Alby's in Edinburgh, City of

Best sandwiches in Edinburgh, no question.

Fill your stomach and the stomach in your hat with this amazing line of sandwiches, some of which fit in a hat to take home to eat. I have to go, my wife wants me... Zoltán

Have passed a number of times, liked the look of the place. Eventually tried out today and was not disappointed. Not a big bread fan so opted for two of the light sides. Amazing flavours and had to take at least 1/2 home with me for later. I'll definitely be back. Would love to see Soup(s) on the menu but that's just my preference.

Excellent food and better service.

Been wanting to visit in person for ages. As amazing as I expected! Place is bigger than it looks from the outside, decor is fab. But the important part - the food😍 I was just on a quick work lunch break by myself so just grabbed a sandwich and an apple juice. Service was lovely, place was busy but the girl was super kind and the food didn’t take long at all. Bread was incredible, all fillings were 10/10. Couldn’t recommend it more!

10/10. Great sandwhiches. Cauliflower Mac n cheese croquettes side was phenomenal. Surprisingly good coffee too. First time here but not the last.

Lovely atmosphere and friendly service. The sandwiches were nice enough but definitely not worth £13. It’s a similar vibe to Max’s Sandwich Shop in London, but unfortunately the sandwiches are nowhere near as good and still more expensive.

Fab place to grab a muckle, huge, sarnie. So fresh & delish & don't forget the chips too

A nice sandwich shop located close to the Yacht Britannia in Leith. Worth a visit if you're in the area. Sandwich prices are a tad on the high side considering that they don't come with a side - £13 for a chicken sandwich.

The sandwiches were really delicious, and the person who brought us our order was really nice and friendly!

Super friendly little place that makes the best sandwiches! The staff were lovely, I highly recommend coming here.

Muckle sarnies, recommend sharing one between two and defo have the chippies too👌🏼

A friend recommended this place and he was bang on. Probably the tastiest sandwich I've had in Edinburgh.

Great place for a weekend lunch. The courgette frittes is the best.

Super nice and attentive service. The sandwich, great. The fries, great! E

my favourite sandwich shop in Edinburgh, tash and matt (owners) are so lovely and the food is always bangin✨

Staff all very friendly, incredibly chill environment and fantastic sandwiches.

OMG the Nashville hot chicken is outstanding. Never had sandwiches so good and so fresh. I also had the prawn toast! It really was incredible. 10/10

The sandwich I got was incredible. I got the pulled beef short rib sandwich. Possibly the single best sandwich I’ve ever eaten!

**Edited 5 stars down to 4. 2 years ago this was my 5 star review: "Delicious!" The sandwiches were HUGE and deep filled (see pic) back then. I've been a regular at Alby's ever since. Unfortunately I've started to notice that in recent months, their foccacia has got thinner and fillings are more sparing. The sandwiches are still good but no longer amazing, like they used to be. Please please please, Alby's, put the BIG back into your "big hot sandwiches" slogan 🫰🫰

Best sandwiches ever! I've been here a couple of times and they have the best sandwiches. The selection changes regularly and they are filling big sandwiches! Coffee is good too, as is the service! Good veggie options. They do take away too.

Stopped in with my little boy earlier today, what a find. The holy grail of amazing service, coffee & food all in one place. We both loved it 👌

Possibly the tastiest shop sandwich 🥪 I have ever tasted ... We shared the vegan option ... The sandwiches are huge. So delicious with top quality focaccia and ingredients, with real thought put into texture too. Can't wait to return. Lovely service too. Thank you 😊

One of the best sandwiches I’ve ever eaten- huge portions and excellent quality, I’ll be dreaming about the smoky, crunchy, sweet and sour flavours of the hispi cabbage for a while! Friendly service and a great atmosphere, I can’t wait to return and try their other sandwiches.

Super Sandwiches und sehr freundlicher Service. Die Musik ist auch nice.

Great sandwich - horrific service, felt very unwelcome

What an astounding little find this was. Beautiful food , Quirky, Friendly and made to feel so welcome. A full tummy all the way back to Yorkshire! Thanks Guys. You deserve all the very best with your business. Long may you continue because we'll be back on our next visit up North!

Super accueil et très bon sandwich

We just stumbled upon this place.it was 3pm and we needed something to eat. No fuss made. Very friendly waitress. Best sandwiches we had in a long time. Original and tasty. Huge portions. Chips had a lovely coating of spices. Very good value. Do stop for lunch.

You need to eat here. The sandwiches are incredible. Decor is beautiful. Music was spot on. Got chatting to the owner too who is lovely. The whole place is a vibe!

The service was great, the sandwiches were even great. Would really recommend the buttermilk chicken sandwich with the pesto. Mwah (chefs kiss) I'll be back again however the latte was average, considering the price point here, a wee bit of latte art would've added to the great experience

Fantastic food, absolutely massive sandwiches and friendly staff who helped us with some alternative food options without any fuss! 10/10 would sandwich again

Delicious and generous sandwiches made from varied ingredients, perfect for all tastes. They also offer veggie and vegan options !

The sandwiches are amazing and creative, the service is always amazing, and their choice of music is perfect. You have to try it to understand why everyone loves it so much!

Great sandwiches. Had the Chicken Ceasar and it was one of the best sandwiches I've had in a while. Focaccia style bread is super tasty and the size is big, good value for money in my opinion. Will def go back to try some more fillings!

This is a temple dedicated to sandwich gastronomy. Alby’s has been taking the focaccia sandwich to higher levels for a few years now out of a little basement joint in Leith. Each sandwich creation is a carefully crafted hymn of praise for true sandwich worshippers, always with the perfect combination of taste, texture and ingredients. Make your pilgrimage soon.

Wonderful sandwiches, highly recommend.

Amazing sandwiches, absolutely huge and definitely enough for two

We went to Alby’s based off a few recommendations from friends who said they’d really enjoyed it. We didn’t book a table and just turned up. Unfortunately there wasn’t a table but the waitress asked us if we’d be happy sharing a table with other people. We were happy with this and so were the other people at the table (it was quite large so we didn’t feel close to them) We ordered the battered chicken thigh focaccia sandwich and it was so good! It was really flavoursome and the focaccia was very soft. Would definitely recommend this sandwich if it’s on the menu on the day you visit. The sandwiches are very large so they’re a bit more pricey than a regular sandwich shop but they’re worth every penny. The service was really welcoming and quick. Definitely worth a visit!

Delicious chicken sandwich and great rosemary chips. Very generous portions. The flavour combinations are just great. The breaded chicken was crispy and piping hot. The slaw was spicy and a perfect combo with the chicken. It’s not often I rave about a sandwich but this one was really excellent.

This place has incredible sandwiches, great staff, and a wonderful atmosphere.

Amazing sandwiches! Impressed with the size and unique selection. Would highly recommend.

Damn good sandwiches! Great wee restaurant and atmosphere too - perfect spot for a funky Saturday lunchtime treat.

Be ready to wait 45 minutes for 5 sandwich

Alby’s in leith is not to be missed - these are excellent sandwiches you won’t forget about. I’ve been 3 times now and they never disappoint. The menu changes up every so often so it’s worth checking the delivery menu ahead of time on Google via Albys website. I would advise to book ahead of you want a seat (it’s not always busy when I’ve been but once I had to wait for a seat). In the first pic I had the Baja fried Coley, tomatillo salsa verde, spicy mexican slaw, crema & rocket sandwich, and I shared my half with a friend who got the Poached chicken thigh, tarragon aioli, sugar snap peas, garden peas, chicken salt croutons & rocket sandwich. Both were unreal - but if I had to pick a winner it would be the baja! All with House fries. Sandwiches are bursting with flavours, hearty and messy. The bread has an amazing butter and salt base (I think) - Imagine a diner in America making you a sandwich. You’ll never forget these. If you’ve not had an Alby’s sandwich you are missing out!!!! Staff are always friendly, there are vegetarian options and prices are around £11-12 per sandwich. Totally worth it! Only downside is the small seating arrangements, and maybe the location. Seats and white interior don’t make it very cosy. Second pic is from last year. Think it was steak sandwich and a fried chicken sandwich (again, a swapsies scenario), and much like the review above, they were delicious👌

Amazing craft sandwiches on super yummy focaccia. Came here on recommendation from an employee at Holyrood distillery. Small, but well chosen selection. The staff were very accommodating. My group of three bought 2 sandwiches to share (it still made a big meal) but neglected to consider cutting them up. The staff graciously remade the sandwiches and cut into thirds instead of halves. Definitely will come again when travelling through Edinburgh.

Pushy service. Overpriced for what it is. Has a live, laugh ,love sign in it.

Hidden Gem! Firstly the staff are super friendly, i was told that they just had their new menu, so I tried three of them. The focaccia bread is nicely done, the crust is adequately salted and crispy, fluffy on the inside. The roasted pork was super tender and juicy. 2nd favorite is the mushroom. Price is reasonable considering the quality of the food and the portion.

A warm welcome from friendly staff and a very welcomed warm delicious sandwich. I an excited to visit again, to leave with a very content feeling

Awesome vibes, creative sandwich ideas. Delicious 😋

Having visited here for the first time, this is now one of my new favourite lunch spots. As shown in the photos, they serve a small menu of enormous hot sandwiches, served in fresh focaccia. They’re stuffed with ingredients, and are really generous portions overall. The menu is diverse enough for everyone to find something they like, and there’s also a menu or sides too. Have one of the sandwiches for lunch and you’ll hardly need to eat for the rest of the day. There is also a good selection of soft drinks. The restaurant interior is clean and bright, and the staff were friendly, attentive, and had excellent taste in music. I’ll definitely return.

It’s easy to miss this place but we’ll worth finding. We ordered a toastie, although calling it a toastie is doing it an injustice. The flavours were amazing. The coffee was also really nice and the prices good. But the dessert was amazing. We ordered to share, but I won’t be sharing next time.

Excellent sandwiches, brilliant friendly team members and decent prices! Always happy to recommend Alby's!

Really nice big hot sandwich. we were really hungry and came in here and ordered the chicken sandwich and chips each. we were absolutely stuffed after. its byob so we brought a beer with us. the staff were lovely and so was the food. would recommend to a friend.

Suuuuppppeeeer delicious sandwich & nice atmosphere! Definitely recommend to come here!

Takes sandwiches to another level. So good. Especially the smoked fish.

Fantastic little place. Unassuming from the outside but full of character and charm inside. The team are DELIGHTFUL, warm and welcoming. Food it different and top notch with a nice selection of drinks too. Great ambience and fun decor. Highly recommended. Jo 🎉

Unreal every time! They change their menu every two weeks and every time it’s a banger. I’ve had chicken parm, meatball sandwiches, their vegan options - always amazing. Get here!!

Fantastic Sandwiches. Great place for veggie food. Everything is fresh and tastes superb.

Best sandwiches in the city and the menu is always changing, so I just keep coming back to try more of them. My favourite lunch spot by far. It might sound like a bit much money for a sandwich but the size of the sandwiches, the quality of the ingredients and cooking, and the inventiveness of the menu mean that the price is more than fair and it's not gone up, even when everyone is upping is their prices.

Lovely food, cool atmosphere, left stowed.

Best sandwiches I've had. Massive. Full of flavour. Great selection.

Best sandwiches in Edinburgh. Very good service too.

Came for the bread, came on the bread. I mean it was nice. The sammies are soooooo yummy. Ask for chef sauce. He’s working so hard. Omg chef sauce

Such a great place! Friendly staff, good music, nice atmosphere. I had delicious cauliflower sandwich. It was full of flavour and juicy. And the size?!?!? Wow!!! These sandwiches are BIG 😂 Thanks so much! I truly enjoyed my first visit and will be coming back.

The food was mediocre at best, however, the service and atmosphere were significantly below average. I would not recommend this place especially if you have children/babies with you.

They weren't lieing about the big hot sandwiches! 🥵 they were delicious and the staff were so nice! Thaanks

Popped in for a treat after the gym. Glad I never went before! Had the beef shin sandwich and while not cheap, might well be the best sanny I've ever had. And I've had a few, including the big deli ones in the States. Amazing foccacia, lovely mayo, polenta cake too and melt in the mouth beef. Nice wee place too, very cool vibe. Will be back.

Solid sandwich place. Locally made bread with great sauces and flavours. The bread has freckles of salt on it which are a game changer. Menu changes every 2-3 weeks so there’s always something new to try. Portions are solid so come prepared to eat.

Literally the best sandwich of my life. This place is absolutely incredible, do not miss it!!

Came in after a long walk, and had a delicious fried chicken sandwich. Really tasty bread and perfect combination of flavours. Great atmosphere too. Hope to return soon

Went on Friday. Difficult to reach service counter where several people were eating. Difficulty in trying to read laminated handwritten green menu with the glare. Asked for something along the lines of a cheese & ham bloomer or panini. Was told I’d be better going elsewhere and was pointed in the direction of a greasy spoon 1/4M away…

Exceptional place, always great vegan options and the service is top.

vibes and atmosphere are important to me to convince me to get in a place. Alby’s has a wonderful energy, a wonderful light and of course wonderful sandwiches. Mine was fried garlic buttered chicken focaccia, my girlfriend took the oyster mushrooms one which taste both of Mediterranean and oriental flavours. We had a great experience!

Staff and sandwiches were both lovely!

Lovely food and nice atmosphere

By far one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating… 10/10 the sandwich was as big as my head. Inside the atmosphere was very relaxed and the music was great. Also they have some big plants which I’ll always appreciate :)

love this place! great environment and excellent food!

Seriously tasty sandwiches. We had the chicken and it was delicious.

Perfect sandwiches. Delicious. They do BYOB, £5 corkage for a bottle of wine and £1 for beer. Doesn't seem to be advertised on the website, but handy to know

Stopped here for lunch after walking the Leith waterway. Really cool place (loved the decor and music), friendly staff and sandwiches were absolutely incredible. Highly recommend!

Stopped here for lunch after walking the Leith waterway. Really cool place (loved the decor and music), friendly staff and sandwiches were absolutely incredible. Highly recommend!

Absolutely delicious sandwiches. Lovely friendly service. Both of the sandwiches were amazing. They are quite large so thinking that I had some restraint, I wrapped up the second half to eat later, but I gave in and ate it all! We had the butternut squash, pesto, artichoke crisps, bean purée and rocket one and also the trout spiced sweetcorn one. But I’ll no doubt be back to try the whole menu. The dauphinois toasty especially sounds awesome.

Amazing sandwiches, generous portions so had some to take home, really nice atmosphere inside with friendly and helpful staff. Thanks!

Wow. Buttermilk chicken on focaccia. Those words don't do it justice. Sensational. But pricier than you'd expect a sandwich to be but when you see it, and taste it, it'll seem like a bargain

It was really good the time I went - I want to go with a friend who has celiac disease but don't know if there's any gluten free options? We've tried phoning to no avail

Went to the pop-up at Dragonfly. Staff were amazing and very friendly. The side dishes, particularly the celeriac with gochujang sauce, were amazing and went well with the sandwiches. The sandwiches themselves were a thing unto themselves. Great quality, fresh foccacia, and a good texture and flavour combination in the Hispi veggie sandwich. Really enjoyed it and so did the rest of the group. Definitely worth a stop by.

Great little sandwich shop -- totally worth the 30 minute walk. Went twice, and although I enjoyed both sandwiches immensely, the ham hock was the big winner over the oyster mushroom. Both had amazing bread (it's a lot of bread, please like bread if you're going to sandwich here), great fillings, and yeah, it's the size of your face. The waitstaff was super friendly. If you have any number of people, I would consider calling for a reservation -- it's not a big place, but worth a visit.

Fantastic sandwiches and service! McKinley was very friendly and kind - he even took a family photo for us. Highly recommend the ham sandwich and the coley (fish) sandwich! Absolutely amazing! 10/10 would come again 🤗

Un lugar muy especial! Si pasas por allí quizás no llame mucho tu atención, pero créeme, cuando pruebes esos sándwiches, no olvidarás este sitio! Un pan delicioso con una mezcla de sabores perfecta que dan ganas de seguir comiendo. Pedimos de hongos y cebollas caramelizadas y de carne . Otro nivel de la típica sandwicheria. La atención súper amigable y el lugar correcto y cálido. A volver!!!!!

Excellent service and food! The service was nice and quick. The sandwich was on another level! The Chicken Katsu sandwich is really tasty as well as the house fries! The restaurant was close to the hotel we're staying at but I'm sure we will become a regular even after we find a flat!

Posh sandwiches? I call them super loaves because you get such a generous chuck of gorgeous bread. My main problem with Alby's, my only problem, is that sometimes I struggle to open my mouth wide enough to bite into this deliciousness. Tip: Alby's gets busy so I strongly recommend booking. I've been doing this over Instagram without bother. The menu changes throughout the month but you can check online and should expect about four sandwiches and a few sides. I find a sandwich makes for a good lunch and adding a side dish upgrades the quantity to a good dinner. I'm weaker in the drinks menu, haven't really tested it to destruction and tend to go with a coffee. Happily, I can confirm that do a good brew. Alby's is down a short flight of steps. I've mobility challenges and would really struggle in my darkest days. Right now, long may it last, I don't need my stick and don't have problems with the steps. If you're in a chair though, sorry to say, you won't easily make it in. Once inside, Alby's is friendly and cosy. I've no expertise in this sort of thing but I think it could be a good informal fourth or fifth date venue. Not a first date, I suspect, as messy sandwiches are a risk. Perfect for relaxing together, though, and a chill chat. I find the venue great for my solo eating to, with small tables, and table service. On the flipside, I think they'd struggle with large parties or office outtings. No harm in asking, but I wouldn't spring it on them. Tip: Ocean Terminal and Vue cinema is a minute or two down the road. I think Alby's is a great pre-film treat. Yes, the sandwiches are more expensive than at Gregg's but they're different beasts. I really do think Alby's is good value for money with large and tasty fresh Sandwiches, friendly and able staff, and a cosy cafe. [Update - June 22 - Still tasty!]

The sandwiches here were amazing! Such a giant slab of sandwich, make sure you're hungry before coming because you won't want to leave a crumb

Delicious sandwiches and very kind staff!

Delicious food and casual dining, friendly service and excellent value for money. Will be back again soon!

Delicious and filling sandwiches. Service was really welcoming. Vegetarian friendly

Excellent sandwiches but incredibly expensive, particularly the vegetarian/vegan option. For example, £9.50 for a cabbage sandwich when the meat ones are typically only £1 more expensive is disappointing.

This place is so cute for lunch, I’d recommend the bean focaccia and booking a table as it was very busy. The staff were also so lovely

Happened on Albys by chance. Got caught in sleety downpour so took refuge inside. Helpful staff sorted me out. 👍💕

If I ate this sandwich 200 years earlier I would claim witch craft. Best sandwich I have EVER eaten in all my years.