I am really glad that I found Castello, because I am at a loss trying to find cosy indie cafes in the city centre. I had read about it on here beforehand and managed to track it down. It is very easy to find, just off Princes Street. And it was not busy at all yesterday, with just one other table occupied. The hot chocolate that I had was divine. Foamy, creamy and not too sweet. It did not need all the whipped cream and marshmallows that other cafes have. It had a really beautiful foam decoration, which I actually think made it taste better! We also tried the chocolate brownie and raspberry and white chocolate slice. Both were delicious, but the brownie was especially good. It is very small though, with two tables and a bench inside and about five tables outside. The size also means that there is a lack of a toilet which can be slightly annoying. The nearest one is on the top floor of Debenhams on Princes Street. Another bonus is free wifi! read more

Castello Coffee Co. - Hot chocolate! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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I really like Castello. This is where you should get a coffee from if you are anywhere near the west end. They use Allpress Espresso beans; it's nice to have something a bit different from the usual options and I've always been impressed by it. The staff are always very friendly and laid back. From the outside you wouldn't necessarily think it was a 'serious' coffee place. It doesn't have exposed lightbulbs and distressed wooden furniture instead going for something simple, bright and clean which makes for a nice change. In the best possible way it's more like somewhere you could take your Mum who might not feel at home in hipster surroundings of Artisan or BrewLab. It's great as a place for a quick bite at lunch; or in my case a quiet break from Christmas shopping with a flat white and croissant. The soup and sandwiches I've had in here in the past have always been high quality. It is small however, particularly when the weather means sitting outside isn't going to be fun, as there are limited seats inside. It's not necessarily somewhere I come and plan to sit reading and drinking for an extended time, but as a place for a relaxed coffee break or lunch it's ideal. read more

Castello Coffee Co. - Flat white, croissant and people watching on Castle Street. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

I hate giving this place a four stars but there is nae toilet! But all in all they do an excellent job of all press coffee and serve a flat white of heaven! It's a very small cafe and can get full very quickly for those in need of a caffeine hit. The carrot cake is totally awesome ... I.want.more. It's a wee world of princes street and I'm pretty happy it's there for me when I need a break from burning the cash card! read more

Castello Coffee Co. - Flat white luxury - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Best coffee in Edinburgh, hands down. The food is good too -- all of it, from the breakfast pastries to the panini to the cakes. It really doesn't get any better. The owner isn't too hard on the eyes, either. ;) read more

My favourite coffee place in Edinburgh! They make a mean flat white & always have delicious soup or cakes. Good location for some coffee recharging between shopping. read more

Popped in for a caffeine fix and I wasn't disappointed.. They use Allpress Coffee which is a NZ company (woohoo), the beans are roasted in London and sent up. Their tea comes from a Welsh outfit call Waterloo Tea and offer some interesting options.. I had a ginger & lime rooibos but was also tempted by the blood orange pu erh. Also tried the coconut bread which was a hearty slice served toasted with a side of butter, the carrot cake looked moist, full of carrot and I'm assured was very tasty. The two guys in the shop were laid back and friendly, offering a bit of chat without being intrusive. The sandwiches and bagels looked tasty and I look forward to heading back and trying out the soups. So much better to support local than go to the big chains up the road and I can assure you the coffee is a hundred times better! read more

Great wee place for a coffee when you're out an about shopping. I always choose this cafe over the nearby Starbucks and neighbouring costa, not just to support independent businesses but because they're better in every way (price, coffee, food, atmosphere). As others have said, the only downside is the lack of a loo. read more

FOOD 4 // AMBIANCE 4 // SERVICE 4 Stopped by here with the intention of getting a coffee and scone, but ended up getting soup for lunch, a baked good and a coffee... typical. First off, this does not look like a small, cozy, family owned cafe from the outside -- it definitely looks like it is a more established brand but, the second you step in and see there are only two people working the counter, the old cafe charm is back! When I stopped by in the late afternoon, many of the sandwiches were gone but they did have a parsnip and pear soup available. PARSNIP and PEAR ... I had to try it! It came with two bread halves (and the bread was all crusty and perfect for dipping in the soup). The soup itself was so FLAVORFUL! I imagined a bland, sweeter soup but this was 100% seasoned (there was a spicy kick in the back) and super savory. VERY GOOD! The Cappuccino I got was good -- not the best I have had but the espresso they used had a different flavor profile to it which was interesting. It was pretty good! The carrot cake I got was delicious! Very cozy and just full of cinnamon and shred of carrot. It was a bit dense and dry but just a little. The frosting on it was FIRE!! Now-- the VIEW is amazing here. I sat outside and was not only able to people watch, but also get a magnificent view of the castle!! so, so wonderful. The service was very friendly and the barista was super smiley -- always a great treat! read more

Castello Coffee is new, fresh, rather smart and run by very friendly folks. They're now producing both the soup and sandwiches in house. I'd urge you to pay it a visit soon. Overall, we said: "Castello Coffee is beginning its journey from a really strong starting point. Their coffee is very good, as is their soup. As I settled up my bill, discussions turned to what tomorrow's soup would be. The suggestion of mushroom and mint had me passing on some suggestions, as I have a really good mushroom soup recipe that's derived (pinched) from a soup I was served in the King's Wark, many years ago. Few things make me happier than soup chat, so this had me whistling a happy tune as I headed back to my ivory basement." read more

I've just moved office and as luck would have it I'm in Castello's hinterland. I've come here three times now in the past week and it's all about the coffee for me, which - need I say it? - is delicious! Definitely a top-tier Edinburgh cup. Another major strong point is their soup, which is served in interesting flavours and generous portions and is great value for what you get. Service is very good: courteous, and enthusiastic. Setting is ok. It strikes me as mainly a take-out place due to limited seating, but don't get me wrong it's perfectly pleasant, and if weather permits there is outdoor seating with a magnificent view of the Caste. What I love about this place is that its stretch of Castle Street is drowning in food chains - Costa, Starbucks, Pret and TGI Fridays are all a stone's throw away - but in my opinion Castello is by far the best cup of coffee. read more

Great coffee. Fairly good gluten free cake. And since cake is a splurge and coffee is what really matters, hooray for an indie cafe in the midst of crazy town. The guys working here are cool, and they let our little pug hang out, so extra cool points for being dog friendly. When the sun came out we moved our rendez-vous outside to enjoy people watching and let the dog wander a bit more. read more

friendly service, lunch options of soups, sandwiches, baguettes, snacks and great coffee. castello use the fabulous allpress espresso, a new zealand outfit that also trades out of london and sydney. they buy direct from small estates and co-ops so the actual beans change regularly and are seasonal. castello's baristas will always give you a lovely coffee, and you get variety perfect. it's also excellently placed to grab a coffee and picnic and then pop across the road to the princes street gardens under the looming edinburgh castle. read more

Castello Coffee Co. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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We got flat whites (as you would've come to expect if you've read my other reviews!) and despite Castello using the famous Allpress blend which I adore at Allpress London, the coffees sadly missed the boat for me. I had high expectations when I saw other reviews and the Castello decor (similar to other good coffee independents!) so maybe that's why I feel a bit disappointed - the espresso was slightly bitter and it felt like too much milk... Didn't try the peanut butter slices but they seem worth a go on another day. read more

Castello Coffee Co. - Flat whites - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Lovely little cafe. We stopped off here for a quick latte. Doesnt look too fancy when you walk in, but it had a little seating area out front which proved popular. Service was excellent and our drinks were hot and tasty. Newspapers were avaliable to read and atmosphere is very relaxed. Defintaley better than your chain coffee shop :) read more

For decent coffee, served at the perfect temperature try this independent set up in the heart of town and leave the neighbouring coffee chains alone. Cosy inside with seats outside with views of the castle they even do Bircher muesli and cakes. What's not to like? read more

Great little place with excellent coffee and so much more personality than the boring Costa 2 doors up the street

Best coffee in I had while in Edinburgh! Their cappuccino tastes almost like chocolate and the beans are the perfect amount of strength.

Castello is a 'must stop' when I go to the centre of town. Nice coffee, good food, cool staff. Only downside is that it's a bit small, but you can sit outside in the warmer days of the year. read more

The. Best. Espresso. Under normal circumstances, I would only give four stars to this place, but their espresso is so good that I couldn't bring myself to do it. It's a wee little place with just a few tables inside and a few more outside, so your chances of getting a seat are pretty low much of the time (but if it's a nice day, just get it to take away and walk 20 seconds to Princes Street Gardens). They have no toilet (pretty serious party foul for a coffee place), and the interior seating isn't particularly comfortable or spacious, but WHO CARES, the espresso is too good, so good, the best, omg so good. If you're looking for a place to settle in for a long chat or somewhere to do some work for a few hours, this isn't the place, but if superior coffee is what you're after, you won't find better in Edinburgh. read more

Lovely wee place with friendly knowledgeable staff. Much nicer than the big chains. Lovely selection of coffee which changes regularly. My go-to coffee place on that side of town. read more

I've been here a few times now and think this is the best coffee in Edinburgh. It doesn't look like much from the outside - but this little spot serves up delicious, well-made coffee and great food. Not many seats - but enough if you want a quick bit and a coffee. They use All Press, which is a New Zealand coffee, via Shoreditch in London. I drink soy, and they use Bonsoy, so that is a big plus for me that they can make a fantastic soy flat white every time. We generally can't help ourselves and have to order 2 each when there. They also have a delicious soup on offer, last time it was sweet potato and chili and generally they are always veggie/dairy free, served with nice homemade bread. They also have sandwiches, an avocado and chickpea salad has been there the past few times and is very fresh and tasty. They serve pastries from Leo's Beanery, so good cakes are always on offer. It isn't a flash, hip place, but that is what makes it even better. Nothing pretentious, just good coffee, fresh/healthy food and good service. Sad I didn't try to this place for so long! It is located on the end of Princes Street, which is nice, not many coffee places around there that aren't chains. read more

Excellent coffee and service. The cafe is a small one with 3 tables so best as a take away place. We had two flat whites to go and they were very well done. The cafe also sells their own beans read more

To dodge a really heavy rain shower I popped into the Castello coffee on Castle Street, which was by now almost full. Being around 5.30pm, so near to closing time had to make this initial visit brief, but its seems so much brighter and airier on the inside than the alternative chains just around the block. Its cosy, has a few seats dotted around the walls and is just wide enough to fit a couple of tables. Additional high stools placed under marble worktops, great for positioning a laptop/tablet. Decked with creamy walls, Walnut countertop and black worktops abd industrial styled lighting you'd possibly think this was an extension to the office kitchen? Maybe it is, for the city workers located above in the office block cornering Princes Street. Castello's feel seems takeaway but essentially it serves brekkie through to late lunch. That includes tea, coffee panini, soup and a selection of cakes, (gf?), they may do other seasonal foods or salads, however didn't see anyone else eat these. Since they had run out of Sweet potato chilli soup, my second choice was to try Soy Cappuccino and what cake remained of the day, Seeded Banana, which was moist, not to heavy, just right for time of day. Run by a couple of guys, and to my surprise have occupied the premises for 13 months, means upon stepping through the cafe door you feel a distinct chilled vibe to the place. Maybe it was down to the nice music they were playing like you might find on Triple JJJ radio, or the movie Garden State you know the type - surf styled music lots of guitars and drums, real instruments. Castello to sit in, well unless you had great company to chat to, or a laptop, it may need some focal point, newspapers or periodicals to make you want to stay longer, rather than just an open door. I could make a suggestion - someone who used to have a taxi firm in Haddington kept a Piranha with a £10 at the bottom of the tank, with a sign stating "its yours if your brave enough." Best thing is...they make dam fine coffee! read more

I've been 3 times to Castello coffee. It has to be one of my first thoughts when recommending coffee to Italian visitors of ours. The coffee is excellent as is the service and the price is pretty good too! read more

Excellent little indie coffee place, tasty flat whites (with none of the London hipster attitude), and quality pastries. Will definitely visit again when I'm back in Edinburgh. read more

This is an awesome wee place. The guys in here are great and seem to have a passion for what they do. Been in a few times and they have had different coffee beans all with their own unique flavour and always ending with an amazing cup of coffee. I now go out my way to grab a cup and a snack from these guys as often as i can. read more