The Canny Man’s

237 Morningside Road, 0131 447 1484, cannymans.co.uk
One of Edinburgh’s most divisive drinking establishments, patrons of Morningside landmark The Canny Man are greeted at the entrance by a brass plaque banning mobile phones, cameras and backpackers. But whether you love the staff’s eccentricities or your first visit puts you off for life, there’s no denying that this traditional pub is a one-off.

Loopy Lorna’s

370-372 Morningside Road, 0131 441 9217
It’s about time someone combatted the aggressive spread of coffee shops with an equivalent destination for tea drinking, and Loopy Lorna’s does it with flair. Named affectionately after the proprietor’s mother, its emphasis on classy tea blends, cakes that look too good to eat and unashamedly girly décor have made it an instant Morningside hit. [Update: Loopy Lorna's is now closed.]

Zulu Lounge

366 Morningside Road, 0131 466 8337, thezululounge.com
Its zebra-striped exterior may give Morningside’s Zulu Lounge a relaxed, grungey vibe but there’s nothing laid-back about the food served up in this South African café. Fairtrade teas and coffees are complemented by tempting soups (the special Elephant Soup is a favourite), bulging rolls and regional specialities like Biltong and Boerewors, come in at wallet-pleasing prices.

The Merlin

168-172 Morningside Road, 0131 447 4329
This bustling, friendly bar on Morningside Road offers the ideal environment for a casual drink or three. Open since 2001, its cosy environs include a stag’s head and a roaring fire in winter, with a satisfying food menu that’s ideal for lining stomachs before the long day or night ahead. Sundays are special too, with roast dinners and a weekly quiz.

Café Blush

219 Morningside Road, 0131 447 1012, cafeblush.co.uk
Café Blush may only be open from 9am to 5pm, but it certainly offers its customers the very best during those all-too-short eight hours. If breakfast is your favourite meal of the day, look no further: it’s served all day here. Scrumptious salads, sandwiches and baked potatoes will get adult taste buds tingling, while under-fives are treated to their own menu.

The Clay Oven

86 Morningside Road, 0131 447 9724, theclayoven.net
A highlight of Indian cuisine on Edinburgh’s Southside, The Clay Oven’s enormous menu and even bigger portions make it the ideal place to satisfy your curry cravings in Morningside. Its familiarity with local residents means a constantly lively atmosphere, while the eponymous clay oven provides dishes with a unique flavour that can’t be recreated at home (unless, of course, you have a clay oven).