Summer Kiosk | © Turpiniquim
Turpiniquim
Situated at the top of Middle Meadow Walk, this little green van may look unassuming but don’t be deceived; there’s a reason Turpiniquim has such a cult following. Self-described as ‘Brazil-in-a-box’, these moreish, gluten free crêpes (a secret recipe) can be stuffed with anything from goats cheese, pulled beef and spinach to a sugary concoction of apples, cinnamon, pecans and honey. They are also great value for money.
Turpiniquim, Green Police Box, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9AU, 07908 886184
Summer Kiosk | © Turpiniquim | © Turpiniquim
The Birchwood, Edinburgh
The Birchwood
Popular with locals and students, this lively artisan cafe, nestled in the heart of Marchmont, is always full. Renowned for its affordable, tasty food, the breakfast pancakes are especially good. Choose from a regular topping like crispy bacon and maple syrup or try the zingy homemade compote and crème fraîche for something a bit different.
The Birchwood, 146 Marchmont Rd, Edinburgh EH9 1AQ, 0131 446 9873
The Treehouse Cafe | © Alice Welton
The Treehouse Cafe
A firm favourite for all pancake lovers, it can sometimes be hard to get a seat at The Treehouse Cafe but, if you do, the wait is well worth it. With pancakes famed for their perfect fluffiness and a huge variety of toppings, ranging from nutella and whipped cream to peanut butter and ice cream, the cafe also serves up Shrove Tuesday specials to make the choice even harder. Very generous portions and affordable prices define this cosy, family-run cafe.
The Treehouse Cafe, 44 Leven St, Edinburgh EH3 9LJ, 131 656 0513
The Treehouse Cafe |© Alice Welton | © Alice Welton
Montpeliers
Situated in leafy Bruntsfield, a quiet haven away from the city centre, Montpeliers is a slick and stylish brasserie with a continental flavour and a strong reputation for inventive food. Breakfast menus are served from 9am, and the freshly-baked pancakes, topped with blueberries, raspberries and maple syrup, are the perfect way to kick start your morning. Excellent value for money too.
Montpeliers, 59-161 Bruntsfield Pl, Edinburgh EH10 4DG, 0131 229 3115
Fleur de Sel
Located in New Town, Fleur de Sel is a trendy but friendly restaurant that specialises in authentic French crêpes. Batter is made with buckwheat imported from Brittany, and the majority of toppings, such as salted caramel, lemon curd or coconut ice cream, are homemade. Crepe Créole (banana, dried grape marinated with rum, vanilla ice cream, and flambé with rum) is a standout dish. A little more on the pricey side than many other pancake houses, this is the ideal restaurant for an upmarket French-flavoured evening.
Fleur de Sel, 61 Frederick St, Edinburgh EH2 1LH, 0131 225 7983