Best Breakfast in Edinburgh, Scotland | TOP 5 Spots to Brunch

Looking for the best breakfast in Edinburgh to start your busy day of sightseeing? Or maybe you slept in and are in search of a relaxed brunch. Whether you're craving a healthy acai bowl, scrumptious pastries, hearty avocado toasts, or good old Scottish porridge...I've got the spot for you!

If you're a long-time follower of Abroad with Ash, you'll already know Edinburgh is one of my favorite cities in the world.

I've collectively spent over 2 months in this charming city. In that time, I've been able to try all the top brunch and breakfast places in Edinburgh.

The breakfast spots listed in this post are the ones I find myself returning to again and again. These are my all-time favorites.

I've made a point to include options located throughout the city. That way you can easily fit breakfast into your itinerary without having to go out of your way.

So no matter what you have on your itinerary for the day, start it right with the best breakfast in Edinburgh!

The best breakfast in Edinburgh (Old Town) and my favorite porridge

The Edinburgh Larder is my absolute favorite breakfast spot in Old Town.

I've yet to find a porridge anywhere I like better. It's made with oat milk and is ultra-thick and creamy. The toppings vary with the season. Poached pears and hazelnuts, apple compote, wild berries...it's filling and fantastic.

The coffee and tea are top quality, complete with latte art and alternative milk options. You'll find all the drinks you would find in a coffee shop: flat white, americano, loose-leaf tea, iced matcha, turmeric latte, etc. 

My second favorite menu item is the hash made with crispy herb potatoes, smoked haddock, chorizo, wilted spinach, romesco sauce, and a poached egg. If you're going for savory...this is your dish.

The Edinburgh Larder is also known for its Full Breakfast: smoked back bacon, black pudding, haggis, Cumberland sausage, roasted flat mushroom, blistered cherry tomatoes, potato scone, homemade beans, poached egg, and buttered granary toast. Veggie and Vegan breakfasts are also available.

All in all, this is the place I make sure to visit multiple times whenever I'm in Edinburgh.

Be sure to make a reservation as the place is always booked solid and the space is small.

the best breakfast in Edinburgh (New Town) for inventive toasts and a full Scottish breakfast

New to the Edinburgh breakfast scene, Greenwoods is quickly gaining popularity.

My favorite menu item is whatever toast they have on special. The last time I visited it was two poached eggs on grilled goat's cheese with smashed minted peas, chili flakes, and honey. Sounds weird, but it was refreshing and insanely good. The portion was also plenty for a breakfast or light lunch. 

The pancakes are also delicious, as is the banana bread tumble if you're looking for something sweet.

Those with a serious appetite will want to go for the full Scottish breakfast, which consists of two eggs, smoked bacon, a link herb sausage, haggis, roasted mushrooms, roasted herb tomato, baked beans, and a homemade hash brown with toast. 

A veggie and vegan version of the above is also available.

I also love the simple but inviting interior...it's quite homey.

Greenwoods accepts reservations, which I recommend, since the space is fairly small.

The best breakfast in Edinburgh for acai bowls and a memorable location

You can't beat the location and view from the sidewalk patio of Hula (Grassmarket location). Sitting at the base of Victoria Street, the most picturesque and colorful street in Edinburgh, makes for a memorable meal.

This is the best breakfast in Edinburgh if you're craving an acai bowl. Beautifully presented and perfect if you're looking for something light and healthy.

The falafel wrap is Jake's favorite item, and the avocado toast is also very good.

Hula is walk-in only, so if you're in Edinburgh for a few days, try to time this visit on a weekday.

One of the best breakfast places in Edinburgh for light bites and toasts

Fortuna coffee bar is one of the best breakfast spots in Edinburgh if you're looking for a coffee shop vibe with both light bites and hearty toasts.

The avocado toast is piled high...and I mean high. Probably one of the most generous servings I've seen. Add some smoked salmon and a poached egg...you'll be full until dinner.

For something less heavy, I love the banana boat made with yogurt, granola, mixed seeds, berries, grapes, almond butter, coconut flakes, and honey. The berry bowl is another go-to favorite. It's like an acai bowl but mixed with yogurt.

The brie and blackberry toast seems to be very popular.

Reliable WiFi is available. If it's not busy, they don't mind if you use your laptop.