Aside from being known as the most haunted city, home to a very old castle, and epic gothic architecture, Edinburgh is also a wonderful hub for coffee shops and epic food. Although it’s hard to choose, we’ve compiled a list of the best coffee shops in Edinburgh so you’ll never be short of a caffeine boost when you need one.
The Milkman
Located at 7 Cockburn St, The Milkman is a cosy coffee shop that pays homage to the owner’s great-grandfather, who delivered milk by horse-drawn carriage. This intimate venue features just 14 seats, making it a perfect spot for a quick coffee break or to stop off and grab a caffeine refill while on the move.
The café serves a simple menu of espresso-based drinks and daily batch brews alongside pastries from local bakers. Its charming atmosphere, historical background, and quality coffee make it a must-visit for both locals and tourists. If you’re there and they happen to be serving their cronuts, it’s certainly worth ordering one or two!
Cafe Portrait
Cafe Portrait is known for its artistic ambience and high-quality coffee. The cafe features a rotating selection of art exhibitions, making it a cultural hub in the city, perfect for those with a flair for the city’s artsy scene. The café serves excellent coffee and offers a menu that includes delicious brunch options, making it a great place to relax and enjoy.
If you want to stop off for lunch, it’s also worth knowing that the cafe serves a wide selection of vegan-friendly options, particularly its salads. Cafe Portrait is actually known as one of the best vegan spots in Edinburgh, but is also popular for its afternoon teas.
Mary’s Milk Bar
If you’re an ice cream lover or just need to cool down while visiting Edinburgh in the Summer, you must try this one out. Mary’s Milk Bar is famous for its unique gelato flavours and rich hot chocolates made fresh from high-quality ingredients. Located in the Grassmarket area, this shop provides a delightful experience for sweet tooth users.
The cosy atmosphere and friendly service are warm and welcoming, making it a perfect stop for a treat after exploring the nearby attractions and getting to know the city a bit more.
Edinburgh Larder
As one of the best places to go for fresh, locally produced goodness, the Edinburgh LArder is a must-stop for those who love their coffee and food. Edinburgh Larder focuses on local and seasonal produce, serving a range of freshly brewed coffees and homemade cakes.
This café prides itself on sustainability and supporting local farmers. Its welcoming environment and quality dishes and beverages make it a favourite among those looking for a wholesome dining experience.
Thomas J Walls Coffee
Thomas J Walls Coffee offers a variety of single-origin coffees and blends expertly prepared by knowledgeable baristas. The shop’s modern design and focus on quality make it a great destination for coffee lovers. It’s ideal for anyone visiting the National Museum of Scotland as it’s very close by.
It’s also a great place to head to for a relaxed lunch after meandering through the museums’ galleries. Thomas J Wall Coffee is located on Forrest Rd, along the same route as The Meadows, making it easy to find for those visiting the city.
Castlegate Cafe
Known for its delicious range of cannolis, Castlegate Cafe has made a name for itself on the Edinburgh food scene. Their coffee doesn’t fall short either, with churning out wonderful brews perfect for a little pick-me-up. If you’ve woken up ravenous, Castlegate Cafe will fix you up with a hearty full Scottish breakfast that will set you up for a day of exploring Edinburgh.
It’s also ideally located in Grassmarket, one of the most popular squares in the city. You’ll probably stumble across it even if you don’t plan to go there.
Bonnie Barista
Fancy a flaky pastry? Then the Bonnie Barista should definitely be on your list of cafes in Edinburgh to visit. The cafe prides itself on creating perfectly brewed coffees, making it the ideal spot for those who are slightly more discerning in their coffee tastes.
They’re also very focused on sourcing all their ingredients locally, supporting local bakeries and small businesses in their supplier relations. It’s the perfect cafe if you’re looking for a welcoming atmosphere and a quintessentially Scottish experience.
Black Medicine Coffee Co.
If you’re looking for a slice of homeliness away from home, then the basement at Black Medicine Coffee Co. is for you. Its cosy lounge-like atmosphere gives you a welcome feeling, with bookshelves and soft lighting making it somewhere you can relax and unwind for a while. Their coffee is also incredible, with its name deriving from what the native Americans used to call coffee. There’s also a great menu to peruse if you’re feeling peckish.
Söderberg Bakery
This is one of Edinburgh’s most popular coffee chains, and when you find a branch in the city, it’s easy to see why. Söderberg is a Swedish-inspired coffee shop chain so it is the best place to go for Swedish pastries like cardamom buns, Kladdkaka, Mazarins and Smörrebröd. You can find these cafes dotted all over the city in the busiest spots, so you won’t have to walk too far without getting your caffeine fix.
Artisan Roast
A smaller chain that you’ll probably come across in your Edinburgh travels is Artisan Roast. Some of the more popular locations include Broughton Street and Stockbridge, so if you’re on an Edinburgh site-seeing mission, they’re great for a snack and a cup of coffee. Coffee lovers rave about this spot because of their passion for coffee roasting and brewing.
With beans sourced from all the best coffee hubs around the world including Rwanda, Kenya, Peru, and Nicaragua, you’ll certainly be impressed by their selection and care taken when whipping up your perfect brew.
Twelve Triangles
Nestled in the heart of Leith, Twelve Triangles is a must-visit for coffee lovers travelling through Edinburgh. It is known for its mouthwatering artisanal pastries like flaky croissants, fluffy doughnuts, and decadent cakes. This bakery and coffee shop prioritises organic, locally sourced ingredients. Coffee lovers will appreciate their expertly brewed selections from local roasters.
With a vibrant community vibe and regular events featuring local artists and businesses, Twelve Triangles is a welcoming hub for anyone. If you’re exploring the Leith area, then this is a must-visit for lunch or a quick cuppa.
Lowdown
If you’re into the modern art scene and also have discerning taste when it comes to coffee then Lowdown is for you! The cafe is situated in George Street and serves up delicious coffee and light meals. The café rotates its coffee offerings every two weeks, sourcing from esteemed roasters across Europe, such as Koppi Coffee from Sweden and Gardelli from Italy. If it’s a nice day outside, then you can also enjoy sitting in the cosy courtyard and taking in the fresh air.
Origin Coffee
If you’re in Edinburgh and love specialty coffee, you must visit Origin Coffee at 6-8 South College Street. This new addition, which opened in spring 2024, is the first Scottish outpost of the acclaimed Cornwall-based roaster Origin Coffee, named Best Specialty Coffee Roaster at the 2023 European Coffee Awards.
Occupying the former Union Brew Lab site, Origin Coffee offers a rotating menu of their exceptional single-origin range and serves as an educational hub for their Scottish wholesale partners. Coffee enthusiasts can also enjoy “how to brew” courses, making it a perfect spot for learning and savouring top-notch coffee. Don’t miss this gem on your Edinburgh coffee tour!
Tanifiki Coffee Bar
If you’re gearing up for a day at the beach in Portobello, then don’t miss Tanifiki Coffee Bar. Known for its fresh, on-site roasted African speciality coffee, this welcoming spot offers a delightful ambience with its friendly baristas and staff. Away from the bustling promenade, it’s a perfect spot for high-quality coffee, a wide variety of teas, and locally made pastries.
The founders of this independent cafe, Jono and Ben, have spent years honing their skills in roasting and making incredible coffee, and this is definitely evident in their produce.
Summary
Edinburgh is a great place to explore while on a coffee tour, and you certainly won’t be disappointed by the top-class brews and bites dotted around the city. If you’re planning on travelling to Edinburgh, then allow Edinburgh Luxury Stays to host you at one of our cosy apartments.
During your stay you’ll have your own spot to come home to and unwind, which you’ll need after a day sampling all the top cafes in Edinburgh. Browse our portfolio of properties for an unforgettable stay.