9 perfect Edinburgh spots for breakfast and brunch
There's more to morning dining around the capital than bacon rolls and Lorne sausage
Dishoom
3a St Andrew Square
It’s the bacon and egg between slices of fluffy naan that put Dishoom on Edinburgh’s brunch map. Irani café staples like spicy chicken keema topped with fried eggs are also worth a pilgrimage, though there might be a queue at the door.
Greenwoods
61 Frederick Street
All the way from the Netherlands, this city centre café serves brunch all day. Pancakes are piled high and soda bread is worth the walk. From full Scottish to kimchi benny, it’s fast, filling and tasty.
The Gruff Goat
19–20 Teviot Place
Is this the best shakshuka in the city? Maybe. The eggs are runny, it leaves a spicy tingle at the back of your throat and the tomatoes are fresh. Joining the shakshuka on the menu are various other brunch classics: avo toast, florentines and big breakfasts. There's also a selection of hot and cold mezze for long, lazy lunches.
Hummus
366 Morningside Road
An uber-friendly, family-run café, the counter is stacked with freshly prepared, all-veggie Lebanese mezze. Squeeze into the tiny space for a selection served on vintage crockery or take away a wrap; better still make a morning rendezvous with their manakeesh or egg and mixed-bean ful medames.
Nishiki
151–155 Morrison Street
Nishiki’s Japanese-style breakfasts are a more than welcome addition to Edinburgh’s brunch scene. Poached eggs in ceramic pots are doused in soy sauce while thick, fluffy shokupan (milk bread) with miso caramel and matcha soft serve hit every flavour note in one dish. Plus, the filter coffee might be one of the best in the city.
Urban Jungle Brunch Room
187–189 Leith Walk
Just being inside this sunny plant shop and café feels good for you. Avocado on toast is the house special, topped with rocket, feta and optional eggs or bacon. Take home a potted leafy friend, ask for plant care tips or browse arty gifts at the local makers’ market every Friday afternoon.
Also try… Bringing a four-legged friend for brunch? Head to Sip & Bark in Stockbridge for sinful waffles and KFC (Korean Fried Chicken), or a little further to the bunting-clad Beach House in Portobello for big brunches with sea views. Roseleaf in Leith does a fab cooked breakfast, especially for veggies.