Best Brunch In Edinburgh | Top 15 Breakfast + Lunch Spots In Edinburgh In 2026 Complete Guide

Looking for the best brunch in Edinburgh? You are in the right place. Edinburgh has one of the best brunch scenes in the whole UK. From cosy cafes to fancy restaurants — this city has it all. Whether you are a tourist or a local, brunch in Edinburgh is always a great idea.

In this guide, we cover every single thing you need to know. Best spots. Best dishes. Prices. Areas. Tips. All of it. Let’s get started.

What Makes Brunch in Edinburgh So Special?

Edinburgh is not just a beautiful city. It is a foodie city. The brunch scene here is truly unique. You get the best of both worlds. Classic Scottish flavours mixed with global food trends. You will find haggis on the same menu as avocado toast. You will see black pudding next to French toast. That is the magic of brunch in Edinburgh. No two places are the same.

The city is also home to world-class coffee shops. So your morning flat white will be just as good as your eggs benedict. Edinburgh brunch is a full experience — not just a meal. One more thing. Edinburgh is compact. Most brunch spots are within walking distance of each other. That makes it super easy to explore. You can try a different spot every morning of your trip.

Quick Answer: What Is the Best Brunch in Edinburgh?

Here is a quick summary for busy readers:

• Best overall brunch: Loudons (two locations)
• Best for locals: The Pantry in Stockbridge
• Best fancy brunch: The Ivy on the Square
• Best Scottish brunch: Greenwoods or Edinburgh Larder
• Best budget brunch: Mimi’s Bakehouse
• Best for vegans: Urban Angel
• Best trendy brunch: Dishoom
• Best boozy brunch: Black Ivy in Bruntsfield
• Best hidden gem: Honeycomb and Co
• Best views: Cafe on the Hill.

The Top 15 Best Brunch Spots in Edinburgh (2026)

1. Loudons | Best Brunch in Edinburgh Overall

Address: 94B Fountainbridge, Edinburgh EH3 9QA (also at 2 Sibbald Walk, EH8 8FT)

Price range: £10–£18 per person

Best for: Classic brunch with a twist

Visit Website

• Loudons is the king of brunch in Edinburgh. Ask any local. They will say Loudons. This place has two locations in the city. One is in Fountainbridge. The other is at New Waverley, just off the Royal Mile.
• Both locations are excellent. But they feel different. Fountainbridge is cosier and smaller. New Waverley is bigger and airier. Both get very busy on weekends.
• The menu is where Loudons truly shines. They take classic brunch dishes and make them exciting. Their eggs benedict is legendary. But not the boring kind. Try the Hoots Mon — it has bacon, black pudding puree, and a whisky hollandaise. It is next level.
• They also have a Caprese eggs benedict with pesto hollandaise. And a Scottish smoked salmon version. Every eggs benny is different and delicious.
• Loudons bakes their own bread on site every day. This includes gluten-free bread. So it is a great spot for people with dietary needs too.

Must order: The Hoots Mon Eggs Benedict

Booking: Yes, book in advance. Especially on weekends. They fill up very fast.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8am. Saturday and Sunday from 9am. Brunch served all morning.

Tip: The New Waverley branch is less busy than Fountainbridge. Try that one if you want a shorter wait.

2. The Pantry | Best Local Brunch in Edinburgh

Address: 7-8 North West Circus Place, Edinburgh EH3 6ST

Price range: £9–£16 per person

Best for: Local neighbourhood vibes

Visit Website

• The Pantry is a Stockbridge institution. Locals love it. Tourists discover it and love it even more. It sits just north of New Town in the Stockbridge area. The atmosphere feels like a real neighbourhood cafe. Not touristy at all.
• The eggs benedict here is famous. The hollandaise is rich and perfectly balanced. They serve it on toast rather than an English muffin. Add the hot smoked salmon if you can. You will not regret it.
• The Pantry Fry is the full Scottish breakfast here. It has pork sausage, smoked bacon, haggis, black pudding, grilled tomato, baked beans, mushrooms, hash browns, and a poached egg. It is a beast of a dish. Perfect for a big appetite.
• For something lighter, try the Sunshine on Stockbridge. It has sweet potatoes, tomato, courgette, avocado, and poached eggs. Healthy and very tasty.

Must order: Eggs Benedict with hot smoked salmon

Booking: No bookings accepted. Walk-ins only. Go early on weekdays to avoid queues.

Opening hours: Open daily from 9am. Brunch served until 3pm.

Tip: Visit on a Sunday. You can walk to the Stockbridge Farmers Market right after brunch.

3. Dishoom | Best Trendy Brunch in Edinburgh

Address: 3a St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2BD

Price range: £12–£22 per person

Best for: Indian-inspired brunch, unique experience

Visit Website

• Dishoom is one of the most popular brunch spots in Edinburgh. It pays homage to the old Irani cafes of Bombay. The decor is stunning. Colonial-era aesthetic with modern touches. It feels like stepping into a different world.
• The brunch menu is unlike anything else in Edinburgh. It is Indian. It is bold. It is absolutely delicious.
• Their Bacon Naan Roll is iconic. Perfectly fried bacon. Freshly baked naan. Tangy tomato-chilli jam. Cream cheese. It sounds simple. It is extraordinary.
• For vegetarians, the Egg Naan Roll is equally brilliant. Spiced scrambled eggs in warm naan bread. A game changer.
• The Dishoom Big Bombay is their version of a full breakfast. It has bacon, eggs, sausage, black pepper beans, house tomatoes, and buttered toast. With masala chai of course.

Must order: Bacon Naan Roll and a Masala Chai

Booking: They do not take reservations. Arrive early. Especially on weekends. There can be a 30-60 minute queue.

Opening hours: Brunch served daily from 9am to 11:45am only. Go early.

Tip: The queue moves fast. Staff often bring tea or snacks while you wait outside.

4. The Ivy on the Square | Best Fancy Brunch in Edinburgh

Address: 6 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2BD

Price range: £15–£35 per person

Best for: A luxurious brunch experience

Visit Website

• If you want to treat yourself, The Ivy on the Square is the spot. Located on St Andrews Square in the heart of the city, this place oozes elegance. The outside is all sleek glass and pale green paint. Inside it is warm, beautiful, and surprisingly relaxed.
• Do not be put off by the upmarket feel. The Ivy is welcoming to everyone. You can come in casual clothes and feel right at home.
• The brunch menu is wide. You can order pancakes, eggs benedict, French toast, or go for something more adventurous like lobster linguine or aromatic duck curry. Yes, for brunch. This is Edinburgh.
• The Twice-Baked Cheese Soufflé is a showstopper. Light, golden, and rich. Pair it with a glass of fizz for the full experience.
• Cocktails at The Ivy are excellent. The Watermelon Cosmo and the Passionfruit Martini are both crowd pleasers.

Must order: Eggs Benedict and a cocktail

Booking: Book in advance. This is a busy spot. Especially on weekends and during festival season.

Opening hours: Brunch served daily from 10am.

Tip: Great for birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions. Let them know when booking.

5. Urban Angel | Best Vegan and Vegetarian Brunch in Edinburgh

Address: 121 Hanover Street, Edinburgh EH2 1DJ (basement cafe)

Price range: £9–£17 per person

Best for: Healthy options, vegan and veggie food

Visit Website

• Urban Angel is tucked downstairs on Hanover Street in New Town. The entrance is easy to miss. But once you find it, you will keep coming back. It has a cosy, farmhouse-style interior. Flagstone floors. Pine woodwork. Warm and inviting.
• The menu at Urban Angel is one of the most varied in the city. They cater brilliantly for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking for something healthy.
• The Baked Eggs are legendary. A huge dish of tomato sauce with chorizo, black pudding, coriander, and chilli jam. Served with toast. Comfort food at its finest.
• Their smoothies are excellent too. A mix of mango, orange juice, spinach, and spirulina. There is also a raw chocolate version with oat milk, cacao, and dates.
• For sweet options, try the French Toast or the Acai Bowl. Both are beautifully presented and absolutely delicious.

Must order: Baked Eggs with toast

Booking: Yes, they accept reservations. Recommended on weekends.

Opening hours: Open daily from 9am. Brunch served until 2:30pm on weekdays.

Tip: Located very close to George Street bars and Rose Street pubs. Perfect for a brunch before exploring New Town.

6. Honeycomb and Co | Best Hidden Gem Brunch in Edinburgh

Address: 1 Merchiston Place, Edinburgh EH10 4NP

Price range: £9–£16 per person

Best for: Unique flavours, quiet neighbourhood vibes

Visit Website

• Honeycomb and Co is a little gem. It is in the Bruntsfield area of Edinburgh. A bit out of the main tourist trail. But absolutely worth the journey.
• The menu is small. Just a handful of dishes. But every single one is exceptional. A small menu always means high quality. They only put a dish on the menu when it is perfect.
• The standout dish here is the Hot and Spicy French Toast. Do not let the name fool you. This is not your typical French toast with maple syrup. It is savoury. It comes with bacon, sweet chilli and pepper jam, cardamom tahini yoghurt, and hazelnut dukkah. It is extraordinary.
• They also do a full Scottish breakfast, shakshuka, and sweet potato fritters. All brilliant.
• The coffee here is top tier. One of the best flat whites in Edinburgh, according to regulars.

Must order: Hot and Spicy French Toast

Booking: Small place. Book ahead if possible. Walk-ins welcome but may have to wait.

Opening hours: Open from 9am daily. Closed on Mondays.

Tip: After brunch, take a walk along the Edinburgh canal. Beautiful on a sunny day.

7. Greenwoods | Best Full Scottish Brunch in Edinburgh

Address: 61 Frederick Street, Edinburgh EH2 1LH

Price range: £10–£16 per person

Best for: Full Scottish breakfast, sweet treats

Visit Website

• Greenwoods is one of Edinburgh’s newer brunch spots but has quickly become a favourite. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed despite having an open kitchen. That balance is hard to get right. They nail it.
• The Full Scottish Breakfast at Greenwoods is exceptional. Five stars from food critics and regular visitors alike. Perfectly cooked eggs, smoked bacon, haggis, sausage, mushrooms, roasted tomato, baked beans, and a homemade hash brown. The haggis in particular is outstanding.
• For sweet lovers, the Banana Bread Tumble is a must-try. Moist banana bread topped with fruit, cream, and maple syrup. Beautiful.
• The specials at Greenwoods change regularly and are always creative. Past specials have included poached eggs on grilled goat’s cheese with smashed minted peas, chilli flakes, and honey. Keep an eye on their menu when you visit.

Must order: Full Scottish Breakfast

Booking: Yes, booking recommended. Walk-ins possible but busy.

Opening hours: Open daily from 8:30am.

Tip: Vegetarian and vegan full Scottish options are available. Just ask the staff.

8. Edinburgh Larder | Best Old Town Brunch in Edinburgh

Address: 15 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh EH1 1NB

Price range: £8–£15 per person

Best for: Hearty Scottish porridge, Old Town location

Visit Website

• The Edinburgh Larder is a local institution in Old Town. It is all about Scottish ingredients. Everything is locally sourced. Everything is seasonal. The passion for provenance is real here.
• Their Scottish Porridge is the best in the city. Made with oat milk. Ultra-thick and creamy. The toppings change with the seasons. Poached pears with hazelnuts in autumn. Apple compote in winter. Wild berries in summer. Every visit is slightly different.
• The coffee is exceptional too. Great latte art. All the usual drinks — flat white, americano, matcha, turmeric latte. All done with care and quality.

Must order: Scottish Porridge with seasonal toppings

Booking: Small venue. Walk-ins only but arrive early.

Opening hours: Open from 8am Monday to Friday. 9am on weekends.

Tip: Great spot to kick off a day of Old Town sightseeing. Right in the heart of the historic area.

9. Roseleaf Cafe | Best Brunch in Leith

Address: 23-24 Sandport Place, Edinburgh EH6 6EW

Price range: £9–£16 per person

Best for: Quirky atmosphere, unique brunch dishes

• Roseleaf Cafe is located in the historic port of Leith. This family-run cafe has the most charming and quirky interior in Edinburgh. Mismatched furniture, vintage decor, warm lighting. It feels like eating in someone’s very cool living room.
• The brunch menu has plenty of classics. But the standout dish is the Leith-al Egg. It is a locally-sourced, haggis-coated free-range egg. Crispy on the outside, runny on the inside. Served with aromatic brown sauce, baked beans, and double-dipped chips. Absolutely unique to Roseleaf.
• Their French Toast is also worth mentioning. Made with chunky homemade bread. Soaked in a rich egg batter. Pan-fried in butter. Served with exceptionally smoky bacon.

Must order: The Leith-al Egg

Booking: Tables are snapped up quickly at weekends. Book ahead.

Opening hours: Brunch served from 10am daily.

Tip: Leith is a great foodie neighbourhood. Walk along the water after brunch.

10. Chorrito Cantina | Best Mexican Brunch in Edinburgh

Address: 126 Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH6 5DT

Price range: £9–£14 per person

Best for: Hangover cure, Mexican brunch, relaxed vibes

• Chorrito is the best morning-after-the-night-before dining in Edinburgh. Full stop. This little Mexican cantina on Leith Walk opens at 12pm and there is often a queue before the doors open. That tells you everything.
• The Huevos Rancheros are legendary. Fried egg tacos. Chicken mulitas. All washed down with a spiced margarita if you are feeling brave. Or a strong coffee if you are not.
• The Chilaquiles are the real star though. Tortilla chips smothered in enchilada sauce, topped with a fried egg, refried beans, sour cream, and salsa. Rich, filling, deeply satisfying. Perfect for a slow Saturday morning.
• The vibe is super relaxed counter-dining. Every table gets a selection of Chorrito’s own hot sauces. They are genuinely excellent.

Must order: Chilaquiles

Booking: First come, first served. Arrive just before opening at 12pm for the best chance of a seat.

Opening hours: Opens at 12pm daily. Weekend brunch only.

Tip: This place is cash-only. Check before you go.

11. Black Ivy | Best Boozy Brunch in Edinburgh

Address: 253 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh EH10 4QP

Price range: £45 per person (set boozy brunch package)

Best for: Boozy brunch for groups, special occasions

• Black Ivy in Bruntsfield is the go-to for boozy brunch in Edinburgh. Yes, bottomless brunch is technically not allowed in Scotland due to licensing laws. But Black Ivy does it their way. And it is absolutely brilliant.
• For £45 per person you get a sharing continental board, three courses from their menu, and three Edinburgh Gin cocktails per person. Excellent value for what you get.
• The food is great too. Fluffy buttermilk pancakes. Traditional Black Ivy Grills. Sandwiches and light bites. Everything is cooked fresh to order.
• The setting is stunning. Outdoor terrace overlooking Bruntsfield Links. Or inside in their elegant restaurant. Perfect for hen parties, birthdays, or a fancy day out with friends.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available. Just mention dietary requirements when booking.

Must order: The full boozy brunch package with Edinburgh Gin cocktails

Booking: Essential. Book well in advance for weekends. Especially for groups.

Opening hours: Boozy brunch available Friday to Sunday.

Tip: Located 15 minutes walk from Edinburgh city centre. Easy to combine with a day of exploring Bruntsfield.

12. The Spence at Gleneagles Townhouse | Best Luxury Brunch in Edinburgh

Address: 39 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2AD

Price range: £50+ per person

Best for: Special occasions, ultimate luxury brunch

• The Spence is in a league of its own. This is the most exclusive brunch in Edinburgh. Set inside the five-star Gleneagles Townhouse on St Andrew Square. Monthly brunch events only.
• The spread is extraordinary. Pastries, meats, cheese, salads, seafood. A main dish with two sides. And then — a whole dessert room. Chocolate fountain. Doughnut chef. It is like a Willy Wonka dream.
• This is not an everyday brunch. It is a special occasion experience. Birthday. Anniversary. Treat yourself.

Booking: Essential. Book months in advance. These events sell out.

Tip: Check their website regularly for upcoming brunch dates and availability.

13. Fortuna Coffee Bar | Best Coffee and Brunch Combo in Edinburgh

Address: Located in New Town area of Edinburgh

Price range: £8–£14 per person

Best for: Great coffee, generous portions

• Fortuna Coffee Bar is where coffee lovers and brunch lovers meet. The coffee here is exceptional. And the food matches it perfectly.
• The Avocado Toast at Fortuna is the most generous serving in the city. Piled high. Add smoked salmon and a poached egg and you will be full until dinner.
• For something lighter, the Banana Boat is brilliant. Yoghurt, granola, mixed seeds, berries, grapes, almond butter, coconut flakes, and honey. Fresh, healthy, beautiful.
• The brie and blackberry toast is a popular choice too. Creamy brie. Sweet blackberry jam. Crunchy toast. Simple but perfect.
• WiFi is available and they are laptop-friendly when it is not too busy. Great for a working brunch.

Must order: Avocado toast with smoked salmon and poached egg

Booking: Walk-ins welcome. Can get busy at peak times.

Opening hours: Open from 8am daily.

14. Montpeliers | Best All-Day Brunch in Bruntsfield

Address: 159-161 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh EH10 4DH

Price range: £10–£18 per person

Best for: All-day brunch, outdoor seating, families

• Montpeliers is a beloved institution in Bruntsfield. Flowers and plants line the outside. It is bright, airy, and welcoming. The kind of place you never want to leave.
• The brunch menu is classic but done very well. The Full Monty fry-up is a crowd pleaser. Caramelised banana on pancakes is the sweet option worth ordering.
• They also have a Wee Full Monty for kids. Perfect for families. This place is very child-friendly.
• Hot rolls are a great budget option here. Simple. Filling. Tasty. Local students and residents love Montpeliers for this reason.

Must order: Full Monty Fry-Up or Caramelised Banana Pancakes

Booking: Recommended on weekends.

Opening hours: All-day brunch every day. Check website for exact times.

15. Down The Hatch | Best Trendy New Brunch Spot in Edinburgh

Address: 13 Antigua Street, Edinburgh EH1 3NH (Leith Walk)

Price range: £10–£17 per person

Best for: Trendy crowd, exciting menu, new arrival

• Down The Hatch is new to the Edinburgh brunch scene but already making waves. After huge success at their South Queensferry location, they have opened on Leith Walk. The interior is super trendy. Great for Instagram. But the food backs it up too.
• The menu changes regularly. Wild mushroom on toast with added halloumi has been praised by reviewers. The tiramisu French toast has also got people talking. Crunchy outside. Soft inside. Sweet ricotta and cream. Described by one reviewer as the best French toast they have ever had.

Must order: Check the specials board — always something exciting

Booking: Recommended. Popular with a young, trendy Edinburgh crowd.

Opening hours: Open from 9am daily.

Best Brunch by Area in Edinburgh

Not sure which part of the city you are in? Here is a breakdown by area:

Old Town Brunch

Old Town is Edinburgh’s historic heart. Think cobbled streets, Edinburgh Castle, and the Royal Mile. Brunch spots here are perfectly placed for a morning of sightseeing.

Best Old Town brunch spots:

• Edinburgh Larder (Blackfriars Street)
• Loudons New Waverley (just off the Royal Mile)
• Mimi’s Bakehouse (City Art Centre)

Tip: Book ahead. Old Town fills up with tourists fast, especially in summer and during festival season in August.

New Town Brunch

New Town is elegant and Georgian. Wide streets. Beautiful architecture. Lots of great restaurants and cafes. St Andrew Square is the brunch hub of New Town.

Best New Town brunch spots:

• Dishoom (St Andrew Square)
• The Ivy on the Square (St Andrew Square)
• Urban Angel (Hanover Street)
• The Pantry (Stockbridge, just north of New Town)
• Greenwoods (Frederick Street)
• Fortuna Coffee Bar

Tip: This area is great for a full brunch and shopping morning. St James Quarter shops are nearby.

Bruntsfield and Morningside Brunch

Bruntsfield is a charming residential area. South of the city centre. It has a relaxed, neighbourhood vibe. Great for a lazy weekend brunch away from the tourist crowds.

Best Bruntsfield brunch spots:

• Honeycomb and Co (Merchiston Place)
• Montpeliers (Bruntsfield Place)
• Black Ivy (Bruntsfield Place)
• La Barantine (French pastries — multiple locations including Bruntsfield)

Tip: After brunch, walk across Bruntsfield Links. Beautiful parkland right in the middle of the neighbourhood.

Stockbridge Brunch

Stockbridge is a favourite with locals. Village feel. Sunday Farmers Market. Cute independent shops. A brilliant brunch neighbourhood.

Best Stockbridge brunch spots:

• The Pantry (North West Circus Place)
• La Barantine (French pastries)

Tip: Visit on a Sunday for the full Stockbridge experience. Brunch at The Pantry, then walk to the Farmers Market.

Leith Brunch

Leith is Edinburgh’s port neighbourhood. It is having a foodie moment. Loads of great restaurants have opened here in recent years. Relaxed, creative, and increasingly popular.

Best Leith brunch spots:

• Roseleaf Cafe (Sandport Place)
• Chorrito Cantina (Leith Walk)
• Down The Hatch (Leith Walk)

Tip: Walk along the Water of Leith after brunch. One of Edinburgh’s best walks.

What Is a Full Scottish Breakfast?

A Full Scottish Breakfast is the Scottish version of a full English fry-up. But better. In our very unbiased opinion.

A typical Full Scottish includes:

• Eggs (poached, fried, or scrambled)
• Smoked bacon (Scottish back bacon is thicker and more flavourful)
• Link sausages (often with herbs)
• Haggis (a spiced mixture of oat, offal, and onion — sounds scary, tastes amazing)
• Black pudding (blood sausage — rich and slightly spiced)
• Grilled tomato
• Mushrooms
• Baked beans
• Toast or tattie scone (a potato scone — a Scottish specialty)
• Hash brown

If you have never tried haggis before, a Full Scottish Breakfast is the perfect introduction. It is milder than you expect. And deeply satisfying.

The best Full Scottish breakfasts in Edinburgh can be found at Greenwoods, Loudons, The Pantry, and The Edinburgh Larder.

Edinburgh Brunch for Different Dietary Needs

Edinburgh is one of the most dietary-friendly brunch cities in the UK. Here is a breakdown:

Best Vegan Brunch in Edinburgh

• Urban Angel — extensive vegan menu. Organic ingredients. Superb.
• Hula Juice Cafe (Fountainbridge and Grassmarket) — fully vegan and vegetarian menu
• The Pantry — good vegan options, especially the Sunshine on Stockbridge
• Loudons — clearly labels vegan dishes on their menu

Best Gluten-Free Brunch in Edinburgh

• Loudons — bakes their own gluten-free bread on site. Most dishes can be adapted.
• Honeycomb and Co — almost everything can be made gluten-free
• Urban Angel — uses organic ingredients, great gluten-free options
• Argyle Place (Marchmont) — staff are very knowledgeable about gluten-free needs

Best Halal Brunch in Edinburgh

• Dishoom — Dishoom Edinburgh is fully halal certified
• Flatbread Turkish Bakery House (Haymarket) — halal Turkish bakery and cafe
• Various spots in Leith — Leith has a good selection of halal-friendly cafes

Best Brunch for Kids in Edinburgh

• Montpeliers — has a dedicated kids menu (the Wee Full Monty)
• Loudons — great for families, spacious and welcoming
• Greenwoods — relaxed atmosphere, good for little ones
• The Pantry — local and neighbourly, great for Sunday family brunch

Edinburgh Brunch Prices | What to Expect

One of the most common questions about brunch in Edinburgh is: how much will it cost?

Here is a honest breakdown:

Price Level	What to Expect	Examples
Budget (£5–£10)	Simple dishes, hot rolls, pastries	Mimi’s Bakehouse, La Barantine, Hula Juice Cafe
Mid-range (£10–£18)	Full brunch menus, eggs benny, full Scottish	Loudons, The Pantry, Urban Angel, Greenwoods, Dishoom
Premium (£18–£35)	Fancy dishes, cocktails, table service	The Ivy on the Square, Black Ivy
Luxury (£35+)	Set menu, full experience	The Spence at Gleneagles Townhouse

Most visitors will find the mid-range options offer the best value for money. Edinburgh’s mid-range brunch scene is genuinely world-class.

Edinburgh Brunch Hours | When Is Brunch Served?

This is important. Not all spots serve brunch all day. Here is what you need to know:

• Most cafes start serving from 8–9am
• Brunch usually ends between 2pm and 3pm on weekdays
• Weekends often have extended brunch hours until 3–4pm
• Dishoom serves brunch only until 11:45am — be early!
• Chorrito only opens from 12pm at weekends
• The Pantry opens at 9am but closes in the afternoon — check before you go

Golden Rule: Always check opening hours before you head out. They can change seasonally.

Do You Need to Book Brunch in Edinburgh?

Short answer: yes, for most popular spots, especially on weekends.

Here is a guide:

Always book in advance:

• Dishoom
• The Ivy on the Square
• Loudons (both locations)
• Black Ivy boozy brunch
• The Spence at Gleneagles Townhouse

Walk-ins only:

• The Pantry (they do not take bookings — just turn up early)
• Edinburgh Larder
• Chorrito (first come, first served)

Walk-ins welcome but booking preferred:

• Urban Angel
• Greenwoods
• Honeycomb and Co
• Roseleaf Cafe

Tip: If you are visiting Edinburgh during August (Festival season), book everything several weeks in advance. The whole city fills up fast.

Is Bottomless Brunch Available in Edinburgh?

• This is a common question from visitors. The honest answer is: not really, but sort of.
• Bottomless brunch in the traditional sense (unlimited drinks for a set time) is technically not permitted under Scottish licensing law. You cannot get a true bottomless brunch in Edinburgh.
• However, some restaurants like Black Ivy offer set packages with a fixed number of cocktails included in a set price. This is the closest you will get to a boozy brunch experience in Edinburgh.
• You can also enjoy brunch with cocktails at The Ivy on the Square, Urban Angel, and Badger and Co. You just order them separately rather than in a bottomless deal.

Best Scottish Dishes to Try at Brunch in Edinburgh

If this is your first time visiting Edinburgh, here are the Scottish dishes you absolutely must try at brunch:

Haggis

Haggis is Scotland’s national dish. It is made with minced sheep offal mixed with oatmeal, onions, and spices. It sounds alarming. It tastes incredible. Nutty, savoury, warming. Try it in a Full Scottish breakfast at Greenwoods or The Pantry.

Black Pudding

Black pudding is a blood sausage. Rich, deep, and slightly spiced. It is a key part of any Full Scottish. Locals eat it fried or grilled. Perfect with eggs.

Tattie Scone

A tattie scone is a Scottish potato scone. Flat, savoury, and slightly crispy on the outside. Often served instead of toast with a full Scottish breakfast. Delicious with butter and fried eggs.

Arbroath Smokie

The Arbroath Smokie is a whole haddock that has been hot-smoked in a barrel over a hardwood fire. It comes from the town of Arbroath in Angus. Deeply smoky and rich. Try it at the Edinburgh Larder where it features in baked eggs with sourdough toast.

Cullen Skink

Cullen Skink is a thick Scottish soup made from smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions. At Badger and Co, they serve an incredible Cullen Skink Pie at brunch. A truly Scottish experience.

Cranachan

A traditional Scottish dessert made from oats, cream, whisky, and raspberries. Increasingly appearing on brunch dessert menus. Rich and uniquely Scottish.

Edinburgh Brunch During August Festival Season

August in Edinburgh is magical. And absolutely mental. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival takes over the entire city. Over a million visitors come every year. Brunch spots get very very busy.

If you are visiting in August, here is what you need to know:

• Book all brunch spots well in advance. Weeks if possible.
• Queues for walk-in spots like The Pantry and Dishoom will be much longer than usual
• Some cafes extend their hours during festival season
• New pop-up brunch options appear during the festival — keep an eye on social media
• Prices at some venues go up slightly in August — this is normal
• Bruntsfield and Stockbridge are quieter alternatives to the busy Old Town and New Town brunch spots

Top Tips for Brunch in Edinburgh

Here are the essential tips from locals:

1. Book ahead for popular spots. Loudons, Dishoom, and The Ivy fill up fast at weekends. Book online or by phone a few days ahead.

2. Go early on weekdays. Weekday brunch is much more relaxed. You will get a table easier and the service is faster.

3. Try the Scottish dishes. Do not just order what you know. Try haggis. Try black pudding. Try Cullen Skink. You are in Scotland. Embrace it.

4. Edinburgh is a walking city. Most brunch spots are walkable from each other. Use your legs. The hills are worth the effort.

5. Check dietary options ahead. Most Edinburgh cafes are very dietary-friendly. But call ahead if you have severe allergies.

6. Do not leave without trying Scottish coffee. Edinburgh has some of the best independent coffee roasters in the UK. Argyle Place, Fortuna Coffee Bar, and Edinburgh Larder are all excellent.

7. Stockbridge on a Sunday is magic. Brunch at The Pantry followed by a walk to the Stockbridge Farmers Market is a perfect Sunday in Edinburgh.

8. Avoid festival crowds. If you visit in August, try Bruntsfield or Stockbridge for brunch. Much quieter than Old Town and New Town.

Brunch Edinburgh | Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best brunch in Edinburgh?

The best overall brunch in Edinburgh is at Loudons, with two locations in the city centre. For a local experience, The Pantry in Stockbridge is the top choice. For something fancy, The Ivy on the Square is hard to beat.

How much does brunch cost in Edinburgh?

Brunch in Edinburgh typically costs between £10 and £18 per person for a full meal and drink. Budget options are available for under £10. Fancy spots like The Ivy can run to £25–£35 per person with cocktails.

Do I need to book brunch in Edinburgh?

Yes. For popular spots like Dishoom, Loudons, and The Ivy, you should book at least a few days in advance on weekends. The Pantry and Edinburgh Larder are walk-ins only.

What time does brunch end in Edinburgh?

Most Edinburgh cafes serve brunch until around 2–3pm. Dishoom is the exception — brunch ends at 11:45am. Always check the specific venue before visiting.

Is Edinburgh good for vegan brunch?

Yes. Edinburgh has an excellent vegan brunch scene. Urban Angel, Hula Juice Cafe, and Loudons all offer outstanding vegan menus.

What Scottish food should I try at brunch?

Try haggis, black pudding, a tattie scone, and Arbroath Smokie. These are uniquely Scottish ingredients you will find on Edinburgh brunch menus. The Full Scottish Breakfast at Greenwoods or Loudons is the perfect introduction.

Can I get bottomless brunch in Edinburgh?

True bottomless brunch is not permitted under Scottish licensing law. However, Black Ivy in Bruntsfield offers a set brunch package with three cocktails included per person. The Ivy on the Square and other venues allow you to order cocktails alongside brunch.

What is the cheapest brunch in Edinburgh?

Mimi’s Bakehouse, La Barantine (French pastries), and Hula Juice Cafe offer great brunch for under £10. Hot rolls at Montpeliers are also very affordable.

Where should I get brunch in Edinburgh Old Town?

In Old Town, try Edinburgh Larder on Blackfriars Street or Loudons New Waverley just off the Royal Mile. Both are perfectly located for a morning of sightseeing.

Where is brunch in Edinburgh for a special occasion?

For a special occasion, book The Spence at Gleneagles Townhouse for their monthly luxury brunch. The Ivy on the Square is also a great choice for a stylish and memorable experience.

Final Thoughts | Why Brunch in Edinburgh Is Unmissable

Edinburgh is a world-class brunch city. It genuinely is. The combination of Scottish tradition and global culinary influence creates something truly special. You can have a whisky hollandaise eggs benedict in the morning. Followed by a masala chai at Dishoom. Washed down with a flat white from one of the city’s brilliant independent coffee shops. No other city quite does brunch like Edinburgh. The warmth of the people. The quality of the ingredients. The creativity of the chefs. It all adds up to something extraordinary.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a long-time local, Edinburgh’s brunch scene has something new to offer you. New spots are opening all the time. Classic spots keep getting better. So go. Explore. Eat. Drink excellent coffee. Try the haggis. Queue up for Dishoom. Book your table at Loudons. Walk through Stockbridge on a Sunday morning. Brunch in Edinburgh is not just a meal. It is an experience. And it is one of the very best things this incredible city has to offer.