They say brunch is always a good idea; for residents of Edinburgh, it is a great one! Whether you’ve worked up an appetite climbing up Arthur’s Seat, or need a pick-me-up the day after an epic cocktail bar crawl, you need brunch. There’s something about eggs and smashed avo and a finely-tuned latte that just soothes the soul, so check out our guide to restaurants serving the best brunch in Edinburgh for your ideal Saturday adventure.
1. Urban Angel
This underground restaurant offers one of the best brunches in Edinburgh, so it’s an ideal starting point for us. Their all-day spread has been a city tradition for fifteen years now, whether you stop for a full brunch or grab a smoothie to go before heading to work in the West End.
Urban Angel‘s picturesque dishes entice food bloggers and Instagrammers aplenty, and we can strongly recommend their açai bowls, eggs benedict, brioche French toast, or the banana and butterscotch sauce with hazelnut crumble. Their delectable healthier options will not disappoint you; a blend of mango and coconut water with kale, spinach, and spirulina is very popular with visitors. Sceptical? Just trust us, you are in for a heavenly surprise.
121 Hanover Street, EH2 1DJ.
2. The Pantry
The Sunday Times once dubbed The Pantry‘s Eggs Benedict a “reason alone to come to Edinburgh”, so you know we’re dealing with a winner here. Opened in 2012, this café with outdoor seating is among the best brunch spots in Stockbridge, with a menu that’s easily customisable for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-intolerant eaters and children.
You can find options ranging from various eggs, sandwiches, and waffles to dishes with quirky names. For instance, ‘Sunshine on Stockbridge’ is an irresistible spicy mix of roasted sweet potato, smoked paprika tomato, grilled courgette, smashed avocado, sriracha and free-range poached eggs.
1 North West Circus Place, EH3 6ST.
3. Loudons
Whether you want an all-day breakfast, or the option to switch from haggis to vegan pancakes, Loudons is sure to live up to your expectations. Their Fountainbridge branch was already a hit with the residents before opening a branch in New Waverly. One of the best brunches in Edinburgh, Loudons makes everyone feel at home in its cosy interiors. You can also bring your pet dog to this artisan bakery!
Loudons’ New Waverly outlet is located just behind the Royal Mile, barely five minutes walk from the Waverly train station, Holyrood Palace, and the Scottish Parliament. So, an excellent option if you’ve just arrived in town…
Fountainbridge: 94b Fountainbridge, EH3 9QA & New Waverly: 2 Sibbald Walk, EH8 8FT
4. Mimi’s Bakehouse
With service so friendly they’ve been known to hug customers who walk in through the doors, this family-run store is an excellent spot for brunch. Started as a small business, Mimi’s soon became a city-wide spot beloved by Edinburgh locals. They can blow your mind with their award-winning sweets, savouries and meals, and a 4.5 rating on TripAdvisor and frequent appearances on the best-loved bakeries in Edinburgh speak to their importance. You wouldn’t miss their afternoon tea and scones for the world!
Options range from dishes like leek and cheese sausages combined with tomatoes and eggs, three-cheese macaroni, and vegan sausage rolls. However, meat lovers usually vote for baguettes with black pudding or bacon, or the ever-popular French toast with bacon and maple syrup.
Multiple locations, check them on their website. You can also order online.
5. Snax Café
Alongside two spots in the city centre, Snax Café can also boast outdoor seating and delivery options. Most hungover students and residents prefer them for a pick-me-up, with rolls, wraps, baguettes, burgers, and toast all on the menu. Combine it with a can of Irn-Bru, and you’ve got a cheap and cheerful way to fight the headache…
Old Town: 118 Buccleuch Street, EH8 9NQ & New Town: 15 West Register Street, EH2 2AA
6. Montpeliers
Montpeliers is a twenty-year-old brasserie nestled in the southern area of Bruntsfield Place that boasts many loyal customers. Their ‘Full Monty’ breakfast is infamous amongst locals, especially meat lovers. An alternate Scottish breakfast, you’ll eat your way through pork sausages, chargrilled chicken, eggs, Ayrshire bacon, black pudding, Scottish minute steak, potato scone, tomato, mushrooms, baked beans and Heatherfield haggis if you tackle this one!
Happily, there’s also the Veggie Monty for vegetarians and the Wee Monty for the kids, whilst those looking for a lighter option can dine on breakfast butties or the croque monsieur. There’s also outdoor seating for sunny days.
159-161 Bruntsfield Place, EH10 4DG
7. Edinburgh Larder
A hidden gem found just off the Royal Mile, the Edinburgh Larder and the Little Larder are located close to one another on Blackfriars Street. Their brunches are founded seasonal, organic and local produce from Scottish suppliers, which go into their irresistible breakfast baps (vegetarian and vegan options available). The Edinburgh Larder is open until 3 pm between Mondays and Thursdays, but those looking to unwind after a tiring week can head to this restaurant till 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays!
Edinburgh Larder: 15 Blackfriars Street, EH1 1NB & Little Larder: 11 Blackfriars Street, EH1 1NB