menu, excellently prepared. In short, a top-notch dining experience at mid-scale prices. I took 50 people there for my 50th in 2011. Memorable dining.

Hot Gay Time Machine (Zak & Toby)

Underbelly, Cowgate, 2-26 Aug, not 13, 10pm

The Hot Gays can’t live without brunch, and Cult Espresso did not disappoint these two very hungry and very gay men. The coffee is divine, the cakes are fabulous and the ambiance is super gay (in the old sense of the word). Vegan friendly, gluten unfriendly and the perfect gay brunch spot.

Jacoba Williams, Queens of Sheba

Underbelly, Cowgate, 2-26 Aug, not 13, 6:50pm

David Bann does the most exciting vegetarian food. Often you can be left with a boring mushroom variation, but these guys celebrate veggie cuisine. I went in the day time, when I was last at the Fringe dressed head to toe in a Victorian costume. It had such a warm vibe I didn't feel unwelcome in my top hat. The first time I had polenta chips too. Top notch!

Ahir Shah, Duffer

Laughing Horse @ Cabaret Voltaire, 2-26 Aug, 2:15pm

A bowl of udon noodle soup at Red Box on West Nicholson Street is consistently delicious, speedy, wonderfully (if initially unbearably) hot, and makes everything feel a bit better. I cannot recommend them highly enough, but because I’m under the word count I’ll try: it’s real tasty you guys.

Natasha Hodgson, Kill the Beast: Director's Cut

We go to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to eat chicken at Wings. We also go to perform our shows, but honestly, the chicken is better. They blast out the hits (by which we mean exclusively 'Jessie's Girl' by Rick Springfield) and there are so many amazing sauces that you'll be overwhelmed to the point of fury. 

Joana Nastari, F**k You Pay Me

Assembly Rooms, 2-26 Aug, not 14, 21, 3:25pm

My favourite place eat is Caffe Romano, the Italian restaurant at strip club Fantasy Palace, Shandwick Place. There's nothing like a spaghetti marinara, a lapdance and a shandy to put that special pep in your step for an afternoon on the mile. Just remember – no touching, and ALWAYS tip the girls.

Kaiya Stone, Everything Is Going to Be KO

Pleasance Courtyard, 1-27 Aug, not 14, 21, 12:45pm

Brew Lab has been a constant source of caffeinated support for our trips to the Fringe over the past couple of years. It's the perfect place to chill out or freak out depending on the time of month. A good spot to pick up a slice of Edinburgh gossip too.

Marny Godden, Marny Town

Heroes @ The Hive, 3-27 Aug, not 8, 15, 22, 6:20pm

The Baked Potato Shop on Cockburn Street is my favourite place to dine. My dream potato would be smothered in butter, topped with, spinach salad, avocado and cheese. If it’s free I love to perch on the window ledge watching the passers-by while the pigeons peck at my scraps.

Masud Milas, Masud Abides

Just the Tonic at The Mash House, 2-25 Aug, not 13, 7:40pm

Ting Thai Caravan, over on Teviot Place, has a big queue and you might need to share a table...but y'know what? Get over yourself. Probably the best Thai food I've had outside of Chiang Mai, and definitely worth the wait.

Stewart D’Arrietta, Belly of a Drunken Piano

Assembly Rooms, 2-26 Aug, 6:15pm

For my fifth Edfringe, I’m looking forward to returning to The Wash Bar on the Mound – a car-wash turned bar, where we hold our annual wrap party. Outdoor seating, an amazing view, the owners and staff are always good to us. On occasion, we’ve had some big after-hours late nights, when they’ve locked the doors and brought out the great Scottish whisky!

For late night eats, the two brothers at Bar Napoli on Hanover Street serve tasty Italian food into the wee hours. The place is always packed with festival folk. A warm atmosphere, red and white tablecloths on tables so close you’re literally rubbing shoulders with industry folk. You never know who you might meet.

Sally Lewis, Glasgow ‘14

theSpace @ Surgeon's Hall, 3-18 Aug, not 5, 12, 8:10pm

For visitors to Edinburgh looking for a Scottish culinary delight, try The Cellar Door on George IV Bridge. Great Scottish fare, sourced from Scotland’s finest, friendly staff and a great selection of Scottish whisky. I’ll certainly be spending an evening or two here with friends and family during the festival.

Solarplexus: An Alternative Energy Play

Zoo Charteris, 3-27 Aug, not 13, 20, 7:35pm

We'll admit: we're Americans. So when Fringe looms close, thoughts of a full Scottish breakfast aren't far behind. There's no better place than The Edinburgh Larder for your fix of eggs, bacon, and blood pudding. Seasonal, locally sourced and a mission to make food more accessible. Can an eco-theatre company ask for much more?

Mark David Hooper, AnimAlphabet: The Musical

Pleasance Dome, 1-27 Aug, not 13, 10:40am

The Red Fort Indian restaurant on Drummond Street is a festival favourite. With friendly staff, efficient service, a bring your own drink policy and delicious and flavoursome cuisine, the Red Fort has been part of my "festival ritual" since I started attending in 2010.

Charles Gershman, Free and Proud  

Assembly George Square Studios, 2-27 Aug, not 13, 2:55pm

My favorite place to drink in Edinburgh is CC Bloom's. My team and I went there repeatedly to promote our play last year because of the gay clientele, and after about five minutes of talking up the show we always found ourselves dancing and drinking and getting a little crazy.

Peter Clarke, Ken Wood and the Mixers, Amazing Stories of Blues and Soul

theSpace @ Niddry St, 13-18 Aug, 4:25pm

My favourite restaurant in Edinburgh is o'Oliviero's. It provides classic Italian cuisine and a busy ambience with staff bustling between tables. Prices are reasonable and they cater for everything from pizza and pasta up to more exotic specialties of the house. Its buzzy atmosphere matches the spirit of the Fringe.