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.

The clue for this place is in the name... The theme for the décor is all things elephant-related…read moreand bagels are what's on the menu. What's good about this place is the sheer variety, not only of fillings to choose from but also the type of bagel itself. However, with almost 10 types of bagel to choose from, from seeded to sundried tomato to cinnamon and raisin, and the endless amount of fillings ranging from maple syrup to salami to peanut butter, the wait in the queue is often a long one. What's more, the prices aren't as cheap as you'd think. The average bagel with three fillings can cost up to £6, which in my opinion is a little excessive for a midweek grab-and-go lunch. In addition, there are only 5 tables which usually means a takeaway is your only option, which again makes the price a little less appealing especially given how many other cafés there are within 2 minutes walking distance. In theory, it's a great concept but in reality I would say it's one of those places that has been around for years and has become a bit complacent as a result. I wouldn't say avoid it, but nor would it be my first choice.

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.

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!

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.

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!

As a student at the University of Edinburgh, I really appreciate Olly Bongo's. It's very convenient…read morefor those frequently in the area of campus, the portions are sizable, especially for the price, and the set up makes it a good place to meet people. It's also quite an interesting menu, some unusual combinations of things. I usually just use the university wi-fi, but I think they have their own. I think there is like a £5 credit card minimum.

I love Olly Bongo's. This inconspicuous little cafe on the corner of Teviot Place is one of the…read morecity's fun and quirky places to sit down, have a chat and enjoy a great plate of food. You'd walk right past it and write it off as it doesn't look like much from the outside, but if you step through the doors it's likely you'll get a different impression entirely. The cafe is decorated in a Turkish/middle eastern theme and I always opt for their dishes from the region. Mezze plate for the win! (See my photo as evidence backing up that excited statement.) The food is really tasty, portioned generously and served with a smile. Haven't gotten around to the cakes yet. Another excuse to visit some time soon! BTW, they also do student discount so remember to flash the matriculation card to get 10% off.

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!

The original cafe on George IV Bridge, which has been shut since the tragic fire on 24th August…read more2021, is now open at Victoria Street. Again, that's alleged, but it's everywhere- Author J.K. Rowling had her first book published while she was writing in the back room overlooking Edinburgh Castle, making The Elephant House the "birthplace" of the series of Harry Potter novels. The Elephant House Cafe proudly calls itself the 'birthplace' of Harry Potter above the front door. This claim is slightly controversial, as the sign alludes to the birthplace of parts of the books, not necessarily the beginning. The Elephant House in Edinburgh, Scotland, is a pilgrimage site for any Potterhead. From the outside, and honestly from the inside as well, it seems like your average cafe. However, this cafe is one of the cafes that provided space for J.K. Rowling to create not only a book series, but an entire magical world. The

When in Edinburgh, it is one of those centrally located tourist attractions that you might want to…read morecheck out for fun. We took pictures outside and ventured inside wanting to sit down for a coffee/pastry. Unfortunately, the wait was so long that we selected not to stay. We looked around the small gift shop area and selected some souvenirs. It was challenging to get someone to ring our purchase but managed to after some time. Love my new lunch bag!

Small cafe in Grassmarket - quaint, super friendly and healthy…read more The avocado toast with feta and just that dash of balsamic hit the spot for breakfast my first morning in Edinburgh. We were out before the crowds so the cafe was busy but not overwhelmed. The right amount of avocado to be filling and feta just added that touch of salt without making it too salty. I love a good balsamic w/my avocado toast and love even more when I don't need to ask for it. The Betty Ford was delicious. A bright spot in what was starting out as a dreary day. Fresh fruit with the brightness of the citrus, nothing added to enhance the flavors letting the fruit stand out w/no annoying smoothie base. The only thing to note is that they will split the check at the register but are not keen on it. Overall, def would make this a regular stop as part of my Edinburgh eating locales

Healthy food with great service! Small little cafe. I do recommend the best granola I've ever…read moretasted!

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.