The Best Coffee Spots in Edinburgh

No Edinburgh coffee guide is complete without mention of Black Medicine. Famous among locals and tourists alike (J.K Rowling did, of course, write some of Harry Potter here) the staff are super friendly, the atmosphere is laid back and the coffee is truly top-notch. They’ve been perched on Nicholson Street for over 20 years, attracting swathes of customers, fair evidence that they know what they’re doing. Among some seriously well-balanced and well-roasted cups of coffee you’ll find fresh baked pastries, hot sandwiches, cakes and more.

Sophisticated and sleek, this coffee spot is handily located not far from the beautiful Meadows and opposite the National Museum of Scotland, making it the perfect destination to refuel amid your explorations of the city. With its sister cafes dotted around the city (Kilimanjaro, Project Coffee and Blackwood Café), Thomas J. Walls stands out. The owner has carefully preserved the facade’s beautiful brass lettering and the inside smoulders with mahogany-wood tables and chairs. If you’re looking for a classy (and convenient) spot to enjoy a coffee, look no further.

Located in a refurbished sweet shop on Old Town’s Cockburn Street, The Milkman is both cosy and stylish. Intimate (there’s only 14 seats), you’ll feel well at home here as you gaze out of the large windows and watch all the shoppers go by, coffee in hand. The tartan-upholstered stools make the café feel even more homely, and along with the friendly staff, you won’t mind whittling a couple of hours away here. With deliciously baked brownies, shortbread and lemon pie always available on the counter, there’s no chance of going hungry either and prices are more than reasonable for the centre of the city.

Ah, Söderberg. We love you and your scandi-cool décor, delicious cardamom buns and well-roasted coffee. Enjoy a perfectly balanced cappuccino with a sumptuous almond mazarin tart, which comes in a variety of flavours (pistachio is our favourite!). If you want something more substantial to accompany your coffee, their lunch menu is equally pleasing. Seasonal soups and salads are always on offer and are accompanied with fresh sourdough and Lescure butter, as well as dainty sandwiches complete with smoked salmon, local meats and cheeses. Söderberg is more than a simple coffee shop: don’t leave the city without swinging by!

Located in the beautiful and family-friendly Bruntsfield, La Barantine boasts some seriously good coffee. With all their beans sourced locally from Artisan Roast, you’re guaranteed a delicious caffeine-filled break here. Alongside the well-crafted coffee, you’ll find an array of beautifully authentic French bakes: croissants, pain au chocolat, baguette, quiche and more! If you want a mid-morning refill, we recommend sampling a slice of their delicious Framboise flan with your coffee. Bon Appetit!