Bross Bagels

The original Bross Bagels was a tiny hole-in-the-wall café: it’s been replaced in Portobello by this bright and airy hangout, with stacks of Canadian flour part of the décor. Order a classic Montreal bagel (cream cheese, lox, pickles, capers), or go bold with the ‘Schnizza’ (chicken schnitzel and Doritos). Hole-based puns optional. 

Greek Artisan Pastries

Move over sausage rolls; the pastries from Greek Artisan Pastries are the real deal. Take a generous wedge of spinach and feta bougatsa or chicken pie to the beach, and pick up a box of the best baklava in town. Inside there’s a simple seating area to enjoy your pastries with a coffee.

Passey’s

With pineapple wallpaper, kitsch artwork and plush leather furniture, Passey’s coffee shop and bistro is a relaxed and welcoming space for all, with LGBTQ+ inclusivity at the core of the business. There’s a hearty pub food menu (burgers are a speciality) and the popular steak nights are a lot of fun. 

Smith & Gertrude

Adding to its Stockbridge original, this gorgeous neighbourhood wine bar has a relaxed vibe, with expert staff and interesting wine choices. While you can simply pop in for a glass, the real fun lies in the wine flights with artisanal cheese pairing. These change monthly and are a brilliant way to expand your palate. 

Tanifiki

Benjamin Murenzi started roasting Rafiki Coffee from his native Rwanda, and then opened Tanifiki café with South African business partner, Jonathan Quinton. Aiming to create a genuine African coffee experience, they’ve gone for warm earthy interiors, comfortable leather seating, and no formal counter dividing staff and customers; and, of course, incredible coffee.