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Like lots of its neighbors, Scotland has a centuries-long love affair with tea. But, its capital metropolis is quick changing into a hotspot for trendy cafes serving delectable brews and mouthwatering treats. If there’s one factor I’ve realized from working my Edinburgh meals excursions, it’s that the town’s cafe scene simply retains getting higher.
These are the Edinburgh cafés that must be on each espresso lover’s listing!
Greatest Cafés in Edinburgh
Lowdown
Photograph credit score: Lowdown
Lowdown is a modern and minimalistic espresso store close to the Scott Monument. The handy location of this café was what initially drew me in, however I stored coming again after sampling the high quality, single-origin espresso.
These guys rotate their brews regularly, and I used to be fortunate sufficient to reach when the Colombian beans had been in inventory. I stored it easy with an espresso, which had all of the nutty, chocolatey flavors I’d been craving.
Lowdown – Edinburgh EH2 2LE – Open each Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am to five:30 pm and each Sunday from 10:00 am to five:30 pm.
The Milkman
Photograph credit score: The Milkman
The Milkman was an Edinburgh café I’d heard rather a lot about earlier than I’d ever touched down within the metropolis. Earlier than I ventured up towards the close by Edinburgh Fort, I made a decision to cease by and style their much-loved espresso and pastries.
Set inside a former sweetshop, this café has stored previous options like stone partitions and contrasted them with vivid inexperienced crops and polished picket furnishings. It was the right place to get pleasure from one in every of their flaky croissants and foamy flat whites, which boasted bitter but balanced notes.
The Milkman – Edinburgh EH1 1BP – Open every single day from 8:00 am to five:00 pm.
Artisan Roast
Photograph credit score: Artisan Roast
Artisan Roast was among the many first Edinburgh cafés to burst onto the specialty espresso scene. Even with all of this café’s awards and recognition, it stays as hip and stylish as ever, particularly in its unique Broughton Avenue location.
I’d be mendacity if I mentioned I wasn’t captivated by this place as quickly as I stood inside, as the chunky furnishings and retro vibe made it really feel like somebody’s lounge. Nonetheless, the decor was simply a part of the expertise right here, as their scrumptious iced black espresso was each fruity and refreshing.
Artisan Roast – Edinburgh EH1 3RJ – Open every single day from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
The Elephant Home
Photograph credit score: Elephant Home
If there’s one Edinburgh café you could already be conversant in, it’s probably The Elephant Home, positioned across the nook from the Nationwide Museum of Scotland. This cozy, informal spot is the place J.Okay. Rowling famously penned the primary Harry Potter e-book, making it a must-visit for followers of the beloved e-book collection.
I wasn’t certain what to anticipate from the espresso, given how a lot of a vacationer hub this café has change into, however my cappuccino was pleasant. On a bitterly chilly Scottish morning, the luxurious froth and citrusy espresso was simply what I wanted.
The Elephant Home – Edinburgh EH1 1EN – Open every single day from 10:00 am to six:00 pm.
Scran New City
Photograph credit score: Scran New City
Scran New City is definitely one of many high eating choices close to Edinburgh’s sights. Not solely is that this vibrant, pastel-colored eatery among the many finest eating places in Edinburgh for brunch, however their espresso is improbable, too. It might need the traditional Instagram-ready aesthetic, however don’t let that distract you from the standard of the fare right here!
I went all out on the candy treats and ordered the peaches and cream French toast. My piping-hot americano was evenly acidic and sophisticated, and these distinctive flavors countered the style of the buttery brioche lined in juicy peaches, clotted cream, and floral honey.
Scran New City – Edinburgh EH1 1QG – Open every single day from 9:00 am to five:00 pm.
Books N’ Cup Cafe
Photograph credit score: Books N’ Cup Cafe
Books N’ Cup Cafe has two places in Edinburgh, and if the Tollcross department is something to go by, these are among the go-to spots for flavorsome espresso within the metropolis. The furnishings wouldn’t look misplaced in an upscale nation cottage, full with stone partitions, toasty fireplaces, and leather-based seating.
I needed to order their best-selling grilled cheese sandwich and paired the crispy toast, tangy cheddar, and candy chutney with a easy, indulgent mocha. This spot proved it’s typically the traditional menu gadgets that pack probably the most punch!
Books N’ Cup Cafe – Edinburgh EH3 9JR – Open every single day from 7:30 am to 10:00 pm.
The Espresso Tradition in Edinburgh
Even probably the most discerning espresso drinkers could have loads of selections on the subject of Edinburgh cafés. New and thrilling specialty espresso outlets have been popping up throughout the town in recent times, making it simpler than ever to seek out third-wave espresso roasters, sustainably sourced beans, and premium brews.
Whereas many of those modern spots provide elevated, distinctive café experiences, they nonetheless ooze that quintessential Scottish heat and appeal that units them aside out of your typical espresso store.
FAQs About Cafés in Edinburgh
What’s the most well-known café in Edinburgh?
The Arduous Rock Café in Edinburgh is likely to be one of the recognizable spots within the metropolis, however the storied Elephant Home is undeniably probably the most well-known Edinburgh café.
The place can I discover the very best espresso in Edinburgh?
Selecting only one Edinburgh café for his or her espresso choices is not any straightforward feat, however I don’t suppose it will get any higher than Artisan Roast.
Do cafés in Edinburgh provide vegan or gluten-free choices?
Most of the finest cafés in Edinburgh function plant-based and gluten-free dishes on their menus. Take a look at Black Rabbit for sandwiches and Books N’ Cup Cafe for muffins and pastries.
Which Edinburgh cafés have the very best brunch?
Scran New City is amongst my favourite brunch spots in Edinburgh, and the café’s opinions and images converse for themselves! Another must-try venues embody The Edinburgh Larder and Tani Modi.
Are there dog-friendly cafés in Edinburgh?
Get pleasure from a tasty cup of joe along with your four-legged good friend in tow at dog-friendly Edinburgh cafés like Patisserie Florentin and Burr & Co.
Sources:
Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Edinburgh meals excursions & experiences. Consuming Europe. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/edinburgh/
Lowdown. (n.d.). Lowdown espresso – Official web site. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.lowdown.espresso/
The Milkman. (n.d.). The Milkman espresso – Official web site. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://themilkman.espresso/
Artisan Roast. (n.d.). Artisan Roast – Official web site. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://artisanroast.co.uk/
Elephant Home. (n.d.). Elephant Home Café – Official web site. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://elephanthouse.biz/
Scran Edinburgh. (n.d.). Scran Edinburgh – Official web site. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://scranedinburgh.com/
Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Greatest eating places in Edinburgh: A neighborhood’s information to eating within the metropolis. Consuming Europe. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/weblog/best-restaurants-in-edinburgh/
TripAdvisor. (n.d.). Books N Cup – Restaurant opinions. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g186525-d25556441-Evaluations-Books_N_Cup-Edinburgh_Scotland.html
Arduous Rock Café. (n.d.). Arduous Rock Café Edinburgh – Official web site. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://cafe.hardrock.com/edinburgh/#utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Yext&utm_campaign=Listings
Black Rabbit Edinburgh. (n.d.). Black Rabbit Edinburgh – Official web site. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.blackrabbitedinburgh.co.uk/
Edinburgh Larder. (n.d.). Edinburgh Larder – Official web site. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.edinburghlarder.co.uk/
Tani Modi. (n.d.). Tani Modi – Official web site. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.tanimodi.co.uk/
Patisserie Florentin. (n.d.). Patisserie Florentin – Official web site. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.patisserieflorentin.com/
InterContinental Edinburgh. (n.d.). Burr & Co. at InterContinental Edinburgh – Official web site. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://edinburgh.intercontinental.com/food-beverage/burr-and-co/
