St Andrews boasts seven exceptional cafes ranging from royal-approved coffee shops to century-old Italian gelaterias. The historic university town’s cafe scene blends traditional Scottish hospitality with artisan coffee culture, offering everything from award-winning ice cream to locally sourced brunch.
Whether you’re seeking Prince William’s former study spot, similar to a cafe for studying in Oxford, or family-run establishments near the cathedral, these seven venues deliver authentic experiences between North Street and Market Street.
North Point Café
Best For
Royal history and generous breakfasts
Located at 24 North Street, this café gained fame as Prince William and Kate Middleton’s regular meeting spot during their University days. Established in 2001, it became a tourist destination after their 2011 royal wedding.
The menu features gluten-free pancakes, breakfast burritos, and toasted bagels with generous portions. I noticed the bright, bustling atmosphere and sea views from window seats.
The vegan options and homemade soups showcase their inclusive approach, rivaling quality found in cafes in Cambridge. Despite occasional wait times during peak hours, the efficient staff maintains quality service near St Andrews Cathedral.
Atmosphere
Bright and bustling with sea views, popular with students and tourists seeking royal connections.
Menu Highlights
- Gluten-free pancakes
- Breakfast burritos with generous portions
- Toasted bagels
- Vegan options
- Homemade soups
Jannettas Gelateria
Best For
Traditional Italian gelato and family tradition
For 115 years, this family gelateria at 31-33 South Street has been crafting traditional Italian gelato since Bennett Jannetta arrived from Lazio in 1908. Now in its fifth generation, the shop offers 54 rotating flavours including Fife strawberries and Dundee marmalade.
The staff demonstrates impressive allergen knowledge, changing gloves and scoops for gluten-free requests. I experienced their mascarpone gelato with almond cherry ripple, remarkable texture.
The modern interior contrasts beautifully with century-old recipes. Open 10am-10pm daily, expect queues during peak season as locals call it one of St Andrews’ three main attractions alongside beaches and golf, quality matching top cafes in Winchester.
Atmosphere
Modern interior with century-old recipes, bustling queues and five generations of family gelato tradition.
Menu Highlights
- 54 rotating gelato flavours
- Fife strawberry gelato
- Dundee marmalade gelato
- Mascarpone with almond cherry ripple
- Gluten-free cones available
Taste Café
Best For
Best coffee and early morning starts
This compact cafe at 148 North Street delivers arguably St Andrews’ best coffee with three rotating roasts and organic teas. The intimate aquarium-like storefront creates a cozy living room atmosphere where students and locals queue for cortados and chai lattes.
I sampled their Portuguese pastel de Nata with an oat milk latte, exceptional quality. The menu includes homemade soups, panini, and surprisingly, fresh sushi for lunch.
Their almond croissants disappear quickly. The cafe opens earlier than competitors, making it perfect for pre-lecture caffeine. Prices remain reasonable despite consistently strong espresso, quality that matches cafes in Derby I’ve visited. Limited seating encourages takeaway, though the warm ambiance tempts lingering.
Atmosphere
Intimate living room feel with aquarium-like storefront, cozy and popular with students seeking quality coffee.
Menu Highlights
- Three rotating coffee roasts
- Portuguese pastel de Nata
- Almond croissants
- Fresh sushi for lunch
- Homemade soups and panini
Bibi’s Café
Best For
All-day brunch and Instagram-worthy drinks
Bibi’s distinctive blue decor on North Street makes it instantly recognizable as St Andrews’ brunch destination. The all-day breakfast menu features eggs Benedict, waffles, and generous blueberry pancakes with cold foam.
I tried their strawberry iced matcha, beautifully presented with creamy texture. The homemade scones rival traditional Scottish bakeries.
Their biscoff hot chocolate and Oreo milkshakes appeal to younger crowds. The outdoor courtyard provides quiet seating away from bustling interiors. Dog-friendly policies welcome four-legged companions. Service can vary during university term peaks, but the fresh, locally-sourced ingredients justify any wait. Prices remain democratic for portion sizes offered.
Atmosphere
Distinctive blue decor with spacious light interior and outdoor courtyard, dog-friendly and brunch-focused.
Menu Highlights
- Eggs Benedict
- Blueberry pancakes with cold foam
- Strawberry iced matcha
- Biscoff hot chocolate
- Homemade scones
Luvians Ice Cream Parlour
Best For
Award-winning luxury ice cream sundaes
Established at 84 Market Street opposite the iconic fountain, this Italian family parlour opened in 1996 continuing the Fusaro family’s ice cream tradition. Brothers Tony and Vince craft multi-award-winning luxury dairy ice cream daily in their Cupar store, offering 24 rotating flavours.
The parlour serves indulgent sundaes, gateaux, and specialty bombes alongside Italian roast coffee and Fisher & Donaldson cakes. I noticed the old-world Italian cafe atmosphere with marble accents.
The unique custom-built humidor houses Fife’s largest Cuban cigar collection. Toasties and soups provide savory options. While some visitors report inconsistent service, the exceptional ice cream quality maintains loyal local following year-round.
Atmosphere
Old-world Italian parlour with marble accents and fountain views, traditional and family-run since 1996.
Menu Highlights
- 24 rotating luxury ice cream flavours
- Indulgent sundaes and bombes
- Italian roast coffee
- Fisher & Donaldson cakes
- Toasties and soups
The Cottage Kitchen
Best For
Award-winning locally sourced Scottish bistro
This award-winning bistro at 5 Logies Lane earned Best Bistro in Fife at the 2022 Scottish Business Awards. The independently-owned cafe sources meat, vegetables, dairy, and seafood from local Fife producers exclusively.
Their Roasting Project coffee from Burnt Island pairs with Braithwaites of Dundee tea, 18 loose-leaf varieties served traditionally in pots. I savored eggs MacBeth featuring black pudding and scones, perfectly poached yolks.
Their enormous sausage rolls using local pork have achieved legendary status. The seasonal menu changes based on availability, ensuring peak freshness. The courtyard garden becomes a summer suntrap for leisurely brunches. Booking advised for weekends. Dog-friendly policies welcome accompanied pets throughout.
Atmosphere
Award-winning bistro with courtyard garden suntrap, locally-sourced seasonal menu and independent ownership.
Menu Highlights
- Eggs MacBeth with black pudding
- Enormous local pork sausage rolls
- Roasting Project coffee
- 18 Braithwaites tea varieties
- Seasonal menu with local Fife produce
Old Union Coffee Shop
Best For
Historic setting and student-friendly value
Located at 79 North Street in the historic Men’s Union building, this cafe supports the Students’ Association with every purchase. The rustic stone walls display photographs of famous university rectors including JS Mill, JM Barrie, and John Cleese.
The ceiling beams feature illustrious names from St Andrews history. I appreciated the intimate atmosphere near St Salvators Quadrangle.
The menu offers bacon rolls, wraps, paninis, and baked potatoes at exceptional value, potato leek soup with seeded brown bloomer costs just £3. The dog-friendly venue welcomes locals and students between lectures. Historic architecture includes small stone archways leading to facilities, revealing the building’s age. Limited breakfast hours require early visits for morning offerings.
Atmosphere
Historic stone walls with rector photographs, intimate university setting supporting Students’ Association.
Menu Highlights
- Bacon rolls
- Potato leek soup with seeded bloomer (£3)
- Wraps and paninis
- Baked potatoes
- Great value student-friendly pricing
