9 Best Places for Brunch in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s brunch scene showcases the city’s rich Scottish heritage, as well as its eclectic international flair. You’ll find everything from hearty traditional Scottish breakfasts to trendy plant-based dishes and indulgent weekend feasts with flavors from half a world away.

To help you make the most of your next Edinburgh food tour, I thought I’d take a closer look at the best brunch places the Scottish capital has to offer. 

What Makes Brunch in Edinburgh Special?

Brunch in Edinburgh is a unique experience that blends Scottish tradition with eclectic culinary influences that you can only find in a truly international city. Of course, you’ll find classic Scottish ingredients like haggis, black pudding, and scotch eggs. As well as other breakfast dishes from continental Europe and elsewhere.

Edinburgh’s thriving café scene has also fueled the rise of specialty coffee shops and dedicated brunch spots. They can be the perfect opportunity to enjoy an expertly brewed coffee, with pastry or other creative dishes. There are even tons of great brunch spots with gluten-free options and tasty vegan dishes for people with dietary preferences.

Best Brunch Spots in Edinburgh

The following are some of the best brunch spots in Edinburgh to give you a good taste of the city, and some of its must-try signature dishes.

Urban Angel

Photo credit: Urban Angel

Urban Angel in Edinburgh’s New Town area is a basement café with an old-world vibe and a diverse brunch spread. The dining room is furnished with pale pine woodwork with flagstone floors, creating a cozy ambiance.  

The brunch menu is eclectic with options catering to various dietary preferences, including options for vegetarians and vegans. Some of the signature brunch dishes include baked eggs with sourdough toast and Arbroath smokie. A traditional Scottish smoked haddock delicacy.

The café opens daily at 9 am, with the breakfast and brunch menu available Monday to Friday until 2:30 pm. If you want to get a table during peak times it’s best to make a reservation.

Urban Angel (£10–20) – 121 Hanover St, Edinburgh EH2 1DJ, United Kingdom.

Roseleaf Café

Photo credit: Roseleaf Café

Roseleaf Café sits in Edinburgh’s historic Port of Leith where they offer a charming brunch experience. This family-run establishment has a cozy, eclectic ambiance, with quirky decor and warm ambiance.

Their brunch menu has a wide range of classics as well as some unique takes on dishes you won’t find elsewhere in Edinburgh. One standout is the Leith-al Egg, which is a locally sourced haggis-coated free-range egg with a crusty coating. It’s served with an aromatic brown sauce, baked beans, and double-dipped chips.

However, I think the French toast, at the Roseleaf, is the secret gem. It’s made from chunky slices of homemade bread soaked in a richly seasoned egg batter, then pan-fried in butter. It’s served with exceptionally smoky bacon.

The brunch service at Roseleaf starts at 10 am. If you don’t want to wait in line, it’s wise to make reservations.

Roseleaf Café (£10–20) – 23/24 Sandport Pl, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6EW, United Kingdom.

Dishoom

Photo credit: Dishoom

Dishoom in Edinburgh’s New Town area offers a unique brunch experience that pays homage to the Indian cafés of Bombay. The interior has a colonial-era aesthetic, accentuated with modern touches that feels a bit like an upscale café in India. 

Many of the dishes on their brunch menu are Indian or are a creative take on a Scottish classic made with Indian flair. I think their Bacon Naan Roll is one of the must-try when having brunch at Dishoom.

It has perfectly fried bacon that’s not too crisp or too fatty, wrapped in a freshly baked naan with tangy tomato-chili jam and cream cheese. For a vegetarian option, the Egg Naan Roll offers spiced scrambled eggs enveloped in naan bread.

Dishoom serves brunch daily until 11:45 am. While they don’t take reservations, I recommend showing up early to avoid lines. Especially on the weekend.

Dishoom (£15–25) – 3a St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2BD, United Kingdom. 

Brunch for Every Occasion

Edinburgh offers brunch spots for every occasion, and taste. Including specialty weekend services, elegant brunch spreads, and even brunch experiences that cater to vegetarians.

Best Weekend Brunch in Edinburgh

Photo credit: Montpeliers

Montpeliers in Bruntsfield is known for its extensive weekend brunch menu. Their full breakfast platters and espresso martinis make it a great place for a leisurely weekend brunch.

Photo credit: Manahatta

Manahatta brings a New York-inspired vibe to Rose Street. Most of the time, they’re a bar. Then on weekends, they offer an alcohol-friendly brunch service. The menu features tons of American classics and a selection of cocktails reminiscent of NYC’s dining scene. It’s my go-to brunch spot when I need to soften the blow of Saturday night with a mimosa, and some American comfort food.

Vegan & Vegetarian Brunch Options

Photo credit: The Pantry

The Pantry in Stockbridge is a stylish café offering a range of brunch options. This includes hearty Scottish breakfast items as well as tons of creative vegetarian dishes. Their vegan-friendly pancake stacks are a must-try brunch specialty.

Photo credit: Loudons Café & Bakery 

Loudons Café & Bakery offers a fantastic selection of brunch options, including an extensive range of vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free dishes. They also have a wide range of gluten-free pastries available on their brunch menu.

Luxury & Bottomless Brunch in Edinburgh

The Ivy on the Square is a sophisticated brunch destination offering indulgent dishes like eggs Benedict and hot buttermilk pancakes. Along with elegant cocktails or Champagne. Their stylish setting is perfect for a refined brunch experience.

Photo credit: Rabble

Rabble is a trendy bar and grill that also offers a bottomless boozy brunch with unlimited Prosecco. Their brunch menu features avocado toast, buttermilk pancakes, and eggs benedict.

FAQs About Brunch in Edinburgh

What time is brunch in Edinburgh?

Brunch in Edinburgh is typically served between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

Is Scottish breakfast considered brunch?

Yes, a traditional Scottish breakfast with haggis, black pudding, tatties, scones, and eggs is considered a brunch dish in Edinburgh.

Are there good brunch spots near Edinburgh Castle?

Yes! The Edinburgh Larder and Makars Gourmet Mash Bar are excellent brunch choices near Edinburgh Castle.

Sources:

Urban Angel. (n.d.). Home page. Retrieved February 6, 2025, from http://www.urban-angel.co.uk/

Roseleaf. (n.d.). Home page. Retrieved February 6, 2025, from http://www.roseleaf.co.uk/

Montpeliers Edinburgh. (n.d.). Home page. Retrieved February 6, 2025, from http://www.montpeliersedinburgh.co.uk/

Manahatta Edinburgh. (n.d.). Home page. Retrieved February 6, 2025, from https://www.manahatta.co.uk/bars/edinburgh

Dishoom. (n.d.). Home page. (If no official website is available, reference in-text instead.)

The Pantry Edinburgh. (n.d.). Home page. Retrieved February 6, 2025, from http://www.thepantryedinburgh.co.uk/

Loudons. (n.d.). Fountainbridge location. Retrieved February 6, 2025, from https://loudons.co.uk/fountainbridge/

The Ivy Collection. (n.d.). The Ivy on the Square. Retrieved February 6, 2025, from https://ivycollection.com/restaurants/the-ivy-on-the-square/

Edinburgh Larder. (n.d.). Home page. Retrieved February 6, 2025, from http://www.edinburghlarder.co.uk/

Makars Gourmet Mash Bar. (n.d.). Home page. Retrieved February 6, 2025, from https://makarsmash.com/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Edinburgh. Retrieved February 6, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/edinburgh/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Best restaurants in Edinburgh. Retrieved February 6, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/best-restaurants-in-edinburgh/