Classed as the most important meal of the day, you can’t beat a good breakfast to set you up for the day ahead.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional full Scottish, freshly baked pastries, stacks of pancakes or healthy bowls packed with the freshest of ingredients, you won’t go hungry in Edinburgh.
Take a look at some of the top spots in the city for breakfast and brunch – guaranteed to satisfy you until lunchtime rolls around!
Tip 1: Many of these places offer children’s menus – perfect for wee tummies.
Tip 2: Book ahead to secure your table.
Tip 3: Treat your tastebuds by trying something new!
Mimi’s Bakehouse Leith
Situated on the Shore, Mimi’s Bakehouse Leith offer a belly busting breakfast menu. Choose from a hearty, traditional Scottish breakfast complete with Ramsay’s black pudding, Crombie’s bangers, and Ayrshire bacon, or French toast – delicious slices of toast made with free-range eggs and Scottish cream with the option of sweet or savoury toppings.
For something a bit different, Beforenoon Tea, is a morning twist on the traditional afternoon tea with a selection of scones, granola and yoghurt pots, French Toast sticks and mini breakfast rolls – all served with your choice of breakfast, herbal tea or filter coffee. It’s available on Saturdays and Sundays, between 9am and 12pm.
The Pantry
This popular Stockbridge spot is all about fresh food that comes from the heart, featuring a great range of healthy alongside indulgent options.
Not only is food served at The Pantry delicious, but it also looks as good as it tastes and if their Instagram followers are anything to go by, their poached eggs are the stars of the show! Other popular choices include the breakfast waffles and smashed avocado plates.
Loudons
Now with two locations in the city (New Waverley and Fountainbridge) Loudons offer a varied menu, covering all tastes and preferences.
The full breakfast with all the trimmings is available as a meat, vegetarian or vegan option, there’s also the choice of hot filled rolls. Fuel-up with the day with their overnight oats, which come with rhubarb compote, maple syrup and crystallised ginger, or if you’ve got a sweet tooth, there’s the chocolate and peanut granola.
Their French toast and pancake offering is pretty special too – will it be cinnamon swirl or dirty chai pancakes, or brioche or croque monsieur French toast that take your fancy?
The Huxley
For American-inspired dishes with a Scottish twist, you can’t beat, The Huxley at the Rutland Hotel.
You’ll find all the usual breakfast favourites on the menu, including the full Scottish, granola bowls and porridge, but if you fancy a break from the norm how about trying one of their breakfast crolls, a croissant roll, served with your choice of 2 hot fillings, or eggs bennies – poached free-range eggs served on a toasted English muffin with hollandaise and your choice of topping.
Hotel du Vin & Bistro
The luxurious Hotel du Vin & Bistro on Bistro Place offers hungry diners a superb breakfast selection.
For a healthy start to your day why not try one of their delicious healthy options at the Country Table – choose from muesli, granola and Greek yogurt, stewed and fresh fruits, charcuterie and cheese or freshly baked pastries.
For those with a hearty appetite, their classic full breakfast (meat or vegan) will stop any hunger pangs. Or why not opt for oak smoked salmon with scrambled eggs or grilled kipper with lemon parsley butter.
Urban Angel
Situated in Hanover Street, Urban Angel is a favourite breakfast spot for Edinburgh residents and visitors. From a full blown brekkie to a light and healthy bite, their fresh seasonal produce will provide the perfect kick-start to your day.
Their light breakfast selection includes nutty granola, porridge and poached or scrambled eggs with sourdough toast. Be sure to pick up one of the fresh energising smoothie drinks for the perfect accompaniment.
Cooked breakfast options include poached eggs on a toasted English muffin with your choice of topping, filled rolls, baked eggs and French toast.
The Roseleaf
The family-run Roseleaf has been satisfying the appetite of Leith locals for many years.
The “Big Yin” full cooked breakfast is the dish to order here, with all the trimmings you would expect of a great Scottish breakfast, including sausages, black pudding, bacon and haggis. Have one of their delicious fruit juices on the side, or a warm cup of tea that is served in one of their beautifully quirky teapots.
Tables in the Roseleaf are snapped up quickly, especially at weekends, so be sure to book ahead if you can.
La Barantine
If you prefer a continental start to the day, then make sure you check out the charming La Barantine in Bruntsfield, West Bow or Stockbridge.
An authentic French café, they serve some of the best pastries in the city, including fresh bread, pain au chocolat, croissants and pain aux raisins.
The smell of freshly baked pastries wafting from within is sure to tempt you!
Hula Juice Café
Pop in to Hula Juice Café in either Fountainbridge or Grassmarket and you’ll find healthy, authentic fresh food and drinks that look almost too good to eat.
Their packed menu includes porridge with your choice of toppings, a full cooked breakfast (meat, vegetarian or vegan), eggs benedict, pancakes and smoothie bowls. Their drinks menu is equally impressive, with fresh juices, green and super juices, smoothies and milkshakes available.
The Scottish Café & Restaurant
If you’re paying a visit to the National Galleries of Scotland: National, why not make a pre-gallery trip to the neighbouring Scottish Café & Restaurant.
With an emphasis on serving locally produced seasonal dishes, their breakfast menu offers a great selection for all appetites and palates.
Go traditional with a bowl of warming porridge with seasonal berries and fresh mint, or a hot filled roll, or Scottish breakfast with all the works. If it’s something lighter you’re looking for, there’s the breakfast salad, which comes with seasonal fruit selection, yoghurt, honey and granola.
If the weather is kind, their outdoor seating is a great place to take-in the views of Princes Street gardens.
McLarens on the Corner
Family and dog-friendly McLarens on the Corner in Morningside is a popular dining spot with both locals and visitors.
Their brunch menu is served until 2pm, so you can enjoy a leisurely catch-up with family and friends while enjoying the likes of steak, egg and haggis hash, avocado on toast, granola bowls or pancake stacks with varying toppings.
For something for the grown-ups, their Boozy Brunch (Saturday and Sunday only) features a cocktail, a continental sharing platter and a hot dish from the breakfast menu.
Scotts Kitchen
Open for all-day dining, Scotts Kitchen source locally produced, seasonal ingredients, showcasing the best of Scotland’s natural larder.
The restaurant overlooks the colourful Victoria Street in the Grassmarket, and on a sunny day their outdoor terrace is a popular spot with sun-seekers.
Their breakfast menu (which is served all day) includes The Scotts big breakfast (bacon, pork sausage, free range poached egg, black pudding, haggis, potato scone, roasted tomato, Portobello mushroom and their home-made beans and toasted artisan sourdough).
In Edinburgh you’ll find food and drink for all tastes and budgets.
