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Local roaster with a following among Edinburgh coffee drinkers. Pair a filter or flat white with the sea salt hazelnut caramel shortbread.

Weekday mornings are quieter

Bright corner shop that roasts its own beans. Strong coffee, toasties and sweet bakes, with seats by the windows.

Try the toasties at lunch

Specialty coffee served from a converted alleyway, with beans from its own roastery and guest roasters. Good for brunch.

Come midweek, avoid weekend queues

Small Southeast Asian spot. Order the hand-pulled noodles with braised pork, or let the kitchen choose for you.

Book ahead, very small room

Long-running Scottish-Indian favourite serving tapas-sized curries to share, such as tikka variations. A full meal comes in under 30 pounds.

Order several small plates

Newest opening from the Little Chartroom and Eleanore team. Try the baked fish crumpet and chilli peanut ribs with a peach sour.

Reserve for evenings

Stylish newer bistro. Start with house potato chips, cream cheese and trout roe, then burger or steak frites. Lunch set is good value.

Try the lunch set menu

Curved, colourful terraced street dropping toward the Grassmarket. Shoot at first light or on a Sunday morning for fewer people.

Go at first light

Free hilltop with classical monuments and wide views over Princes Street, the castle and Arthur's Seat. Best at sunset.

Arrive 30 minutes before sunset

Old mill houses beside the Water of Leith, with Dean Bridge nearby. Quiet and best in early morning light.

Early morning, keep voices down

Curving cobbled mews lined with flower pots and pastel doors. A long lens compresses the curve nicely.

Early morning avoids crowds

First Scottish shop of the TikTok-famous baked potato brothers; loaded tatties to go, opened July 2026 to an overnight queue.

Quick takeaway lunch option