Restaurants

Edinburgh is said to have more restaurants per head of population than any other city in the UK. They vary in quality, of course, but most in the city centre are good and should not need to book at this time of year. 

The List provides a comprehensive guide to restaurants in Edinburgh (and Glasgow, so beware). You can search its database by cuisine, area of town, etc. 

A few specific suggestions are given below, by area:

Old Town

There are lots of restaurants and pubs serving food in the Grassmarket/Victoria Street/George IV Bridge area. There are also lots on The Royal Mile (which changes name from Lawnmarket to High Street to Canongate) but some of those are tourist traps. Particular suggestions would be Vittoria on the Bridge (Italian) on George IV Bridge and Haman's (Kurdish/Middle Eastern) at the top of the Lawnmarket.

New Town

There are many options in Rose Street and the streets down from George Street (e.g. Hanover Street, Castle Street, Frederick Street). 

Nearer ROE

If you are staying in this end of town and want something more local, then there are two good options on Causewayside - the Old Bell (which does pub food in its bar and has a more formal restaurant - called the New Bell - upstairs) and Pataka, which is a great Indian restaurant (Ian Rankin gets his takeaways from there!). Those staying at the Travel Lodge might wish to try the Delhi Diner, which is a short walk from the hotel.