This was a gem of a little spot, just a block or so from the Royal Mile. I stopped in on my first…read moreday in Edinburgh (8/28/25), and then again on my last full day in Scotland (09/09/2025), and had a great experience both times. The young lady beyond the counter on my first visit was very friendly and helpful, providing some lovely advice and tips for my trip (including for my proposed visit to her native area of England); if any manager/owner is reading, she gets major props! The gentleman who was working on my second trip was also friendly and helpful z but he was working on the back as well, so there was less interaction. Between my 2 visits, Zi tried a variety of pies, pasties, & rolls, all of which were very tasty (although there's something about a Greggs sausage roll; I'd stick to the pies and pasties here, and walk a couple of doors up the street for one of those.). If I'm ever back in the area z I'll be sure to stop in!

We met the owner of The Piemaker while trying this renowned quick bite restaurant in Edinburgh. He…read moreis the nicest guy and his place is extremely popular. These pies are a great light lunch or snack when consumed by themselves. Or one can get a variety of them and make it a meal. The pies are made fresh daily and displayed in the glass case at the counter along with other British style fried foods such as Tattie Dogs, Sausage Rolls, etc. There are a variety of the infamous pies offered. We tried a Steak and Ale pie and an Original Scotch Pie with brown sauce packet for the pour over. I enjoyed mine (Scotch Pie) and could've eaten a couple more God willing. Along with an Irn Bru, this was a satisfying and affodable meal. Definitely give this place a try when in the area.

Creamy, delicious, local ice cream shop with a nice side view of the Edinburgh Castle. Depends when…read moreyou go, there's a small queue outside this tiny shop that only allows six people inside at a time. The shop workers are really friendly, providing flavor recommendations if you can't make up your mind. The cherry in cream flavor was amazing.

I had my sights on this place during my visit to Edinburgh but I only managed to get it on my final…read moreday before my flight back. This place is right by The Vennel so it was a convenient location on my midday stroll. I first walked by and there was maybe 10 people in line so I decided to get it after visiting The Vennel. On my way back there were only 3 people ahead of me so great timing to enjoy delicious gelato in the cold but clear skies overlooking the castle. And I did just that. I was torn between the Salted Caramel and the Pistachio and I knew I couldn't finish 2 full scoops. The worker saw the indecision painted all over my face and recommended the Pistachio since it was a limited item. So I went with that. To my surprise she also included a large spoonful of the Salted Caramel just so I can try it too! Such a nice gesture. So there I was enjoying the creamy, delicious gelato sitting on a bench just across from Mary's Milk Bar. All the while indulging and soaking in the magnificent view of the castle and the very tasty gelato :)

The gelato stuffed donut sign wont me over. I was pleasantly pleased with the doughnut. It was very…read moredelicious, warm, and tasted fresh. The staff was very nice and I actually went back for a second one :)

What a great stop after climbing Arthur's seat! Refreshing iced cappuccino and a waffle hit the…read morespot. The Smoov cream was delicate and refreshing with no after taste. Love this spot. Comfy couches and music playing in the background. Clean bathroom and free WIfi! What else can I ask for?

Stellar bakery and coffee spot near our Airbnb. Due to proximity, I went a few times. It's a small…read moreplace with no seating so just grab & go. Bread and pastries are fresh baked daily and displayed beautifully in the window. I got the pan au chocolate and a latte both times. Great place to stop in for a quick bite and caffeine hit in the morning on the way to work or a more substantial breakfast.

Much more of an elevated selection of baked goods than a regular café. Can definitely tell they're…read morea bakery too. Everything I had left quite a nice impression with me. Sausage Roll: A very meaty sausage roll. Like it's mostly sausage, with a bit of dough around it. The sausage itself had veggies and herbs in the mix. Perfect if you want a big meal for breakfast. Cheese Scone: Subtle and mild cheesy. I didn't have any butter on hand, but imagine that would make this even better. Twice Baked Blackcurrant & Pistachio Croissant: Loved that there was a nice jam spread in the middle of the croissant. The twice-baking meant it wasn't as airy/flaky as once-baked croissant, but that is easily overlooked since the blackcurrant makes up for it. Frangipane Bar: A really great take on a dessert bar. Perfect if you love marzipan, but don't want to eat one of those weird brightly shaped candies. I liked this so much, I'm gonna look up how to make this at home.

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 !!!

A place with both coffee and alcohol available? I'm sold! We went twice during our trip to…read moreEdinburgh. I got coffee one time and chai the other time. Both drinks were excellent and the staff was friendly! A plus is that the wifi works quite well! If you want to eat/drink there, you may have to wait a bit for a table, but you won't regret it. Fear not though, takeaway is available if you're pressed for time!

World class espresso drinks. The shots are sweet and full bodied. The milk is foamed to a silky…read moreperfection. The service can be a little slow, but the servers are friendly and quick to respond once you flag them down.

Tasty burger spot that was close to our hotel. We were starving after driving from Oban to…read moreEdinburgh, so immediately after checking in to our hotel we looked up places that were near by. This popped up right away and the other reviews and pictures did it justice. We walked over, got seated right away! I was vibing to the "club" music that was playing. We ordered two burgers and a large portion of chips to share, we could have gotten the small and had plenty. The burgers hit the spot! We even grabbed dessert; the cheesecake and chocolate torte. The torte was so rich and so good!!

This is a great burger. Located near Princess street and the Edinburgh castle. We were staying at…read morethe Doubletree and this was within 5 minutes by walking. The ambience, friendly service and amazing burgers will make me visit again. Note, there is no on street parking.

Fantastic food and service! The place is pretty big, which is nice compared to most neighboring…read moreplaces. Our server was so friendly and attentive and the food portions were really large and the draft beer selection was pretty good. I had the Balmoral chicken burger with haggis and it was fantastic! I love haggis, but I've never had a haggis this good with bacon :drool: My husband and I came in starving and left overstuffed, which is a good thing! It made for a wonderful last dinner in Scotland.

A cute little Asian fusion spot. Nice atmosphere. Attentive staff. Great food. My first meal in…read moreScotland. And, in the UK, there is always good Asian food.

Such a great experience for two American travelers! The hospitality was exceptional and the food…read morewas delicious! Probably one of the best vanilla lattes I've had in a while. Thank you, Fountain Cafe, for giving us a great start to the day.

Wonderful little cafe, huge portions of savory meats and pancakes. We had the full Scottish…read morebreakfast and the pancakes with ham, both were great. The owners were also lovely people.

We came here because it was convenient to our hotel. Once we walked in, the place was empty except…read moreone table. They had numerous bartenders behind the bar, yet we could not get served. Once we finally got served, they would walk by us and never follow up again about needing additional drinks. We sat there for a while with empty drinks and could not get any service. Due to that we ended up paying our tab and leaving. They also had numerous bar flies flying around the bar and the taps. Even though it was convenient, I would not return.

I gotta be honest on this one, I have never had a scotch egg, nor Camembert. But these were…read moreamazing. The scotch egg is surrounded in sausage and deep fried. The Camembert, I found out, is cheese and jam. The bar tenders were super nice and we got out food really fast! This is a bar (18+ in Scotland) so it is a bit noisy! Amazing service and food though