From the churches of Holy Corner down to the start of Comiston Road, Morningside Road hosts a stream of bakeries, coffee houses and brunch spots as well as options for bigger gatherings. For morning meals with a Turkish twist, sunshine-yellow La’Telve offers bakes and cakes spanning the length of Europe including little Parisian macarons and honey-loaded baklava. For something more substantial, Salt Café is one of Morningside’s best brunch destinations, and a homemade cinnamon swirl and serious coffee from MoMo Café isn’t a bad way to start the day either. 

Indulgent lunches are on the cards at Masti Indian Street Food: BYOB keeps the price down (the mango lassis are a worthy substitute) and it boasts a classy interior. Matto Pizza (pictured) is a crowd-pleaser, serving up Neapolitan-style sourdough pizzas from an open oven in funky surroundings. If the smell of chocolate from Chocolatiers Edward & Irwyn gets your mouth watering, then pick up sweet (or dark) treats to take home, or sit in for a sinfully satisfying hot chocolate. 

In the evening, Fin & Grape on nearby Colinton Road pairs curated fine wines with fresh seafood dishes and plenty of vegetarian options that are just as perfectly presented. For something fast and satisfying, Alaburrito has an eclectic array of burritos, tacos and chimichangas that really hit the spot. Finish off with a pint in Canny Man’s, a family-run Edinburgh institution that’s been on the corner of Morningside Road and Canaan Lane since 1871. Best known for its paraphernalia-covered walls and the fearsome reputation of a former owner, things have mellowed in recent years but it’s still very much a perfect local’s local.