The Best Brunch Spots In Edinburgh's Old Town Scotland

Edinburgh, known as the heart of Scotland, is the second most-visited city in the United Kingdom after London. It’s no wonder, considering its rich cultural and historical heritage, stunning architecture and breathtaking natural spaces in the middle of the city. These ten eateries are the best to visit for your morning meal in Edinburgh.
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Edinburgh Larder Café

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.

Union of Genius

Southern Cross

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

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 Great Comfort Food

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

Caffe Piccolo

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

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

The Baked Potato Shop

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

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