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Bobby's Sandwich Bar and Coffee House.BWorth Trying
4 Greyfriars, Edinburgh EH1 2QQ
· Sandwich shop
· 4.8/5 Google (498 reviews)
Takeout · Outdoor seating
Tiny Old Town sandwich-and-bagel nook delivering standout soups and quick, budget-friendly bites with limited seating and occasional service hiccups.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Bobby's Sandwich Bar delivers reliable quality within its casual cafe category, with strong food quality anchored by praised lentil soups and bagels, plus friendly, attentive service and quick execution. The historic Old Town location with appealing frontage and budget pricing make it a solid neighborhood favorite, though very limited seating and occasional service inconsistencies during peak times prevent a higher grade. Ideal for quick, satisfying refuels rather than leisurely dining.
Restaurant Summary
The little spot by Greyfriars feels warm and bustling even with just a few stools, the kind of place where you snag a window perch and watch Old Town flow by. Reviews rave about the soups and bagels, with one diner saying their lentil bowl was "exactly what I needed on a cold day." Expect friendly, quick service most of the time, though a few lunch-hour visits mention brusque moments and missed orders in the rush. The cooking leans classic and comforting rather than flashy: toasties, bagels, and hearty vegan soups at budget prices. The culinary approach is elevated comfort: simple combos done well, like mozzarella-pesto or brie-bacon-cranberry, plus local-leaning touches like veggie haggis. It is ideal for quick, satisfying refuels between the museum and the kirkyard, not a sit-down linger. Families do fine here if expectations are set: food is kid-friendly (plain bagels, cheese toasties, bacon rolls), but seating is tiny and often full. If you need a table, swing off-peak or plan takeaway; otherwise, it is an easy win for simple, familiar bites that children will actually eat.
At a Glance
- Hearty vegan lentil soups and well-loved bagels at true budget prices
- Strong gluten-free handling with celiac-aware prep reported
- Prime Old Town location with fun window people-watching
- Very limited seating; peak times get crowded and chaotic
- A few reports of brusque service and order mix-ups at lunch
What Sets It Apart
- legendary_budget_soup
- gluten_free_bagel_handling
- iconic_orange_storefront
- prime_old_town_people_watching
What People Love
- Comforting, flavorful soups
- Soft, fresh bagels with simple fillings
- Genuine value in a central location
- Friendly counter team on most visits
Points of Concern
- Seating is extremely limited; expect to stand or take away at busy times
- Service can feel curt under pressure; occasional order mix-ups reported
- Some items sell out later in the day, reducing choice
- Review patterns show isolated negatives about bacon quality and one stomach issue, but these are not widespread
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost£8-12 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Pair Moroccan Spiced Lentil Soup (£3.50) with a Plain Buttered Bagel (£1.50) for a filling £5 combo
- Vegetarian highlight: Veggie Haggis & Cheese toastie (£4.50) for a local-leaning bite
- Gluten-free diners: Ask for GF bagel handling; reviews report careful separation
Perfect For
- A quick breakfast before the museum
- Warm budget lunch on a cold day
- Solo coffee and a window seat
- Takeaway between sightseeing stops
Location Insights
Area: Historic Old Town near Greyfriars Kirkyard; heavy foot traffic with tourists and students; casual day-time energy.
Safety: Generally safe, busy during day and early evening; well-trafficked tourist corridor.
Nearby: Steps from Greyfriars Bobby statue, National Museum of Scotland, and university buildings; steady takeaway demand.
GreyfriarsGreyfriars is a lively area within Edinburgh's Old Town, centered around Greyfriars Kirkyard and close to the University of Edinburgh. The dining scene here is diverse, ranging from casual pubs and cafes to upscale restaurants, catering to both visitors and locals. The atmosphere is a blend of historic charm and youthful energy, with a safe and accessible environment.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday07:30–15:30
Tuesday07:30–15:30
Wednesday07:30–15:30
Thursday07:30–15:30
Friday07:30–15:30
Saturday08:00–15:30
Sunday08:00–15:30
Available: Takeout, Outdoor seating
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