It doesn’t matter if you’re a local or just passing by; there are cafés & coffee shops for everyone in Edinburgh. This article will examine the eight best coffee locations found in Edinburgh, each of which appeals to a different type of coffee enthusiast. So pour yourself a cuppa, and find out where to have your next coffee break in Edinburgh!
1. Bonnie Barista
Location: 67 N Castle St, Edinburgh, EH2 3LJ
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sunday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Bonnie Barista is a sweet, minimalist little café hidden down at the bottom of Castle Street in the New Town area of Edinburgh. The cafe offers a wonderful range of freshly brewed coffee to go with croissants and other flaky pastries. Furthermore, your dog can come too! If you are a coffee lover or looking for delicious, freshly cooked meals, then Bonnie Barista is the right place to be in.
Nearby: The Portrait Gallery, Dean Village, City Centre.
2. Fortitude
Location: 3C York Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3EB
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sunday, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fortitude is a beautiful, sleek cafe right in the heart of Edinburgh that offers a tranquil escape from the city centre. It has a tiny but well-planned space with oversized windows that illuminate the interior space, perfect for people-watching. It offers some of the best coffee in the city, fresh baked goods, and daily lunch specials like soups and sandwiches. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a dash of Scottish comfort.
Nearby: St Andrew Square, Princes Street.
3. Kuna Cafe & Bakery
Location: 1 Elm Row, Edinburgh, EH7 4AA
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sunday, Closed
Kuna Cafe & Bakery is a comforting haven in New Town, Edinburgh, offering delicious food and a homely feeling. They serve a mouth-watering selection of quiches, tarts and toasties, including bold flavours such as goat’s cheese, fig jam and candied pecans. You cannot go wrong with their cakes and delicious sausage rolls. Kuna Café is a great casual place to grab some heartier lunch or comfort snack.
Nearby: The Edinburgh Playhouse, Leith Walk, Calton Hill.
4. Lowdown Coffee
Location: 40 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2LE
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Saturday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Sunday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Lowdown Coffee is a little oasis beneath the street level in Edinburgh’s city centre. With minimal design and natural light, the interior is relaxing enough to do some work or simply hang out. The café offers a superb coffee range and a selection of teas. There are homemade cakes, sandwiches, and soups too. Lowdown may only recently have arrived on the Edinburgh café scene but it is already putting a marker down with both quality and service.
Nearby: George Street, Princes Street, New Town.
5. La Barantine
Location: 89 West Bow, Edinburgh, EH1 2JP
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Located in the historic Old Town, La Barantine is a true French cafe located in Edinburgh. The small space is adorable and intimate, focusing on artisanal, made-from-scratch pastries. La Barantine serves excellent French baguette sandwiches at lunchtime, such as the ‘Le Savoie’ with raclette cheese and Bayonne ham. The bakery takes an old-school approach and pays close attention to details, making it a stop for pastry lovers.
Nearby: Victoria Street, The Royal Mile, National Museum.
6. Baba Budan
Location: East Market Street, EH8 8FS, Edinburgh
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturday to Sunday, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Baba Budan is a hipster café on the bustling East Market Street off Waverley Station. This cafe has become a favourite amongst Edinburghers as the place to go for high-quality coffee and indulgent doughnuts. It’s a small space but ideal for a grab-and-go coffee or a brief stop. You can also enjoy coffee brewed from Ozone-roasted beans with changing seasonal blends from Australia and across the world.
Nearby: Waverley Station, Princes Street, Old Town.
7. Castlegate Cafe
Location: 7 & 52 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1BP
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sunday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Unsuspectingly hidden away in the heart of the touristy Grassmarket, Castlegate Cafe provides a wonderful refuge from all your Old Town sightseeing. The café is famed for its substantial Scottish breakfasts. It is also great for brunch and a great way to kickstart your day! The mellow setting, friendly service, and classic fare — with options ranging from eggs Benedict to bagels to pancakes — make Castlegate Café a local favourite and a tourist go-to.
Nearby: Victoria Street, Edinburgh Castle, The Vennel.
8. Milkman
Location: 7 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1BP
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Set in the Old Town of Edinburgh, Milkman is a chilled-out café serving up great coffee. Milkman offers a selection of brewed coffee, as well as home-baked cakes with many gluten-free options. They also have daily specials such as soups and sandwiches. This is a great place to make a pit stop when discovering the city, thanks to its central location and friendly staff.
Nearby: The Royal Mile, St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh Castle.
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