Edinburgh Cafes: 10 Incredible Cafes & Coffee Shops In Edinburgh
Searching for the best Edinburgh cafes? Then look no further. My guide to cafes in the capital includes 10 of my favourites, including coffee shops and cake stops; each personally visited and highly recommended.
One of the most difficult things about visiting the Scottish capital is choosing from the plethora of really excellent cafes and coffee shops. So, to make your life easier and shorten the list a little, I’m sharing the best Edinburgh cafes for your next visit.
Each independent, personally visited, and serving exceptional coffee, these cafes and coffee shops are all within easy reach of the city centre.
We were seeking two things: shelter from the Scottish rain and a brilliant coffee and cake combo.
Thankfully, there’s no shortage of genuinely incredible cafes in Edinburgh.
What makes Edinburgh’s cafe scene so special is the number of independents, that reminded me of the equally booming St Andrews foodie scene: coffee shops brewing artisan roasts, cafes showcasing boujee homemade cakes, and small spots serving up delicious brunch/lunch options.
I’m an Edinburgh native, and in the last ten years, the cafe scene has exploded in the best possible way. Gone are the obligatory chains, and very much in are aesthetically pleasing, locally owned, excellent daytime eateries.
On that particular rainy day, we found ourselves in a French patisserie. But I’ve also enjoyed coffee in a sunny window box in the Old Town and seen the best views from a cafe on world famous Victoria Street. And after many years of coffee shopping and eating my way around Edinburgh’s cafes, I have a list of firm favourites.
Hopefully, this guide to Edinburgh’s cafes should make things less overwhelming for you, giving you inspiration and the necessary information to choose the best venue for your next coffee, break from the crowds, or very delicious brunch, lunch, or cake stop.
This is my guide to Edinburgh’s best cafes and coffee shops.
Edinburgh Cafe’s and Coffee Shops
There are wonderful cafes scattered throughout the city and its many parts, but this guide focuses specifically on those easily walkable from the city centre.
Also, unlike some guides you’ll find online, I’ve personally visited and carefully chosen every venue on this list; that means I genuinely love each spot below and recommend it based on the (a) quality of their cake, food, and coffee, (b) vibe, and (c) friendly staff and good service.
That means some popular cafes haven’t made the list. We didn’t enjoy them for whatever reason, usually because we found them to be overhyped or the food below par. And don’t get us started on obligatory 10% service charges!
So, ready to find the best Edinburgh cafes and coffee shops? Let’s go!
1. Bonnie Barista
The Bonnie Barista is a real gem of an Edinburgh café. Tucked away down the bottom of Castle Street in the New Town, the interior is beautifully minimalist, the coffee exceptional, and the vibe always friendly.
Visit for breakfast and choose from a selection of flaky fresh pastries like croissants alongside freshly brewed coffee. Or later in the day for their mouth-wateringly good (and huge) focaccia sandwiches, giant sausage rolls, and delicious, sweet treats.
Opened by a local Edinburgh couple, this independent cafe is my top city centre pick.
Order | A flat white, cinnamon bun, and the caprese & salami focaccia.
Where | Various spots but the Castle Street cafe is the best city centre option.
Address | 67 N Castle St, Edinburgh, EH2 3LJ (here)
Plan | Dog-friendly, no pre-booking, sit-in, out, or takeaway.
Nearby | Visit on your way to the Portrait Gallery, Dean Village, or the city centre.
2. Kuna Cafe & Bakery
We stumbled across Kuna Cafe (formerly Little Red Kite) on a particularly rainy day and found the most welcoming and warm little oasis inside. Of all the Edinburgh cafes on our list, this one is a strong contender for the friendliest.
The server made us fresh toasties (despite there being none on the shelf), cut everything in half so we could share, and didn’t mind us dripping water all over the floor.
Quiches, tarts, and toasties are utterly delicious for lunch, with moreish flavours like goat's cheese, fig jam, and candied pecans. Though the oozy tart and toastie combo ultimately won, we’ll return to try the enormous sausage rolls in homemade pastry and an impressive cake selection.
Opened by a local couple, Kuna is easily one of my favourite Edinburgh cafes. Highly recommend.
Order | Speciality tea, the beetroot, goat's cheese & fig jam tart, and the mature cheddar toastie.
Where | Near the Playhouse, in the New Town.
Address | 1 Elm Row, Edinburgh, EH7 4AA (here)
Plan | No pre-booking, sit in or takeaway.
Nearby | The Edinburgh Playhouse, Leith Walk, Calton Hill, St James Centre, and New Town.
3. La Barantine
Another cafe I love, La Barantine, is an artisanal French bakery in the historic Old Town. Serving authentic French cafe vibes, everything in this cosy little spot is handmade, thanks to the French chef pâtissiers and owner/master Boulanger.
Early risers should order a croissant or pain au chocolat; flaky and freshly baked, alongside a freshly brewed coffee, these pastries make for the perfect breakfast. Or, later in the day, stop for a flat white and sweet treat - you’ll find a selection of patisseries in the window (good luck choosing just one), including Paris-Brest, lemon tarts, and eclairs.
For lunch, there’s a small but delicious selection of baguettes; I recommend ‘Le Savoie’, served with Bayonne ham, sun-blush tomatoes, raclette cheese, and French mustard. Yum.
Order | An espresso, croissant, or plate full of artisan patisseries. Also French baguettes for lunch.
Where | Various spots but Victoria Street for those exploring the Old Town.
Address | 89 West Bow, Edinburgh, EH1 2JP (here)
Plan | No pre-booking, sit or takeaway.
Nearby | Visit historic Victoria Street, plus nearby Royal Mile, The Vennel, Grassmarket, or National Museum.
4. Castlegate Cafe
The popular Grassmarket has always needed a good cafe, and Castlegate Cafe fills the gap nicely. We were tempted by the phenomenal array of cannoli in the window and happily stayed for good coffee and rest while walking our feet off around the Old Town.
In addition to sweet treats, Castlegate has made its name with hearty Scottish breakfasts and delicious plates of brunch and lunch favourites like pancakes, bagels, paninis, and eggs Benedict. The staff is friendly (they pointed us in the direction of the best castle viewpoint), the vibe is mellow, and the coffee is really, really good.
Order | Coffees, pistachio cannoli, and a full Scottish.
Where | In the middle of the Grassmarket.
Address | 7 & 52 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1BP (here)
Plan | No pre-booking, sit in or takeaway.
Nearby | The Old Town, The Vennel, and Victoria Street; visit on this free walking tour.
5. The Milkman Coffee
Something of an Edinburgh institution, this hotspot is worthy of its reputation as one of the city’s best cafes. The Milkman has two locations, both on Cockburn Street, each serving excellent coffee and drool-inducing pastries.
The original and slightly larger Milkman is at the bottom of the street. Here, you’ll find the Instagram-famous old sweet shop signage and benches perfect for people-watching. Inside, it is quaint and cosy and incredibly popular, so be there early for a seat.
The newer and slightly smaller Milkman is near the top of the street. A little less crowded and a little more modern, it is my favourite of the two, and the heaped platters of pastries and sugary cakes are dangerously tempting.
Order | a cappuccino with a cronut or any other sumptuous delight that takes your fancy.
Where | in the heart of the Old Town.
Address | 7 & 52 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1BP (here)
Plan | No pre-booking, sit-in or takeaway; be there early for a table.
Nearby | the Royal Mile and Old Town; visit on this free walking tour.
6. Scott’s Kitchen
Tucked away in the Old Town, Scott’s Kitchen has, in my opinion, one of the best views in Edinburgh.
Overlooking iconic Victoria Street and positively steeped in Old Town atmosphere, tables on the terrace are in high demand, come sun or haar.
Big breakfast and lunch menus are on offer, food is good, and every dish is made with locally sourced Scottish produce. We’re big fans of a coffee on the balcony, but the shakshuka eggs are on our list to eat next time we visit, alongside a classic Bloody Mary (we’ll keep you updated!)
Order | We like Scott’s for brunch, so a cappuccino (or something stronger) with eggs or a proper Scottish breakfast.
Where | In the heart of the Old Town.
Address | 4-6 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2JL (here)
Plan | Pre-book or pop in (booking is advisable).
Nearby | The Royal Mile, Castle, Victoria Street, and Old Town.
7. Mayvn
If you like trendy, aesthetic, and artisan brews, head straight to Mayvn. Inside Eden Locke Hotel, this incredibly cool Edinburgh cafe is a mellow spot that provides a tranquil break from the rush of the city centre.
Inside, the pastel-coloured cafe, with its leafy succulents and long tables, has the vibe of a laidback lounge. While the drinks selection is excellent - there’s a focus on high-quality coffee, herbal teas, and fresh juices - there are plenty of eating options too. Think delicious cakes, pastries, croissants, and baguettes for lunch.
Order | Your choice of coffee with cake; we recommend the bramble & lavender sponge.
Where | In the heart of the city centre.
Address | 127 George St, Edinburgh, EH2 4JN (here)
Plan | No pre-booking, sit-in or takeaway, laptop friendly.
Nearby | Princes Street, Gardens, Portrait Gallery, and easy Old and New Town access.
8. Balcony Cafe
A cafe with a twist - this hidden gem is tucked away inside the National Museum. It takes its name from its gallery-style locale on the third-floor viewing platform, with a scattering of tables overlooking the main hall.
It’s a light, bright, and airy space, and although the menu is limited to coffee, tea, and sweet treats, it’s a lovely cafe. And the cakes are both pretty and delicious!
Visit alongside the excellent museum exhibitions and magnificent atrium in the excellent National Museum. Or after wandering around the Old Town - it’s a great spot to rest tired feet.
Order | Coffee and one of the many pretty cakes.
Where | Inside the National Museum, Old Town.
Address | Chambers St, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF (here)
Plan | Visit after a wander around the museum.
Nearby | Victoria Street, Grassmarket, the Royal Mile, and Old Town.
9. Edinburgh Press Club
A casual eatery on Cockburn Street, the Edinburgh Press Club is an oasis in the often chaotic thoroughfare. Though less aesthetically orientated than others on our list, this Edinburgh cafe delivers with its plentiful tables, friendly staff, and solid hot drink options.
They’ve recently expanded their food menu and offer salads, sandwiches, and pastries from award-winning Manna House Bakery. A reliable option for a quiet break, you can also use your laptop.
Order | Coffee, hot chocolates, and hearty farmhouse-style sandwiches.
Where | In the Old Town, near the Royal Mile.
Address | Chambers St, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF (here)
Plan | A casual option for days exploring the Royal Mile, laptop-friendly.
Nearby | The Royal Mile, Old Town, and Princes Street.
The Milkman, Cockburn Street
10. Thomas J Walls Coffee
I’ll be honest: I almost didn’t include Thomas J. Walls. The service left a lot to be desired, something that’s often noted in reviews. However, you will find excellent coffee here, and for that, it is worth a visit.
The owner is a former barista champion, and his dedication to excellent coffee shows, with carefully poured flat whites and excellent espressos as standard.
There is a brunch menu and pastries, though we didn’t have the opportunity to sample either (in all honesty, there are better eateries on this list). But the vibe did make for a good break from walking around the old town, with dark wooden panelling, little nooks to hide away in, and a steady stream of customers keeping the atmosphere buzzy.
Order | An espresso is the house speciality, but flat whites are equally good.
Where | Over George IV Bridge in the Old Town.
Address | Forrest Rd, Edinburgh, EH1 2QN (here)
Plan | No pre-booking, sit-in or takeaway, laptop friendly.
Nearby | National Museum and the Meadows, the Royal Mile is also a close stroll.
More Edinburgh cafes…
Of course, we haven’t eaten in every cafe in the city - but we’re trying! The below cafes & coffee shops are on our list:
Fortuna (Queen Street)
Lowdown Coffee (George Street)
Hula (Grassmarket)
Knoops (Victoria Street)
Archipelago Bakery (New Town)
Edinburgh Larder (Royal Mile)
Leo’s Beanery (New Town)
Stay tuned; we’ll add them (and others) to the list soon. These days, I’m based in the Scottish Highlands - but I frequently visit the capital for my cafe fix!
Have a cafe you’d like to see added to this post? Then get in touch and let me know what makes it so good here.
Edinburgh is one of those glorious cities I never tire of, and the food scene is a big reason for that. Use my Scotland planning tools and itineraries to find what awaits you in the capital and beyond.
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