The Best Cafés and Coffee Shops in St Andrews, Scotland

A gem in its own right, North Point has the best pancakes in town! And yes, it’s praised as the place where Wills and Kate had their first official date and where they often met for post-lecture coffees and cake. After all, this fab little café plays host to a wealth of delicious dishes, from scones with clotted cream to swoon-worthy carrot cake. Between its star status, low key vibe, daily specials and first rate food, let North Point be your foodie compass.

Who says coffee and ice cream don’t mix? Visiting Jannettas Gelateria, with its pretty pastel pops of colour and mouth-watering eats, is like coming home. The ice cream, the flavours, the service, the ambiance…it’s verging on too perfect for words. Taking the crown for the best ice cream, frozen yoghurt and sorbet in St Andrews, this sublime ice cream emporium pays homage to its Italian roots, while using superior Scottish ingredients. As well as boasting every ice cream flavour under the sun, Jannettas makes a mean open sandwich, artisan bread, bacon rolls, poached eggs, flawless coffee and more. Don’t leave without trying a milkshake.

Beautiful in blue and queen of the St Andrews brunch scene, Bibi’s Café is always a delight. Whether you go for the iced mocha, eggs Benedict, waffles or a spontaneous grazing session, you can always count on Bibi’s to deliver. As stated in their sign, Bibi’s is the kind of place where you can ‘keep calm and have a cupcake’ in peace; with the breakfast options as tempting as the convivial atmosphere.

There are no expenses spared when it comes to Taste. This coffee house may be small but that doesn’t detract from the dynamite coffee, which is arguably the best in town. Everything is freshly made, with the food always ticking every box. Highlights include the range of coffees, sumptuous hot chocolates and paninis so tasty, you may be led to opt for round two. Taste is the place for those who like to pair their morning coffee with a pastry like Audrey in Breakfast at Tiffany’s!

Authentic and overflowing with Italian charm, Nardini’s is a culinary institution in Scotland. This traditional ice cream parlour makes for an appealing pit stop, whether it be for an overload of more-ish ice cream, goat cheese toasted focaccia or simply a perfect latte. Needless to say, the cosy atmosphere, top notch food, proper Italian coffee and high quality ingredients put Nardini’s at the top of the café chain.

Nailing it one waffle at a time, think of St Andrews Waffle Company as a land of endless waffle-related possibilities. Whether paired with a decent cup of coffee or lathered with cream and chocolate, this dream of a café is an authentic slice of Liège in Scotland — a fact not to be taken lightly by true waffle aficionados! Waffles come in all forms from ultra-sweet or savoury, to outlandish or classic. The space is compact yet cheerful, with legendary milkshakes and refreshing teas. Umpteen stars and so much love for this one.