Wow this place takes me back. I can't believe it's still here! Elephants and Bagels got me through…read more4 years of intense university deadlines and group projects. In that time I probably ate 100+ bagels here and drank 500 cups of coffee. I'll be honest and just say the coffee isn't amazing but the bagels here are next level. There's nowhere better to get a bagel in all of the UK in my humble opinion. Lots of variety and lots of toppings to choose from too. Gets very busy at lunch time because of the student crowd. Expect to wait and then not be able to find a seat. Quietens down later in the day.

I used to be a really big fan of Elephants & Bagels. Before, you would find me here at least once a…read moreweek. However recently, I have not had the best experience. I am not sure what exactly it is that has changed the food quality so much but prior to February 2017, I was a huge fan of their bagels. A friend of mine was visiting Edinburgh so I decided to show her this place. Little did I know that I would be home sick right after eating my bagel. I usually get a pesto bagel but with my friend, I decided to get a cream cheese bagel as she chose another option. Next thing I know, as soon as I leave Elephants & Bagels, I have the worst stomach flu of my life! However, I decided to give it the benefit of the doubt and assumed it was just me coming down with something. Yet, I was still afraid of going back so for a year I did not return. Fast forward to March 2018 and I come back with a friend of mine who said she always wanted to try this place. I order a pesto bagel this time and she orders a cream cheese one. I let her know of what happened to me last time I got the cream cheese bagel but she says that she would still like to try it because it would be rare for that to happen to her as well. After we leave, my friend is suddenly complaining about feeling sick and how her stomach feels twisted (same symptoms as me when I got sick here). I still give Elephants & Bagels 3 stars since this has not happened to me with other bagels other than the cream cheese ones, the servers are very kind and the place itself is calm and a good place to study and meet up with friends when it is not packed (aka usually around the morning time, close to their opening hours). However, I do not think I will come back as often as I once used to...

This place is my savior at 8.30 am when I am catching the train to uni and I haven't had breakfast…read more I love bagels and secretly like to think I am a New Yorker about to hop on the Subway with my fresh bagel from H&H Bagels. Well as anyone who has ever tasted a REAL New York bagel knows, there ain't any other bagel that comes close. These bagels are better than the stodge you get in the supermarkets and they are probably as close to the real thing that you can get while still being in Edinburgh. There is a choice of just about any filling you could possibly want to go in a whole range of flavours of bagel. My favourite is Cinnamon and Raisin, washed down with a coffee. Prices aren't too bad, but as you add more and more fillings it does get quite expensive. Great if you are in Waverley Station and need to pick something up to eat on the train.

If you are up early enough in the morning the bagel factory is one of the few places that are open…read morethis early. Situated near the middle part of the station an easy location that's not far out the way to pick up something to eat and buy a coffee to go. When l came by one early morning there was a steady stream of people with orders, with the server not taking long in getting through them.

What an interesting find in the city of Edinburgh bringing Montreal-inspired bagels with a New York…read moretwist. While walking along Queensferry Street, you can easily miss this tiny bagel shop. But once you enter, you'll find a quirky and hipster corridor filled with fun stickers on the walls, scrapwood tables, and creative artworks. While my friend went for the classic Monteal (£5.50) bagel, I opted for their special: The K Hole (£6), which was a bagel sandwiched with Korean pulled chicken, Asian slaw, crispy fried chorizo, and kimchi mayo. This bagel was very delicious with a lot of flavor from the chicken to a crunchy and refreshing slaw. They should definitely add this to the regular menu as well. I also took a bite of the Montreal, which was a classic lox bagel --you almost can't go wrong. There are many flavors of bagel offered to choose from. Although the flavors were yummy and fillings were paired well, it is pretty pricey for a bagel sandwich.

I wasn't sure what to expect from my bagel here. First time, but I had the best sandwich I've had…read morein forever, AND it was vegan. I asked the server which they would recommended, snd I'm glad I went with Not the Wurst. Most saucy and delicious with super melts and tasty vegan cheese. Reminded me of in-out burgers in california. Had a vegan and veg sausage sandwich from a bakery nearby last week and it was so dry and sad to eat. I appreciate the flavors they packed into this one bagel, and it kept me full walking around the rest of the day! Ate in the meadows, and the cheese was still melty by the time I got there. Super impressed snd will definitely be coming back to try some of their other flavors! Being your own napkin because it's Messy in the best possible way. Yummm.

Unfortunately, I didn't love their cinnamon roll. I had seen it featured on a few different lists…read moreas one of The Best in Edinburgh, but they weren't for me. Yes, they were made by hand and baked fresh that morning on premises. Yes, they were big and beautiful to look at. But, to me, they were so dry and flavorless. I wanted thicker, sweeter ribbons of cinnamon goo swirled in the dough; maybe a creamier icing too. Cinnamon rolls come in so many different ways, that while they weren't my favorite, they might be yours so definitely check them out! The Bearded Baker has great iced Americano and Lattes, and I appreciate that they offer oat milk! (Both iced and alternative milk have their own individual upcharges, FYI). The staff was welcoming, and it seemed like a cozy space to read a book and enjoy some quiet.

First time visitors from Puerto Rico. A cozy little blue painted bakery tucked between other…read moreestablishments. Fresh, delicious homemade baked goods. Ordered the pastrami on bagel, bagel w/ cream cheese, filled doughnuts & cinnamon rolls. All excellent. The coffees & hot chocolates were tasty too ! Coming back for more before our vacations are over ! Gotta try the pain au chocolat !!!

This was a welcome site when we first arrived in Edinburgh. We came toting heavy luggage, just off…read morethe bus from the airport, and were waiting to check into our airbnb. I had yelp-searched a few breakfast spots and we were gonna lug our bags UP the Royal mile, but then Macintyres happened to catch my eye. Travel weary, we lugged our suitcases inside, and tucked them under a table (the place is small and in the entrance to a hostel). Now this little cafe set the bar high for our first meal in Scotland. We ordered at the counter and sat down. The place is cute, with a few tables, a counter and stools facing the busy street and a guest book to write/doodle in. They sell different coffee/breakfast drinks, bagels, sandwhiches, and bakery items. We ordered a flat white, hot chocolate, salmon bagel and haggis bagel. We were served by a young Sam Heughan look-alike and enjoyed our beverages. Our bagels were delicious (and affordable)! We halfed them to share and though I was expecting a lox type texture, the salmon (more on the cooked side) was great. My hubby's haggis bagel was some of the best haggis on the trip (he ate it almost everyday) and was meaty and spiced inside a seeded bagel. We returned the next morning and after watching a group of guys (probably post stag party-they were all over the city!) Order the (square) sausage in a roll, we followed suit. "Tomato sauce (ketchup) or brown sauce?" What is brown sauce? Like a spicy wosterchire like katsu sauce....after that morning I was hooked and ended up using it throughout the trip and buying a bottle of HP to take home. The sausage rolls were a great on-the-go breakfast and very affordable, on a couple pounds. Highly recommend this cafe to warm up on a chilly Scottish day or a quick, affordable breakfast on the Royal Mile.

Without a doubt, one of the best lunches we had in Edinburgh. Moroccan chicken stew/soup, no…read morebutter/cream - reprieve from all the tons of butter ... OMG ... They did not have a vegetable dish available, but the nice woman made us a fresh salad - tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers which we desperately craved. This is a solid place. Nice atmosphere, good variety of quick eats done well. Highly recommend!

I'm not sure how to describe how much I like donuts. I travel the world in search of baked goods,…read moreso when I say this is a good donut, I mean it. Like, it is really good. One of the best I've ever had. I've tried the strawberry one, oreo one, another glazed one with walnuts. Mmm mm. They are light and sweet and not too greasy (which is a big problem with homemade donuts). I walk by here every time I go to the yoga studio and that is dangerous. I tried a bagel sandwich the other day that was also good, but the bagel just wasn't as crispy on the outside as I like it. I am sort of a bagel snob since I hail from New York City though, so I might be overanalyzing it. I'd likely go back and eat another because I like bagel sandwiches. The soup I tried was just meh, curry cauliflower, I found it too thin. But the donuts will definitely be my #1 item and I'll probably end up buying them every single week at this rate.

Donuts. Or doughnuts. However you spell them, they're good. Even better, they're goooooood when…read morethey're fresh. Deadly Donuts have gotten into the donut revolution early, and they're gooooood. I tried coming here a few times before actually being able to have a donut. A sign hangs in the window letting people know if the donuts are sold out but it's misleading- the cafe is still open even when sold out (it looks like a closed sign so I've passed by before without realising they were open) and last time I was here the sold out sign was up but the donuts were brought out five minutes later. The owner is a lovely hard working guy who knows his fried goods and loves a chat about tasty treats. He has just started hosting weekly BYOB dinners which also sound brilliant. Highly recommend coming here and persevering for donuts!

After making handbags at the Islander Workshop, we explored a little, and wanted to pop in for a…read morequick sip and a tasty treat. We ended up doing that at The Coffee Mill. We got ourselves a couple hot sips (tea for the wifey and cocoa for myself). They did a cute (and manly) mustache in my cocoa. The cocoa was rich and flavorful. My wife enjoyed her tea as well. For our treats, we enjoyed a frosted (with the Scottish flag) cookie and a slice of triple layer cake. Everything was great. The shop was clean, and the service was friendly and quick.

Quaint little cafe close to several other cafes, but the food and service were both great and I'm…read morehappy we decided to go there. Some funky decor as well!

Came here on my first full day in Edinburgh and made it my first stop on each of the next 3 days…read more The coffee is superb, especially the cappuccino. I only tried the pastries - fruited scone and a brownie - during my visits but both were remarkable. I sat on the couch in the sunny window and enjoyed watching the people on Cockburn Street. Oh boy are we tourists funny! Honestly, the single best cappuccino I've had was made here! It isn't fast - this isn't Starbucks - but it is terrific! Give it a try!

My husband thought the macchiato was pretty good but my father-in-law said the gyokuro tea was one…read moreof the best he has ever had. The carrot cake was really nice. The staff are really nice and it's in a great location.

Wonderful cafe tucked away in off the main road…read more This place came highly recommend from our local host, so I was very excited to try! The staff were incredibly kind and made us travelers feel very welcomed. The breakfast and coffee were very tasty! I was a big fan of the eggs Benedict. Additionally, loved how cozy this place was. A perfect place to stop before getting the day started. I'd love to come back one day!

Awesome veggie toast here. Just wow. Heaping plate of mushrooms and spinach with perfectly cooked…read moreeggs and nicely buttered toast along with avocado and halloumi. The perfect start to a long weekend day of activity. The coffees and teas were also great and the staff so hospitable and helpful.