Quick Answer
The best brunch in Edinburgh is at Loudons (Old Town and Fountainbridge) for families and consistent quality, The Pantry (Stockbridge) for the city’s most beloved weekend institution, Dishoom (New Town) for Bombay-style breakfast, Hula (Grassmarket) for vegan and sustainable dining, Roseleaf (Leith) for the most distinctive experience, and Chorrito (Leith Walk) for Edinburgh’s finest hangover brunch. Most venues open between 8am and 10am and serve until 3–4pm. Weekend bookings are strongly recommended at the most popular spots.
Why Edinburgh Is One of the UK’s Best Brunch Cities
Edinburgh’s brunch scene ranks among the finest in the United Kingdom. Three factors make it distinctive: a post-nightlife culture that demands serious morning-after food; a café landscape dominated by independent owners rather than chains; and a generation of chefs who bring the same ambition to daytime cooking as to dinner service.
The result is a city where a single morning can take you from a lamb sausage muffin crafted by a critically acclaimed chef, to a warm Scandinavian cinnamon bun, to a Bombay-spiced Bacon Naan Roll at Dishoom — a restaurant that is never quiet for a reason.
Scottish licensing law note: Bottomless brunch — unlimited alcohol served with a meal — is not permitted under Scottish licensing law. This is a genuine legal distinction from England and Wales, where the format is widespread. Source: Scottish Government Licensing Law.
How to Navigate This Guide
- By neighbourhood: Old Town, New Town, Stockbridge, Bruntsfield, Leith, Portobello, and more
- By occasion: Hangover, date, family, dog-friendly, solo, special occasion
- By diet: Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options flagged throughout
- By budget: £ under £10 · ££ mid-range · £££ splurge
Local tip: Not all Edinburgh restaurants serve all-day brunch, and many cafés close by mid-afternoon. Always confirm opening hours directly with the venue before visiting, especially on weekdays.
Inspired by Brewhemia’s version? Make your own vegan blueberry French toast casserole at home.
Old Town Brunch Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s Old Town is the city at its most atmospheric — cobblestone closes, volcanic rock, and layered history. Weekend queues are real here. Book ahead wherever possible.
1. Loudons New Waverley — Editor’s Pick
Address: 2 Sibbald Walk, Edinburgh EH1 2BU | Price: £ | Dog-friendly · Vegan menu · Family-friendly
Loudons sits beneath the New Waverley quarter, a short walk from the Royal Mile. The space is large, airy, and genuinely welcoming to families, solo diners, and tourists alike. The Hoots Mon Eggs Benedict — a Scottish twist featuring haggis — is consistently the bestseller. Vegan menus are explicitly detailed with full allergen information, making this one of Edinburgh’s most accessible brunch spots.
Best dishes: Hoots Mon Eggs Benny, full Scottish on sourdough Nearby: Scottish Parliament, Holyrood Palace, Dynamic Earth (5-min walk)
2. The Edinburgh Larder
Address: 57 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh EH1 1NB | Price: ££ | Brunch until 3pm daily
A quiet local institution. The Edinburgh Larder champions seasonal Scottish produce with genuine conviction, rotating its menu throughout the year. The coffee is excellent, and the oat milk porridge has built a loyal following. If you want to eat what Edinburgh actually eats — not what it serves tourists — start here.
Best dishes: Seasonal Scottish specials, porridge, Scottish smoked salmon
3. Spoon Café Bistro
Address: 6–8 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DH | Price: £
A classic, unpretentious bistro with a devoted regular following. Bright staff, relaxed pace, and food that does exactly what it promises. The carrot cake is non-negotiable.
Best dishes: Full Scottish breakfast, carrot cake
4. Brewhemia
Address: 1A Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DE | Price: £–££ | Dog-friendly · Drag brunch events · Vegan fry-up
A pub-restaurant-events hybrid that takes brunch seriously. The menu spans Rabbie’s breakfast, a strong vegan fry-up, and Eggs Benedict. The blueberry muffin French toast is worth every calorie. Weekend drag brunch events make this one of the most entertaining brunch spots in the city.
Best dishes: Blueberry muffin French toast, vegan fry-up
5. The City Cafe
Address: 19 Blair St, Edinburgh EH1 1QR | Price: £ | All-day brunch
An American-style diner in the heart of the Old Town, serving brunch all day. Pancake stacks, poached eggs with hollandaise, and haggis-loaded Scottish options sit alongside each other without any tension. Reliable, fast, and unpretentious.
Best dishes: Pancake stack, classic Scottish fry-up
6. Cowan & Sons
Address: 38 St Mary’s St, Edinburgh EH1 1SX | Price: ££
A minimalist café surrounded by original artworks — all for sale. The Big Brunch Buns have a cult following, and the flat whites are among the best in the Old Town.
Best dishes: Big Brunch Buns, flat white
7. Em’s Kitchen
Address: 57–61 Blackfriars St, Edinburgh EH1 1NB | Price: £
The closest thing in Edinburgh to eating brunch at a talented friend’s home. Beautifully plated classics — tattie scones, streaky bacon, portobello mushroom, hash brown, and haggis with poached egg — executed without fuss.
Best dishes: Full Scottish with tattie scone stack
8. Laila’s — Book Ahead
Address: 63 Cockburn St, Edinburgh EH1 1BS | Price: ££ | Also: Leith Walk and Portobello
One of Edinburgh’s most photographed cafés. The Ruby Buttermilk Waffles with whipped mascarpone, fresh berries, and chocolate maple syrup are the signature. Aleppo eggs and shakshuka anchor the savoury end. Arrive at opening time or book ahead — queues form fast on weekends.
Best dishes: Ruby waffles, Oreo French toast, spiked pink lemonade
9. Southern Cross Café
Address: Near Cockburn St, Old Town (confirm address before visiting) | Price: £
A small, loyal gem popular with visitors heading to Edinburgh Castle. The traditional Scottish breakfast is substantial and carefully cooked. One of the better quiet options in a busy neighbourhood.
Best dishes: Traditional Scottish breakfast Nearby: Edinburgh Castle (10-min walk)
New Town Brunch Edinburgh
Georgian elegance, strong coffee, and all-day menus define Edinburgh’s New Town brunch offering.
10. Dishoom Edinburgh — Editor’s Pick
Address: 3a St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2BD | Price: ££ | Weekdays from 8am · Weekends from 9am · Breakfast ends 11:45am sharp
Dishoom is modelled on the Irani cafés of old Bombay and is one of Edinburgh’s most consistently popular breakfast destinations. The Bacon Naan Roll — Ramsay of Carluke’s smoked streaky bacon in a hand-baked tandoor naan with cream cheese, tomato-chilli jam, and coriander — draws queues every morning. Walk-ins welcome for individuals and pairs. Groups of six or more can book. Arrive shortly after opening for the shortest wait.
Best dishes: Bacon Naan Roll, Keema Per Eedu, bottomless Chai Nearby: St Andrew Square gardens, Princes Street, Scott Monument
11. Urban Angel
Address: 121 Hanover St, Edinburgh EH2 1DJ | Price: ££ | Brunch until ~4:30pm Mon–Fri · Baby-friendly
A warm basement café feeding Edinburgh brunchers for nearly 20 years. The focus is on carefully sourced, seasonal ingredients. The Baked Eggs — spiced tomato sauce with chorizo, black pudding, coriander, and chilli jam on sourdough — is a standout dish and one of the most imitated brunch items in the city.
Best dishes: Baked Eggs, Eggs Benedict, French toast, smoothie bowl
12. Söderberg George Street
Address: 14 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PF | Price: ££ | Dog-friendly · Also: Stockbridge and Quartermile
Edinburgh’s most beloved bakery group. The cinnamon buns are baked fresh in-house and sell out on weekend mornings — go early. The breakfast basket and flat white are equally well-regarded. A reliable, high-quality stop anywhere in the city.
Best dishes: Cinnamon bun, breakfast basket, flat white
13. Duck & Waffle Edinburgh — Book Ahead
Address: 400–402 St James Crescent, St James Quarter, Edinburgh EH1 3AE | Price: £££
Gastro-diner energy in the St James Quarter development. The Salmon Royale — smoked salmon over poached eggs with hollandaise, horseradish, and chives — is a visual and culinary standout. Best suited to a special occasion brunch rather than a casual weekend visit. A luxury brunch makes for a perfect date — here are more date ideas to try with your partner once a month.
Best dishes: Salmon Royale, signature waffles
14. Ivy on the Square
Address: 6 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2AD | Price: £££ | Art deco setting
Art deco-inspired interiors, marble tables, and velvet seating deliver one of Edinburgh’s most polished brunch experiences. Eggs Benedict is beautifully presented. This is the kind of brunch you photograph first and eat second — and the food justifies both.
Best dishes: Eggs Benedict, weekend brunch cocktails
15. Rabble Taphouse & Grill
Address: 55A Frederick St, Edinburgh EH2 1LH | Price: ££ | Dog-friendly (outdoor)
Stylish, green-filled, and easy to linger in for hours. Ideal for longer, more social weekend brunch sessions in the New Town. The outdoor space is one of the best in the area for dogs.
Best dishes: The Rabble Plate, brunch cocktails
Stockbridge Brunch Edinburgh
Stockbridge is Edinburgh’s brunch capital. Independent shops, the Water of Leith, a Sunday market, and the highest concentration of excellent cafés per square mile make it the best neighbourhood in the city for a slow Saturday or Sunday morning.
16. The Pantry Stockbridge — Editor’s Pick
Address: 1 North West Circus Place, Edinburgh EH3 6ST | Price: ££ | Essential to book on weekends
A brunch institution in Edinburgh. The Breakfast Board — artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and homemade preserves — is unlike anything else on the city’s brunch scene. Eggs Benedict, full fry-ups, and waffles are all reliably excellent. On a weekend morning, this is where Edinburgh goes for brunch.
Best dishes: Breakfast Board, Eggs Benedict, waffles Nearby: Water of Leith to Dean Village (10-min walk) · Stockbridge Market Sundays 10am–4pm
17. Söderberg Stockbridge
Address: Deanhaugh St, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH4 1LR | Price: ££
Window seats overlooking Deanhaugh Street are perfect for slow Sunday mornings. A warm cinnamon bun and a strong flat white is a complete Edinburgh experience in two items.
Best dishes: Cinnamon bun, open sandwiches, flat white
18. La Barantine
Address: 65 Raeburn Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH4 1HH | Price: £ | Authentic French bakery
Authentic French bread, buttery pastries, and elegant sweet treats in a neighbourhood that rewards independent discovery. Perfect for a light brunch or an indulgent mid-morning stop before exploring Stockbridge.
Best dishes: Croissants, pain au chocolat, seasonal tarts
19. The Raeburn
Address: 112 Raeburn Pl, Edinburgh EH4 1HG | Price: ££–£££ | Dog-friendly · Boutique hotel restaurant
A reliable weekend brunch anchor in the heart of Stockbridge. A proper Scottish fry-up with haggis and black pudding sits alongside lighter buttermilk pancakes with seasonal toppings — both executed well. The hotel setting adds a level of comfort that makes it easy to stay longer than planned.
Best dishes: Scottish fry-up, buttermilk pancakes Nearby: Water of Leith walkway, Royal Botanic Garden (20-min walk)
Bruntsfield and Morningside Brunch Edinburgh
Local favourites with low-key vibes and a strong independent café culture.
20. Margot Wine Bar — Editor’s Pick
Address: 15 Roseneath Street, Edinburgh EH9 1JH | Price: ££–£££
Sister restaurant to the acclaimed Leftfield bistro. The polenta bowls topped with sticky soy mushrooms, eggs, crispy chilli oil, and coriander are outstanding — and unlike anything else in Bruntsfield. A genuinely inventive brunch menu that rewards curiosity.
Best dishes: Polenta bowl with soy mushrooms and chilli oil, Mimosa
21. Montpeliers Bruntsfield
Address: 159–161 Bruntsfield Pl, Edinburgh EH10 4DG | Price: ££ | Dog-friendly inside and out · All-day brunch
Gorgeous flower boxes, an all-day menu, and a dedicated kids’ option — the Wee Full Monty — make this one of Edinburgh’s most family-friendly brunch spots. The Buffalo Bill Bloody Mary is a weekend essential.
Best dishes: Full Monty fry-up, Buffalo Bill Bloody Mary, caramelised banana pancakes Nearby: Bruntsfield Links, the Meadows (10-min walk)
22. Salt Café
Address: 54 Morningside Rd, Edinburgh EH10 4BF | Price: £–££ | Family-run · TripAdvisor UK Brunch Award Winner 2021
Run by Steve (who cooks) and Liv (who bakes), this family-run Morningside café has built a devoted following on locally sourced, homemade food. The seasonal all-day brunch menu changes regularly and is one of the most honest menus in the city.
Best dishes: Seasonal specials, Butcher’s Breakfast, homemade bakes
23. Victor Hugo Deli
Address: 457 Morningside Rd, Edinburgh EH10 4QJ | Price: £–££ | French-style deli
A charming Francophile deli that transports you to a Parisian neighbourhood café without leaving Morningside. The Croque Madame with crispy fries is essential.
Best dishes: Croque Madame with fries
24. Honeycomb & Co
Address: 1 Merchiston Pl, Edinburgh EH10 4NP | Price: ££
Fresh, seasonal ingredients take centre stage here. The shakshuka — poached eggs in spiced tomato and pepper sauce on crusty bread — is both a standout dish and fully vegan-friendly.
Best dishes: Shakshuka, seasonal specials
25. Black Ivy
Address: 4 Alvanley Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 1DU | Price: ££ | Dog-friendly · Baby-friendly
A popular neighbourhood spot with a chic, cosy interior and an outdoor dining area. The Black Ivy Bennys are the house signature and have their own loyal following.
Best dishes: Black Ivy Benny, brunch grill, buttermilk pancakes Nearby: The Meadows, Bruntsfield Links
Grassmarket and West Bow Brunch Edinburgh
Bohemian energy, castle views, and Edinburgh’s most sustainability-focused café.
26. Hula Juice Bar & Café — Most Sustainable
Address: 103–105 West Bow, Edinburgh EH1 2JP | Price: £–££ | Dog-friendly · Extensive vegan menu · Plastic-free
Edinburgh’s most sustainability-conscious brunch café. Plastic-free, vegan-forward, and dog-friendly, Hula sits on the winding street leading down to the Grassmarket. The Acai Bowl has a near-cult following across the city. A second location operates at 77 Barclay Terrace, Fountainbridge.
Best dishes: Acai Bowl, smoothie bowl, avocado toast Nearby: Greyfriars Bobby, the Meadows, Edinburgh Castle (5-min walk)
27. Le Petit Café
Address: 32 Morrison St, Edinburgh EH3 8DT | Price: £ | French crêperie
A charming French café just off Lothian Road, specialising in sweet and savoury crêpes. The seasonal menu shifts monthly and is worth checking in advance.
Best dishes: Seasonal savoury crêpe, sweet crêpe du jour
Leith Brunch Edinburgh
Leith — Edinburgh’s former port district — is now the city’s most dynamic food neighbourhood, with independent restaurants, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and a community that treats eating as seriously as anywhere in Scotland.
28. Roseleaf Café — Most Unique
Address: 23–24 Sandport Place, Edinburgh EH6 6EW | Price: ££ | Dog-friendly · Brunch until 5pm daily · Family-run
A family-run bar-café-bistro decorated with second-hand furniture and unusual trinkets that somehow works perfectly. Brunch runs until 5pm every day — the latest of any Edinburgh venue on this list. The Leith-al Egg — a haggis-coated free-range Scotch egg served with aromatic brown sauce, baked beans, and double-dipped chips — is unlike anything else in the city.
Best dishes: Leith-al Egg, French toast, full Scottish Nearby: Water of Leith, Royal Yacht Britannia at Ocean Terminal
29. Chorrito — Best Hangover Brunch
Address: 126 Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH6 5DT | Price: £–££ | Opens 12pm · Walk-in only · No reservations
Widely regarded as Edinburgh’s finest hangover brunch. Leith regulars wait outside before Chorrito opens at noon. Huevos rancheros, fried egg tacos, and chicken mulitas are all extraordinary, served with the restaurant’s own-brand hot sauces. A spiced margarita completes the recovery. Does not open earlier than 12pm. No exceptions.
Best dishes: Chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, spiced margarita
30. Down the Hatch
Address: 13 Antigua St, Edinburgh EH1 3NH | Price: £–££ | North American-influenced
One of the owners is Canadian, which means poutine occasionally features alongside the standard breakfast menu. The sizzling breakfast skillets are highly recommended and some of the most satisfying comfort food in the city.
Best dishes: Breakfast skillet, poutine (when available) Nearby: Calton Hill, Edinburgh Playhouse
31. Sabzi
Address: 162 Ferry Rd, Edinburgh EH6 4NS | Price: £ | Award-winning Indian street food
One of Edinburgh’s most unusual and satisfying brunch options. Meat and eggs served on naan with beans and coriander — a remarkable breakfast that earns its place among the city’s best. Al fresco dining available when the weather permits.
Best dishes: Egg and meat naan breakfast
32. Di Giorgio
Address: 1 Brandon Terrace, Canonmills, Edinburgh EH3 5EA | Price: £ | Family-run
Generous portions, excellent staff, and tray bakes in the window that are nearly impossible to walk past. The Royal Botanic Garden is a five-minute walk away, making this a natural starting point for a morning in the area.
Best dishes: Full Scottish, tray bakes Nearby: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (5-min walk)
33. The Birchwood
Address: 3–5 Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH6 8LN | Price: £–££
A welcoming spot where homemade dishes do the talking. The breakfast skillet — loaded with eggs, potatoes, sausage, and melted cheese — is exactly what a cold Edinburgh morning demands.
Best dishes: Breakfast skillet, buttermilk pancakes
Portobello Brunch Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s seaside suburb delivers brunch with beach views and a relaxed pace that the city centre cannot match.
34. The Beach House Portobello — Best View
Address: 57 Bath St, Edinburgh EH15 1HE | Price: ££ | Views of Portobello Beach
Shakshuka on sourdough toast with a direct view of Portobello Beach is a genuinely special experience. Simple food, beautifully executed. On sunny days, this is the best brunch seat in Edinburgh.
Best dishes: Shakshuka on sourdough, full Scottish Nearby: Portobello promenade, independent shops on the High Street
35. Laila’s Portobello
Address: 112 Portobello High St, Edinburgh EH15 1AL | Price: ££ | Book ahead
The Portobello outpost of the beloved pink café brings Laila’s full menu — waffles, French toast, Aleppo eggs — to Edinburgh’s beachside village. Book ahead on weekends.
Best dishes: Ruby waffles, Oreo French toast
Fountainbridge and Haymarket Brunch Edinburgh
36. Loudons Fountainbridge — Extended Weekend Menu
Address: 94B Fountainbridge, Edinburgh EH3 9QA | Price: £–££ | Dog-friendly · Baby-friendly · Weekends until 4pm
The original Loudons, and still one of the best. At weekends, breakfast extends to 4pm — a genuine hero for late risers in Edinburgh. The hot smoked salmon with poached eggs, chipotle coriander sauce, and Cajun-spiced crayfish is one of the finest brunch dishes in the city.
Best dishes: Hot smoked salmon with poached eggs, full Scottish with tattie scones, pancakes Nearby: Edinburgh Castle (16-min walk), Haymarket station (10-min walk)
37. The Clock Café
Address: Dalry Road, Edinburgh EH11 (confirm address before visiting) | Price: £
In the local Dalry neighbourhood near Haymarket. Eclectic décor, fresh coffee, and hearty portions without unnecessary fuss. A reliable neighbourhood café for those who know it.
Best dishes: Full Scottish breakfast
Special Occasion and Luxury Brunch Edinburgh
38. The Spence at Gleneagles Townhouse — Best Special Occasion
Address: 39 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2AD | Price: £££ | Monthly Brunch Club: last Sunday, £85pp
Edinburgh’s most theatrical dining space — a converted banking hall with soaring ceilings and a glass dome skylight. The monthly Brunch Club (last Sunday of each month, noon–3pm, £85 per person) is a lavish unlimited buffet complete with a full dessert room, doughnut station, and chocolate fountain. Townhouse members get priority booking up to two months ahead. Check the Gleneagles Townhouse website for dates and availability.
Best dishes: Monthly Brunch Club — this is the signature experience
39. Canopy Rooftop Café
Address: Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2EL | Price: ££–£££ | Food: book ahead · Drinks terrace: walk-in
A hidden gem with what many consider the best panoramic view in Edinburgh. Locally sourced, seasonal, and organic ingredients underpin a menu designed to match the exceptional setting.
Best dishes: Seasonal brunch special, rooftop cocktails
40. Haute Dolci Edinburgh
Address: 400–402 St James Crescent, St James Quarter, Edinburgh EH1 3AE | Price: ££
A unique fusion of brunch and dessert in the St James Quarter. Waffles with strawberries, chocolate sauce, and ice cream occupy their own category of indulgence.
Best dishes: Waffles with chocolate sauce and ice cream
Hidden Gem Brunch Spots in Edinburgh
41. Greenwoods — Chef-Led
Address: Confirm address before visiting | Price: ££ | Open kitchen
The haggis in the full Scottish at Greenwoods earns rare perfect marks from local food writers. An open kitchen, homemade soda bread, and a remarkably calm atmosphere make this one of Edinburgh’s most underrated brunch spots.
Best dishes: Full Scottish with haggis, homemade soda bread
42. Ardfern — Chef-Led
Address: 1 Broughton Place, Edinburgh EH1 3RX | Price: ££–£££ | Chef: Roberta Hall
The latest project from Roberta Hall, one of Edinburgh’s most respected chefs. Scottish staples are reimagined with intelligence — the lamb sausage muffin with cheese and egg is both nostalgic and extraordinary.
Best dishes: Lamb sausage muffin, full Scottish with homemade haggis
43. Mimi’s Bakehouse
Address: 1 Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DE | Price: £–££ | Also: Leith and other locations
A beloved Edinburgh bakery-café brand established in 2010. The French Toast with Nutella and hazelnut is a visual and taste standout. The homemade ethos is evident in every dish.
Best dishes: French Toast with Nutella and hazelnut, seasonal bakes
Quick Comparison: Edinburgh Brunch by Category
| Venue | Area | Price | Best For | Dogs | Vegan | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loudons New Waverley | Old Town | £ | Families, all-round | Yes | Yes | Recommended |
| Edinburgh Larder | Old Town | ££ | Seasonal Scottish | — | Yes | Walk-in |
| Laila’s | Old Town/Portobello | ££ | Instagram-worthy | No | Limited | Essential |
| Dishoom | New Town | ££ | Bombay breakfast | No | Yes | Walk-in (groups book) |
| Urban Angel | New Town | ££ | Organic, family | No | Yes | Recommended wknds |
| Söderberg | Citywide | ££ | Coffee and pastries | Yes | Yes | Walk-in |
| Duck & Waffle | St James Quarter | £££ | Occasion dining | — | Limited | Essential |
| Ivy on the Square | New Town | £££ | Art deco splurge | — | — | Recommended |
| The Pantry | Stockbridge | ££ | Weekend institution | No | Yes | Essential wknds |
| The Raeburn | Stockbridge | ££–£££ | Dog-friendly hotel | Yes | — | Recommended |
| Margot Wine Bar | Bruntsfield | ££–£££ | Inventive dishes | — | Yes | Recommended |
| Montpeliers | Bruntsfield | ££ | Dogs, families, all-day | Yes | Yes | Walk-in |
| Salt Café | Morningside | £–££ | Award-winning local | — | Yes | Walk-in |
| Hula | Grassmarket | £–££ | Vegan, sustainable | Yes | Yes | Walk-in |
| Roseleaf | Leith | ££ | Unique, until 5pm | Yes | Yes | Walk-in |
| Chorrito | Leith Walk | £–££ | Hangover brunch | No | Limited | Walk-in only |
| Beach House | Portobello | ££ | Views and seaside | Yes | Yes | Walk-in |
| Loudons Fountainbridge | Fountainbridge | £–££ | Late risers, families | Yes | Yes | Recommended |
| Ardfern | Broughton Place | ££–£££ | Chef-led Scottish | — | Limited | Recommended |
| The Spence | St Andrew Square | £££ | Monthly Brunch Club | — | Yes | Essential |
Vegan Brunch in Edinburgh
The best vegan brunch in Edinburgh is at Hula (Grassmarket and Fountainbridge) — plastic-free, vegan-forward, and the city-wide benchmark for plant-based brunch. Other strong options include Brewhemia in the Old Town (one of the best vegan fry-ups in the city), all Loudons locations (clearly labelled vegan menus with detailed allergen information), Urban Angel in the New Town (strong vegan options including vegan Baked Eggs), and Honeycomb & Co in Bruntsfield (the shakshuka is vegan-friendly and outstanding).
Dog-Friendly Brunch in Edinburgh
The most dog-welcoming brunch spot in Edinburgh is Roseleaf in Leith, where dogs are treated as guests rather than tolerated. Other strong dog-friendly options include Montpeliers in Bruntsfield (dogs welcome inside and outside), Hula in the Grassmarket (handy for Greyfriars and the Meadows), The Raeburn in Stockbridge (ideal starting point for a Water of Leith walk), Black Ivy in Bruntsfield (outdoor dining area), all Loudons locations, and Rabble Taphouse in the New Town (outdoor seating). Edinburgh’s countryside is just a short drive away — pack up with these easy camping meals for a weekend adventure.”
Family Brunch in Edinburgh
The most family-friendly brunch in Edinburgh is at Loudons (all locations) — high chairs, detailed allergen information, pram-accessible spaces, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes families feel considered rather than accommodated. Other strong family options include Montpeliers in Bruntsfield (the Wee Full Monty kids’ menu is a genuine touch), Urban Angel in the New Town (baby-friendly with weekend booking essential), and Roseleaf in Leith (all ages genuinely welcome in a relaxed, unpretentious environment).
Brunch Near Edinburgh’s Main Attractions
| Attraction | Nearest Brunch Spots |
|---|---|
| Edinburgh Castle | Loudons New Waverley (10-min walk), Hula Grassmarket (5-min walk) |
| The Royal Mile | Edinburgh Larder, Spoon Café, Brewhemia, Em’s Kitchen |
| Arthur’s Seat / Holyrood | Loudons New Waverley, Sabzi (Ferry Rd) |
| Princes St / St James Quarter | Duck & Waffle, Ivy on the Square, Söderberg George St, Dishoom |
| Royal Botanic Garden | Di Giorgio (5-min walk), The Raeburn (Stockbridge) |
| Royal Yacht Britannia | Roseleaf Café (Port of Leith, walking distance) |
| Calton Hill | Down the Hatch, Urban Angel |
What to Do After Brunch in Edinburgh
After Stockbridge brunch: Walk the Water of Leith to Dean Village (15 minutes) or up to the Royal Botanic Garden. On Sundays, browse Stockbridge Market on Saunders Street (10am–4pm).
After Old Town brunch: Walk the Royal Mile, visit Edinburgh Castle, explore Victoria Street, and head down to the Grassmarket.
After Leith brunch: Visit the Royal Yacht Britannia at Ocean Terminal, walk the Shore, or explore the Pitt Street food market.
After Bruntsfield brunch: Walk across Bruntsfield Links or into the Meadows. Continue south to Morningside for independent shopping.
After Portobello brunch: Walk along the promenade, browse the independent shops on the High Street, or swim at Portobello Pool (seasonal).
After New Town brunch: Stroll through St Andrew Square gardens, walk to Calton Hill for panoramic views, or browse the boutiques on Thistle Street.
Hosting a lazy weekend at home instead? Try these easy breakfast casserole recipes that serve a crowd without the fuss.
Frequently Asked Questions About Edinburgh Brunch
What is the best brunch in Edinburgh?
The best brunch in Edinburgh is at Loudons (Old Town and Fountainbridge) for families and consistent quality, The Pantry in Stockbridge for the city’s weekend institution experience, Dishoom in the New Town for Bombay-style breakfast, Hula in the Grassmarket for vegan and sustainable brunch, and Chorrito on Leith Walk for Edinburgh’s finest hangover brunch.
What is a full Scottish breakfast?
A full Scottish breakfast includes back bacon, eggs, square sausage or link sausages, haggis, black pudding, tattie scones, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, and mushrooms, served with toast or soda bread. It differs from the English fry-up through the addition of haggis, tattie scones, and square sausage — ingredients that are distinctly Scottish in origin and preparation.
What is a tattie scone?
A tattie scone is a flat, savoury scone made from mashed potato, flour, butter, and salt. It is a distinctly Scottish staple, typically served fried or griddled alongside a full Scottish breakfast. The name comes from “tattie,” the Scottish word for potato.
Is bottomless brunch legal in Edinburgh?
No. Unlimited alcohol served with a meal — known as bottomless brunch — is not permitted under Scottish licensing law. This is a genuine legal distinction from England and Wales, where the format is widespread. The relevant legislation is the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. Source: Scottish Government licensing guidance.
What time does brunch start in Edinburgh?
Most Edinburgh brunch spots open between 8am and 10am. Dishoom opens from 8am on weekdays and 9am on weekends, with breakfast ending at 11:45am. Brunch menus at most venues run until 3–4pm. Roseleaf in Leith serves brunch until 5pm daily. Chorrito on Leith Walk opens at 12pm and not before.
Where is the best vegan brunch in Edinburgh?
The best vegan brunch in Edinburgh is at Hula, located at 103–105 West Bow in the Grassmarket and at 77 Barclay Terrace in Fountainbridge. Hula is entirely plastic-free and vegan-forward. Other strong vegan options include Loudons (all locations), Brewhemia in the Old Town, Urban Angel in the New Town, and Honeycomb and Co in Bruntsfield. Inspired by Brewhemia’s version? Make your own vegan blueberry French toast casserole at home.
What is the best hangover brunch in Edinburgh?
Chorrito at 126 Leith Walk (EH6 5DT) is widely regarded as the best hangover brunch in Edinburgh. It opens at 12pm and serves Mexican brunch including chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and spiced margaritas. Dishoom’s Bacon Naan Roll is also a highly regarded option for hangover recovery.
Which area of Edinburgh has the best brunch?
Stockbridge and Bruntsfield are consistently considered the best Edinburgh neighbourhoods for brunch, with the highest concentration of independent cafés and proximity to green space. Leith offers the most eclectic and adventurous dining experiences. The New Town has the widest range of settings, from casual to luxury.
Where is the best dog-friendly brunch in Edinburgh?
The best dog-friendly brunch in Edinburgh is at Roseleaf in Leith, Montpeliers in Bruntsfield (dogs welcome inside and outside), Hula in the Grassmarket, The Raeburn in Stockbridge, Black Ivy in Bruntsfield, and all Loudons locations.
Insider Tips: Edinburgh Brunch Like a Local
Book ahead for weekend brunch at The Pantry, Urban Angel, and Dishoom. These venues fill up quickly, especially in summer and during the Edinburgh Festival (August).
Arrive at opening time at Laila’s if you want to avoid a queue — or embrace it, because it moves and the food is worth every minute.
Söderberg’s cinnamon buns sell out fast on weekends. Go early, especially at the Stockbridge branch.
Chorrito opens at 12pm and not before. Do not show up at 10am.
The Stockbridge Sunday Market on Saunders Street (10am–4pm) pairs perfectly with brunch at The Pantry or Söderberg.
The Spence Brunch Club at Gleneagles Townhouse is the last Sunday of each month, at £85 per person. Book well in advance — it sells out.
Weekday brunch is a genuinely good option in Edinburgh. Crowds thin considerably Monday to Friday, and many venues are quieter and easier to access.
Always ask about haggis if it is not on the menu. Many Edinburgh cafés will add it on request.
Dishoom is primarily walk-in for individuals and pairs. Arriving shortly after opening is the best strategy to minimise wait time.
Some of Edinburgh’s best brunch spots are in basement spaces — Urban Angel is the prime example. Do not be deterred by the stairs.
Sources and Further Reading
- Scottish Government: Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005
- Gleneagles Townhouse: Official website
- Dishoom: Official website and menu
- TripAdvisor UK Brunch Awards 2021 (Salt Café, Morningside — awarded winner)
- VisitScotland: Edinburgh food and drink guide
This guide covers brunch venues across Edinburgh’s main neighbourhoods and is updated regularly. If a venue has closed or changed its hours, please verify directly before visiting.
Leave a Reply