Beatnik*
2 Brougham Place
A stripped-back space with strict no-laptops rule, Beatnik feature ever-changing blends and beans, seeking out small-scale and unusual varieties and producers to share with their enthusiastic customers. They’re genuine coffee geeks who love what they do, with bags of whatever’s on the filter usually available for sale. Their cupping and collab nights are the stuff of legend. 

Cairngorm Coffee Roasters
1 Melville Place
One of the OGs on the Edinburgh coffee scene (they’ve been roasting since 2014), Cairngorm’s Melville Street base is a hub for tired commuters, nearby office workers and local residents. The food is simple and good, there’s a sunny outdoor spot and they’re open from 7am, but it’s the thoughtfully sourced and poured coffee that’s kept them here for the long-haul.

Machina Espresso
388 Marchmont Road
This good-looking café opens nice and early for those seeking a shot on the commute. Weekdays are for caffeine seekers and homeworkers, while weekends see larger groups of friends and families enjoying a brew. They also roast their own coffee, sell kit and offer various subscriptions for home brewing.

Mr Eoin Coffee Roaster
44a East Trinity Road & 9 Dean Park Street
Not satisfied with one small-batch roastery, Mr Eoin now boasts two. Trinity has a lovely sun-drenched feel where you can sit at the big windows and enjoy a little baked treat with your brew. Stockbridge has recently undergone a smart reno and now also welcomes sit-ins (no food though).

Origin Coffee
6–8 South College Street
Expect meticulous attention to detail at Origin, thanks to well-drilled staff who are deeply knowledgeable about the beans they’re grinding. Regular classes and cupping sessions sit alongside in-store selections that are carefully chosen for the type of coffee you prefer, whether that’s filter, espresso or pour-over.

Also try… these options if a cup of tea is more your thing. Edinburgh has a clutch of specialist tea suppliers, including Rosevear Tea in Bruntsfield, Pekoetea on Leith Walk and Stockbridge’s The Howdah Tea & Coffee Company.

This TipList is taken from Eat & Drink 365, our sister mag recommending the best in restaurants, bars, cafés and more across Edinburgh. Want a copy? It’s available online or across all good stockists in Scotland’s capital.