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Best supermarkets in Edinburgh: Where to go grocery shopping?
Knowing which are the five best supermarkets in Edinburgh is key to organising your shopping in the Scottish capital.
Moving to Edinburgh means adapting to a city with its own pace. Here Scottish tradition meets student life and a growing international community. For newcomers, knowing the supermarkets in Edinburgh is one of the first steps to organise daily life. The options exist, although they don’t reach the variety of bigger cities like London.
Most supermarket chains in Edinburgh sit in central neighbourhoods such as New Town, Old Town and Leith. Meanwhile, medium stores and convenience supermarkets dominate residential areas in the south and west.
Moreover, the cost of living in Scotland often feels higher than many people expect, so choosing where to do the weekly shop can strongly affect your budget. Between traditional British chains, discount supermarkets and local shops, Edinburgh offers options for every wallet and lifestyle.
What types of shops and supermarkets does Scotland have?
If you plan to move to the Scottish capital for a while, either to work remotely or to study, you will probably also want to know the best long stay accommodation in Edinburgh. Once you settle, the next big question appears: Where should you do the weekly shop? Supermarkets and corner shops play a key role in your routine, especially if your accommodation sits outside the centre or you prefer cooking at home to protect your budget.
In Edinburgh you find everything from discount chains to premium supermarkets. You also find convenience shops for emergencies and local markets with fresh products. The shopping experience varies a lot depending on the neighbourhood where you live, whether New Town, Old Town, Leith or Morningside. Therefore, it helps to know which options dominate each area.
1- Discount Supermarkets
Aldi and Lidl offer the cheapest options and they have several branches around Edinburgh. You find a very busy Lidl on Dalry Road, near Haymarket, and several Aldi branches in Leith and the southern part of the city.
Their prices for basics such as bread, milk or vegetables rank among the lowest. However, their variety doesn’t reach Tesco or Sainsbury’s. If you want to save on the weekly shop without overcomplicating things, these chains offer a very good alternative
2- Standard Supermarkets
The most common chains are Tesco and Sainsbury’s, which offer a balance between price, variety and convenience. Tesco appears across the city with large formats on the outskirts, such as the Tesco Extra in Corstorphine. It also runs smaller versions (Tesco Express) in central neighbourhoods such as New Town.
Sainsbury’s, meanwhile, enjoys great popularity in Morningside and Marchmont, with Local stores that work very well for quick shops. Both chains offer online home delivery services, which helps a lot in a city where carrying heavy bags long distances often feels difficult.
3- Premium Supermarkets
For shoppers who want higher quality, Marks & Spencer Foodhall offers the best known option. With central locations such as the one on Princes Street, it offers fresh products, ready meals and gourmet choices. However, its prices sit higher than Tesco or Aldi. It can serve well when you want a treat or you prioritise quality over budget.
4- Convenience Stores
Besides the big chains, Edinburgh has many corner shops and convenience stores that stay open until late. Local families or immigrant families often run them. You see them frequently in Old Town, near the University of Edinburgh, and in nightlife areas such as Cowgate or Grassmarket.
In these shops you can buy drinks, snacks and basic products. However, prices usually sit higher than in a traditional supermarket.
5- Local Markets
Finally, Edinburgh keeps a strong market tradition alive. The most famous one is the Edinburgh Farmers’ Market on Castle Terrace. Every Saturday it fills with stalls that sell local products such as Scottish cheeses, meat, honey and artisan bread. Another good example is Stockbridge Market, popular with people who want fresh and organic products in a relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere.
These markets usually cost more than Aldi or Lidl. However, they work perfectly when you want to complement the weekly shop with high quality products.
Which supermarkets in Edinburgh are the best?
Although Edinburgh doesn’t offer as many options as bigger cities such as London, it still has several chains that cover daily needs very well. From large formats in residential neighbourhoods to small shops in the historic centre, each supermarket has its own profile in terms of prices, products and opening hours.
The most popular chains among locals and newcomers are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Lidl, Aldi and Marks & Spencer Foodhall. Some stand out for convenience and location. Others stand out for low prices or for offering gourmet products and higher quality. Knowing the differences between them helps you organise the weekly shop and adapt better to the cost of living in the Scottish capital.
1- Tesco
Tesco is the supermarket with the biggest presence in Edinburgh. You find it in every format: from small Tesco Express on central streets such as Princes Street or Lothian Road to large Tesco Extra in residential areas and on the outskirts, such as Corstorphine. This variety turns it into a practical option both for people who live in the centre and for those who choose quieter areas.
Tesco sells almost everything. You can buy fruit, vegetables, meat, cupboard essentials, cleaning products and even basic clothing from its own brand, F&F Clothing. In terms of prices it sits in the mid range. A fresh loaf of bread costs around £1.20 ($1.44, €1.36), a litre of milk sits at about £1.00 ($1.20, €1.13) and a kilo of apples costs around £2.50 ($3.00, €2.82).
Moreover, it offers a loyalty card (Tesco Clubcard) with exclusive discounts. This benefit makes Tesco more competitive compared with chains such as Sainsbury’s.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide coverage across the city, with large and small formats | Sometimes more expensive than Lidl or Aldi for basics |
| Sells clothing and homeware as well as food | Express stores offer limited ranges |
| Loyalty programme with strong discounts | Central branches often feel very crowded |
| Online service with home delivery | Fresh produce quality changes a lot between branches |
Advantages and disadvantages of Tesco supermarkets in Edinburgh
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2- Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s forms, together with Tesco, the other big standard chain in Edinburgh. It appears both in the centre and in residential areas, with different formats. Sainsbury’s Local, common in areas such as New Town and Marchmont or near the University of Edinburgh, work well for quick shops. Larger supermarkets in places such as Cameron Toll offer a much wider range.
Regarding products, Sainsbury’s stands out for a strong fresh section. You find fruit, vegetables, bakery and ready meals that you can eat straight away, very useful if you don’t have much time to cook. It also offers several own brands at different levels, from budget options to premium ranges such as Taste the Difference.
Prices sit slightly higher than Tesco. A loaf of bread costs around £1.30 ($1.56, €1.47), a litre of milk comes to about £1.10 ($1.32, €1.24) and a tray of fresh chicken usually sits around £5.00 ($6.00, €5.64).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good quality in fresh products and ready meals | Higher prices than Tesco or Lidl |
| Local stores work very well in central areas | Smaller branches offer limited ranges |
| Wide range of own brands from budget to premium | Sometimes not ideal for large weekly shops |
| Large branches such as Cameron Toll with full ranges | Often more expensive for basic products |
Advantages and disadvantages of shopping at Sainsbury’s in Edinburgh
3- Supermarkets in Edinburgh: Lidl, the cheapest option
Lidl is one of the cheapest supermarkets in Edinburgh and a favourite among students and families who want to control their budget. Its branches sit mainly in residential areas, such as Dalry Road near Haymarket and parts of Leith. You also find shops on the southern outskirts of the city.
Lidl follows a clear idea. It offers good quality basic products at low prices, often under its own brands. A fresh baguette costs around £0.80 ($1.07, €1.01), a litre of milk sits near £0.95 ($1.28, €1.21) and a kilo of oranges starts from £1.50 ($2.02, €1.90).
Moreover, it runs an in-store bakery that locals love, with pastries and fresh bread at affordable prices. Lidl also organises themed weeks with international products, which adds some fun variety to your weekly shop.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very low prices for basic products | Less variety than Tesco or Sainsbury’s |
| In-store bakery with fresh and cheap products | Almost no presence in the very centre |
| Weekly promotions with international products | Stores often feel very crowded |
| Ideal for students and families who want to save | Fewer gourmet or premium options |
Advantages and disadvantages of Lidl supermarkets
4- Aldi
Aldi is another very popular chain for people who want low prices in Edinburgh. It has several branches across the city, with strong presence in Leith, Gorgie and Craigleith Retail Park. Therefore, it serves students and families who live in quieter areas. Its stores feel simple and they focus on quick, efficient shopping without distractions.
Most products belong to own brands, which keeps prices very competitive. For example, a pack of dried pasta costs around £0.70 ($0.94, €0.89), a litre of milk sits near £0.95 ($1.28, €1.21) and a dozen eggs start from £2.00 ($2.69, €2.54).
Although it doesn’t reach the product range of Tesco or Sainsbury’s, Aldi covers the basics very well and it now includes more organic and vegan options. Its usual opening hours run from 8:00 to 22:00, which suits people who work or study all day.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very low prices for basic products | Limited variety compared with bigger chains |
| Good presence in residential areas such as Leith and Gorgie | Fewer international or gourmet options |
| Own brands with good quality at low cost | Smaller stores that can feel crowded |
| Long opening hours, often until 22:00 | Sometimes not ideal for very complete shops |
Advantages and disadvantages of Aldi supermarkets
5- Marks & Spencer Foodhall
Marks & Spencer Foodhall (M&S) is the premium chain par excellence in Edinburgh and a favourite for people who prioritise quality over price. Its most central branches, such as the one on Princes Street, offer a very different shopping experience from Aldi or Lidl. You walk through spotless aisles, find high quality fresh products, ready meals and a gourmet selection that includes wines, cheeses and classic British desserts.
Regarding prices, M&S clearly costs more than discount chains or even Tesco. An artisan loaf of bread may cost around £2.00 ($2.69, €2.54), a prepared salad ready to eat starts from £3.50 ($4.70, €4.43) and a pack of fresh strawberries sits near £3.00 ($4.03, €3.80).
However, many residents use it as a complement. They do the big shop in cheaper supermarkets and keep M&S for special products or days when they want to save time with ready meals. Its opening hours usually run from 8:00 to 21:00, although some central branches stay open later.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High quality fresh products, ready meals and gourmet ranges | Higher prices than other chains |
| Central locations such as Princes Street | Not ideal for tight budgets |
| Ideal for quick shops and ready-to-eat meals | Less choice in basic products than Tesco or Sainsbury’s |
| Pleasant, carefully designed shopping experience | Lower coverage in outer neighbourhoods |
Advantages and disadvantages of shopping at M&S
Which other types of shops are popular in Edinburgh?
Besides the main supermarkets, Edinburgh has other shops that complement your weekly shop or solve specific needs. Some belong to well known British chains and others form part of daily local life.
1- Iceland
Iceland serves as the reference shop for frozen products. It has branches in neighbourhoods such as Leith and Nicolson Street, which work very well when you need to stock up on vegetables, meat, fish or oven-ready meals.
Its prices stay quite competitive and you often find offers in multi-pack formats. This approach turns it into a great ally for tight budgets. However, the choice of fresh products stays very limited. If you shop at Iceland, you still need another supermarket to complete your basket.
2- Boots
Boots isn’t a supermarket but a chain of pharmacies and health stores that appears in almost every neighbourhood. In its branches you can buy over-the-counter medicines, hygiene products, cosmetics and even quick snacks or drinks. It offers great convenience because it combines health with basic shopping. However, prices for everyday items such as shampoo or toothpaste usually sit higher than in Tesco or Sainsbury’s.
3- Stockbridge Market
Stockbridge Market counts as one of the best known local markets in Edinburgh. It sits in the Stockbridge neighbourhood, north of New Town. It opens on Sundays and offers a lively atmosphere with stalls selling fruit, vegetables, cheeses, cured meats and international street food. The quality of the products usually feels excellent.
However, prices sit higher than in supermarkets. Many people therefore visit mainly for the food experience or to complement the weekly shop with gourmet products.
4- Convenience Stores
Edinburgh has many 24-hour convenience shops, often called “corner shops”, in neighbourhoods such as Old Town, Marchmont and Tollcross. Their main advantages are location and opening hours. Many stay open until midnight or even 24 hours. They work well in emergencies, for example to buy bread, milk or bottled water late at night. However, prices sit higher than in discount chains and the range is limited.
5- Primark
Primark, on Princes Street, is the most popular budget clothing store in Edinburgh. There you find everything. You can buy T-shirts, jeans, winter coats and shoes at accessible prices. It suits people who arrive with little luggage or need to refresh their wardrobe without spending too much. The downside lies in the crowds and the basic quality, designed for everyday use.
6- IKEA
IKEA doesn’t sit in the centre but in Straiton Retail Park, on the outskirts of Edinburgh. However, it offers the most popular option for home decor and furniture. It works perfectly if you move into an empty flat or you need to equip your home. You find accessible prices and a wide range of Scandinavian-style products.
The main downside is access. You need a car or special transport to reach the store. Assembly also requires time and patience if you don’t pay for the additional service.
Practical tips to optimise your supermarket shopping in Edinburgh
Your first impression when you visit supermarkets in Edinburgh may be that they don’t always sit as close as in other European capitals. Therefore, organisation becomes key if you want to save both time and money.
If you live in the centre, Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s Local formats solve everyday shopping very easily. However, they usually cost more and offer less variety. To save money, you can plan one weekly trip to larger branches in areas such as Leith or Corstorphine, where Aldi, Lidl and Tesco Extra offer more competitive prices.
Another useful tip is to take advantage of loyalty schemes. Tesco (Clubcard) and Sainsbury’s (Nectar) both offer exclusive discounts that make a difference at the end of the month. Many residents also rely on online shopping, especially in winter, when carrying heavy bags long distances feels very uncomfortable.
If you also want to complement your shop with very fresh, high quality products, markets such as Stockbridge or the Farmers’ Market on Castle Terrace work very well, although they cost more. The key in Edinburgh lies in combining options. You can use discount chains for basics, premium supermarkets for little treats and local markets for special products.
Supermarkets in Edinburgh: Frequently asked questions
Both count as standard supermarkets. Tesco usually costs less, especially with its Clubcard, while Sainsbury’s stands out for the quality of its fresh products and ready meals. In neighbourhoods such as New Town you find branches of both chains, so you can try them and decide which suits your routine better.
If you want to save money, the best option is a Tesco Extra in Corstorphine or a Lidl on Dalry Road, which offer more variety and better prices. For residents in the centre, Express and Local formats feel more practical, although they cost a bit more.
Yes, although variety depends on the chain. Tesco and Sainsbury’s usually offer international sections with Asian, Indian and European products. In Leith you also find independent shops with food from Eastern Europe, India and the Middle East, which the city’s international community values highly.
If you live in the centre, the easiest choice involves Tesco Express, Sainsbury’s Local or convenience shops. You can also rely on online home delivery, which many people use when they don’t have a car or prefer not to carry heavy bags long distances.
