The Best Brunch Spots In Edinburgh's Old Town, Scotland

Situated next to the famous Greyfriars Bobby statue, Edinburgh Larder Café is the perfect breakfast and brunch place when you’re on your way to see other Old Town sights. Start your day with one of their healthy meals such as homemade granola, porridge cooked to order with a selection of toppings, or wedges of toast with homemade jam. For a more filling option go for their full breakfast or scrambled eggs with salmon, bacon or sausage. The managers will make sure your hot drink to accompany the meal is top-notch. They use the popular coffee beans roasted in Edinburgh by Artisan Roast and offer locally blended teas by Edinburgh-based Eteaket. For a sweet treat, try one of their delicious light scones served with clotted cream and homemade jam, or their renowned cakes. The cafe also has a plethora of brunch/lunch choices including soups, sandwiches and salads.

Situated close to George IV Bridge, Union of Genius is Scotland’s first soup cafe, offering six different types of soup every day, all served with flavor-matched artisan bread, a range of healthy salads and stromboli. The cafe has 80 soup recipes so the soup menu is changed daily. There are many vegan and vegetarian soup options available, and they also have gluten-free and vegan cakes, artisan coffee and hot chocolate from the Chocolate Tree, a renowned chocolate-themed cafe in the Brunstfield area. The cafe has some breakfast options which include homemade granola (gluten-free and vegan options available) and homemade porridge with various toppings.

Situated right in the heart of the Old Town, Southern Cross is a cosy and friendly cafe with an exceptional range of breakfast options. Whether you want to go for full Scottish breakfast (haggis and black pudding included), freshly made pancakes with strawberries and cream or perhaps a bit of bacon, eggs Florentine, they have it all. Their pancakes with a variety of toppings are among the best in the city.
Opening hours: Mon to Sun 8am-5pm

Café Musa has a rather charming old-school atmosphere, created by its cosy interiors which feature many comfortable couches on which to sit and relax. The menu includes many traditional Scottish breakfast options such as filled rolls, sandwiches, scones, porridge and soups. Hearty and tasty breakfast for a very decent price – what else could you ask for? There is also free Wi-Fi available at the cafe, which is always a plus.

Opening hours: Mon and Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm

MUMS, another cafe situated just off the George IV Bridge, serves excellent breakfasts and brunches. As its name suggests, the place is homely and cosy, and the food is comforting. The menu is extensive so you are very likely to find exactly what you’re looking for. Try their scrambled eggs with smoked salmon or the pancakes with bacon and maple syrup for a filling late breakfast.

Opening hours: Mon to Sat 9am-10pm, Sun 10am-10pm

Address: MUMS Great Comfort Food, 4a Forrest Road, Edinburgh, Scotland, +44 131 260 9806

Another Italian gem in Edinburgh’s Old Town, Caffe Piccolo is dedicated to catering for customers with different food intolerances (and simply different tastes). The cafe has a large variety of vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and dairy free meals available. Among their best are the Italian paninis with fresh fillings, the vegan breakfasts, gluten free soups and Sicilian cakes. You must also try their wonderful Italian coffee. The stunning view of Edinburgh castle from the cafe’s windows will certainly make your breakfast complete.

Opening hours: Mon and Tue, Thu and Fri 8.30am-4pm, Sat and Sun 9am-4.30pm

The City Café is an American-diner style cafe situated just off the Royal Mile, very close to the beautiful St Giles’ Cathedral. It is open pretty much all day and has a large menu including breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks in the evening. The breakfast is served all day and it comes with a complimentary cup of tea or coffee. Some of the popular breakfast choices are honey roast granola served with berries and yoghurt, eggs benedict and eggs Florentine, or French toast with smoked bacon and maple syrup. Like any typical diner, the cafe serves milkshakes which are simply perfect.

Opening hours: Mon to Sun 9-1am

Although The Baked Potato Shop is pretty much what its name suggests – a baked potato takeaway place without much seating inside – and is definitely worth a visit. The place has 30 years of experience in baking fresh vegan/vegetarian tatties. They offer a variety of fillings including baked beans, cheese, hummus, prawn cocktail, couscous, guacamole, mixed vegetables and more. Make sure you go there on an empty stomach – their potatoes are huge.

Opening hours: Mon to Sun 9am-7pm

Address: The Baked Potato Shop, 56 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, +44 131 2257572