10 Scrumptious Breakfast & Brunch Spots in Edinburgh

The first meal of the day can set the tone for the rest of the day, so you want to make sure it’s something you enjoy and that will fill you up until your next meal. As we all know what a horrendous thing it is to desperately be looking for a nice place to eat when your belly is rumbling, you really want to be clued in on the good breakfast and brunch spots in town! Here are 10 of our best recommendations – with something for everyone in several different areas of Edinburgh.

1. Loudons Cafe & Bakery

Loudons Cafe & Bakery | 94B Fountainbridge + 2 Sibbald Walk, New Waverley

This modern and tranquil all-day eatery has an artisan bakery and serves brunch all day on the weekends (just in case you like to lie in!). They have an excellent selection of gluten-free and dairy-free cakes as well as dozens of delicious dishes to choose from. Their incredible brunch menu boasts dishes like Mediterranean poached eggs with avocado, vegan quesadillas, and mac & cheese open-faced sandwiches. Loudons has in fact been so popular in Edinburgh that they recently opened a second branch at New Waverley. They’re also known for being family-friendly and their large and airy locations make it easy to get in and out with a pram.

What to try: The superfood pancakes – homemade gluten-free pancakes made with smoked salmon, avocado, spinach, spring onion, quinoa and linseed topped with creme fraiche and herb salad. A great way to start the day!

If you’re looking for other family-friendly places in Edinburgh, our post about 10 toddler-friendly cafes/restaurants in Edinburgh has more.

2. The Blackbird Bar & Restaurant

The Blackbird Bar & Restaurant | 37-39 Leven Street

Enjoy brunch in this relaxed café-bar, where you can indulge in some delectable dishes (and a cocktail, if you so wish!) in a quirky and welcoming atmosphere. Their weekend brunch menu is to die for, with items like a full Scottish breakfast, coconut and sweet potato hotcakes, homemade waffles, and much more. Their leafy back-garden is full of trees and plant pots with industrial-style tables, making this a cosy and trendy place to enjoy brunch outside. They make a killer Bloody Mary, too!

What to try: The waffles with bacon, peanut butter, and maple syrup.  This, if nothing else, will cure that hangover!

3. The Treehouse Cafe

The Treehouse Cafe | 44 Leven Street

Across the street from Blackbird is a small but inviting local café with some of the most delicious pancakes in town. Recently named one of the best hidden-gem restaurants in Edinburgh by The Scotsman, this cosy café serves up fluffy pancakes and inventive treats, like their strawberry & blackberry fridge-cake.

What to try: You can’t go wrong with any combination of their legendary pancakes!

4. Piecebox Cafe

Piecebox Cafe | 2 Polwarth Crescent

Being awarded a Traveller’s Choice Award by Tripadvisor in 2020, this little independent cafe is certainly making a name for themselves in Edinburgh. With a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, we always enjoy popping in, especially with our four legged friends, as they are indeed dog friendly.  Having recently refreshed their menu to incorporate and support as many local suppliers as possible, we love their commitment to supporting local. With stacks of pancakes, freshly made smoothies

What to try: Their full Scottish breakfast – a traditional dish with a spicy twist!

5. Hula Juice Cafe

Hula Juice Cafe | 103-105 West Bow

If you’re in the Old Town and looking for a healthy kick-start to the day, Hula Juice Bar is the place to head. This bright and ultra-cool café serves up delicious and Instagram-worthy brunch until 12pm, with everything from smoothie bowls and turmeric lattes to organic porridge and avocado sourdough toast. It’s the ideal place for a filling and healthy start to the day.

What to try: The Açai bowl, for a super immune booster – a base of thick Acai smoothie made with Acai berries from the Amazon, banana, blueberries and coconut milk topped with seven healthy toppings including coconut shavings, cocoa nibs, bee pollen, banana slices, blueberries and chia seeds. Wow!

6. Papii

Papii | 101 Hanover Street

This small but friendly cafe is in a very central location on Hanover Street. They serve a range of sweet and savoury breakfast and strong coffee to go with it. They also have a range of freshly baked scones and pastries, making it the ideal location for an unfussy and simple start to the day.

What to try: For a savoury option, we recommend the Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon or if you’d prefer something on the sweet side, their loaded waffles with bacon and maple syrup are to die for!

7. The Pantry

The Pantry | 1 North West Circus Place + Dovecot Studios, 10 Infirmary Street

This hip yet cosy café has two Edinburgh locations, both serving breakfast and brunch made from local, seasonal ingredients. Dishes like brioche french toast and loaded peanut butter porridge make The Pantry a popular choice for an alternative but incredible breakfast. According to Instagram, it’s some of the best in town. Their Stockbridge branch also has a great play area for kids!

What to try: The V-Guy – Veggie haggis, crispy halloumi, smoked paprika and thyme roasted tomato, confit mushrooms, tattie scone, beans and a free-range egg on sourdough. Incredible!

8. Broughton Deli

Broughton Deli | 7 Barony Street

This charming cafe and deli is just off popular Broughton Street serving simple, local and organic dishes to eat in or take away. Brunch is available every day with inventive dishes like dairy-free turmeric porridge and granola cake on the menu. 

What to try: The avocado eggs – mashed avocado, chilli, coriander, spring onion, germagrain toast and poached eggs.

If you’d like to read more about this charming part of Edinburgh’s East End, our Homes From Home – Broughton Place post has more.

9. Kauai

Kauai | 26 Forrest Road

Start your day off well with a visit to Kauai in the Old Town. You won’t find a traditional breakfast menu here, but rather and match up of local produce, super foods and creative menu items that are simply delicious. Every dish looks amazing, with bright pops of colour which stand out beautifully against the sleek black and white backdrop of the cafe. Whether you’re looking to grab a quick and healthy smoothie to go, or are looking to sit and enjoy their well balanced bowls, Kauai is a great place to start your day off right.

What to try: New to their summer 2021 menu, the choc protein smoothie bowl – you know you’ve found a match made in heaven when you can have a sweet and chocolatey breakfast dish that is also healthy and balanced. Another favourite of ours is the butta chicken bowl that makes for a perfect lunch vibe.

10. Cafe Milk

Cafe Milk | 232 Morrison Street

This simple and stylish place is located in Edinburgh’s West End and serves up eggs any style, incredible breakfast burritos, and classic full breakfasts. Their coffee is outstanding and they offer a range of baked goods, like scones, cookies, and cakes. If you’re looking for that classic Instagram brunch shot, this is the place to go.

What to try: The sourdough toast with hot smoked salmon, kale, chilli butter, topped with poached eggs.

 

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