Where To Find the Best Breakfast in Edinburgh in 2024
Whether you're a local seeking a laid-back brunch spot or a visitor in search of a traditional fry-up with haggis and tattie scones, you'll discover hundreds of choices for breakfast in Edinburgh. Looking for fuel to set you up for a full day of sightseeing? Or do you want something to grab and go? There are breakfast and brunch places to suit any occasion and appetite.
If you've found choosing between the multitude of Edinburgh breakfasts to be tricky, no worries! We’ve waded through all the options to let you cut straight to the top spots with our list of the 19 best places for breakfast in Edinburgh.
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Find the Best Restaurants in Edinburgh
The winding streets of Auld Reekie are home to the largest concentration of restaurants anywhere in the U.K., with over 900 choices for diners in Edinburgh offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are gems everywhere you turn and quite a few are hidden away too.
Food tours in Edinburgh will not only show you the best places to eat in the city but can also help you find exactly what you're after, like discovering the most popular places for breakfast in Edinburgh.
19 Best Breakfast Places in Edinburgh
1. Hula
If you’re after a healthy breakfast in Edinburgh to get your day off to a flying start then you can’t beat Hula. It’s a local favourite and has two locations across central Edinburgh.
The Vibe
You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped straight out of breakfast in Edinburgh into a tropical island getaway thanks to Hula’s Hawaiian-inspired interior. It’s a perfect spot to dodge the rain but be aware that both locations are popular so you might have to wait.
What To Order
As a historic staple of Edinburgh food, oats feature heavily on the menu at Hula. Opt for the classic apple crumble porridge or, if you’re planning to climb Arthur’s Seat, go for the energy-full, hill-busting Walker Bowl. It features blueberries and cranberries, plus chia and pumpkin seeds. If you’re feeling less virtuous, you could always tuck into a stack of pancakes drizzled with maple syrup or Nutella.
Hula | Multiple locations | £-££
2. The Treehouse Café
Sometimes, the best breakfast in Edinburgh takes the form of a pile of beautifully fluffy pancakes! If that’s your particular craving, then The Treehouse Café has your back.
The Vibe
Found right on the edge of a public park, The Treehouse Café would be easy to miss if you didn’t have your eyes peeled. Look out for the blue exterior and you’ll be welcomed into the vast and cozy dining area.
What To Order
It’s all about the pancakes here. Served with classic bacon and maple syrup or fresh berries, these pancakes are said to be the ‘best in Edinburgh’ by those in the know. If pancakes sound a bit too filling, there are tray bake and oat bars to enjoy along with a delicious coffee. Prices and servings are very reasonable too.
The Treehouse Café | 44 Leven St., Edinburgh, EH3 9LJ | £
3. Toast
Located in the neighborhood of Leith, Toast is one of the coolest spots on this list of where to get the best breakfast in Edinburgh. With great views over the water, this is an excellent place to enjoy a leisurely brunch.
The Vibe
Toast has a modern, spacious interior, with exposed brick walls and lots of comfortable wooden chairs and tables.
What To Order
One of the more unusual breakfasts for Edinburgh residents is Toast’s version of an everything bagel, the Things-You-Love-Together-On-Toast. It features Scottish smoked haddock, Isle of Mull cheddar and a poached egg. You’ll also find plenty of other classic brunch options, like eggs Benedict and avocado on toast.
Toast | 65 The Shore, Edinburgh, EH6 6RA | ££
4. Snax Café
After a night on the town, Snax Café will be your hangover-busting, stomach-settling saviour. While this café may not offer delicate fare, it promises substantial portions of freshly cooked, fine Scottish produce for those seeking a hearty breakfast in Edinburgh.
The Vibe
Inside, Snax is a cool mish-mash of comfortable and wooden chairs. Settle yourself down with pals on a Sunday morning to dissect the previous night’s adventures and let the breakfast do its restorative work.
What to Order
There’s really only one thing to order at Snax and that’s the full Scottish breakfast, which comes in All-Day, Bigger and Biggest sizes and features tattie scones, haggis, sausage and black pudding. There are also versions for vegetarians and vegans.
Snax Café | Multiple locations | £
5. Mimi’s Bakehouse
Lovers of a sweet breakfast in Edinburgh can (sugar) rush to try out a gooey and delicious start to the day at Mimi’s Bakehouse.
The Vibe
There are several Mimi’s locations throughout the city — some are larger with lots of seating and others are more takeaway-focused and well-placed if you want to carry your breakfast into Edinburgh to take in the sights while you eat It’s also a good place to meet up with a group for brunch.
What to Order
If you're coming here with a group, rest assured that everyone will find something to enjoy. The signature French toast is highly recommended and comes in huge slabs with bacon or Nutella or you could try the shakshuka for a spicy start to the day. If you have brunch here, there's a charming afternoon tea with scones and pretty baked goods to indulge in.
Mimi’s Bakehouse | Multiple locations | ££
6. Polentoni
Fancy a taste of the Mediterranean for your breakfast in Edinburgh? Then Polentoni is a hidden gem you’ll definitely want to discover.
The Vibe
Polentoni has a warm and welcoming interior with lots of tables and chairs and a tempting bakery case.
What to Order
The Polenta Alla Trentina is a favourite among locals but for a unique choice of breakfasts in Edinburgh, try one of the focaccia sandwiches filled with pancetta or mushroom and spinach. If you want to have an al fresco breakfast in Edinburgh, get one of their authentic Italian coffees and a pastry or sandwich to-go.
Polentoni | 38 Easter Road, Edinburgh, EH7 5DG | £
7. The Painted Rooster
One of the top new spots for breakfast for Edinburgh residents and visitors, The Painted Rooster is a bustling café with a varied menu.
The Vibe
The interior of The Painted Rooster is comfortable but not overcrowded. The owners have maximised the available space with efficiently organised tables but have added lots of splashes of colour to keep things jolly.
What to Order
A full Scottish breakfast gives you a true taste of breakfast in Edinburgh and features classic bacon and eggs served with a side salad for a fresh twist. The avocado toast with smoked salmon is popular with those looking for something a little lighter and healthier. If you don’t eat meat or fish, go for the build-your-own breakfast option that's full of vegan and vegetarian-friendly choices.
The Painted Rooster | 10 Melville Pl., Edinburgh, EH3 7PR | £-££
8. The Edinburgh Larder
If you want breakfast at an Edinburgh favourite, you can't beat going to The Edinburgh Larder. Famous for its brunch menu, all the dishes feature fresh, seasonal ingredients that are sourced locally.
The Vibe
The Edinburgh Larder is a place to savour your breakfast in Edinburgh. The bright and buzzy atmosphere is a perfect backdrop for meeting up with friends but it’s also chilled out enough for a lazy Sunday brunch to set you up for the working week.
What to Order
Connoisseurs of breakfast in Edinburgh will tell you that The Edinburgh Larder is the place for porridge. If you fancy something savoury, the hash made with golden fried potatoes, smoked haddock, chorizo and romesco sauce is a surefire winner. The classic breakfast paired with a fresh coffee is another excellent choice, especially on a cold or rainy day.
The Edinburgh Larder | 15 Blackfriars St., Edinburgh, EH1 1NB | £-££
9. Fortuna Coffee Bar
Located in the New Town area, Fortuna Coffee Bar is a must-visit Edinburgh breakfast spot for anyone after a fresh espresso.
The Vibe
You can’t help but smile when you see Fortuna’s exterior! It’s dripping in enough colourful flowers to lighten up the dullest of Edinburgh days. Inside, it's bustling and vibrant — perfect for a fun weekend breakfast in Edinburgh.
What to Order
Lovers of fresh coffee for breakfast in Edinburgh flock to Fortuna for the lattes and intense espressos, all made from locally roasted beans. To go with it, locals recommend the berry or banana smoothie bowl, packed with yoghurt, granola and mixed seeds.
Fortuna Coffee Bar | 77 Queen St., Edinburgh, EH2 4NF | £-££
10. The Pantry
The Pantry is a local favourite for New Town residents and a bit of a hidden gem among the better-known breakfast in Edinburgh venues.
The Vibe
Loved by tourists and locals alike, The Pantry has cheerful and fresh interiors with lots of indoor and outdoor seating. You can’t reserve a table at The Pantry, so be prepared for a bit of a wait.
What to Order
Eggs Benedict is the most famous dish on the menu and comes with a rich hollandaise. You can add some local smoked salmon for an extra indulgent breakfast in Edinburgh. Alternatively, get your five a day out of the way with the Sunshine on Stockbridge plate, featuring sweet potatoes, tomato, courgette, avocado and poached eggs. The Pantry Fry, a classic breakfast with elements like black pudding, bacon and hashbrowns, is worth a try as well.
The Pantry | 1 NW Circus Pl., Edinburgh, EH3 6ST | £-££
11. Urban Angel
Diners in Edinburgh have a very crowded breakfast market to choose from but even in this competitive arena, Urban Angel has managed to hold their place at the top of the Edinburgh food scene for nearly 20 years.
The Vibe
Urban Angel is a comfortable and modern brunch spot. It features blonde wood interiors and lots of tables, perfect for those looking for a relaxed brunch with a group of pals.
What to Order
Bored palates that are tired of the same old breakfasts in Edinburgh will be able to sink their teeth into an all-day brunch menu that's filled with fresh flavours. The hummus toast is a stand-out dish and comes with pickled shallots, za’atar and crispy chickpeas. The roasted butternut squash toast with olives and vegan nduja mayo is also delightful.
Urban Angel | 121 Hanover St., Edinburgh, EH2 1DJ | ££-£££
12. Dishoom
If you’re seeking a delicious yet unique breakfast in Edinburgh, then Dishoom is the place to be as it has one of the most innovative menus you’ll find.
The Vibe
Although Dishoom is a chain, each venue has an individual personality. The Edinburgh branch has an attractive, 1920s-inspired décor with lots of interesting photos of the owner’s family around the walls.
What to Order
Edinburgh citizens love their Indian flavours and this has led to two of the more unusual breakfasts in Edinburgh at Dishoom. The Kejriwal features two fried eggs on chile cheese toast, while The Big Bombay is a spicy take on a full English. But you can’t have a Dishoom breakfast without trying the famous bacon naan. It’s topped with cream cheese, tomato-chile jam and coriander, plus it's filled with crispy bacon.
Dishoom | 3a St. Andrew Sq., Edinburgh, EH2 2BD | ££
13. Greenwoods
The first Greenwoods restaurant opened in Amsterdam in 1988 but in 2021, the manager decided to return to Scotland’s capital — her hometown. She brought a slice of the Netherlands with her and Greenwoods became an established favourite for breakfast in Edinburgh.
The Vibe
Greenwoods is a bright and lively café housed in one of Edinburgh’s Georgian townhouses. It has an eclectic mix of interiors and interesting small touches that pay homage to its Dutch roots, like Delft flower vases full of tulips.
What to Order
Those who like their breakfasts in Edinburgh on the sweeter side will love the Banana Bread Tumble. Homemade banana bread is topped with white chocolate mascarpone and finished with fruit and maple syrup.
Greenwoods | 61 Frederick St., Edinburgh, EH2 1LH | ££
14. The Lowdown
Set yourself up for a busy day of sightseeing with a fresh caffeine hit and a slice of smashed avocado toast from The Lowdown, a tucked-away treasure for anyone looking for a flavourful breakfast in Edinburgh.
The Vibe
The Lowdown, as you’d guess from its name, is a basement café that would be easy to miss. But step inside and you’ll find a friendly, minimalist environment that’s superb for a quick bite.
What to Order
This spot is proud to serve locally roasted coffee (from the Highlands), which is lovingly transformed into cappuccinos, lattes and espressos. The food menu is small but classic breakfast options are well covered, including smashed avocado on toast. You'll also find a vast selection of breakfast pastries and freshly baked cakes.
The Lowdown | 40 George St., Edinburgh, EH2 2LE | ££
15. Loudons
Loudons is a hidden gem that’s only known to a select handful of Edinburgh breakfast lovers — until now!
The Vibe
There are two Loudons locations but both are equally welcoming, with warm and sunny interiors that create a tranquil feel. This design makes Loudons a brilliant choice for a quiet and relaxing breakfast in Edinburgh.
What to Order
Loudons has a varied menu with lots of classic brunch options. If you have a sweet tooth, the fruit-topped pancakes can't be missed. Alternatively, the standout dish for anyone looking for a savoury cosmopolitan breakfast in Edinburgh has to be the New Yorker Toast. It's served with pastrami, Emmental and beetroot sauerkraut.
Loudons | Multiple locations | ££
16. Montpeliers
A favourite among locals looking for a stellar breakfast in Edinburgh, Montpeliers is a great choice for an unhurried weekend brunch.
The Vibe
Montpeliers is a buzzy bar with lots of quirky decorations and an open and inviting feel. There’s lots of indoor and outdoor seating, making this the perfect meet-up venue for a cosy brunch with friends.
What to Order
The Full Monty must lay claim to being one of the biggest and best breakfasts in Edinburgh. It’s packed full of local ingredients - bacon from Ayrshire and Heatherfield haggis, as well as cooked breakfast staples like fried bread, tomatoes and mushrooms.
Montpeliers | 159-161 Bruntsfield Pl, Edinburgh, EH10 4DG | ££
17. The Spence
For a truly indulgent breakfast in Edinburgh, look no further than the Brunch Club, held once a month at The Spence restaurant at Gleneagles hotel.
The Vibe
The interiors at Gleneagles are luxurious and it’s well worth a visit just to soak in your surroundings. Full advantage has been taken of the beautiful building’s original Georgian features, which have been sympathetically combined with a modern aesthetic to create a celebratory and elegant space.
What to Order
Brunch at The Spence at Gleneagles is a big deal, so much so that they only offer it on the last weekend of every month. Rather than choosing one dish, you can enjoy a buffet of unlimited starters, delectable mains and rich and sumptuous desserts, all washed down with a custom-made Bloody Mary or Mimosa. It’s not your everyday breakfast in Edinburgh but it’s fabulous for celebrating a special occasion.
The Spence | 39 St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 2AD | £££
18. Tani Modi
Tani Modi brunch house is an unassuming spot that quietly goes about its business serving up delicious breakfasts to Edinburgh folk.
The Vibe
Tani Modi is a small, family-run business on central Edinburgh Hanover Street, very close to some excellent shops and tourist attractions. It has a rustic but modern-inspired interior, with simple salvaged tables mixed with stylish fixtures and fittings.
What to Order
Even in a city as full of good pancakes and breakfast as Edinburgh, the pancakes at Tani Modi stand out. As well as the usual maple syrup and bacon, you’ll find imaginative toppings such as glazed peaches, black cherry and dark chocolate or the American stack complete with homemade peanut butter and whisky sauce (which the menu warns is not for the fainthearted).
Tani Modi | 103 Hanover St., Edinburgh, EH2 1DJ | ££
19. Salt Café
One of the top spots for breakfast for Edinburgh residents, Salt Café is popular with the students who live nearby but is also a great spot for a weekend hangout with friends. 'Salt' stands for seasonal, artisanal, local and thoughtful, which gives you an idea of their cooking philosophy.
The Vibe
The vibe in Salt is calm and tranquil. Diners can slip into the seats at any of the wooden tables or go for the comfy, sofa-style seating lining the back walls. Service is friendly but there may be a wait for food during busy times.
What to Order
The head chef makes the sausages and the head baker crafts all of the cakes and jams. Standout dishes for anyone seeking a hearty breakfast in Edinburgh include the Greengrocer’s breakfast (or the meaty Butcher’s version) which includes sriracha baked beans, grilled buffalomi (a cheese made from a blend of cow's and buffalo milk) and confit cherry tomatoes. Salt is one of the many Edinburgh breakfast venues that doesn't accept reservations but if you’re in a hurry you could also visit A Pinch of Salt, a new takeaway location serving pastries and coffee from the main restaurant.
Salt | Multiple locations | ££
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Roll on the alarm clock because the best breakfast in Edinburgh is definitely worth waking up for! Whether you want something light and nourishing or a hearty cooked platter full of fresh, local ingredients, we’re confident that these breakfasts should see you through to lunch and beyond.
For even more ways to explore Edinburgh, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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