Edinburgh might be known for its cosy pubs but it’s got some pretty cool coffee spots too. From artisan roasters to great cakes and co-working spaces; these are my favourite coffee shops in Edinburgh.
Wellington Coffee
I remembered the amazing Wellington Flat Whites from my first visit to Edinburgh and had mistakenly believed this joint excelled at coffee due to having Kiwi owners. (Whilst researching this post I discovered the owner hails from Glasgow, not the Wellington namesake!) Regardless, they serve a delicious brew in their grand tiled basement on the corner of George and Hanover Streets. The cafe is small and cosy and well worth squeezing into on a rainy day – especially when they have freshly baked scones and brownies on the counter.
Find it: 33A George St, Edinburgh EH2 2HN
Brew Lab Artisan Coffee Bar
Brew Lab is a much larger coffee house, cafe and (unofficial) co-working space in Edinburgh’s Old Town. With ample seating and free wi-fi it’s popular with students (and visiting bloggers!). Coffee is at the forefront of the business though and you’ll find a great range of specially selected beans on offer, as well as Cold Brew coffee and Barista Training Classes. The delicious food is all locally sourced. Cakes are supplied by the much loved Lovecrumbs, who I mentioned in my previous post.
Find it: 6-8 S College St, Edinburgh EH8 9AA
Artisan Roast
Edinburgh’s own Artisan Roast is an award-winning roastery who source their beans seasonally from fair trade plantations around the world before testing and roasting them in Edinburgh. They have 3 coffee houses in the city as well as supplying a number of pop ups and selling direct via their website. Their flagship cafe on Broughton Street was was the first speciality coffee shop and roastery in Scotland and has a quirky ramshackle look to it. I love the ‘JK Rowling never wrote here’ sign by the door.
Find it: 57 Broughton St, Edinburgh EH1 3RJ
Fortitude Coffee Merchants
Fortitude Coffee on York Place is known for its excellent espresso. They proudly serve Workshop coffee and sell beans by a number of small-batch roasters in the UK. The cafe is minimally chic, and comes with free wi-fi as well as cakes by Lovecrumbs (a very smart move).
Find it: 3C York Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3EB
Zebra Coffee Co
Zebra Coffee Co was my go-to coffee shop when I was staying at G&V Royal Mile. The Royal Mile features lots of great pubs and souvenir shops but is a little thin on excellent coffee houses. Zebra Coffee Co steps in to save the day with yummy lattes made from Artisan Roast beans, conveniently located half way between the Mound and the Royal Mile. They have a small number of tables and a sofa out the back but the place gets busy so I recommend grabbing a coffee to go.
Find it: 16 Bank St, Old Town, Edinburgh EH1 2LN
Check out my stylish guide to Edinburgh here.
You made it to some of the best places in Edinburgh, but there are so many more really good places for coffee in Edinburgh which you will need to try on another visit. We are increasingly spoiled as the coffee scene in Edinburgh is really growing, but still a bit of catching up to do to match what is on offer down under.
For sure I am spoilt living in Oz but loved the options I discovered in Edinburgh so far.
Brew Lab is the best!!! I practically live there 🙂 Wish we could have met up while you were there! xo
I loved it there! Shall have to come again for a catch up over coffee 🙂
I’ve booked a trip to Edinburgh in March so will be saving this post, thank you! x
You’re welcome. Have a fab time!