Throughout its illustrious history as one of Europe’s great cities, Edinburgh doesn’t fall short when it comes to outstanding restaurants. The city has carved a niche for itself in the realm of food culture. With a special emphasis on healthy breakfasts or comforting meals to start the weekend right – or a boozy celebration – the best brunch in Edinburgh can be found in great restaurants all over this vibrant Scottish city.
Whether you crave local delicacies in New Town or are tempted by brunch burgers infused with American and Scottish flavours on The Royal Mile, there are stellar spots for you to uncover to mark the perfect end to your morning and a great start to your afternoon.
From intimate gems perfect for a daytime date with waffles and pancakes to celebratory spots for a special occasion with friends, family, and mimosas, read on to find the best brunch in Edinburgh and book on OpenTable.
The best brunch restaurants in Edinburgh to book now – read on for a guide
For a showcase of the natural larder of Scotland – take brunch at One Square Bar + Brasserie in Edinburgh
The abundant natural larder of Scotland is the key focus for all menus at One Square Bar + Brasserie. The Rosette-winning team works closely with small, local suppliers to bring you the very best ingredients, cooked with passion and served with flair. Sophisticated yet with a relaxed ambience that invites lingering over that one last cocktail, cup of coffee, or gin tasting with canapés. Fresh, seasonal ingredients take centre stage, in a venue that is ideally placed for a pre-theatre bite or break from sales shopping. The champagne brunch is a spectacular way to fizz up your weekend. Start with fresh fruits, pastries and sweet treats, then choose your main – the venison sausage bagel with redcurrant and Parmesan and the hot smoked salmon with heritage beetroot are both well worth a try.
For the best boozy brunch – start your weekend at Copper Blossom on George Street
The garden-inspired aesthetic at Copper Blossom is not restricted to the outdoor seating areas. Pull up a pew indoors or out, and you’ll be surrounded by living plants and flowers, plus, from the garden, a great view of Edinburgh Castle. Get the party started at the weekends, with boozy brunch running noon until 3 pm on Fridays and from 11 am until 3 pm on Saturdays. For just £39, you can choose either one classic dish or three small brunch plates, and get a glass of prosecco and two cocktails thrown in. The innovative cocktails at Copper Blossom are truly special – this is a great weekend hangout, with something different for you to try every time. The Mango to Mexico is a must-try, with chilli tequila, honey and mango. And if you don’t see your favourite cocktail on the menu, don’t worry – the expert bartenders will be happy to create one for you, all you have to do is ask.
For a top-notch breakfast menu with optional cocktails – start your day at Society Bar & Kitchen in central Edinburgh
Society Bar & Kitchen lies just moments from Waverley Station and makes the ideal stopping point for relaxing after a morning’s sightseeing or shopping. Warm, inviting and relaxed, with an enthusiastic and experienced team just waiting to make your morning special. Soak up the panoramic window views of iconic landmarks such as Princes Street and Caldon Hill while you dine. The brunch menu is lauded among locals, featuring favourites such as the classic Scottish fry, breakfast buns with your choice of up to three fillings, and more international dishes including shakshuka, Turkish eggs, and prosciutto and burrata focaccia sandwiches. Fire up with a Bloody Mary or a mimosa, or indulge in a Baileys hot chocolate to round off your meal.
For a Dutch-inspired brunch – get down to Greenwoods in New Town
Greenwoods was first introduced as a restaurant in Amsterdam in the 1980s and quickly earned a reputation as one of the finest places around for a spot of breakfast, brunch and lunch. Now it’s establishing itself as a favourite in Edinburgh. The red frontage and inviting rustic interior really set the scene for a relaxing breakfast or brunch. Here you can enjoy classic breakfast options, such as eggs benedict and traditional Dutch apple pie. Elsewhere on the menu, diners can discover a traditional Scottish fry-up, a delightful stack of savoury pancakes adorned with bacon, sausage and eggs, or the healthier option of chia seed pudding. The drinks selection, meanwhile, spans everything from coffee and fresh juices to a variety of wines, beers and brunch cocktails.
For one of the best family-friendly spots in Edinburgh – try Mimi’s Bakehouse in Corstorphine and Leith
If you’re looking for the best brunch in Edinburgh for a family get-together, look no further than Mimi’s Bakehouse in Corstorphine and Leith. Founded in 2010, this second-generation family-run gem provides a warm welcome as soon as you enter that feels like getting a homely hug. Now one of the city’s best-loved bakeries, you can enjoy fantastic breakfast and lunch options here. Offering brunch throughout the day, along with award-winning afternoon tea and a kids’ menu, there’s also an extensive selection of specialty beverages and cakes to choose from. Check out the warm cheddar scones with homemade chive cream cheese, the Biscoff-filled pancake stack and the breakfast rolls with a choice of sausage, bacon, or veggie haggis. The drinks menu boasts impressive fizz, spritz and lemon and lime cocktails.
📍 Corstorphine — Check availability
📍 Leith — Check availability
For one of the best brunch places in Edinburgh with Instagram-worthy interiors – visit The Ivy on the Square in Old Town
Old Town’s The Ivy on the Square is a brasserie-style spot with an English spin, serving classic British food with an air of opulence and elegance in Edinburgh’s beautiful centre. This is a spot where you’ll find many celebrating a special occasion, in a suitably lavish setting and with a menu to match. A great place for a brunch date, The Ivy is an Art Deco-inspired gem in the middle of the city. With modern contemporary art and finely decorated mirrors, it makes for an inviting and glamourous place to enjoy a meal. On the food side of things, you’re spoilt for choice with the brunch specials menu, which has great options such as eggs royale with cured smoked salmon, avocado benedict and buttermilk pancakes. There’s also a tapas-style starters menu, with salt and pepper squid tempura or steak tartare. Accompany your brunch with a refreshing cocktail such as an Ivy iced tea or a blossom breeze spritz.
For one of the best places for brunch in Edinburgh for desserts – visit Coro Chocolate Cafe in New Town
Coro Chocolate Cafe in Edinburgh is a haven for brunch enthusiasts with a sweet tooth. The chocolate-based menu here would impress even the most ardent of chocoholics, with freshly made pancakes, buttery crêpes and fluffy waffles providing a delectable canvas for a variety of toppings including cookies, ice cream and fresh fruits. If you’re in the mood for something savoury, try the bacon and egg waffles or crêpes with spinach and ham. Beyond brunch, Coro offers a sweet symphony of dessert cakes and an impressive chocolate fondue dipping bowl, making the dining experience a celebration of all things cocoa. The cafe’s atmosphere is lively, with plenty of chatter as diners feast. The minimalist but comfy interior invites guests to unwind. Whether you’re drawn to the brunch delights or enticed by the chocolatey desserts, you’re sure to leave Coro Chocolate Cafe with a smile on your face.
For a vegetarian-friendly brunch – check out Urban Angel in New Town
Urban Angel is one of New Town’s most popular neighbourhood gems, located in a refurbished basement with a cafe space near the entrance and interconnected dining rooms towards the rear. It boasts a charming cosiness that you feel as soon as you walk in. From its inception, Urban Angel has been wholeheartedly dedicated to sourcing local organic, free-range and fairtrade ingredients. The menu is extensive, spanning breakfast and brunch, delectable cakes, sandwiches and salads, as well as hearty lunch options. The curated menu showcases small plates like artichoke, roast garlic and lemon on toast, and hummus with cherry tomatoes and salsa verde. As for brunch classics, there are choices like eggs Benedict with your choice of topping, and French toast with roast plum and vanilla. You can even make your own breakfast or brunch by combining your favourite ingredients to make the dish of your dreams.
For one of the best brunch spots in Edinburgh for a champagne breakfast – book a table at Côte Brasserie in New Town
Nestled in the heart of the city, Côte Brasserie blends French sophistication with a warm Scottish welcoming vibe. The restaurant has an enticing brunch menu with an array of options, from classic French pastries to hearty breakfast dishes such as classic eggs royale, benedict or florentine, as well as avocado toast and French toast. The champagne breakfast menu adds an extra touch of class, offering a delightful pairing of bubbly with carefully crafted morning dishes, as well as mimosa and bloody mary drinks. The vibe perfectly blends comfort and elegance in stylish interiors featuring contemporary design creating a lively atmosphere. Stylish furnishings and soft lighting contribute to a refined dining experience, making it an ideal setting for brunch gatherings.
For one of the best boozy brunch places in Edinburgh – book at Hanover 71 Café & Bistro in New Town
Hanover 71 Café & Bistro is one of the best brunch restaurants in Edinburgh serving fine local cuisine in the heart of the city. The menu showcases local classics with a modern twist, like fish and chips, gourmet burgers and indulgent mac and cheese. Each bite has a distinct Edinburgh edge to it, made with meticulously selected local ingredients. The brunch menu features favourites such as smashed avocado and feta on sourdough, as well as tuna, avocado and boiled egg croissants. You can also choose from a Scottish-style or vegetarian breakfast and make it a boozy brunch with cocktails and prosecco. The bistro’s ambience effortlessly fuses rustic charm and modern elegance, creating a warm and inviting setting suitable for casual breakfasts, brunches, lunches and dinners. It’s clear that Hanover 71 takes serious pride in celebrating Edinburgh’s vibrant culture through its food.
For one of the best brunch restaurants in Edinburgh for local Scottish fare – reserve at Olive Branch in New Town
Olive Branch in New Town beckons brunch enthusiasts with a menu designed to elevate your mid-morning experience. From classic breakfast staples to inventive twists on traditional favourites, Olive Branch crafts each dish with precision and flair. Highlights from the menu include poached eggs with smoked salmon and spinach, French toast and eggs benedict with smoked bacon, as well as a must-try vegan breakfast with crushed avocado, potato scones, spinach and vegetarian haggis. The warm and inviting ambience, combined with stylish decor, creates an intimate setting ideal for a brunch date.
For the ultimate brunch hotspot in Edinburgh – try The Huxley on the Royal Mile
The Huxley on the Royal Mile is one of the ultimate hotspots for brunches in Edinburgh. Start your day right with an enticing breakfast from the extensive menu, which offers a range of American dishes with a Scottish twist. Indulge in mouth-watering breakfast classics from the full Scottish fry-up to healthier smashed avo on toast and homemade toasted cashew nut granola. The Huxley’s breakfast crolls (breakfast sandwiches on a croissant) are also real showstoppers. At the Huxley, it’s not just about the food; this is an immersive experience in an inviting atmosphere making it an ideal venue for people watching or unwinding with drinks. Choose from the extensive beverage selection, featuring local beers, international wines and creative cocktails.
For quality local ingredients with a North American influence – check out Down the Hatch in South Queensferry
A cosy slice of Canada with international influences in the Scottish capital, Down the Hatch specialises in filling comfort food that will set you up for the day. From traditional Canadian poutine to the classic full Scottish breakfast, Argentinian steak salad to a Philly dog, a Mexican skillet to Kansas fries – take a trip around the world without leaving the comfort of the heated terrace. If you fancy outdoor dining in Scotland even in the winter, this is the place for you. Heaters, warm blankets and of course the type of food that warms the cockles from the inside. Experience chilled out waterfront vibes in this family-friendly hotspot, where everyone is welcome, including the dog. Fuel up for the day ahead with unapologetically huge portions of grub packed with bold flavour.
Brunch can really be anything you want it to be, from long and lazy to the party that starts the weekend. Whether you’re looking for healthy bites, comfort food, local Scottish plates or classic brunch staples, the best brunch restaurants in Edinburgh have you covered.
Book your table at one of the best brunch restaurants in Edinburgh now at OpenTable.
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