Cafes
The Cafes to visit
Elephant House
This much-loved Edinburgh institution named after the 600 elephants in all shapes and sizes decorating its walls (unless it is the other way around) serves coffee and tea from all corners of the earth. Take a seat in the back room to enjoy a magical view over Edinburgh Castle: you will soon find out why this place is popular among writers. JK Rowling wrote her Harry Potter series at this very establishment.
The Marshmallow Lady
Claiming to be the "first Gourmet Marshmallow Shop", this place sells one-of-a-kind homemade treats made with love and local ingredients. Are you adventurous enough to taste the beer-flavoured marshmallow? If not, you may find the chocolate mousse flavour more appealing – there is something for every taste.
Casa Amiga
In Casa Amiga you can either sample delicious sweet delicacies on location or choose to take away. This Portuguese bake house and coffee shop is the place to visit for an excellent coffee and homemade cakes baked to perfection. There are also Portuguese beers and liqueurs available if you are in the mood for more.
Union Brew Lab
Before opening Union Brew Lab, its owners took four years to think through what they really wanted to do with the place. The result is a success: a great spot to have a cosy cup of Joe - whether you like it filtered, espresso or cold-brewed.
Union of Genius
On a chilly day in Edinburgh, you might find yourself dreaming of a hot beverage but also feeling hungry: Union of Genius is the answer to all your prayers. In this charming little place you can eat some of the best soups in existence (and most are gluten-free), accompanied by local artisan bread, cakes, salads and tea or coffee coming from neighbouring shops.
Dovecot Cafe by Leo's
Dovecot Studio is an Art and performance venue, hosting regular exhibitions of art and craftsmanship over various subjects. It is also home to a great cafe where the attentive staff serves freshly prepared sandwiches, soups, salads and other yummy dishes including crispy pastries. If you hesitate between the different coffees, a suggestion is the Artisan Roast espresso.
Lovecrumbs
If you are passionate about sweets and cakes, come and join Holly, the baker genius behind Lovecrumbs. Teas, coffees and heart-warming hot chocolate are also on the menu and the place is definitely a celebration of one's love for sweetness and pastries.
Mary's Milk Bar
In Edinburgh, there is a place for the sweet-tooth and the history lover, the gelato-addict and the photographer: this place is Mary's Milk bar. Gorgeous ice creams, intense hot chocolates, sweet treats and a breathtaking view over the Edinburgh Castle: what more could one possibly want?
Mimi's Bakehouse
For Mimi, baking is an art form, and she loves to experiment and come up with exciting new recipes and an example of this inventive energy is the chocolate beetroot cake. This family-run business has been awarded Scottish Craft Baker of the Year several times. Are you in for an original and yummy afternoon tea?
Eteaket
This quirky tea boutique in Edinburgh’s classy New Town is the perfect place to enjoy a classic afternoon tea. Eteaket will please even the pickiest tea-addicts and you can choose from their extensive range of teas, sourced responsibly from around the world.