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, 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, whether you stop for a full brunch or grab a smoothie 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, and 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 Waverley. 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 Waverley: 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 business is an excellent spot for brunch. Started as a small endeavour, 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, 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.
For 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 on 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
8. EL&N Cafe
Located at St James Quarter EL&N is covered in pink hues throughout. The spot was named the ‘most Instagrammable café in the world’, and we’re obsessed with every single corner. An all-day brunch is available at EL&N Edinburgh along with mega Instagrammable lattes, as well as a myriad of other options such as eggs benny, avo toast, Turkish eggs and, our favourite, French toast.
5 St James Square, EH1 3AX
9. The Beach House Cafe
After a wee stroll on the beach or even a wild swim, there is no better feeling than to sit down with a warm cup of freshly brewed coffee and a cake that just hits the spot. Located on the promenade of Portobello Beach, The Beach House Cafe offers one of the best places to watch the Firth of Forth estuary in the distance with some excellent scran. Guests can expect freshly baked bread daily, as well as cakes, sorbets and gelatos made from scratch with locally sourced, organic ingredients. The spot also offers breakfast, brunch, dinner and drinks with a picture-perfect view over the beach. For those with a sweet tooth, the cinnamon sugar and chocolate sauce waffles are worth a try.
57 Bath St, Portobello, EH15 1HE
10. Haute Dolci
We have six words for you: chocolate on tap at Haute Dolci. Chocolate can be endlessly consumed on tap at St Jame’s Quarter, and visitors can experience the flowing chocolatey extravaganza in person. On top of the chocolate on tap situation, the wholesome menu offers some treats one shouldn’t miss. Guests can order pre-set menu options, as well as create their dessert. Opt for the Strawberry Velvet french toast, a cinnamon-soaked brioche bread with scarlet strawberries and vanilla gelato for a fulfilling sweet tooth brunch in central Edinburgh. What a dream!
St James Square, EH1 3AD
11. The Broughton
The Broughton on Broughton Street in Edinburgh New Town is one of the best places in the UK for a Sunday Roast, according to The Sunday Times, and now they have introduced a new brunch menu available every Saturday between 10:30am and 1:30pm. Guests can expect a new spin on family favourites and traditional recipes, such as the Haggis Hash with Broughton bacon and fried Duck Egg, the Wild Mushroom Scrambled Eggs on toasted sourdough and Shakshuka with toasted sourdough, as well as classic brunch staples like Eggs Benedict and Eggs Florentine.
46-48a Broughton St, EH1 3SA
12. Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar
The day has finally arrived: you can now enjoy a boozy brunch in central Edinburgh on weekends at Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar! The St Andrew Square restaurant has introduced a new boozy brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays, with plenty of cocktail options. The two-course menu offers one main accompanied by a dessert, and you should catch the amazing chocolate fondant while you can, as the restaurant has plans to take it off the menu. Guests can try out new brunch additions such as the J.F.C Kimchi Waffle with the famous J.F.C sauce, scrambled eggs and lime, or our personal favourite, Eggs Royale with smoked salmon and poached eggs topped with Hollandaise sauce. Of course, we did not forget the cocktails. Whether you’re after a classic Mimosa or something more creative like the Passion Fruit Spritz, Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street & Kitchen has got the boozy brunch sorted.
4 St Andrew Square, EH2 2BD
13. KORA by Tom Kitchin
KORA by Tom Kitchin owned by Michelin Star Chef Tom Kitchin has started offering a simple, yet satisfying brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am. The menu is intended for the whole family, where guests can opt for all-time brunch favourites like the Homemade Pancakes with Bacon & Maple Syrup, Omelette Arnold Bennett with local fishmonger Welch’s Smoked Haddock and Koffmann’s Skinny Fries, or Axel’s Cheese & Bacon Toastie, served with Koffmann’s skinny fries and salad, dedicated to Chef Tom & Michaela Kitchin’s young son that is regularly cooked at the owner’s home. Plus, cocktail lovers will be able to indulge in some exceptionally-made concoctions, such as Mimosas and Bloody Marys, or seasonal cocktails like the Elderflower with Tanqueray no 10, St Germain, rose wine and sparkling water. The wholesome brunch spot is the perfect start to your day, conveniently located right across Bruntsfield Links where visitors can make the most of their day after.
14-17 Bruntsfield Pl, EH10 4HN
14. Duck & Waffle
Duck & Waffle is most known for its signature dish based on the restaurant’s name, which contains a buttermilk waffle topped with a crispy duck leg confit and fried duck egg doused in mustard maple syrup. However, the entire menu is just as fulfilling, with plenty of vegan, gluten-free, breakfast, brunch and all-day selections to choose from. The restaurant has introduced a Set Menu featuring a multitude of dishes balanced with signature classics for brunch, pre-theatre dining or a Sunday lunch. The Sunday lunch is Duck & Waffle’s newest menu addition, with a two-course Sunday roast available. Guests can choose between braised Ox cheek, corn-fed Chicken or Mushroom & Camembert Wellington with a choice of dessert to complete the experience.
400-402 St James Cres, EH1 3AE
15. Greenwoods
For those who appreciate seasonal produce, detailed decor and seriously good coffee, Greenwoods is the place to be for brunch in Edinburgh. Located on Fredrick Street, the cafe boasts a wholesome menu with some all-time favourites, such as a Full Breakfast, Eggs Florentine and Scrambled Eggs. Guests should also try Morning Eggs with poached eggs, roasted aubergine, herb Zhong sauce and hummus, or The Breakfast Stack Pancakes with two eggs, bacon, link herb sausage, roasted tomato, homemade hash browns and sour cream, topped with spring onions and cajun spice. On top of great food and coffee, guests can treat themselves to homemade coolers and Spritz, as well as Bloody Maries, Bellinis and Mimosas.
61 Frederick St, EH2 1LH
16. The Old Spence Cafe
Those who love decent coffee, quirky vibes and homemade food will be enamoured with The Old Spence Cafe in Leith. As soon as guests walk in, they’re met with a wall of old-school boomboxes, duck-egg blue decor and music from a cassette player filling the space. Tuck into toasted sourdough with a myriad of combinations, homemade sandwiches, cakes and pastries, as well as a cracking coffee while catching up with loved ones. Plus, dogs are welcome, so visitors do not need to worry about leaving their furry friends at home. So, The Old Spence Cafe is easily one of the best spots for brunch in Edinburgh.
40-42 Queen Charlotte St, Leith, EH6 6AT
17. Tani Modi Brunch House
Tani Modi Brunch House is also number one on our top spot on the pancakes list for this reason: their American stacks are just awesome. On top of phenomenal pancakes, all sauces and fruit purees at Tani Modi are handmade in-house. Visitors can also enjoy Edinburgh-based coffee, Rafiki coffee, sourced from Rwanda.
103 Hanover St, EH2 1DJ
18. Nor’ Loft
A fan of rooftop bars? Even better, champagne rooftop lounge? Nor’ Loft is just the spot, located atop the Market Street Hotel. Guests can enjoy a picnic afternoon tea with sweet and savoury treats such as the Falafel Scotch egg, meat pies and cakes, as well as small plates with plenty of champagne to go around.
6 Market St, EH1 1DE