My Favourite Top 5 Coffee Shops in Edinburgh
Luckily for all lovers of good coffee, Edinburgh’s thriving coffee scene means there are plenty of high-quality coffee shops where they really know their beans. Whether you prefer an espresso, an artistically served flat white, a skinny latte or a cappuccino, check out my list of the best coffee shops in the city to find local providers of freshly ground, delicious coffee in cosy and convivial settings.
Artisan Roast
Artisan Roast has three branches in Edinburgh: Stockbridge, Bruntsfield and in the centre of town near the Edinburgh Playhouse, so wherever your wanderings take you, you won’t be far from an excellent cup of coffee. The team at Artisan Roast take their coffee very seriously indeed, roasting their own beans and creating their own in-house blends. With its book-lined walls and trendy but relaxed ambience, Artisan Roast is the ideal place to refuel with a long black, a bowl of soup or a freshly-baked pastry and you can also buy packs of freshly-ground coffee to take home with you.
Addresses: 57 Broughton Street, EH1 3RJ, 100a Raeburn Place, EH4 1HH, 138 Bruntsfield Place, EH10 4ER
The Counter
With its quirky setting in a former police box, The Counter is a small but excellent coffee shop in Morningside. Its colourful atmosphere and bespoke-roast coffee have quickly established a reputation with locals and visitors alike. The friendly and knowledgeable baristas at The Counter create a warm and welcoming environment where you can enjoy your coffee and perhaps a slice of homemade cake in convivial surroundings.
Address: Police Box, 216a Morningside Road, EH10 4QQ
Castello Coffee
Located in Castle Street near Prince’s Street Gardens in the heart of Edinburgh, this brilliant little coffee shop with its clean, minimalist decor serves amazing coffee, including perfectly made guest espressos and a good range of cakes, pastries and soups served with chunky wholemeal bread. This area is home to many of the large coffee chains, but Castello Coffee stands up well against the competition. Its popularity means it can get crowded indoors during busy periods, but outdoor seating areas allow you to relax and enjoy your coffee while taking in a stunning view of the castle.
Address: 7 Castle Street, EH2 3AH
Cairngorm Coffee Co.
With its welcoming and dog-friendly ambience, Cairngorm Coffee Co. is an excellent place to refuel in central Edinburgh. This small, independent coffee shop certainly punches above its weight: its top-notch, locally-roasted coffee attracts a loyal customer base while tasty bites such as the Cairngorm’s trademark cheese toasties, served with chili jam, and luscious carrot cake are equally tempting. With its cosy and relaxing ambience, Cairngorm Coffee Co. is also one of the best places for breakfast in the New Town.
Address: 41a Frederick Street, EH2 1EP
Brew Lab
The Brew Lab, near the museum and university, is a must for aficionados of excellent coffee. Brew Lab are passionate about classic black filter coffee and see it as the best way to appreciate the full flavour and aroma of fine Java, but they also serve excellent lattes and flat whites. The friendly staff are always delighted to discuss their methods with you and their scientific approach to coffee ensures that your visit will be a fascinating experience.
Address: 6-8 South College Street, EH8 9AA
Author Bio
Gareth Thomas is one of the co-founders of Reserve Apartments, an Edinburgh based holiday let and online booking / web publishing software company.
