When it comes to these Edinburgh coffee shops, there is no shortage of caffeine. Whether it’s a coffee shop in the New Town or the Old Town, I was so pleasantly surprised by the range of choices.
Artisan coffee was not something I connected with Edinburgh. The city is known for many things like its top restaurants in the United Kingdom and historic streets. I didn’t know that what I would find was a bustling cafe scene. The Scottish and their friendly welcome was a highlight of the travel in Edinburgh. Each of these independent coffee shops had a unique take on coffee, whether it be specialty pour-overs or espresso. It was fun to get to hop from one coffee shop to another in the city center, seeing why Edinburgh is home to so many incredible cafes. (It’s good to note that most coffee shops have free WiFi here!)
If you’re headed this way, take a look at these Edinburgh coffee shops not to miss.
10 Edinburgh Coffee Shops Not to Miss
The Milkman Edinburgh
One of my favorites near the Old Town, The Milkman had a cozy vibe. Set in an old building, their cortado was one of my favorites from the time in Edinburgh.
(Address: 7 Cockburn St, Edinburgh EH1 1BP, UK)
Williams and Johnson Coffee Co.
As a small specialty coffee roaster, their beans are perfect for espresso-based drinks. The single origin beans mean a brighter and more pronounced flavor in their hand-poured drinks.
(Address: 3 Waverley Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1BQ, UK)
Lowdown Coffee Edinburgh
Down the stoop and around the corner from Princess Street is this minimalist, Japanese-style coffee shop. Their cortado was smooth with no bite and incredibly delicious. They also serve baked goods from the iconic Archipelago Bakery, so be sure to grab a slice to accompany your coffee.
(Address: 40 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2LE, UK)
Artisan Roast
Known for their lattes, Artisan Roast has three cafes now in Edinburgh. It’s a classic and there’s always one not too far away.
(Address: 57 Broughton St, Edinburgh EH1 3RJ, UK)
Brew Lab Coffee Edinburgh
Opened by University of Edinburgh graduates, Brew Lab was one of the first third wave cafes to open. The pair of friends, David Law and Tom Hyde, opened up what is now a cornerstone to coffee culture in Edinburgh. Their focus is on filter coffee via pour-overs.
(Address: 6-8 S College St, Edinburgh EH8 9AA, UK) interview with Head Barista, Claire Wallace.
Cairngorm Coffee
When we walked in here, I was surprised to see how packed it was on the weekend. As the coffee shop also has an extensive menu with toasties and bagels, it’s a great spot to chill out for the afternoon.
(Address: 1 Melville Pl, Edinburgh EH3 7PR, UK)
Fortitude Coffee Edinburgh
One of my favorite shops in the city was Fortitude Coffee. Up the stoop, this cafe serves specialty beans that have a stronger edge to the roast. If you’re in the New Town, I’d head here to hang out. You can also grab a bite to eat here as well with a few vegan and vegetarian options.
(Address: 3C York Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3EB, UK)
Cult Espresso
What was once a small kiosk in the railway station has now opened to this incredible cafe. Cult Espresso is tucked away coffee shop with a minimalist’s edge, making for a quaint place to cozy up for the day.
(Address: 104 Buccleuch St, Edinburgh EH8 9NG, UK)
Wellington Coffee Edinburgh
This is a quaint coffee shop downstairs with an outdoor patio on George Street. Every time I passed by, it was completely full of people hanging out or getting some work done.
(Address: 33A George St, Edinburgh EH2 2HN, UK)
27 Elliott’s
A stunning space is a home to this coffee shop and supper club. They serve coffee alongside their weekly food menu that services seasonal ingredients.
(Address: 27 Sciennes Rd, Edinburgh EH9 1NX, UK)
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