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Eggs Benny with the fam, boozy brunch with the girls, or feeding the hangover from hell? Our guide to brunch in Edinburgh will fill that hanger hole and prep you for picking the perfect pancake or full Scottish spots.
We’ve detailed what’s on the menu, if restaurants are kid and fur-baby-friendly, and what things you can do in the area to walk off the calories or continue the breakfast date into the late afternoon.
We’re working our way through the best Edinburgh brunch restaurants, so bookmark this guide for future reference.
Note: Not all of the restaurants serve all-day brunches, and cafes typically close late afternoon.
Old Town Brunch
Loudons New Waverley
Loudons has two locations in the City Centre-ish.
Just off the Royal Mile in the Old Town, Loudons New Waverley (2 Sibbald Walk) is cleverly situated underneath newly developed apartments.
This large and airy Old Town brunch spot is popular with locals, new parents, and tourists.
It has indoor and outdoor seating, and while the space is big, it is still recommended that you book your brunch slot ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Eggs Benny is the most popular meal on the menu; go for the Hoots Mon for a Scottish twist.
Simple hot breakfast items on sourdough are a great option for those looking for a straightforward brunch.
Vegan and vegetarian options are available, and those with allergies will rejoice as Loudons explicitly describe what’s available on their brunch menu using a key next to each meal.
Healthy brunch items are also included; I personally recommend the overnight oats.
Looking to add a splash of fizz? Mimosas, Bellini, and Bloody Mary brunch cocktails are advertised, as well as beer and wine.
Coffee, tea, fruit juice, and smoothies are also available for a pick-me-up or quench-thirsting drink.
Loudons is also located at Fountainbridge next to Hula near Lothian Road.
Loudons New Waverley is two minutes from the Royal Mile, where you will find Edinburgh Castle, Scotch Whisky Experience, and Camera Obscura at the top and Holyrood Park with Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament at the bottom.
There are also a number of museums dotted along the Royal Mile, and this is where many of the walking tours begin.
Hula Juice Bar & Cafe, Grassmarket
One of the most Intagrammed Edinburgh cafes, Hula (103-105 W Bow) menu features healthy plates in paradise, coined the “island in the city”.
It is aptly located on the most photographed street in the Old Town, West Bow, at Victoria Street, aka Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.
The first juice bar in Edinburgh, this popular brunch cafe refers to its committed cheerleaders as their #hulagans, so if you snap your plate or bowl, remember to use the hashtag and tag Hula.
The brunch menu consists of Scottish oats pimped with fruit and condiments, homemade granola, pancakes, and smoothie bowls, including my favourite, açai.
Cooked breakfast and egg plates are also available.
Delivery and takeout is an option.
Hula is also located at Fountainbridge next to Loudons.
Hula is just around the corner from the bustling bars of the Grassmarket and is close to Greyfriars Bobby, which leads on to The Meadows Park.
Brunch Spots in the City Centre
Let Petit Cafe
Le Petit Cafe (32 Morrison St) is a cute French brunch spot just off Lothian Road.
The cafe specialises in sweet and savoury crepes and celebrates a seasonal menu with different kinds of crepes each month.
The owners really lean into holidays such as Halloween and Christmas, too, which is a great reason to return even if you’ve been before.
The decor is simple yet tasteful.
Brewhemia
Predominantly an Old Town pub and restaurant, Brewhemia (1A Market St) serves food from morning until evening.
This bar is also known for live music and events such as drag brunches and Oktoberfest so keep an eye out on its socials for updates.
The brunch menu includes Rabbie’s breakfast, vegan fry-ups, and a variety of egg Benedict options.
If you prefer something sweet, go for the pancakes or blueberry muffin French toast.
Brewhemia is at the foot of Fleshmarket Close, which leads to Cockburn Street and the Royal Mile.
Laila’s
The transformation of this brunch spot from a middle-of-the-road Mediterranean cafe to a social media scroll-stopping pink cafe has been impressive to watch from the sidelines.
Laila’s (63 Cockburn St) is located on Cockburn Street, the street previously known for its mention in Ian Rankin novels is now ‘the’ place to drink coffee and brunch!
You can’t miss Laila’s for two reasons.
Firstly, it is pink.
Secondly, there is always a line, and the outdoor seating is frequently packed with girlfriends out for coffee and cake or something a little harder.
It is strongly advised to reserve a table if you want to dine at Laila’s.
The menu is succinct and mostly sweet.
We went for the Oreo French toast and ruby waffles.
Our eyes were bigger than our bellies, ordering the halloumi fries too but we couldn’t finish them.
For drinks, an espresso with Lucky Charms, of course, and a spiked lemonade served as a pink drink with candy floss.
OK, it looks great, but is it actually edible?
It is!
I was a little worried about the quality of the food since reviews are mixed, but honestly, the Oreo french toast was springy, warm, and delicious, and my friend enjoyed the ruby waffles.
There are also cute-looking cakes if you don’t want a full brunch, and if you’re more of a savory bruncher, you can go for the Aleppo eggs or shakshouka, which nod to the Mediterranean.
A combination of Laila’s switching from light green to pastel pink and the businesses being allowed to keep their outside seating on Cockburn Street has really opened this street up for the better.
We also love Southern Cross next door to Laila’s for their 10/10 brownies.
Dishoom
Have you heard about Dishoom’s (3a St Andrew Square) naan rolls yet?
The fluffiest of naan is wrapped around streaky bacon (signature dish), pork/vegan sausage or fried eggs and accompanied with cream and chili jam.
Absolute perfection!
Note: If, like me, you can’t stand coriander, be sure to let your server know when ordering, as with most of the items on Dishoom’s menu, it does come with the green stuff.
Other brunch options include cooked breakfast, Kejriwal fried eggs, and chili cheese toast, Parsi omelet, and Akuri scrambled eggs.
For drinks, go for the bottomless chai or the naughty The Dhoble vodka and citrus-based brunch cocktail.
One of your five a day, right?
Dishoom’s main breakfast floor is upstairs, and there is an elevator for customers to use.
If you manage to bag a window seat, enjoy the views over St Andrew Square and soak in the chitter chatter from breakfast business meetings, new mum meet-ups, and early morning dates.
While Dishoom is a very busy brunch spot in Edinburgh, service is run like a well-oiled machine, from the name check at the door to the last sniff of incense as you say goodbye at the exit.
Don’t forget to pick up your loyalty card as you will be back.
Brunching at the weekend? Book far in advance to avoid disappointment.
Dishoom also features in our cool things to do in Edinburgh guide.
Urban Angel, Hanover Street
A lesser-known fact about Edinburgh is that many of the bars and restaurants are built into basements!
To get to Urban Angel (121 Hanover St), head downstairs to the compact cafe serving organic and locally sourced brunch items.
For over a decade, loyal and new brunchgoers have been dining on eggs Benedict and French toast.
Don’t let the age of this venue put you off; Urban Angel keeps up with new Insta-worthy kids on the block with its smoothie bowls and hot breakfast skillets.
The menu also caters to gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diners.
This baby-friendly New Town brunch kitchen is busy at weekends, so book ahead to reserve a table.
Takeaway and delivery are available.
Urban Angel is close to the upmarket bars on George Street and the craft beer pubs on Rose Street.
It is also less than 10 minutes from St James Quarter shops.
Greenwoods
Oh, hello, banana tumble, fruit, cream and maple syrup!
Calling all sweet tooth brunchers, you must try the bouncy yet moist banana bread at Greenwoods (61 Frederick Street).
Prefer something savoury?
The haggis in the full Scottish gets 5/5, and not all brunch restaurants are awarded this by Everything Edinburgh.
Homemade soda bread accompanies the breakfast plate.
The atmosphere is chill at Greenwoods, and that’s with an open kitchen, which is a hard balance to strike.
Down The Hatch
After tremendous success at the South Queensferry kitchen, Down The Hatch (13 Antigua St) has opened a super trendy cafe on Leith Walk, which is never without al fresco dining customers on a sunny day.
The sizzling skillets of fried breakfast are recommended by Ev Ed writer Amanda.
There are often deals on breakfast packages such as skillets and drinks, so keep an eye on their electric socials to reap the rewards.
One of the owners is Canadian, so expect some eh-flavoured goodness such as poutine on the menu.
It’s a perfect brunch place in Edinburgh for hangovers.
Down The Hatch is close to Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, Calton Hill, and Princes Street.
Brunch in Leith and Canonmills
Nobles Cafe Bar & Restaurant
Located on a stretch of Constitution Street bars with outdoor seating, Nobles (44A Constitution St) is a bit of a flagship on the Edinburgh brunch circuit.
Speaking of flags, be sure to check out the interior artwork for the intricate ship imagery on the walls. A nod to Leith’s shipping heritage.
The decor inside is lavish with oak wood, antique picture frames featuring interesting muses, and delicate stained glass windows.
Plants are potted in between tables.
Outdoor seating catches the morning sun but can’t be reserved so if you see a table while walking past, claim it!
Well-behaved dogs are welcome to sit outside while you dine.
Brunch menu options include full Scottish, vegetarian or vegan, full Scottish, pancakes, waffles, Nobles Benedict, and Florentine.
The vegetarian/vegan breakfast is not a side thought!
Expect crumbly haggis, grated veg rosti, tasty beans, and all the meat-free norms served on gorgeous Steelite clay crockery.
All food is sourced from Scottish larders and artisan suppliers.
Don’t want brunch? Go for a sandwich or burger.
Allergies? Just let the server know.
With five Bloody Marys on the menu, Nobles know their target audience well!
The breakfast drinks menu also includes Prosecco Bellini, Champagne Mimosa, and a Screwdriver vodka and orange.
As with most bars in Leith, there’s plenty of craft beer on tap, can, and bottle.
Naturally, the brunch menu includes coffee, loose-leaf tea, and fruit juices.
Nobles brunch is child-friendly.
After brunch? Wander down to The Shore to people-watch and pop into independent shops.
Brunching on a Saturday?
Check out Leith Farmers’ Market.
Playing tourist?
Head along to Ocean Terminal and see the floating palace, Royal Yacht Britannia.
Bar hopping in Leith is always a good idea so that you can feed the pending hangover at one of these Leith restaurants.
Alternatively, walk the brunch off along the Waters of Leith to Stockbridge or City Centre.
Sabzi
Sabzi (162 Ferry Road) is a popular Indian street food restaurant that offers a hearty breakfast, too.
Meat and eggs are served on a naan-like roll with beans and coriander.
This award-winning Indian in Edinburgh has inside and al fresco dining for warm mornings.
Di Giorgio
Di Giorgio (1 Brandon Terrace) is a friendly, family-run restaurant in the Canonmills area of Edinburgh.
It is well worth making an effort to head out to this quieter area of the city to brunch and enjoy the banter from the staff.
Breakfast servings are huge, but you’ll want to leave some space for tray bakes,, which tease people passing by the cafe window.
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a five-minute walk from Di Giorgio, which pairs up nicely after a big feed.
The Marshmallow Lady is also around the corner; super hard to resist during autumn and winter!
Stockbridge Brunch Spots
The Pantry For All Day Brunch in Edinburgh
The Pantry (1 N W Circus Pl) is a slick cafe with house goals decor and an excellent all-day brunch and sandwich menu.
A menu key makes it easy to identify which brunch items are vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free.
Mini meals are available for kids.
For drinks, there is a selection of coffees with syrups, tea, and soft drinks.
The boozy brunch drinks menu includes Mimosas, Bloody Marys, Aperol Spritz, fizz, wine, and beer.
There is limited outdoor seating, which is suitable for our furry friends.
There is no option to book a table at The Pantry; walk-ins only.
The Pantry is an ideal Sunday brunch in Edinburgh location as you can mooch over to the Stockbridge Farmers’ Market afterward.
Other things to do in the area include craft beer or cocktails at one of these nice Stockbridge bars, appreciating the mews at Circus Lane, or walking to Dean Village along the Water of Leith Walkway.
Lazy Sundays in Stockbridge are one of our fave things to do in the city.
If you stick around until dinner, check out these Stockbridge restaurants for ideas, including Sunday roast.
Southside Brunch Spots
Montpeliers For Dog-Friendly Brunch
Montpeliers is a very attractive all-day brunch located in Bruntsfield (159-161 Bruntsfield Pl).
Flowers, plants, and tables line the outside of this airy restaurant.
The breakfast menu includes The Full Monty fry-up, caramelised banana on pancakes, and regular hot rolls.
There’s a Wee Full Monty plate for kids who brunch.
Make it a liquid lunch with a Buffalo Bill Bloody Mary or Strawberry Fresca.
Dogs are welcome to sit inside or outside.
Salt Cafe, Morningside
In 2021, Salt Cafe (54 Morningside Rd) was awarded the title of one of the best brunch restaurants in the UK by TripAdvisor so we had to try it out.
Salt Cafe is a family-run modern cafe in the upmarket neighbourhood of Morningside.
Owned by self-confessed foodies Steve, who cooks, and Liv, who bakes, the couple took over the cafe in 2020 and, regardless of the pandemic, has made it one of the spots to brunch in Edinburgh.
Kudos to the team.
Dark oak, white brick, and marine lights give the premises a stripped-back industrial feel, and the brand green, which can also be found on the menu and website, softens the tones.
The all-day brunch menu is curated with seasonal items, and you can taste/tell that everything is either homemade or locally sourced.
The Butcher’s Breakfast beans have a welcomed kick to them, and Steve serves the right amount of scrambled eggs so they don’t get cold by the time the rest of the plate is devoured.
Huge, juicy berries and yoghurt sit on top of the daintily stacked buttermilk pancakes. Fresh and filling, delicious.
There is a hake dish on the menu which is quite overpowering if enjoyed at a table next to you, although I’m informed it’s not ordered often.
Staff are super friendly, and whoever created the Spotify playlist deserves a raise!
Reserve a table in advance, opening hours from Wednesday to Sunday.
Seven Neighbourhood Cafe
Seven (7 Home Street) is a cosy spot with a cute pink exterior and attractive pink and green decor.
It feels as comfortable as a house, which is probably on purpose, considering the address.
Pumping 80s tunes fill the small cafe, which has windows and interior seats.
The simple menu is one of the most affordable we’ve seen, with the house breakfast coming in at a reasonable £8, perfect for its location, close to the University of Edinburgh.
A vegan breakfast is also an option.
We went for a breakfast roll each and a shared brownie; the image shows half of it, as I couldn’t keep it until I got home!
Stick around until lunch for soup or salad.
Seven’s cinnamon swirl smoothies feature in our Edinburgh autumn guide.
What’s Around?
After brunch, have a nose at how the other half live in Morningside and Marchmont, take a leisurely stroll through The Meadows, or enjoy a show at the King’s Theatre.
Other Areas
Patina
A very stylish yet relaxed brunch option for sweet and savoury fans is Patina (2 Airborne Place, 1 New Park Square).
This airy bakery is close to the Edinburgh Park tram stop and has a kitchen view situation where diners can see croissants being rolled as they catch up with friends over coffee.
We opted to share a smoked trout sandwich so we weren’t too full for the massive pain au chocolate dessert; the bread on the sandwich and the lightness of the croissant did not disappoint.
The cafe was pretty busy, which meant our hot drinks arrived a little later than the food, which is served as you pay.
There is also a very chic bar and restaurant next door for post-bakery hours dining and live music events.
Patina is one to watch as this area of the city expands.
South Queensferry Brunch Spots
Little Bakery
Pink sign, pink canopies, pink flower wall, pink cups – The Littler Bakery (6-7 High Street) has nailed social media marketing, and the tray bakes are a ten.
The brunch menu features full Scottish breakfasts and stacked thick, fluffy pancakes in sweet flavours such as lemon meringue.
Brunch Delivery in Edinburgh
The following restaurants and cafes offer brunch delivery:
- Newington Cafe – Hot rolls and omelettes
- Le Petit Cafe – Popular French Crêperie
- Sugar House – Sweet waffles
Brunch in Edinburgh Map
We’ve been there, standing in the middle of the Old Town, trying to find a last-minute brunch spot, so here’s a solution!
All of the venues mentioned above in one map.