There’s nothing more quintessentially British than a hot cup of coffee or tea in a cosy café on a drizzly day, watching the rain pour down outside and being oh-so thankful that you were able to grab a table in the bustling space. Edinburgh’s café culture certainly leans into that, with cafés and coffee shops on just about every corner.
Between cosy coffee shops in Edinburgh for curling up with a coffee, laptop-friendly cafes in Edinburgh for remote working, or even those venturing into delicious brunches and lunches, there are places for every need and taste in this guide to the best cafes and coffee shops in Edinburgh. Make sure you read to the end to discover a bonus café, and a great place to visit if you’re gluten-free or celiac.
Pin this post for later!
This post may contain affiliate links meaning I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Read more in my disclaimer.
Söderberg
This Swedish-inspired bakery is one of the most popular coffee shops in Edinburgh. In fact, Söderberg has seven locations across the city, meaning you’re never far away from enjoying a delicious Swedish bun with a coffee.
At Söderberg, you’ll find a good menu of coffee and cosy teas. The food options vary by location but you’ll generally find some sandwiches and savoury items, as well as a whole bunch of freshly baked sweet goods. These are often Swedish-inspired, with a range of buns and other delights. My personal favourites are the mazarins.
Website (with addresses and opening hours) | Veggie and Vegan Friendly? Yes
Lovecrumbs
Just up the road from Edinburgh’s Grassmarket is Lovecrumbs, whose cosy interior and intentionally cluttered space make it lovely and inviting. The Edinburgh café is one of the rare spaces that is cosy, yet there is still plenty of room inside, meaning it’s perfect if you want to curl up with a tea or get your laptop out for an afternoon of work (do note that there’s are no laptops allowed on the weekends).
With pretty much everything locally-sourced, and a curated range of home and lifestyle products that support independent vendors, Lovecrumbs plays an important role in the community, and they make a great cup of coffee too!
Address | Open Daily 9 am-6 pm | Website | Veggie and Vegan Friendly? Yes
Wellington Coffee
If they gave out awards for the smallest cafés and coffee shops in Edinburgh, Wellington would win – if you don’t look closely enough, you might even miss it. This charming little space is tucked away below the stairs of Penhaligon’s perfumery on George Street. Inside there’s only room for a few customers, so Wellington Coffee is best visited on a nice day, where you can either enjoy your coffee on their patio or to-go in Princes Street Gardens.
What they lack in size, they make up for in good, no-nonsense coffee. The simple menu features coffees, teas, hot chocolates, and a few home-baking offerings.
Address | Open Daily 7 am-6 pm (8 am opening on weekends)* | Veggie and Vegan Friendly? Veggie yes, vegan unclear
Hula Juice Bar
Edinburgh’s coffee shops and cafés don’t have to be all about coffee! Although Hula Juice Bar does have a nice coffee menu, its star attractions are freshly made juices and smoothies. They have some super juices filled with nutrients, fruity smoothies, and milkshake smoothies – great for some extra protein. My favourite is the Ass-Eye-Eee super smoothie.
Following the healthy theme at Hula Juice Bar, you’ll also find a nice breakfast and lunch menu, with smoothie bowls, oats, poké bowls, and wraps.
Addresses and Opening Hours (2 Locations) | Website | Veggie and Vegan Friendly? Yes
Salt
Although still fairly close to the centre of Edinburgh, Morningside feels like its own little town, with a number of thriving coffee shops and independent businesses. Salt Café on Morningside Road is famed for its local and homemade brunch menu and cake selection. Almost everything at Salt is made in-house – even the bacon and sausages!
I do recommend coming to Salt for brunch, but it’s also perfect for a little stop for coffee and cake, with a regularly-changing bakery menu with lots of homemade goodies. Coffee-wise, I recommend trying the speciality or seasonal drinks at Salt – the turmeric latte is a personal favourite of mine.
Address | Open Mon-Thurs 8:30 am-3 pm; Fri 8:30 am-4 pm; Weekends 9 am-4 pm | Website | Veggie and Vegan Friendly? Yes
Can’t make it all the way to Morningside? Look out for Salt’s new venture, a Pinch of Salt, a pop-up coffee stall launching in Tollcross in October 2022!
Black Medicine Coffee
Just across the road from Edinburgh University’s Old College, Black Medicine Coffee is popular with students, and laptop-friendly, making it one of the best work-friendly coffee shops in Edinburgh. You can expect it to be lively and busy here, with people working or catching up with friends, but it’s not overbearing and the atmosphere is really nice. There’s also plenty of seating between their two floors.
With a varied drinks menu of coffee, tea, and smoothies, and breakfast, sandwiches, and sweet treats for the foodies, Black Medicine Coffee suits a quick stop to refresh, or a long day powering through that overdue assignment.
Address | Open Daily 8 am-6 pm | Website | Veggie and Vegan Friendly? Yes
The Watershed
This adorable canal boat turned takeaway coffee spot is a rare gem, and surprisingly has some of the best coffee in Edinburgh. The Watershed has a simple coffee menu, with a few snacks and baked goods on offer, and even free dog treats if you bring along your pups!
Found at the top of the Union Canal by Fountainbridge, a coffee from The Watershed is best enjoyed during a little stroll down the canal, but they do have a small canalside seating area if you prefer to sit down with your coffee.
Address | Open Mon-Sat 8 am-7 pm; Sun 9 am-6 pm* | Veggie and Vegan Friendly? Yes
Wanderlust
It’s no secret that Edinburgh is touristy, and finding good coffee shops in Edinburgh right in the centre can be difficult. However, Wanderlust is a lovely little spot just off the Royal Mile in Canongate, with a large breakfast and lunch menu with plenty of vegan options.
Wanderlust is not just in the name here, as the interior, decorations, and menus are all explorer themed, which travel lovers will definitely enjoy!
Address | Open Daily 9 am-6 pm | Veggie and Vegan Friendly? Yes
Project Coffee
A stone’s throw from the Meadows in Bruntsfield, Project Coffee is a cosy little spot known for its drinks and hearty scones! The small space is usually filled with coffee drinkers, a testament to how good their brews are! Although its popularity can make it a touch difficult to get a table, you can always enjoy a takeaway coffee while wandering around the Meadows.
Project coffee also does breakfasts, fresh juices, and other cakes, but sometimes it’s good to go with the crowd and try what the place is known for. I recommend a good hot coffee and a delicious buttered scone. I will say, I do have a soft spot for their chai lattes.
Address | Open Mon-Fri 7 am-7 pm; Sat 7:30 am-7 pm; Sun 7:30 am-6:30 pm* | Veggie and Vegan Friendly? Veggie yes, vegan unclear
Pulp ‘n’ Grind
Pulp ‘n’ Grind is another of the coffee shops in Edinburgh that’s perfect for those who want something other than a cup of coffee! This café specialises in juices and smoothies, although don’t worry, you will still find coffee on the menu.
The homemade baking at Pulp ‘n’ Grind is delicious, with stuffed cookies, traybakes, rich brownies, and plenty of other goodies. Some people will always want a coffee, but I love being able to try something different here and always go for a smoothie or a juice – my favourites are the Watermelon Sugar and the Peach Please.
Address | Open Mon-Wed 8:30 am-5 pm; Thurs-Sun 8:30 am-10 pm (9:30 am opening on weekends)* | Website | Veggie and Vegan Friendly? Yes
Discover things to do in Edinburgh during your trip!
Bonus Coffee Shops in Edinburgh – Starbucks Princes Street
Although I do wish there was an independent coffee shop to suggest here, no one should miss out on the incredible views of Edinburgh Castle from the Starbucks on Princes Street. The huge upstairs window looks out on an uninterrupted view of Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Castle.
I don’t need to recommend what to get here because… it’s Starbucks! Just fight your way to a table by the window and soak up the views. There is also a pretty great view from the Waterstone’s Café just a couple of doors down.
Address | Open Daily 7 am-9 pm (7:30 am opening on weekends) | Veggie and Vegan Friendly? Yes
Sugar Daddy’s Bakery – Gluten-Free Coffee Shops in Edinburgh
It can be really tough to find gluten-free cafés and coffee shops in Edinburgh, and even harder to find celiac-friendly ones. Although coffee doesn’t pose an issue, you shouldn’t miss out on the delicious cakes and goodies that are such an integral part of the coffee shop experience.
Of the ten cafés and coffee shops included in this guide, only half advertise gluten-free options. Hula Juice Bar and Salt offer some good gluten-free brunch and lunch options, Black Medicine usually have one or two gluten-free cakes on offer, and Pulp ‘n’ Grind and Wanderlust offer some gluten-free items too.
However, if you’re looking for a no-fuss and no-worry celiac and gluten-free friendly coffee shop in Edinburgh, visit Sugar Daddy’s Bakery. It is completely gluten-free so it’s safe for celiacs. I haven’t been here or tried the cakes but it comes highly recommended by local and visiting celiacs and is one of the very few, if not the only, coffee shops in Edinburgh for celiacs to get their cake and coffee fix.
Address | Open Wed-Sun 10 am-4 pm | Website | Veggie and Vegan Friendly? Yes
*opening hours are taken from Google only and may not be entirely accurate*
Liked this post? Pin it!
Check out these other guides for your trip to Scotland:
Leave a Reply