Edinburgh has quietly become one of Britain's best cities for coffee. The specialty coffee movement took hold here years ago, and today you'll find exceptional roasters, passionate baristas, and cafes that take their craft seriously—from the city centre to the leafy suburbs.
Whether you're after a perfect flat white, a quiet spot to work, or somewhere to linger over brunch, Edinburgh delivers. The best cafes combine quality coffee with personality—each neighbourhood has its own character and favourites.
Featured: Cafe Vera, Morningside
Cafe Vera
26 Morningside Road, Edinburgh, EH10 4DA
Award-winning artisanal coffee shop in the heart of Morningside, Cafe Vera has become a neighbourhood favourite for specialty coffee lovers. They serve exceptional Guatemalan single-origin coffee from the Cobán highlands, known for its sweet floral notes and balanced citric acidity.
Signature: Pinsa Romana
Beyond brilliant coffee, Cafe Vera specialises in Pinsa Romana—an ancient Roman flatbread that predates pizza by 2,000 years. Lighter and crispier than traditional pizza with lower gluten content, it's a must-try.
Why We Love It
- ✓Specialty Guatemalan single-origin coffee
- ✓Pinsa Romana - ancient Roman flatbread
- ✓Gourmet sourdough toasties
- ✓Fresh pastries baked daily
- ✓Dog-friendly with water bowls
- ✓Free ultrafast WiFi
More Great Coffee Shops
The Milkman
Old TownSpecialty roaster with industrial-chic interiors
Artisan Roast
Bruntsfield / StockbridgeEdinburgh's original specialty roaster
Twelve Triangles
Portobello / Duke StreetBakery-cafe with outstanding pastries
Fortitude Coffee
Marchmont / York PlaceCosy neighbourhood spots
Cairngorm Coffee
Melville PlaceModern minimalist aesthetic
Lowdown Coffee
George StreetUnderground basement cafe
Coffee by Neighbourhood
Morningside
Village feel, family-friendlySouth Edinburgh's leafy suburb has become a coffee destination. Cafe Vera leads the way with specialty Guatemalan coffee and Pinsa Romana, while the high street offers several other quality options.
Top pick: Cafe Vera
Stockbridge
Bohemian, artisticCharming neighbourhood with excellent independent cafes. Sunday markets bring extra buzz. Perfect for a riverside walk followed by coffee.
Top pick: Artisan Roast
Bruntsfield
Young, vibrantStudent-friendly area with plenty of coffee options. Good for working remotely with laptop-friendly cafes throughout.
Top pick: Artisan Roast
Old Town
Historic, busyTourist-heavy but quality options exist away from the Royal Mile. Seek out the specialty spots hidden in the closes.
Top pick: The Milkman
Leith
Trendy, creativeEdinburgh's foodie neighbourhood has excellent coffee to match its restaurants. Waterfront setting adds atmosphere.
Top pick: Williams & Johnson
Portobello
Seaside, relaxedBeach suburb with laid-back cafe culture. Perfect for combining seaside walks with quality coffee.
Top pick: Twelve Triangles
What to Order
Flat White
£3.20-4.00Edinburgh's coffee of choice. Expect properly textured microfoam and quality espresso.
Pour Over / Filter
£3.50-4.50Specialty shops offer single-origin filter coffees showcasing bean characteristics.
Cold Brew
£3.50-4.50Increasingly popular, especially in summer. Smooth, less acidic than iced coffee.
Oat Milk Latte
£3.50-4.20Scotland embraced oat milk early. Most cafes offer it as standard, often at no extra charge.
Edinburgh Coffee Tips
- ✓Edinburgh takes coffee seriously - expect specialty roasts as standard
- ✓Most cafes welcome laptops but check the vibe at busy times
- ✓Dog-friendly cafes are common - Cafe Vera welcomes well-behaved dogs
- ✓Oat milk is often free or minimal upcharge
- ✓Weekend brunch queues are real - arrive early or try weekdays
- ✓Many cafes close by 5pm - plan accordingly
- ✓Loyalty apps are common - ask about rewards programmes
- ✓Cash is rarely needed - card payment is universal