The Best Dessert Shops In Edinburgh

The highlight of every week and decadent to the core, dessert is like a lazy Sunday afternoon. From chocolate infused doughnuts and layers of gelato to perfect little more-ish macarons screaming ‘pick me’, a balanced meal is not complete without its partner in crime. So that you can enjoy every meal’s grand finale, here are the best dessert spots in Edinburgh.

S. Lucas

Ice Cream Parlour, Italian

When seeking the best food around, they say to follow the locals. So when that hankering for sweetness sets in, S.Lucas is the spot to head. A true taste of Italy, with a hefty sprinkling of Scottish influence, this renowned ice cream parlour and café has digs in Morningside and Musselburgh. The silky soft ice cream, myriad of flavours and old school confectionary section (embellished with handmade chocolates and sweeties of all kinds), is happiness at its purest. Oh, and the hot fudge sundae is second to none.

Falko Konditormeister

Falko Konditormeister is so perfect that it creates that inevitable predicament common to cake-lovers — the desire to share its perfection with the world set against the need to surreptitiously withhold its very existence! Each bite is edible art in the form of traditionally made German Konditorei cakes and gateaux. In true German fashion, Falko completed his masters examination as a Master pastry chef, putting him in a league of his own and giving him an immense skillset.

Mary’s Milk Bar

Ice Cream Parlour, Dessert, Ice Cream

For unrivaled milkshakes and perfect gelato, look no further than Mary’s Milk Bar, a dessert paradise on the brink of turning into a sweet-tooth cult headquarters. The combined skill of Mary, a graduate of Caprigiani Gelato University in Italy, and the sweeping array of sumptuous choices make this spot a no brainer. From almost sinful sundaes and centre-filled chocolates to unfathomable hot chocolate floats, even one taste of Mary’s Milk Bar is the sweetest spiritual experience. All in all, a welcomed nod to the popular cultural trend of milk bars back in the day.

Baba Budan

Bakery, Coffee Shop, Coffee, Pastries

A stone’s throw away from Waverley Station, Baba Budan is a one-stop shop to indulge in man’s favourite things — donuts, coffee and tea. What’s more, you can do so in whichever order you see fit! From classic flavours like jam and chocolate salted caramel to slightly edgier tastes like Earl Grey and rich tea biscuit, cornflake custard and cranachan, donut lovers can expect a transformative taste-bud experience.

Valona & Crolla

Those craving a little bit of sophisticated flair with their dessert will take to Valona & Crolla like a small flame to crème brulee. A trusty staple of Edinburgh’s dining scene, this deli-restaurant, café and food bar is a haven of tasty eats. If you can steer clear from the addictive cheese and meat selection for just a moment, then one of the many bite-size pastries, tartlets, truffle cakes, macarons, pana cotta, and tiramisu will no doubt take precedence.

Mademoiselle Macaron

One glimpse of the goodies at Mademoiselle Macaron will have even savory folk saying ooh la la. The taste is unsurpassable; aesthetically, they are picture-perfect and the flavours enticing and unique. From off-the-wall concoctions (that shouldn’t work, but do so in perfect harmony) like Innis & Gunn and Earl Grey, and Scottish showstoppers such as the Scottish Whammy and Hendrick’s Gin, to the classics like pistachio, there’s something for everyone.