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From Instagrammable flat whites to a wave of artisan coffee pop ups, Edinburgh has enjoyed something of a love affair with proper, good coffee in the last few years.
And there are few things that make getting out of bed quite so appealing as a visit to your favourite barista in Edinburgh.
Now let's take a look at each of these coffee shops in Edinburgh in more detail so you can decide where you are going for your next caffeine fix.
The O.G
Black Medicine Coffee Co has been serving up amazing coffee in Edinburgh since the last millennium – no, really, its been nearly 20 years.
Starting with an idea for a café that became a coffee shop, so-named because of the notion that the native peoples of America once called coffee Black Medicine.
Over the years It's identity and character as one of the best coffee shops in Edinburgh is a cumulative product of beautiful humans who have been on either side of the machine, without whom they wouldn’t of solidified themselves as one of the best places to grab a coffee in Edinburgh.
You can even take home some of their amazing coffee to enjoy at home or even sport some of their branded merchandise.
Mon: Sat 8am – 8pm
Sun: 9am - 8pm
More than just good coffee... where sweat treats are aplenty.
Twelve Triangles, is a bakery, bakery shop and an extremely good coffee shop all rolled into one.
They are a renowned for producing sourdough bread made and shaped by hand by their team of bakers.
As well as jams, custards, pie fillings, and ricotta are made daily in the bakery, using local, seasonal and organic ingredients wherever possible.
Twelve triangles operates three coffee shops across Edinburgh and one in Portobello.
You can find these wonderful cafes can be found on: Brunswick Street, Duke street and Dalry Road, where you can of course pick up some of the best coffee Edinburgh has to offer.
Mon: Fro 8.30am - 4pm
Sat: Sun: 9am - 4pm
Mon: Sun 8am – 5pm
Mon: Sun 9.30am – 4pm
Mon: Sun 8am – 5pm
A firm favourite of many Edinburgh locals and visitors alike.
Two of my favourite things are on offer at Cairngorm Coffee; cheese and of course some of the best coffee you dan find in Edinburgh.
Cairngorm have two coffee shops in Edinburgh, both offering a unique sit-in experience in central locations.
They serve their own coffee, which they even roast in the Cairngorms each week.
If your are into coffee machines Cairngorm Coffee sport the first San Remo Opera in Scotland.
Mon: Sat 8am – 6pm
Sun: 9am - 6pm
Mon: Sat 8am – 5pm
Sun: 9am - 5pm
The innovative serious guy
Situated on the streets of Old Town, Brew Lab prides itself on speciality coffee and artisanal delicacies, serving up a meticulously crafted espresso that will keep you focused all day (or at least until you reach the next coffee spot).
With the mission to bring the best coffee possible to the people of Edinburgh, it would be a shame to not at least try this creative hot spot.
These guys are so serious about creating exceptional coffee, that they also provide barista courses that teach you the beauty of creating an espresso, as well as creative latte art and filter brewing. They also happen to sell an impressive amount of freshly roasted coffee in their store, enabling you to make some impressive coffees at home.
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Mon: Sun : 8am - 5pm
6-8 South College St
Edinburgh, EH8 9AA
The self proclaimed coffee nerds
Nestled into the streets of Newington, you will find a coffee shop that houses the best ingredients for an ultimate Sunday morning; brunch and exceptional coffee.
With its funky brick walls and cosy atmosphere, Cult Espresso allows you to become immersed in a speciality coffee, whilst enjoying some divine sweet treats from locals bakers across Edinburgh.
Open for 5 years, this vibrant brunch spot is passionate about both the community and about excellent coffee, making it a must try for those lazy weekends.
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Mon: Fri : 8am - 6pm
Sat: 9am - 6pm
Sun: 9am - 5pm
104 Buccleuch Street,
Edinburgh, EH8 9NQ
The Dark Horse
Another coffee house to have opened its door in the last 5 years has been the Milkman, a hidden gem on Cockburn Street. Adopting the stylish decor of exposed brick walls and light boxes, this cosy coffee corner produces exceptional coffee and pastry delights to accompany you on your walk upto the Royal Mile.
This forward thinking spot also sells its own ceramic reusable cups, allowing customers to sip on a frothy cappuccino whilst helping the environment in their own small way.
Providing some outdoor seating, as well as indoor benches to allow for people watching, this bricked beauty makes an excellent resting stop on your tour of Old Town.
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Mon: Fri : 8am - 6pm
Sat: Sun : 9am - 6pm
7 Cockburn Street,
Edinburgh, EH1 1BP
The baby of a big family
Housing the biggest collection of single origin beans in Scotland, the Artisan Roast coffee house needs to be taken seriously. Situated in the beloved cobbled streets of Stockbridge, this coffee shop is the younger sister of two others of Edinburgh’s beloved coffee joints, one being on Broughton Street and the other in Bruntsfield.
Detailed as a bright and spacious spin on Artisan cosy - chic, Artisan Roast prides itself for being the perfect spot for lunch, coffee and conviviality.
Along with its Edinburgh locations, this quirky family of coffee houses has expanded into Glasgow, a potential hotspot if you find yourself out West.
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Mon: Fri : 8.30 am - 6pm
Sat: Sun : 9.30 am - 5pm
100A Raeburn Place,
Edinburgh, EH4 1HH
The Southern Charmer
Hidden under Penhaligon's perfumery on George Street, Wellington Coffee provides an intimate atmosphere intertwined with rich Southern Hemisphere tones, creating a cosy coffee spot with a lot of character.
Opened in 2008, this secret spot stems from a family of Edinburgh coffee houses owned by Jon Sharp - a barista champion who has spent a considerable number of years researching and experimenting with coffee. These other excellent local favourites to visit include Kilimanjaro, Project Coffee, Press and Blackwood.
If a much needed espresso is required, duck down into the corner of Wellington Coffee and escape the busy George Street hustle and bustle.
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Mon: Fri : 7am - 6pm
Sat: 8am - 6pm
Sun : 9am - 6pm
33A George Street,
Edinburgh, EH2 2HN
The new kid in town
Recently opened in February 2020, Fortitude Coffee in Stockbridge is a family friendly coffee house that’s opened its door to dogs - a welcome relief for all pet owners in Edinburgh.
Opening up their first store at York Place in 2014, this coffee spot has become a much loved favourite amongst Edinburgh city regulars, allowing these coffee experts to expand into another beautiful area of the city.
They also supply incredible vegan and gluten free cakes from local bakeries situated around the city, as well as a range of soups and sandwiches to accompany that perfect blend.
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Mon: Fri : 8am - 5pm
Sat: 9am - 5pm
Sun : 10am - 5pm
3C York Place,
Edinburgh, EH1 3EB
66 Hamilton Place,
Edinburgh, EH3 5AZ
The Artsy Type
Another George Street wonder, Lowdown Coffee brings a minimal and simplistic touch to this round up of coffee lovers places to try. With its simple attention to detail, teamed up with incredible cakes and sweet treats, this basement spot is a perfect place to meet a client or grab a coffee on the go.
Not only do they serve up a spectacular cup of joe, they also create exceptional hot chocolate recipes and chai lattes, allowing the non coffee drinkers of the world to enjoy a visit.
Another perfect spot to drop into whilst exploring the busy central streets of Edinburgh.
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Mon: Fri : 8am - 6pm
Sat: 9am - 6pm
Sun : 10am - 6pm
40 George Street,
Edinburgh, EH2 2LE
So there you have it a selection of the best coffee shops Edinburgh has to offer.
Over the last few years, Edinburgh’s coffee shop landscape has evolved from a wealth of chain cafés to a robust collection of artisan coffeehouses.
In 2020, the coffee community in Edinburgh is full of independent roasters and local bakers with unique menus around town to devour.
These coffee shops have plenty of cozy spaces to relax, brunch, and breeze through a working day.
Whether you're in search of a bold espresso to-go, a coconut mocha to savour alone, or a curious flat white to meet a client, we hope you found your next coffee shop to hit up on our list of the best coffee shops in Edinburgh.
Let us know if you visit any of these amazing local businesses soon and if we have missed your favourite cafe to grab a coffee then let us know in the comments.
