Edinburgh is not only a historic capital of Scotland with cobbled streets, castles and literary giants but also a place for coffee lovers. Whether it is the perfect flat white, an oat milk latte which nearly rivals the Australian, or just a nice corner to open your laptop, the city has a vibrant cafe culture which will not fail to impress. But with so many options, how do you choose the best cafes Edinburgh has to offer?
So together with the streets of Edinburgh, which are fueled by caffeine, we enter the realm of cafes in Edinburgh, to reveal the best cafes in Edinburgh that one must remember to be a coffee lover and a remote worker as well.
Why Are the Cafes in Edinburgh Good?
Did you ever wonder what it is that is so special about Edinburgh cafes? The remedy lies in the heritage-innovation balance. While I’ve spent plenty of time scouting the cozy, granite-walled Cafes in Aberdeen, Edinburgh offers a different kind of magic.
The city is blossoming with literary cultural heritage and arts that drip romantically into the coffee houses. The number of cafes located in Georgian townhouses, local bookstores, or even strange hideaways which also serve as offices, is numerous.
Just to set a reference point, here is a rapid rundown of the coffee picture in Edinburgh:
| Category | Number in Edinburgh |
| Independent Cafes | 180+ |
| Chain Coffee Shops | 70+ |
| Cafes with Free Wi-Fi | 120+ |
| Cafes Popular with Students | 50+ |
And, in case you are questioning yourself: “What are the best coffee shops in Edinburgh to work in, as well?” Then keep reading because we are going to spill the beans.
Artisan Roast (A Local Legend)
When you ask about the best cafes Edinburgh, there is only one name that comes to mind. The Artisan cafe is famous as the founder of the third-wave coffee movement in Edinburgh and the local destination of people who admire strong coffee, known for its quality of preparation. Their special roast is called Joker, and it is intense with fruity undertones and a great morning starter.
What makes it even better? Their rural decor and casual atmosphere make it one of the best cafes for coffee lovers in Edinburgh, as well as an excellent place to carry your laptop and spend a few hours there.
Union Brew Lab (A Remote Worker’s Dream)
Union Brew Lab is one of the cafes for remote work in Edinburgh that you must consider in case you are serious about productivity. It has a very minimalistic design with plenty of desk space and a buzzing yet concentrated energy that makes it the best place to charge up and get your work done.
The best part? Their collaboration with the Union Hand-Roasted Coffee means that with each cup, the same energy will pump into your brain and taste buds.
The Milkman (For Coffee with a View)
The Milkman is one of the most Instagram-able cafes in the city, which is nestled in a vintage candy store located on Cockburn Street. Nevertheless, that pretty exterior doesn’t mean it’s all wallpaper and crema. Its coffee is one of the reasons why it is a serious competitor in the selection of the best cafes Edinburgh that locals and visitors would patronize.
Are you keen to say that you drank your coffee watching people stroll in the Royal Mile, or are you interested in diving into the next great thing? At The Milkman, you can do both.
Söderberg (A Scandinavian Touch)
What happens when Swedish baking meets Edinburgh coffee culture? You have Soderberg, a Scandinavian-style cafe that adds a touch of coolness to the coffee industry within the city. It is one of the cafés for coffee lovers in Edinburgh who also fancy the hygge experience, having cinnamon buns and airy interiors.
How about when you go home and have to write your next big report, and the smell of the fresh cardamom buns is being set in the air? That’s Söderberg for you.
Lovecrumbs (Quirky, Cozy, and Delicious)
And what happens in case you find yourself with a craving to have a piece of cake with your cappuccino? Enter Lovecrumbs, a café that oozes charm. It is one of the best cafes in Edinburgh, in case you wish to combine your caffeine stimulation with a sweet snack. Lovecrumbs has decadent chocolate cakes, seasonal pastries, and is where coffee and creativity meet.
Would it not be lovely to have the idea, the next idea, brainstorm it, sitting by a window seat that has jam, and icing rather than bookshelves? That’s the magic of Lovecrumbs.
Black Medicine Coffee Co. (A Student’s Favorite)
Black Medicine Coffee Co. is a place located next to the University of Edinburgh; the place has been popular among both students and freelancers. Its peculiar interiors and communal atmosphere make it one of the best coffee shops in Edinburgh to socialize during your work.
Wish to have a cozy place to complete your assignment or to brainstorm with your friends? It is the right amount of buzz and calmness you need to keep you going at this cafe.
Quick Comparison Table: Best Cafes in Edinburgh
| Café | Best For | Wi-Fi | Food Options |
| Artisan Roast | Specialty coffee lovers | Yes | Limited |
| Brew Lab | Coffee experiments | Yes | Pastries |
| The Milkman | Instagram-worthy vibes | Yes | Light bites |
| Union Brew Lab | Remote working | Yes | Snacks |
| Lovecrumbs | Coffee + cake lovers | Yes | Cakes & pastries |
| Black Medicine | Social workspaces | Yes | Meals & snacks |
Cafés Where J. K. Rowling Wrote Harry Potter Edinburgh
If you’re exploring Edinburgh and its café scene, don’t miss The Elephant House at 21 George IV Bridge, a famous tourist destination where JK Rowling worked on the early chapters of Harry Potter. Sitting at a desk in the corner of the back room,
she turned pen to paper in her writing room, surrounded by the café buzz and classical music, with an inspiring Edinburgh Castle view that sparked ideas for Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, and Victoria Street.
Other must-visit spots include Nicolson’s Café at 6a Nicolson Street and Spoon Café, each full of café culture and perfect for creative writing or a remote‑work vibe. The plaque and “Birthplace of Harry Potter” sign mark the birthplace of the first Harry Potter novel, a series created by this British author in the 1990s as a single mother.
Visiting these Edinburgh locations is like a tourist pilgrimage, stepping into a fan shrine where even past fire damage couldn’t dim the magic at The Elephant House or the writer’s table where quotation marks came alive.
Cafés to Visit in Morningside, Edinburgh
Exploring Morningside in Edinburgh is a treat for café lovers. Along Morningside Road, this leafy neighbourhood is full of independent businesses and charming cafés set among 19th century Victorian villas.
Popular spots like La’Telve, Edinburgh Larder Cafe, Word of Mouth Café Morningside, Cafe Blush, and Roundsquare Coffee House offer breakfast, brunch, all‑day breakfast menu, gluten‑free, and vegan options, with speciality coffees, pastries, smoothies, waffles, and crepes. These coffee shops combine cafe culture with a remote‑work vibe and space for creative writing.
With transport links connecting Southside, Bruntsfield and Morningside, the area is easy to reach from other Edinburgh locations. Cafés here are open 7 days a week, serving breakfast and lunch from 09.00 am.
Enjoy the café window view, relax in a local favourite, or explore the menu along the high street of this former village to suburb, which has a population 31,379. This neighbourhood guide highlights the best tourist destination spots while keeping the cozy, authentic charm of Morningside alive.
Best Cafés in Stockbridge, Edinburgh
The Stockbridge area in Edinburgh is a charming neighbourhood full of independent shops and welcoming cafés.
Along Deanhaugh Street and Raeburn Place, you’ll find Söderberg, The Pantry, Artisan Roast, Fortitude Coffee, La Barantine, The Pastry Section, Mini Lovecrumbs, Cowan & Sons, Café No. 33, and Lovecrumbs, each offering breakfast, brunch, specialty coffee, pastries, artisan bread, gluten‑free, and vegan options.
These coffee shops combine cafe culture with a remote‑work vibe and space for creative writing or relaxing in a quiet corner.
Stockbridge Edinburgh has walking distance city centre access and good transport links, making it easy to explore other Edinburgh locations. The local high street is lined with cosy cafés, brunch spots, and high quality eateries in neat rows Georgian facades, offering café window view, café buzz, and a sense of community vibe.
Whether enjoying breakfast and lunch from 09.00 am or soaking in the tourism charm, this former village to suburb feels like a true brunch institution for locals and visitors alike.
Final Thoughts (Edinburgh’s Café Culture is a Win-Win)
So, what’s the takeaway here? Be it searching for the best cafes Edinburgh to satisfy your coffee desires in Edinburgh or finding cafes for remote work in Edinburgh, the city is ripe with possibilities to suit any palate and requirement.
Whether it is the scientific brews of Union Brew Lab, the comforting sweetness of Lovecrumbs, or the picture-perfect goodness of Black Medicine and Milkman, Edinburgh leaves you spoilt for options.
However, we reverse this to you: What would be your first choice of cafes? The one with the best latte art, the best wifi, or the dreamiest cake?
Regardless of what you think, there is one certain thing: the best cafes in Edinburgh are considerably more than petrol stations where they sell coffee. They are cultural centers, arts venues that often become a second home to the local inhabitants as well as tourists.
Ready to explore more hidden gems across the city? Discover even more spots on Best Cafes and find your next favorite hangout today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What are the finest coffee cafes in Edinburgh?
Among the favorites are Artisan Roast and Union Brew Lab.
Q2: What is the best cafe to do remote work in Edinburgh?
The finest productivity options are Union Brew Lab and Black Medicine Coffee Co., among others.
Q3: Are there also food-providing coffee shops in Edinburgh that are the best?
Yes! Numerous cafes such as Lovecrumbs serves great coffee accompanied by pastries, cakes, and light snacks.
Q4: Are the best cafes Edinburgh offers budget-friendly?
The majority boasts reasonable prices with the ability to accommodate students, professionals, and travelers alike.
Q5: Which café is the most Instagram able in Edinburgh?
With its old-style candy-shop atmospheric setting and beautiful latte art, it is The Milkman.
Q6: What are the best cafes in Edinburgh City Centre?
Top city centre cafes include The Bonnie Barista on Castle Street, The Milkman on Cockburn Street, Mayvn inside Eden Locke Hotel on George Street, and Lowdown Coffee on George Street.
Q7: Which cafes should I visit in Edinburgh’s Old Town?
Must-visit Old Town cafes include The Milkman on Cockburn Street (in a converted candy store), Edinburgh Press Club on Cockburn Street, Castlegate Cafe at Grassmarket, and Deacon’s House Cafe on Lawnmarket.
Q8: Which cafes are located on Edinburgh’s Princes Street?
Princes Street cafes include Blank Street Coffee at 78 Princes Street, Black Sheep Coffee at 25 and 95 Princes Street, and Starbucks at 118 Princes Street with Edinburgh Castle views.
Q9: Where is Little Fitzroy Coffee located in Edinburgh?
Little Fitzroy Coffee is located at 46 Easter Road in Edinburgh, bringing Melbourne-inspired Australian coffee culture to the city and opening from 7am weekdays and 8am weekends.
Q10: Where are the best coffee shops in Edinburgh City Centre?
Best city centre coffee shops include Artisan Roast on Broughton Street (Scotland’s first specialty roaster), Wellington Coffee basement location on George Street, Cairngorm Coffee on Melville Place, and Union Brew Lab.
