Best Specialty Coffee in Edinburgh
Country: United Kingdom (28 cafés)
Updated February 2026
Edinburgh is a city of steep hills and hidden closes, where you can find a coffee shop tucked away in almost any neighbourhood. You might start your day at Modern Standard Coffee or The Tailor, or perhaps visit Mr Eion Stockbridge Shop for a quiet cup. Little Fitzroy and the source coffee roasters are also popular spots for those walking through the city. If you find yourself near Trinity, Mr Eion Trinity Shop is a reliable choice, while LOWDOWN and Artisan Roast offer comfortable spaces to rest.
Many locals enjoy taking their coffee to go while exploring the historic streets, though sitting in for a slow brew is just as common. You will often find that cafes are concentrated in the New Town and Stockbridge areas, making them easy to reach during a walk. Keep in mind that the city is quite hilly, so comfortable shoes are helpful when you are out searching for your next drink.
Cafés
Of 28 cafés, 17 have vegan options and 17 are dog-friendly.
Top rated Modern Standard Coffee
49 Barclay Place, EH104HW Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Modern Standard Coffee is a two-storey cafe in Edinburgh that roasts its own beans. Regulars appreciate the rotating selection of batch brew and espresso drinks. Visitors often mention the staff is friendly and the atmosphere is comfortable. The shop offers wifi, outdoor seating, and is dog-friendly.
Mr Eion Stockbridge Shop
9 Dean Park Street, EH4 1JN Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Mr Eion is a coffee roaster located in Stockbridge near the botanic garden. They roast their coffee on-site and offer a variety of beans from around the world. Visitors often mention that the staff are friendly and helpful with recommendations. You can purchase beans to take home or order a pour over to go. The shop also stocks coffee equipment and provides vegan options.
The Tailor
13 E Norton Pl, EH7 5DR Edinburgh, United Kingdom
The Tailor is a repair and alteration shop located in the Gorgie area of Edinburgh. Customers frequently mention the quick turnaround times for various clothing repairs and adjustments. The owner is noted for being friendly and helpful with complex requests. People often visit for garment resizing, fabric repairs, and custom work.
Little Fitzroy
46 Easter Road, EH7 5PJ Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Little Fitzroy is a multi-roaster coffee shop located on Easter Road in the Abbeyhill area. The cafe serves a rotating selection of beans from various independent roasters and offers a range of coffee brewing methods. Visitors often praise the friendly staff and the variety of vegan-friendly sandwiches, pastries, and baked goods. The space includes a seating area where customers can enjoy their drinks and food. It is closed on Tuesdays.
Mr Eion Trinity Shop
44, 44A E Trinity Road, EH5 3DJ Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Mr Eion Trinity Shop is a coffee roaster located in a quiet Edinburgh neighbourhood. Visitors often mention the friendly staff and the bright, calm atmosphere. You can order espresso or filter coffee alongside various treats like brownies and buns. The shop is dog-friendly and sells bags of their own roasted beans for home brewing.
the source coffee roasters
4 Spittal Street, EH3 9DX Edinburgh, United Kingdom
The Source Coffee Roasters is a small shop on Spittal Street focused on single origin beans. Visitors often praise the knowledgeable staff and the precision used in preparing pour overs and espresso. The space is compact and fills up quickly, so it is better suited for coffee enthusiasts than those looking for a full brunch menu. You can expect a relaxed atmosphere where the baristas are happy to discuss their roasting process and bean selection.
Ante
1b Haddington Pl, EH7 4AE Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Ante is a basement cafe located on Haddington Place, situated directly below the wine bar Spry. The shop serves specialty coffee using beans from the Danish roastery La Cabera. Regulars often praise the friendly staff and the variety of pastries on offer, including seasonal cakes and sourdough. The space is known for its cosy atmosphere, though it can get quite busy during peak hours.
Artisan Roast
57 Broughton St, EH1 3RJ Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Artisan Roast is a long-standing Edinburgh roaster with multiple locations across the city. They roast their own beans and offer a variety of brewing methods, including espresso and daily batch brews. The cafes are known for their cozy, artistic atmosphere and friendly staff. Visitors often praise the selection of pastries, including vegan options, and the quality of the latte art. The space can get busy during peak times.
BEATNIK
2 Brougham Pl, Edinburgh, EH3 9HW Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Beatnik is a coffee shop on Brougham Place that focuses on rotating bean selections. The space features a concrete interior and a no-laptop policy. Visitors often praise the friendly staff and the attention to detail in how coffee is served. You can find espresso and filter options, along with vegan treats and outdoor seating. It is a popular spot for those looking for a relaxed atmosphere near the Meadows.
BRAW BRUNCH
3 East Fountainbridge, EH3 9BH Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Braw Brunch is a small cafe in Edinburgh serving breakfast and lunch. Visitors often mention the friendly staff and the cosy atmosphere. The menu includes pancakes, avocado toast, and various breakfast plates with vegan options available. Because the space is limited, it can take time to find a seat during busy periods. The cafe is dog-friendly and provides espresso for those looking for a quick caffeine fix.
Fortitude Stockbridge
66 Hamilton Place, EH3 5AZ Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Fortitude Stockbridge is a neighbourhood cafe on Hamilton Place serving house-roasted espresso, batch brew, and pour-over coffee. The space features tiled walls and an under-counter Modbar setup that keeps the interior feeling open and airy. Visitors often note the relaxed atmosphere, though the shop fills up quickly at weekends and during busy morning periods. The menu includes a selection of bakes and cakes, with vegan and gluten-free options available. Staff are frequently described as friendly and helpful with drink recommendations.
LOWDOWN
40 George St, EH2 2LE Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Lowdown is a basement coffee shop located on George Street in Edinburgh. The cafe offers a rotating selection of beans for espresso and pour-over brewing. Visitors often praise the avocado toast and the quality of the coffee. You can sit in the sheltered outdoor courtyard or inside the minimalist space. The staff provides table service for both food and drinks.
Artisan Roast, Brundsfield
138 Bruntsfield Pl, EH10 4ER Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Located at 138 Bruntsfield Pl in Edinburgh, this café holds a 4.6 Google rating. They serve espresso, filter coffee, and decaf, with vegan options available.
Cult Espresso
100 Buccleuch St, EH8 9NQ Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Cult Espresso is a coffee roaster located a ten-minute walk from Edinburgh Old Town. The cafe roasts its own beans in small batches using a 6kg Giesen roaster. Inside, the space is long and provides plenty of seating for visitors. Staff are available to help guide customers through the menu and current coffee offerings.
Leo’s Beanery
23A Howe Street, EH3 6TF Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Leo’s Beanery is a cozy cafe in Edinburgh serving homemade breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Visitors often mention the friendly staff and the welcoming atmosphere. The menu features a variety of coffee options alongside homemade cakes, including gluten-free choices. Regulars frequently praise the food, such as the coconut bread and seasonal soups. The space can get busy, but guests generally find the setting comfortable.
Tanifiki Coffee Bar
44 Portobello High St, Portobello, Edinburgh, EH15 1DA Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Tanifiki Coffee Bar is located on Portobello High Street and serves house-roasted coffee. Visitors frequently mention the friendly service and the wide selection of cakes and pastries. The space is laptop-friendly with free wifi, making it a common spot for studying. It is also dog-friendly and sits just a short walk from the beach.
Twelve Triangles
90 Brunswick Street, EH7 5HU Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Twelve Triangles is a sourdough bakery in Edinburgh serving specialty coffee and artisan breads. Visitors frequently praise the quality of their pastries, including the cinnamon buns and filled doughnuts. The shops serve coffee made with Fortitude beans and offer various vegan options. While some locations have limited seating or are takeaway only, the staff are consistently described as friendly and welcoming.
Williams & Johnson Coffee Co.
CUSTOM LANE, 1 Customs Wharf, Leith, EH6 6AL Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Williams and Johnson Coffee Co. is a specialty roastery located at 1 Customs Wharf in Leith. You can watch them roast coffee in small batches on their Probat 12kg machine while you sit inside or at the outdoor tables by the harbour. The menu focuses on single origin coffees served as espresso or filter. Visitors often appreciate the laidback atmosphere and the option to sit by the water. The space is laptop friendly and welcomes dogs.
cafēn
44 Dundas St, EH3 6JN Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Cafēn is a specialty coffee shop located at 44 Dundas Street in Edinburgh. The space features an uncluttered interior with pale olive-green walls and wood furniture. Baristas serve espresso and filter coffee using beans from roasters like Dak Coffee Roasters and La Cabra. Visitors often mention the staff is friendly and helpful with recommendations. The cafe is dog-friendly and offers wifi, outdoor seating, and vegan options.
KUL COFFEE
15 Elm Row, EH7 4AA Edinburgh, United Kingdom
KUL Coffee is a spacious cafe located on Elm Row in Edinburgh. The team serves a variety of espresso-based drinks and a rotating selection of pour-over coffees. Regulars often praise the Turkish eggs and the cinnamon rolls from the brunch menu. The shop is dog-friendly and features outdoor seating for warmer days. Note that the space can become quite loud when busy, and the cafe operates as a laptop-free zone.
Lovecrumbs
155 West Port, EH3 9DP Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Lovecrumbs is a cafe located on West Port in Edinburgh. They serve coffee from Hard Lines Coffee Roasters alongside an extensive selection of cakes, buns, and cookies. Visitors often praise the cozy atmosphere and the window seating area. The shop is a popular spot for locals to relax with a drink or a sweet treat.
Machina Coffee
38 Marchmont Rd, EH9 1HX Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Machina Coffee is a long-standing roastery and cafe located in Edinburgh. Visitors often praise the friendly staff and the quality of their espresso-based drinks like the flat white. The space is laptop-friendly with outdoor seating available for warmer days. It is a popular spot that can fill up quickly on weekend mornings.
The Milkman
7 Cockburn St, EH1 1BP Edinburgh, United Kingdom
The Milkman operates two coffee shops on Cockburn Street in Edinburgh. Visitors often note the small, quaint spaces fill up quickly, so finding a seat can be difficult. The staff is frequently described as friendly and efficient, even during busy periods. You can choose from a range of espresso and filter coffees alongside various pastries and vegan options. Both locations are dog-friendly and offer wifi for those working on laptops.
The Milkman
52 Cockburn St, EH1 1PB Edinburgh, United Kingdom
The Milkman operates two small, popular coffee shops on Cockburn Street in the Old Town. Visitors often mention the friendly staff and efficient service, even when queues form outside. The menu features a variety of pastries and coffee drinks, including cortados. Seating is limited at both locations, so finding a table can be difficult.
Artisan Roast Stockbridge
100A Raeburn Place, EH4 1HH Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Artisan Roast sits on Raeburn Place in the Stockbridge neighbourhood of Edinburgh. The cafe features a rough-hewn interior with bare wood floors and eclectic seating, including plush sofas and outdoor tables. They roast their own beans and offer a range of espresso and filter coffee options. Regulars often praise the oat lattes, hot chocolate, and selection of cakes and pastries. The space is dog-friendly and provides a quiet atmosphere for reading or meeting friends.
Cairngorm Coffee
1 Melville St, EH3 7PR Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Cairngorm Coffee operates two locations in Edinburgh, including a basement space on Frederick Street. They roast their own coffee and serve a menu of espresso and batch brew. Visitors often praise the food, particularly the grilled cheese sandwiches, bacon rolls, and various pastries. The cafes are popular spots for breakfast and lunch, though the seating areas can get busy on weekends.
Origin Coffee
6-8 S College St, EH8 9AA Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Origin Coffee is a specialty roaster located in Edinburgh. You can choose between various beans for your espresso or pour over, each served with a detailed information card. The menu includes pastries and sandwiches from Company Bakery. The space features a modern, simple design that often attracts students and people working on laptops.
Artisan Roast Leith Walk
72-74 Leith Walk, EH6 5HB Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Artisan Roast on Leith Walk serves espresso, filter coffee, and cold brew in a bright, open space. The menu includes breakfast and lunch options with various vegan choices available. Visitors often mention the pastries and granola, though experiences regarding service speed and staff interactions vary. The cafe is dog-friendly and features outdoor seating for warmer days.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I go for a good cup of coffee?
There are many excellent options throughout the city. You might try Artisan Roast, Fortitude Stockbridge, or BEATNIK for a reliable experience.
Are there cafes that also roast their own beans?
Yes, several shops in our directory roast their own coffee. Artisan Roast and the source coffee roasters are two examples where you can find in-house roasting.
Is it easy to find coffee in the Old Town?
The Old Town has a variety of cafes, including spots like BRAW BRUNCH and Ante. It is a walkable area, so you will likely come across several options while exploring.
Do cafes in Edinburgh offer food?
Many cafes offer a selection of cakes, pastries, and light lunch options like soup or sandwiches. It is common to find food alongside your coffee at places like Artisan Roast.
What is the best way to get around to different cafes?
Walking is often the most practical way to move between cafes in the city centre. Be prepared for some steep climbs as you navigate between neighbourhoods.