15 of the best restaurants and cafes for brunch in Edinburgh

With Edinburgh Festival approaching, finding the perfect brunch venue to shake off the cobwebs will be key to making it through another day of celebrations.

Published 22nd Jul 2017
Updated 8 th Aug 2023

Scotland's capital has plenty of excellent brunch options, from casual bagel shops to sit-down seasonal Scottish fare.  Here's our pick of some of the best spots to enjoy brunch in Edinburgh.

Roseleaf

(23-24 Sandport Pl, Edinburgh EH6 6EW)

Picture: Roseleaf

Picture: Roseleaf

Featuring dainty crockery, pre-owned furniture, local art work, and a selection of eccentric hats you can borrow, Roseleaf is well-known among Leithers as one of the best brunches in town.

Served from 10am - 4pm, the brunch menu offers various types of eggs benedict, alongside full breakfasts, porridge, French toast and the much-loved tattie stack - double homemade tattie scones with an egg and an option of either a streaky bacon and black pudding topping or veggie haggis, tomato and mushroom.

There's also a quirky drinks list and you can get cocktails in teapots.

Nobles

(44A Constitution St, Edinburgh EH6 6RS)

Nobles breakfast

Picture: Nobles

This elegant Victorian cafe-bar has beautiful stained glass windows, dark wood panelling and a distinct nautical theme harking back to the maritime heritage of Leith.

Offering up hearty full breakfasts, including a vegan option, and short rib benedict, there's something for everyone at this buzzy , casual brunch venue.

The place fills up at weekends so if you're planning on going, book ahead.

The Little Chartroom

(30 Albert Pl, Edinburgh EH7 5HN)

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Picture: The Little Chartroom

Mushrooms, bacon jam, poached eggs and Twelve Triangles sourdough toast. (Picture: The Little Chartroom)

Served on Sundays from 10am to 1.30pm, The Little Chartroom's brunch is becoming well-known among Edinburgh foodies for its creative, seasonal dishes.

The menu changes regularly but expect to see things like beef bavette crumpets or smoked fish and mussel kedegree rather than your usual fry up.

The restaurant is cosy, with just 18 seats, so make sure to book ahead.

Honeycomb & C0

(1 Merchiston Pl, Edinburgh EH10 4NP)

Avocado toast. (Picture: Honeycomb & Co).

Avocado toast. (Picture: Honeycomb & Co).

Weekend brunch is on from 12 - 4pm at this bright, cheerful Bruntsfield spot.

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Honeycomb's menus combine signature favourites with new creations,  showcasing flavours from around the world with dishes such as sweetcorn fritter, eggs, mango salsa and smashed avo and hot and spicy French toast.

There's also a good drinks menu with bellinis, spritz and Bloody Mary some of the more potent morning tipples on offer.

Bross bagels 

(Various locations - Leith, Portobello & West End)

Picture: Bross Bagels

The C3PO (chipotle chicken club with smashed avo, maple bacon and dill pickles) served on a lightly toasted Montreal style bagel. (Picture: Bross Bagels)

With locations in Leith, Portobello and the West End, Bross bagels is becoming a cult name on Edinburgh's brunch map.

Inspired by the bagels of Montreal and New York, these breakfast treats are available with myriad toppings.

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The Chicken Parm claims to be a three-day hangover cure, and contains chicken schnitzel, jalapenos, melted mozzerella and Uncle Jimmy‘s meshugga marinara sauce. There are also creative vegan options.

Urban Angel

(121 Hanover Street, EH2 1DJ)

A photo posted by Sarah Manavis (@sarahmanavis) on

With an environmentally conscious ethos, effortlessly cool eatery Urban Angel sources fresh, seasonal produce, making every visit a unique experience. Their all-day brunch menu boasts Arbroath smokies, French toast, oatmeal and breakfast smoothies, along with the option of add-ons like haggis and black pudding.

If you're prepared to queue for your weekend brunch, you'll be rewarded with great food and a welcoming, cosy atmosphere.

Blue Bear Cafe

(9 Brandon Terrace, Edinburgh EH3 5EA)

A photo posted by Jenny (@jennyhallam) on

This trendy establishment has lighter options like bagels or omelettes, as well as their hearty signature Big Bear cooked breakfast. If it's a rare sunny day, be sure to grab a table outside and enjoy an al-fresco brunch.

If you're struggling to decide, you can’t go wrong with Blue Bear’s eggs benedict and cup of coffee. Their cute bear latte art will put a smile on any face.

Treacle

(39-41 Broughton Street, EH1 3JU)

Treacle on Broughton Street is a bar and kitchen serving up an adventurous yet modestly priced menu. The slick finish of the restaurant, with its leather quilted bar and exposed brick walls, has made it a regular haunt for families and young professionals alike.

Their brunch menu includes Belgian waffles and full Scottish breakfasts, as well as less traditional (but perhaps more exciting) Asian inspired dishes. If you're feeling adventurous, opt for steamed bao buns with pork belly, or banh mi - Vietnamese style sandwiches, served on baguettes. No matter what your particular comfort food is, you'll find it here.

The Edinburgh Larder

(15 Blackfriars St, Edinburgh EH1 1NB)

A photo posted by @prabashh on

Despite being in the heart of Edinburgh’s bustling Old Town (otherwise known as tourist central) the Edinburgh Larder is a favourite among locals.

Here, brunch is served until 12pm, and - with a choice of freshly baked scones, artisan rolls, porridge and veggie breakfasts - there’s something to satisfy all tastes. Coffee is provided by local specialists Artisan Roast, or you can try homemade, seasonal cordial for something a little more refreshing.

The Pantry

( 1 North West Circus Place, EH3 6ST)

A photo posted by Hilary Sturzaker (@mymonkfish) on

If you aren’t a meat eater and you’ve grown tired of the same old veggie alternatives, The Pantry is the brunch destination for you. The light and airy Stockbridge restaurant serves brunch until 3:30pm at the weekend, so an early rise doesn't have to be on the cards after a wild night out.

Choose from small plates to share, every variation on eggs benedict imaginable or freshly made waffles. For anyone feeling famished, there are also large plates for both vegetarians and meat eaters on offer.

Broughton Delicatessen and Cafe

(7 Barony St, Edinburgh EH3 6PD)

A photo posted by Leigh Weston (@sgt.smak) on

Hardwood floors, high ceilings and huge windows will provide a bright and airy setting for your brunch experience at this hidden gem.

Located on Barony Street in Edinburgh's East End, the Broughton Delicatessen and Cafe does a fantastic cooked breakfast, with one of the best tattie scones you’ll ever taste. If you’re looking for something lighter, they have a great selection of egg dishes and a spicy Moroccan flat bread and chickpea platter.

Montpeliers

(159-161 Bruntsfield Pl, Edinburgh EH10 4DG)

Beautifully presented, and with plenty of seating both inside and out, Montpeliers in Bruntsfield is a brunch institution in the city, and popular with everyone from students to families.

If you have a sweet tooth, their caramelised banana pancakes with butterscotch sauce and creme fraiche will provide the sugar hit you need. For some slightly more serious eating, go for the aptly named Full Monty, featuring everything from chargrilled chicken and Ayrshire bacon to Scottish minute steak and haggis.

Leo's Beanery

(23A Howe St, Edinburgh EH3 6TF)

Leo's Beanery

Picture: Leo's Beanery

For a touch of the personal, family-run cafe Leo’s Beanery will make you feel right at home, with a tempting daily spread of homemade breads and cakes. It’s the ideal quiet spot to enjoy seasonal flavours and recharge for the day or week ahead.

The Beanery's bacon and black pudding is sourced locally from Stockbridge (where the cafe is based) and the delicious smell of freshly baked bread fills the space daily. Meals here are simple but wholesome, and will leave you feeling satisfied, such as a smoked salmon, rocket and cream cheese bagel, or Scottish porridge oats with stewed spiced apple.

Smoke Stack

(53-55 Broughton St, Edinburgh EH1 3RJ)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BceoNnbB8ce/?taken-at=363408016

Serving brunch from 9am to 4pm at the weekends, Smoke Stack are Edinburgh's waffle connoisseurs, and their offerings certainly aren't run of the mill.

The huevos rancheros waffles topped with salsa, black beans, Monterey Jack cheese and a fried egg are a stand out, and go perfectly with a freshly made smoothie.

Situated on bustling Broughton Street, the floor-to-ceiling windows at the front of the restaurant provide great people watching opportunities while you eat.

MUMS Great Comfort Food

(4A Forrest Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2QN)

A photo posted by Mr & Ms Rico (@mrandmsrico) on

You guessed it - comfort food is the name of the game at MUMS, which makes for a unique and truly tempting lunch menu.

Before 12pm, diners can munch through stacks of fluffy pancakes, as well as both meaty and vegetarian friendly breakfasts. Later on, look forward to the likes of sausage and mash, pies and stews or gourmet burgers.

It’s a simple, classic menu, but each dish is carefully prepared, and made with love - just like your mum would make it, presumably.

Crystal is Digital Content Editor at JPI Media and writes for Scotsman Food & Drink on the latest restaurant openings, and best places to eat and drink around the country.
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