Local Guides World
Top Coffee shops in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Top Rated Coffee shops in Edinburgh
Top Reviewed Coffee shops in Edinburgh
Coffee Shop
Coffee Shop Marks and Spencer
The Elephant House
Mary Kings Close Coffee Shop
Costa Coffee
The Coffee Cave
Costa Coffee
Starbucks
Coffee Bar
The Wall Coffee & Design House
Hideout Cafe Old Town
Cairngorm Coffee
Reviews
Starbucks is always good. We have been there a few times. Plenty parking spaces and lots of room inside. Service is pretty good as well.
The Wall is my favorite place to study in Edinburgh - the coffee is amazing and they have so many food options that are all delicious. The staff is so sweet and they play the best music.
Service was excellent. Coffee was tasty. The stone and banana cake also delicious. I sat outside which was a great opportunity to watch people walk up and down.
The staff are lovely! First coffee + pastry I’ve tasted after moving to Edinburgh from Italy, and they were very good. Plus, I was struggling to find houseware and they gave me great insights about the city. I’ll come around often to start my day with a smile from them :)
Hidden gem alert and the BEST honey cake I've ever had. We took a break from sightseeing near the Edinburgh castle to use the wc and have a coffee and thank God we did because this place blew our minds. All we ordered were a cortado and a (Russian) honey cake but the quality and flavours of those two items really blew us away. The honey cake was heavenly and spongy with a creamy smooth interior contrasted with a sweet nutty exterior topping. The coffee was made perfectly without any bitterness and had fruit notes of apricot and honeysuckle. Overall, if you are in Edinburgh do yourself a favor and please make sure to check this place out!
I have been buying coffee and baked goods since this place opened in 2021. After what must be 100's of coffees and dozens of different bites to eat, I can firmly say it's a great place for all your coffee and snack needs.
Food, cakes and drinks are all lovely! I'm really picky about my tea but it's always spot on here. The staff are very friendly to. It's always my favourite spot to stop when I'm in the city centre. Definitely do not miss out X
What an adorable little cafe!
Very snug but a beautiful atmosphere. Love the decorations of cassette tapes everywhere.
Ordered a long black which was smooth and fantastic.
Staff were friendly and always happy for a chat. Can definitely recommend!
Very snug but a beautiful atmosphere. Love the decorations of cassette tapes everywhere.
Ordered a long black which was smooth and fantastic.
Staff were friendly and always happy for a chat. Can definitely recommend!
Great coffee and incredible sandwiches. Staff is super friendly and the Cafe itself is very cozy!
It was surprisingly good. Was tempted to give my name as Psycho for the coffee but was too tired after shopping though revived afterwards over a latte and a piece of lemon cake.
Lovely little Caffe. In a street full of them, it stands out for its simplicity. The menu is in a chalk board behind the bar, where you order and pay. The food comes displayed in a little box, that adds to the charm of the place. You can see ingredients are fresh and carefully presented. I'd avoid other Caffe's on that street that look too impersonal, and go hear again in a heartbeat.
Also, decent prices 😊
Also, decent prices 😊
Best customer service in Edinburgh. I’m visiting for a month and I have been several times and every single person there is attentive and delightful. Getting your coffee your usual tired and out of it and having these folks start your day is a treat. Plus the sausage rolls are delicious and the coffee is A Plus.
We've been staying around the corner and doing takeaway each morning (despite initial plans to try other shops in the area). Lovely espresso drinks and flaky pastries. Highly recommend to anyone passing through.
The smallest cappuccino I’ve ever been served and the pastry was dry & inedible. Waste of money & time having to go up about 4 escalators then back down to the car park. Rip off Britain indeed.
The coffee was fine, the honey cake was good… till I saw how an employee is spraying the show window (where they keep all the cakes etc.) with a glass cleaning material (some chemical stuff) while all the cakes are inside…
I do appreciate clean cafes. But I want NO cleaning chemicals next to my food!
I do appreciate clean cafes. But I want NO cleaning chemicals next to my food!
Muffin was dry, bacon roll was mediocre for the cost. Seats were not clean...crumbs and bits all on them. Cost was not great value, however chap serving was lovely and Earl Grey tea was really good. Cavernous dark place with no real character.
A very good place for snack & coffee in Edinburgh City Centre.
Currently closed for renovation after a fire. Was here a couple of years ago while in Edinburgh. Great cappucino and sandwiches. Also has a spectacular view of the castle. Highly recommend it for anyone visiting Edinburgh.
Nice Coffeeshop inside Mary King‘s Close in the side of the souvenir shop.
Nice and interesting coffee and tea creations.
Nice to sit and have a short break after the exhibition or just because you came by.
Nice and interesting coffee and tea creations.
Nice to sit and have a short break after the exhibition or just because you came by.
We got a table outside on a sunny day and it was divine on this pedestrian street. The tea is served in small individual pots (breakfast tea and Earl grey are both good, the cranberry tea wasn't to our taste) and there are plenty of cakes and savory snacks to choose from. Everything came out quickly and we had a nice time basking in the Scottish sunshine
Excellent selection of beans if you’re into light roasts. One of the few cafes in the world that stores their beans frozen in individual dose containers to preserve the flavors. They carry their own roasts in addition to other roasters.
Barista though was not very knowledgeable or maybe was just in a rush to get done, given it was close to closing time. Espresso shot was pulled okay.
Barista though was not very knowledgeable or maybe was just in a rush to get done, given it was close to closing time. Espresso shot was pulled okay.
After moving to Edinburgh from Australia I struggled to find good coffee that rivalled what I got at home, but I can safely say that Coffee Cave is THE BEST coffee I’ve had in Scotland!
The beans are incredible, the coffee is always consistent and they do the BEST iced oat lattes (even all year round).
Aly and the team are incredible friendly & efficient and the pastries and treats are always to die for.
The beans are incredible, the coffee is always consistent and they do the BEST iced oat lattes (even all year round).
Aly and the team are incredible friendly & efficient and the pastries and treats are always to die for.
i really like the workers they were very kind and very efficent the food was very good and the atmosphere was perfect. overall i really like my experience coming to costa coffee .
Food, drinks and service are fine. Been popping in for over a year to this Costa and not once have they had wi-fi. A huge conglomerate company and no WiFi?? What?? Every time I have asked, no member of staff knows why there isn't any or I'm fobbed off with 'its coming soon'.
Ridiculous.
Ridiculous.
Great spot for a quick coffee and a pastry or two. The best part about the coffee cave would be the people working. Always happy to see you and lend assistance when needed.
THE BEST coffee I've had in my life, it's just amazing.
I can guarantee it'll be the best for you as well.
Service is impeccable as well.
I can guarantee it'll be the best for you as well.
Service is impeccable as well.
glad to have chance to visit this amazing place where harry potter was created by JK Rowling
Recently Moved near by, been at that branche few time now and I can tell that the staffs are left for them self, no management to keep an eye on things, I had a dirty look the other day just because I asked the barista to remake my coffee as it wasn’t made properly…
honestly weird place.
honestly weird place.
Love Costa coffee but my catardo here was very bitter for some reason
Excellent cafe. Warm, inviting. Friendly staff and delicious coffee and sweets. Some sandwiches as well. Not a lot of seating but still a great stop along the walk.
I asked for a Mango Frappe but the lady gave me a bubbly one instead with bubbles which i nearly choked on and nearly made a mess of my top. Next time listen to what folk tell ya. Waste of £4...
Lovely staff and great food options as this Costa is linked with M&S. A little dark inside but the staff keep everything really clean. One of the better Costas!
I've been here a few times now, when it's busy everything goes to pot, continuing taking orders which was impossible for the woman to keep up with. I had a cajun chicken pizza wrap... we got to the table, I sat down and went to eat my wrap, it was cold, took it back up to inform them, the lady apologised then informed me that they had more than one item in the heater so it didn't get a heat properly like it should on its own... so they put it back in, edges burnt...crispy....there were tables lying full of dirty cups and glases, trays everywhere and no where to put them! Not the best costa... 😕
We like it here. Hit or miss depending on barista and how busy they are. I'd much rather support independent cafes but as Costa's go, this is a good one. Staff are nice, depending on one only who is a bit short and stern. I won't say, but the staff will know who I mean. Her manner could do with a little tweak. She's maybe busy though and a bit stressed so it doesn't take anything away from my review.
Nice staff and really nice cozy vibe ! Great food, really enjoyed the scones !
It was pleasant to have a coffee at Starbucks every time. A bit expensive but totally worth the money.
Home. Perfect way to start the day with a machiato. Fantastic flavor profiles. A must place to visit in Edinburgh.
Nice hidden little gem, great food/drinks and atmosphere. Staff are also friendly, just be aware there isn't that much seating!
My frappe was great and was served really quickly! Very friendly staff. Would recommend coming to this branch!
I’ve been following The Wall on Instagram for YEARS! I had to visit when I finally got to Edinburgh. Delicious flat whites and a cozy environment!
The Wall Coffee and Design House is a lovely cafe that captures the essence of Old Town with its cozy ambiance and charming decor. It's a great place to grab a cup of coffee and relax in a cozy atmosphere. The decor is charming and well thought out, with exposed brick walls and vintage furniture that adds to the overall charm of the space.
The cafe's cozy and inviting atmosphere immediately made me feel at home. The staff were friendly and accommodating, and made excellent coffees. However, the true standout was the honey cake - just as it is at their sister cafe in Leith.
Great spot to grab a coffee & bite to eat. My cortado coffee was great and so was my Parma ham sandwich - they had a good variety pastries and sandwiches to choose from. The coffee is on the strong side which I like.
It’s not big inside, but they do have a few tables to sit at - max two or three people at a table.
This spot has has. a great vibe & friendly service.
It’s not big inside, but they do have a few tables to sit at - max two or three people at a table.
This spot has has. a great vibe & friendly service.
Nice wee place & decor (liked the old skis in the corner 🙂). Cappuccino was small, but strong 💪😁 missing the chocolate top, which imo is what a cappuccino is all about 😋 (option to add wasn’t given when ordering, but there was toppings available to add). The bounty hot choc was lovely! 😋👌 …if you like bounty’s you’re ‘bounty’ like it (boom boom) 😂
Really enjoyed our we stop off here, lovely atmosphere and spacious. Staff very friendly and drinks and food were delicious 😋
A cozy wee shop with four different espressos (including one guest and one decaf) to choose from. No syrups or sugar alternatives. Sit in or take away.
I had the Grand Slam, which was lovely flavor-wise, but less creamy and more watery. My husband had the guest espresso, which we were told wasn't acidic, but it was. Again, it was more watery than creamy.
We had the salted caramel and raspberry cheesecake brownies, which were nothing short of amazing.
All in all a lovely wee shop with a nice atmosphere. Definitely more bespoke than most coffee shops in Edinburgh and some of the better espresso available.
I had the Grand Slam, which was lovely flavor-wise, but less creamy and more watery. My husband had the guest espresso, which we were told wasn't acidic, but it was. Again, it was more watery than creamy.
We had the salted caramel and raspberry cheesecake brownies, which were nothing short of amazing.
All in all a lovely wee shop with a nice atmosphere. Definitely more bespoke than most coffee shops in Edinburgh and some of the better espresso available.
Very polite and efficient staff that serve you quickly whilst maintaining a dialogue with you. The premises are kept immaculately clean and tidy. This is the largest Costa I've visited and will definitely make it a regular occurrence.
Good coffee at this tiny hole in the wall. Friendly staff, quick service.
Lovely cosy place with long shared tables . Great coffee well brewed . I had the turmeric latte - delicious
Weird experience , had coffee and cake but they wouldn’t give us plates or cups, despite neighbouring tables having them. Possibly there’s a reasonable explanation but one wasn’t given and they were not nice about it. Shame, we’ve liked going there in the past.
Ordered x3 salted caramel frappes with coffee shot in each. I was smirked at by the till operator them the person making the drinks rolled her eyes and crashed around making them. Each of the frappe drinks were disgusting.. if I hadn’t taken them out and drive away I’d have returned them. Sauce sunk to the bottom, cream
Curdled and no coffee in any! Waste of £13!!
Curdled and no coffee in any! Waste of £13!!
Excellent Cup of tea and excellent Pork and Black pudding sausage rolls. Would definitely recommend
Sad to see it closed, but that obviously not their fault due to a devastating fire so I’m not leaving a bad review like some of these people. A great stop to look at all the same, and will definitely have to come back when they open back up. Very cool location and surrounding area as well. Worth a visit for both Harry Potter fans and people close by.
The staff are UNFRIENDLY with FAKE smile specially the manager, used to be better when Ricardo run the place. As I’m a regular customer for many years I can see people are switching to Starbucks cross the road, it’s a shame…..
A great place to stop for coffee and a snack. I prefers a sandwich and a slice of pistachio cake, both of which were delicious washed down with a perfectly balanced long black.
Old Town can be a little bit on the thin side for good quality, independent food and drink. The proximity to so many popular tourist destinations and the high rents make it tricky. But this place is bucking the trend and should come highly recommended.
Old Town can be a little bit on the thin side for good quality, independent food and drink. The proximity to so many popular tourist destinations and the high rents make it tricky. But this place is bucking the trend and should come highly recommended.
I was attended with good and professional manners by the staff. Very clean retailer including toilets.
There's plenty of seats inside. Coffee is always good food is fresh and rhe ambient is welcoming for families to have a lovely and relaxing meal.
There's plenty of seats inside. Coffee is always good food is fresh and rhe ambient is welcoming for families to have a lovely and relaxing meal.
Lovely Costa coffee branch, unfortunately they were only taking cash when I went in and I didn’t have any money on me at that time but staff were kind enough to let me use the toilet which was nice and clean and had a yale lock on which was a bit weird. Staff were really friendly and appeared to genuinely feel bad they could not serve me due to the cash issue.
Magical place for Harry Potter fans! The coffee shop is actually quite lovely, they have beautiful views by the windows. Hot drinks and cakes were good. Harry Potter fans have written tons of messages all over toilet's doors and walls. Liked the place and our waiter, I believe his name was Aitor, made the experience much better. He was lovely and allowed us to seat in when it was close to closing time, and overall, he was super nice and helpful. It can get really busy, so if you are not a Harry Potter fan, there might be other coffee shops as good as this one, but it's definetely a charming one!
Good elephant cappuccino and a huge homemade muffin I had there. This cafe seems be very famous for tourists and was busy even around 11am on Monday.
It was a bit challenge that I stayed there with relaxed feeling as JK Rowling said, but it’s worth visiting to taste good coffee and cakes, and see the atmosphere where she wrote the Harry Potter!
It was a bit challenge that I stayed there with relaxed feeling as JK Rowling said, but it’s worth visiting to taste good coffee and cakes, and see the atmosphere where she wrote the Harry Potter!
Not sure why many bad reviews. Food was amazing (had the Scottish pancakes with bacon and syrup and the scone with clotted cream and jam). Super fresh, tasty and good size! Prices are reasonable. And I got JKR’s same table with lovely views and peaceful around. I just loved it! Yes, you’ll have to bear the stares from the rest of the people around that will just want you gone to have the table
Following the recent guidelines, they have implemented a one way system in store, social distancing is being followed at it's best and staff wear masks. In terms of cleanliness and hygiene, Costa always follows the best practices to ensure tidiness. They know their priorities, your safety and the best coffee.
We were lucky to stop when we did. It was about 11 a.m. and the lunch crowds had not descended yet. Usually when we walked past, the place was crowded. We decided to stop for an early bite to eat. I knew a bit about the history of the place; how J.K. Rowling had started writing Harry Potter here. The waitress asked if we wanted front or back, we chose back. The view of Greyfriars Kirk and Edinburgh castle and the university is visible from back there. We chose a small table by the window. The lunch menu was not out yet, so we had hot chocolate and porridge. The porridge came with honey and milk. The hot chocolate was the perfect size, not too big and not too small. The waitress was very chatty and when we asked where Ms. Rowling sat when she wrote, she said, "Right here at this window." Couldn't believe our luck! You have to visit the bathrooms. People leave their mark and devotion to Harry Potter in there. The place was warm and cosy and the view was fantastic. Perfect views of Edinburgh castle and the graveyard. Definitely stop in early before the crowds start coming.
The place is nice and most of the staff are nice except one female waitress with long dark hair and she was wearing the red uniform (not the Chinese girl). I was at the place at 3pm, once I was seated I raised my hand up to my head ( which is really low-key) to get her attention. She was standing by the toilet, chatting with another male waiter. After she saw me, instead of coming to the table she turned to the waiter and clearly was discussing about my gesture as I saw her copied my raising hand gesture to the male waiter which I find is really rude. I can understand if she finds the gesture is uncommon to her culture or what so ever, but was it really necessary to copy me?
And as I’m writing this up, she also wondered towards the back of the house by their private room, she was peeking there as one of the waiter and supervisor (possibly manageress?) were talking in there. I thought her attention and focus should be on customers?
It’s such a cool place as the birthplace of Harry Potter, please don’t let the poor service disappoint millions of HP fans.
And as I’m writing this up, she also wondered towards the back of the house by their private room, she was peeking there as one of the waiter and supervisor (possibly manageress?) were talking in there. I thought her attention and focus should be on customers?
It’s such a cool place as the birthplace of Harry Potter, please don’t let the poor service disappoint millions of HP fans.
This is clearly a well kept and clean facility until...... you find yourself in the back. I took a wrong turn and stumbled across this mess! Fire extinguisher and fire exit blocked by rubbish leaking all over the floor.
Friendly staff. Great coffee. I'm a pain, can I have this with this, not that. Can you leave room for this. Nothing phases them. Favourite coffee shop. Can't say about any other Starbucks. Just craigleith
It’s a big cafe so there’s plenty of space for an all day study session or doing work on a laptop (though no free wifi from what I could tell) however the coffee is not very good.
Also every time I go the staff try to up sell me some Christmas coffee blend, which honestly just tasted burnt when I got it.
Also every time I go the staff try to up sell me some Christmas coffee blend, which honestly just tasted burnt when I got it.