Best cafés in Edinburgh

38 people recommend, 16 warn against itvia r/Edinburgh

Many people recommend Lannan Bakery, and many praise its pastries as excellent, with some saying the wait is worth it. Queues are the main drawback, and many people say they would not stand in one that long, though some say early or weekday visits bring shorter queues. It is counter service only with no seating. Several say other Edinburgh bakeries are just as good or better, and the bakery divides opinion.

Stockbridge

33 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Scotland, r/Edinburgh, r/espresso

Overall, people recommend The Source, a small cafe that roasts its own beans. Many people rate its coffee highly, and many call it among the best in town. Diners single out the flat white and the espresso, and several praise its beans and roasting. One diner is unconvinced by the hype.

32 people recommend, 5 warn against itcounted across its outletsvia r/Edinburgh, r/espresso

Artisan Roast is recommended across its Edinburgh branches, and Broughton Street is the shop commenters name most. Many people recommend it, several praise its range of beans, and one says it roasts in house.

Broughton Street

30 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Edinburgh

Most commenters recommend Krema, and many praise its cakes and pastries, with one diner saying a lemon cake there may be the best they have had. Two diners call its brownies the best they have eaten, and two praise the wide range of pastries. Cookie pie and cinnamon buns also get recommendations.

Leith

27 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Edinburgh

Most people who discuss the Sicilian Pastry Shop off Leith Walk recommend it, and many back its cakes and pastries. A few single out the cannoli. The caveats are that one diner found some fried pastries disappointing on one visit, while another finds the everyday bakes hit or miss and advises ordering ahead, since the best items go early.

Off Leith Walk

26 people recommend, 1 warns against itcounted across its outletsvia r/Edinburgh, r/espresso

Fortitude Coffee is recommended across its Edinburgh outlets, and those who name one mention Abbey Mount (Abbeyhill) and Stockbridge. Most people recommend it, and a few count it among their favourites. Diners single out the iced latte and the hot chocolate, and one praises the pistachio and lemon cake. One diner finds it mediocre, and another finds the cafe espresso drinks a bit weak even though they rate the beans.

Abbey Mount

23 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/Coffee, r/Edinburgh, r/espresso

Many people recommend Lowdown and praise the coffee as excellent, with a few naming the pour overs as a standout. A couple of commenters say seats can be hard to get. Opinion is divided on the feel of the place: one diner found it disappointing given the hype, and one commenter sees its strict drink-making as snobby but justified.

George Street

22 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh, r/espresso

Little Fitzroy is on Easter Road, and most people recommend it. Commenters rate its coffee highly, with a couple calling it among the city's finest, and a couple praise its pastries and baked goods. One commenter likes its sit-down area and coffee flights. One diner who has been a few times finds it good but not as strong as Fortitude.

Easter Road

21 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

People recommend The Pastry Section, which bakes at its Stockbridge and Leith shops. Many commenters praise its cakes and sweet bakes, and one regular says it has stayed fantastic since opening. One commenter recommends the cakes and cinnamon rolls, and another says its Black Forest gateau is great when it is made.

Stockbridge

20 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/Edinburgh

Throat Punch Coffee on Dalry Road, near Haymarket, is a coffee shop that most commenters recommend, and several people describe its coffee as strong. Several mention the resident shop dogs with fondness. One commenter rates the hot chocolate highly but wishes it stayed open later. A few commenters were unimpressed, with one finding the batch brew over-extracted and bitter.

Dalry Road

19 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Edinburgh, r/espresso

Machina is an Edinburgh-based roaster that many people name among the city's good local coffee options, and several point to its Marchmont cafe. One diner has long enjoyed its brews, another was really impressed by it, and one calls it a knowledgeable independent local roaster and importer. One person is not a fan, and one places it in the mid-tier for specialty coffee.

Marchmont

17 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Edinburgh, r/espresso

Many people recommend Black Medicine, and one commenter calls its Nicolson Street branch great. A few people praise the atmosphere and seating, and two recommend its millionaire's shortbread, one calling it the best they have tried. A couple of people call the coffee good or decent, but one says it tastes bad. A couple like it for working on a laptop.

Nicolson Street

16 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh, r/Scotland, r/espresso

Many people recommend Cult, a coffee roaster with a cafe on Buccleuch Street, and a few praise its coffee and beans. One person recommends it for good food and a relaxed atmosphere, one visitor regularly has a hot chocolate there after a coffee, and another notes a good range of pour overs kept for an occasional treat.

Buccleuch Street

16 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Many people recommend L'Angelou, a French bakery on Northfield Broadway, and a few praise it in the strongest terms, calling it incredible, the best in town or authentically Parisian. One diner recommends the croissant pudding and another the classic white baguette. One visitor warns it can sell out before closing, so check the hours first.

Northfield Broadway

16 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh, r/Scotland

The Cobbled Roastery is recommended across its Edinburgh shops, and those who name one mention Thistle Street and Castle Street. Many people recommend it, and a couple say the beans are roasted on site. A couple call it excellent, one rates it as a handy stop for a quick takeaway coffee in town, and one says it made the best cappuccino they have had.

Thistle Street

16 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Edinburgh

Books N' Cup is recommended across its Tollcross and Stockbridge cafes. Most people who weigh in recommend it, and many mention it as a late-night spot; at Tollcross, a few note it stays open into the evening, and one regular praises the pastries and drinks. A few commenters find it small and busy, one says some tables ban laptops, and another says Stockbridge evenings let laptop users sit at any table outside peak times.

Tollcross

16 people recommend, 2 warn against itcounted across its outletsvia r/Edinburgh

Söderberg is recommended across its Edinburgh branches, including Broughton Street, Stockbridge, Queensferry Street and the Meadows pavilion. Many people recommend it, a few praise the cinnamon buns, and the banana loaf, semla buns and cakes also get mentions. One commenter lists it among mediocre bakeries.

16 people recommend, 5 warn against itvia r/Edinburgh

Twelve Triangles is recommended across its Edinburgh bakeries. One diner calls the Dalry Road shop superb and another recommends its pain au chocolat. Most diners recommend it, a couple praise its croissants and a few its cookies, and one names the pistachio croissant as a favourite. The cautions are about consistency: several diners feel quality has slipped, and a couple would skip the sandwiches.

Dalry

15 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh, r/espresso

Many people put Beatnik among Edinburgh's top coffee spots, with one commenter saying its coffee is on another level and another calling it a close runner-up for the top spot. One person points to its espresso tonic and another to a homemade brown sugar syrup. One diner finds the atmosphere a bit pretentious but keeps going back for the quality.

15 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Edinburgh, r/espresso

Cairngorm Coffee is recommended across its Edinburgh cafes, and one commenter notes the Melville Place cafe stays open into the evening. Most people recommend it, one commenter rates its batch brew as a personal favourite, and one praises its subscription. One diner finds the espresso too acidic for their taste, and a couple describe the iced drinks as small.

Melville Place

15 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Edinburgh

Overall, diners recommend 101 Bakery in Newington, and many praise its cakes and baked goods, including a vegan chocolate cake that one diner found delicious. A couple of diners single out the cinnamon buns, a couple praise the cookies, and a few highlight its vegan options. Not everyone is won over: one diner rates other city bakeries higher and found the Guinness cake less good than a homemade version.

Newington

15 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/Edinburgh

Most people recommend Williams & Johnson, a roaster with a cafe at the Shore in Leith. Several praise the coffee and a few single out the pastries, and one recommends the tahini cookie. A couple find the indoor seating uncomfortable, one says it can be busy at weekends, and a couple enjoy sitting outside on sunny mornings.

Leith

13 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh, r/espresso

Many diners recommend Room and Rumours, a cafe in the railway arches on Market Street. Several praise its coffee, with one ranking its batch brew among the finest they have tasted, and one recommends the Biscoff cinnamon bun. One visitor makes a point of stopping in on every trip to the city.

13 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Edinburgh

Most visitors recommend Babyfaced Baker, which people place on Leith Walk and around Leith and Portobello. Several praise its vegan options and pastries, one singles out the cookies, brownies and blondies, and another finds the coffee good. One visitor personally finds the pasties poor.

Leith Walk

13 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/Edinburgh

Storries is a Leith Walk bakery, and several commenters point to the Leith Walk shop as the one to try. Most people who comment recommend it, several mention it as a late-night stop, one praises the pies and another the shortbread. Views are mixed: one commenter says it has declined badly, one finds it over-hyped, and one says it is good for late-night snacks but not in the same league as higher-quality bakeries.

Leith Walk

12 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Edinburgh

Many commenters recommend Mr Eion, a coffee roaster that people mostly place in Trinity, and several praise its coffee and beans. A couple say it roasts its own beans for sale, and one commenter says the black coffee is fine. One diner says its salted milk chocolate cookie is a pleasant surprise, though it is not always on offer. The main caveat is the limited opening days, which one commenter wishes were more generous.

Trinity

11 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Wellington Coffee is a George Street coffee shop that many people recommend. A couple call the coffee lovely or good, one finds the beans mild and easy to drink, and one singles out the carrot cake.

George Street

11 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Edinburgh

Ante on Leith Walk is generally recommended, and several diners single out its pastries as excellent, with seasonal flavours such as greengage danishes and chanterelle and rye. One diner rates its coffee, including the batch brew and cold brew, and another says there are usually several savoury options.

Leith Walk

11 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/Edinburgh

Patina at Edinburgh Park is recommended as a bakery and coffee stop, though it takes a tram or a drive to reach. Many commenters recommend it, one calling it the city's best baker and worth the trip, and one describing it as quiet with plenty of seats. Another rates the coffee positively.

10 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Many people recommend Tanifiki on Portobello High Street, and a few say it roasts its own beans. Several praise the coffee itself, one says its tonka bean syrup is very nice, and another says the food is good too.

Portobello

10 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Many people recommend Black Rabbit, a vegan cafe on Brougham Place, and several single out its cakes and pastries. One commenter loves the tofu benedict, and another recommends it for its sandwiches.

Brougham Place

10 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Loudon's is recommended across its Edinburgh cafes; the Fountainbridge branch is named by a couple of commenters, and others mention Waverley and a branch near the Royal Mile. Several people recommend it, and two note plenty of space for buggies and prams.

Fountainbridge

9 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Many people recommend The Bastard Barista, a Queen Street coffee shop, and a few call its coffee lovely or excellent. One newer arrival to the city says it is the best they have found, another likes the vibe, and one calls it the original type of coffee shop.

9 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

People recommend Little Havana, a coffee shop on Leith Walk, and several praise its wide range of beans. A couple praise the coffee itself, and one says it roasts its beans on site.

Leith Walk

9 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Many people recommend Chapter One, a coffee shop on Dalry Road close to Haymarket. One diner calls it a pleasant brunch spot, and another praises the reuben sandwich. A couple praise its vegan cakes and pastries, and one commenter says it has recently begun roasting its own beans and finds them tasty.

Dalry

8 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Many people recommend Sugar Daddy's, a free-from bakery in Marchmont, and a few point to it as a good option for gluten-free eating, with one also mentioning dairy-free. One visitor especially likes the cookie sandwiches, and another suggests it for birthday orders.

Marchmont

8 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Many commenters recommend Cafe Tepuy, a specialty Colombian coffee shop, and a few name its Albert Street shop. One visitor recommends the single-estate Colombian coffee and says the cafe is tiny, with beans for sale. Another finds the coffee fresh, one ranks it as the best in town, and another says the quality is high and the range broad.

Albert Street

8 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Edinburgh, r/espresso

Mayvn Cafe on George Street is a laptop-friendly cafe: several diners say there is room to work, and a couple note a table or seating set aside for remote workers. A few describe the setting as lovely or tranquil. One commenter recalls it turning pub-like in the early evening on a past visit, and opening hours are remembered differently, so check before you go.

George Street

8 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Edinburgh

Snax Cafe is an Edinburgh greasy spoon, and one commenter names the West Register Street branch. Most people who weigh in recommend it, with two backing it for rolls and two for breakfast, and one calling it their usual greasy spoon. One diner who ordered breakfast there once found it only passable.

West Register Street

7 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Lounge 33 is a cafe and record shop on Leith Walk, and many commenters recommend it. One diner finds the coffee pretty good, another says the matcha juice is surprisingly tasty, and one mentions its homemade syrups and iced teas. A couple of commenters say it is open late on Thursdays and Fridays.

Leith Walk

7 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh, r/espresso

Considerit is a fully vegan cafe in Sciennes that several people recommend, and several single out its doughnuts. A few commenters note it also does ice cream and milkshakes, and another highlights its many dessert options.

7 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Most commenters recommend Thomas J Walls, a coffee shop on Forrest Road, and a few diners praise the coffee. A few describe the atmosphere as pleasant, and one notes a sofa at the back and usually being able to get a table. A couple of diners say it can feel cold.

7 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Many people recommend CJ's Cafe on Dalry Road, and one visitor found the place brilliant.

Dalry Road

6 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Several visitors recommend the cafe at John Lewis, on the top floor, mainly for its views. A few say the views are good, one praises seats beside the glass walls, and one visitor says it works for visiting with a pram, with changing facilities and feeding chairs. One person finds it easy to reach for older relatives but does not praise the coffee, and one advises arriving early for a window seat.

6 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Several people recommend Rocksalt Cafe on Constitution Street in Leith, near the tram stop. One commenter calls it great and another says the food is fantastic. It is also named for rolls and cooked breakfasts, one visitor suggests breakfast outside when it is sunny, and a visitor with a toddler enjoys the window seat with a tram view.

Constitution Street

6 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Polentoni is an Italian spot on Easter Road, and several people praise its sandwiches. A couple rank them among the best in town, and one describes the fillings as simple rather than overstuffed. One adds that cakes only show up occasionally.

Easter Road

6 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Several people recommend Tasty Buns, and two name its Bread Street shop. One says the bakes change every day, another finds the baked goods excellent, one recommends the brownies, and one says it is good for tray bakes.

Bread Street

6 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Several diners recommend Relish, a cafe on Commercial Street in Leith. A couple call it a go-to or favourite stop for walks or work trips, one regular rates the sandwiches, and one praises the cappuccinos and calls it a nice place to relax. Another finds it decent.

6 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Edinburgh

Sloe Lane is a bakery on Leith Walk that several diners recommend, two of whom praise its savoury pastries. One diner likes the lavender iced latte, and two note it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Leith Walk

6 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Edinburgh

Diners lean toward recommending The Bearded Baker, and a few praise its cinnamon buns, including vegan ones whose flavours rotate weekly. A couple recommend the donuts, one rates the tin loaf highly, and one says it is always great. One commenter lists it among the mediocre bakeries.

6 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Edinburgh

Several diners recommend Artisan Coffee, and the Leith Walk cafe on the corner of Balfour Street is the one most name. One says the coffee and food are great and another rates its iced latte as the best in town, while another calls it a nice little cafe.

Leith Walk

6 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/Edinburgh

Most people recommend The Howdah Tea and Coffee Company, a tea and coffee shop on Deanhaugh Street in Stockbridge. A couple point to its wide choice of teas and coffees, including a wall of bean varieties, and one calls it excellent. One person finds the coffee acidic.

Stockbridge

5 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Several people recommend Uplands Roast, a roaster on the edge of the Meadows. One diner who visited in person found the food tasty.

The Meadows

5 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Razz is a patisserie-style cafe on Home Street that people recommend for its baking, and several single out its cookies. A few say it stays open late into the evening.

Home Street

5 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Hata Cafe in Canonmills is recommended by several people. One diner describes comfortable downstairs seating, including a sofa, and never felt hurried there; one suggests it for its granola, and one says it is worth travelling to Canonmills.

Canonmills

5 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Preachers Patisserie on Lady Lawson Street, near the Grassmarket, is recommended by several people. One calls it excellent overall, another says it was really good, and one says it has been around for decades. Another visitor thought its breakfast rolls looked very inviting.

Lady Lawson Street

5 people recommendvia r/Edinburgh

Several people recommend Sea Breeze Cafe on Leith Walk, one calling it a classic, simple breakfast spot. One diner says the fry-up is tasty and works for eating in or taking away filled rolls.

Leith Walk

5 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Edinburgh

The Haven in Newhaven, at the tram terminus, is recommended by several people for cafe food. One commenter praises its baked goods and a favourite toastie, one says it is the best coffee they have had, and another cannot vouch for the coffee. One visitor found it underwhelming on three visits.

Newhaven

5 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Edinburgh

The Old Spence Cafe in Leith is recommended by several people. One commenter praises the focaccia and another calls it great, one suggests it for rolls and cooked breakfasts, and one suggests it as a pro-laptop place that opens early. One commenter found it very humid on a recent visit.

Constitution Street

5 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Edinburgh, r/espresso

Several commenters recommend Milkman. One visitor calls it incredibly good, noting the coffee is brewed with Origin beans, and one singles out its sugary blueberry twists as wildly good. One commenter, with limited experience, doubts it counts as specialty coffee, saying it focuses on milk drinks.

5 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/Edinburgh, r/espresso

Kilimanjaro is a Nicolson Street coffee shop that several people recommend, and a couple suggest it as an evening option. One diner says they love the fruit scones. Opinion is divided: one commenter likes it but finds it cramped, and a couple suspect its quality has slipped over the years.