Best Coffee Shops in Edinburgh | TOP 7 for Quality + Atmosphere

Discover the best coffee shops in Edinburgh for quality espresso, scrumptious pastries, and a nice atmosphere. These cafes are perfectly located for tourists and close to the top sights.

Edinburgh easily makes my list of the best cities to visit in Europe. This historic capital has stayed in my TOP five favorite destinations for years.

The cobblestoned streets, quaint cafes, university vibes, picturesque streets, and friendly pubs won my heart from the start. I could wander the streets of Edinburgh for days on end. If there’s a city to get lost in and appreciate the architecture and views, Edinburgh is it. 

Whether you're spending one day in Edinburgh or a week, I’m positive you will at some point need a coffee break. After collectively spending over 2 months in this historic capital, these are the coffee shops I find myself returning to again and again. 

These spots are perfect for a quick caffeine fix to get ready for a busy day of sightseeing or a leisurely break to read a book and enjoy the cozy atmosphere.  

This map shows each Edinburgh coffee shop included in this post. Click the icon in the very top left to see a list view of each pinned location. Click the top right button to enlarge the map. Click the star to save to your own Google Maps account. To access this map once saved (after clicking the star), open Google Maps (on your phone/computer/tablet), click the menu button, go to "your places", select "maps", and you will see this map listed.

• Blue - TOP 5 coffee shops in Edinburgh, Scotland
• Purple - honorable mentions

1. The Milkman

One of the most Instagrammable Edinburgh coffee shops located in the heart of Old Town

The Milkman is quaint, cozy, and perfectly Instagrammable. It ticks all the boxes when it comes to ranking for the top coffee shops in Edinburgh.

Great atmosphere, free WiFi, delightful baristas, amazing views of medieval Edinburgh out the windows, and outstanding quality coffee. Hands down one of the best flat whites in the city. 

After collectively spending 2 months in Edinburgh, this is easily one of my most visited coffee shops.

Grab the cozy window seat, order one of their scrumptious pastries (worth every calorie), and watch tourists hurry by. The location on Cockburn Street makes for great people-watching.

The original location is situated just around the corner from Waverley Station, the main train station in Edinburgh. This makes an ideal coffee stop before you depart for an exciting day trip or when traveling to your next destination. 

Considering that Waverley train station is in the heart of Edinburgh, The Milkman is a great option for a quick stop while seeing the main sights. There’s a good chance you’ll pass right by it on your way to Edinburgh Castle as it’s a 6-minute walk away.

The second location is a 3-minute walk up the street.

Considering the central location in Old Town, I was surprised that not only was the coffee quality outstanding, but the prices were also great. £3.40 for a flat white, £3 for an americano, £0.20 for oat or soy milk, and £3 to £5 for pastries. You won’t find subpar, overpriced coffee here! 

Arrive first thing in the morning for the best chance of snagging a seat (and the best selection of pastries), otherwise, plan on ordering to-go. 

WiFi is available, though, no restrooms.

2. Cappuccino

One of the most spacious coffee shops in Old Town Edinburgh with WiFi and treats

Cappuccino is my most recent discovery. I stopped here nearly every day to get some work done on my last trip to Edinburgh.

The atmosphere is lovely and the music selection is always a 10/10. Fast WiFi and friendly service also make this a winner.

I was often surrounded by others who had their laptops out. Just be mindful not to overstay your welcome when it's busy or on weekends.

The flat white is delicious and the long black is very strong...just how I like it. They also have delicious cakes and a nice selection of loose-leaf teas (served in a personal teapot).

Go early to grab a seat by the electric fireplace or the cozy window spot in the back!

If you’re looking for specialty coffee and a work-friendly atmosphere, Cappuccino will hit the spot. 

3. Wellington Coffee

One of the best coffee shops in Edinburgh for scones and patio seating

Wellington Coffee is located in the heart of New Town on George Street. This little Edinburgh coffee shop is known for serving the best scones in the city. Baked fresh, big enough to share, and with a healthy serving of clotted cream and jam.

Go sweet and try the fruit scone of the day or savory with whatever flavor combination the baker dreamed up...bacon and cheese, jalapeño and clotted cream...they're all outstanding. The carrot cake is also insanely good.

Not only are the scones and other baked goods reason enough to visit, but the coffee is on point. They make a mean Americano and a beautiful cappuccino.

The loose-leaf tea is served in a personal teapot and they are happy to give you a refill of hot water. 

Visit early if you’re going for the baked goods as they do sell out. Speaking of early, Wellington has one of the earliest opening hours at 6:45 am. Most other coffee shops don't open until 8:00 am or later.

The patio is perfect for when the weather is nice. The inside has a homey feel with wood tones throughout and low ceilings…but can become cramped during the morning rush of customers (it's quite small). 

This is one of my most visited Edinburgh coffee shops in the summer since I love to sit outside and enjoy my coffee.

4. Lowdown

The smoothest flat white in Edinburgh and top-quality pour-overs

Right across the street from Wellington is Lowdown. Known for their pour-overs, coffee flights, and incredibly smooth flat whites (one of my favorite flat whites in the city). 

While Lowdown only has 6 small tables inside, they've done a great job at making the place feel light and open.

A small food menu is available and includes a wonderful avocado toast, toasted banana bread, and delectable cakes. Those with a sweet tooth will want to try the caramel brownie. It's pure bliss! The soup, the most mentioned item on Google reviews, makes for a wonderful light lunch.

Visit right when they open or outside of the lunch hour to have the best chance of grabbing a table. Otherwise, plan on ordering to-go.

There is no WiFi and a 75-minute time limit.

5. Lovecrumbs

One of the best coffee shops in Edinburgh for a slice of cake with your coffee or tea

I often find myself reminiscing of my visits to Lovecrumbs and enjoying their Insta-worthy cakes. 

If you’re like me, the hardest decision you’ll make all day will be which cake to try. They're all homemade, beautiful, and absolutely delicious. Many are vegan, though you would never know it by the taste. 

Cakes aside, Lovecrumbs is a big thumbs up. WiFi is available and there's plenty of space. It’s actually one of the bigger Edinburgh coffee shops on this list. The cafe is usually filled to capacity with students and locals. 

It’s no surprise Lovecrumbs is so popular. Everything is done with care. The homemade cakes are a major standout, but they also do coffee and tea right and offer a selection of rotating baked goods like lemon raspberry cruffins, scones, and cookies.

Not in the mood for something sweet? Go for a baguette sandwich or a mince pie.  

Lovecrumbs is located by Grassmarket Square, which is sure to be on your sightseeing itinerary.

6. Mayvn Cafe

One of my favorite coffee shops in New Town Edinburgh to work remotely

A wander around New Town is a must while in Edinburgh. It’s a stark contrast from Old Town. Narrow twisting streets are traded for wide, grid-like lanes. The architecture goes from Medieval to Georgian.

New Town is the area to shop, enjoy the views from Calton Hill, admire artwork at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, and soak in the sun at Queens Street Gardens. 

Mayvn Cafe is a recent addition to the New Town coffee shop scene and is a hit with digital nomads and students. The place is always packed with laptops occupying at least half the table space.

Alongside coffee, you'll find light bites, cocktails, wine, and beer.

If you're looking for a place to work (with WiFi and late hours), this is it.

7. The Elephant House

One of the best coffee shops in Edinburgh for Harry Potter fans

My fellow HP fans require no introduction to The Elephant House. The original location (still closed due to a fire a few years back) is where J.K. Rowling wrote much of Harry Potter; specifically the second book. 

A new location has opened on Victoria Street (aka inspiration for Diagon Alley). While I had very low expectations going in, I was pleasantly surprised.

Considering The Elephant House is already popular with tourists along with the location on Victoria Street, I assumed quality would be poor and prices would be high. 

While I wouldn't say it's the best coffee in Edinburgh, the drinks and bites were good and not at all overpriced. 

Go early for one of the window seats overlooking Victoria Street.

Honorable Mention: Thomas J Walls Coffee

This is a great stop if you're looking for a solid brunch menu. Popular items include avocado toast, eggs Benedict, and shakshuka. It's a large space, though, there's no WiFi.

Honorable Mention: Cairngorm Coffee

Cairngorm Coffee is another wonderful option in the heart of New Town. If Wellington is overly crowded, Cairngorm is a perfect alternative as it’s only 3 minutes down the street.  

A new location recently opened at 1 Melville Place. The space is bright and open and conveniently on the way to Dean's Village, which I highly recommend visiting.

Honorable Mention: Fortitude

ONE OF THE BEST COFFEE SHOPS IN EDINBURGH's West End neighborhood

The West End reminds me a bit of Kensington in London. Quiet, residential, and never-ending rows of Georgian townhomes. If you want to escape the crowds and experience a different side of Edinburgh, head here.

Enjoy a simple brew to fully appreciate the quality of Fortitude's coffee. Beans are roasted each week to guarantee optimum taste and freshness. Try a pour-over or an Americano. 

In Summary

I hope this list of the best coffee shops in Edinburgh keeps you caffeinated and ready to take on the sights. Each spot on this list offers friendly service, quality coffee, and scrumptious snacks. Let me know which ended up being your favorite!

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BEST EDINBURGH COFFEE SHOPS AND CAFES | TOP 7

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