Best breakfasts in Edinburgh: 15 places to start the day

Looking for a good breakfast in Edinburgh to satisfy your morning appetite? We're here for you with our list of the best breakfast spots in Edinburgh. Fortunately great breakfasts aren't a hard thing to find in the Scottish capital, and whether it's a full Scottish or just a good cup of coffee to fuel your day, the many cafes and restaurants of Edinburgh have you covered. As Edinburgh natives are surely aware of, the Scottish capital is full to the brim with classy restaurants, hidden gems, and neighbourhood breakfast spots to discover. In the spirit of discovery, we've been out and about finding the best breakfast spots in Edinburgh, and we've pulled all our favourites into a handy guide. 

Scottish breakfasts are nearing legendary status for anyone who needs a big feed in the morning, though if you're unaccustomed to them they can seem rather unfamiliar. Haggis, tattie scones, morning rolls, Stornoway black pudding, and Lorne sausage are all common on a Scottish breakfast plate, and essential parts of the full Scottish breakfast that is, dare we say, a clear upgrade on the English alternative.

Naturally there are lots of great breakfast places in Edinburgh where you can get a proper Scottish breakfast, some of which we've put in our list below. That said, the capital's dining scene is varied and eclectic, and if you prefer something a bit lighter in the morning, you'll find some fantastic cafes here that serve healthier options too. The sweet-toothed among us are exceptionally well looked after in Edinburgh, as the city has more than its fair share of top-class bakeries, turning out everything from immaculate croissants and viennoisserie to sourdough loaves and foccaccia sandwiches. Across all these spots one thing is sure – you will be able to get some truly great coffee with many places roasting their beans locally and always offering milk alternatives.

Our list explores all corners of the city with glamorous New Town venues, family-friendly spots in Bruntsfield and Fountainbridge, trendy spots in Leith, and student favourites in Newington. Read on for our recommendations, from greasy spoons and quaint cafes to some more refined breakfast spots.

Greenwoods, New Town

What: Breakfast is served all day at this popular New Town spot with a menu that includes a full Scottish breakfast (as well as veggie and vegan versions), eggs benedict, shakshuka, and a pancake stack served with a savory topping of eggs, hash browns, bacon, and link sausage. Greenwoods originally has Dutch roots and this is clear on the menu, with interesting Dutch breakfast options like sweet Appeltaart, and a version of the classic Dutch ‘uitsmijter’ comprised of fried eggs on toasted sourdough with torched gouda cheese, smoked ham, green chutney, and a wholegrain mustard mayo.
Where: 61 Frederick Street, EH2 1LH
Book now: Greenwoods

Duck & Waffle, St James Quarter

What: The sky-high views are what draws most guests to Duck & Waffle in St James Quarter, but second to that is a genuinely excellent breakfast and brunch operation that serves up everything from barbecue beans on toast to caramelised banana, waffles and Chantilly cream.
Where: 400-402 St James Crescent, EH1 3AD
Book now: Duck & Waffle Edinburgh

Ardfern, Leith

What: It's no secret we're huge fans of Roberta Hall-McCarron and her little crew of Edinburgh restaurants. Ardfern is the youngest of the trio, but it has the same recipe for success as Eleanore and The Little Chartroom - downright delicious food with very little in the way of faffing around. The breakfast menu includes everything from toast and butter to an excellent full breakfast with beef haggis and a tattie scone. Or, go sweet with overnight oats, doughnuts or a chocolate and peanut butter cookie tart with creme fraiche. 
Where: 10-12 Bonnington Road, EH6 5JD
Book now: Ardfern

Snax Cafe, New Town

What: A favorite among students, builders, and locals alike for its affordability and low-faff approach, Snax Cafe is a Scottish greasy spoon that serves a stellar (and very affordable) full Scottish breakfast. There are vegetarian and vegan versions available too, alongside more conventional breakfast baguettes, wraps, and morning rolls with all the fillings, crucially including haggis, link sausage, and square sausage.
Where: 15 West Register Street, EH2 2AA
Book now: Snax Cafe

Soderberg, Various Locations

What: An Edinburgh institution with seven branches across the city, Soderberg offers up a taste of Sweden with their breakfast. Expect Swedish buns flavoured with cardamon, vanilla, raspberry, and cinnamon, as well as waffles and a variety of baked eggs and omelettes. Sourdough is life at Soderberg from their toast to their artisanal sandwiches and pizzas, which you can also get in the morning. We also thank Soderberg deeply for introducing breakfast Swedish meatballs, served with baked eggs, toasted sourdough and chili jam.
Where: Various locations
Book now: Soderberg

Montpeliers, Bruntsfield

What: Montpelier's in Bruntsfield is a neighborhood favorite with its welcoming family-friendly atmosphere and its outside seating filled with greenery. Breakfast here is served until 5pm so late sleepers and day drinkers can still get in on some cinnamon French toast, as well as stand-out dishes including breakfast tacos and a peach and blueberry crumble. Vegetarians and vegans are very much accommodated for with a full veggie and a vegan breakfast and scrambled tofu available as a side.
Where: 159-161 Bruntsfield Place, EH10 4DG
Book now: Montpelier's

Roseleaf, Leith

What: At the bohemian and characterful Roseleaf, local and seasonal ingredients are brought together to craft a truly special breakfast. Classic breakfast dishes are made charming and memorable with names like ‘Fancy Fungi’ - a sourdough toast topped with mushrooms - and the addition of hearty breakfast dishes like Mac ‘n’ Cheese, fish cakes and burgers sets the Roseleaf apart. Just because it’s breakfast doesn’t mean there isn’t room for dessert, and with a Negroni trifle on offer we encourage you not to skip it.
Where: 23-24 Sandport Place, EH6 6EW
Book now: Roseleaf

Honeycomb & Co, Bruntsfield

What: Guests arriving at Honeycomb & Co enjoy breakfast in a friendly and casual atmosphere that is perfect for families. The menu here is extensive and extremely varied, ranging from strawberry and lime French toast to chicken and sea trout yakitori skewers. Drinks are similarly inventive with tempting Nutella and Biscoff flavored lattes, a variety of fresh juices and honey juleps. Everyone is catered for and thought of when it comes to breakfast at Honeycomb & Co with both a kid's menu for little ones and a to-go menu if you are in a hurry.
Where: 1 Merchiston Place, EH10 4NP
Book now: Honeycomb & Co

Toast, Leith

What: At Toast simple yet inventive breakfast dishes are served all day in the setting of this former art gallery. Expect breakfast dishes with a twist, like smoked haddock and pak choi on toast, and chipotle chicken and mango, as well as some more conventional breakfast fare like American pancakes, avo toast, and shakshuka. If you've got room, there are always some more substantial plates to get stuck into including steaks, chicken club sandwiches, and a glorious tuna melt. 
Where: 65 The Shore, EH6 6RA
Book now: Toast

Loudons, Fountainbridge

What: Loudons in Fountainbridge offers a superb breakfast that does justice to the classics whilst also featuring inventive versions of conventional breakfast dishes. Pancakes, usually reserved for those with a sweeter tooth, are served with spinach, chili, and red onion. The sweet versions are of course available as well with tempting cinnamon swirl and dirty chai versions. In a similar vein, a custard-soaked French toast is available in croque monsieur form. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as a dedicated children’s menu.
Where: 94b Fountainbridge, EH3 9QA
Book now: Loudon's Fountainbridge

Contini, New Town

What: Those looking for a good breakfast in Edinburgh city centre should head for Contini - the glamorous Italian set inside an old George Street bank. The morning menu retains an Italian influence with light, crispy Contini focaccia served with scrambled eggs and various sweet treats. However, the real highlights of the menu are the butteries - these flattened croissants hail from Aberdeen and are laminated with lard instead of butter, giving them a more savory flavour. Enjoy them with savory toppings of poached eggs, sea trout, and speck, as well as a sweeter version served with the housemade marmalade.
Where: 103 George Street, EH2 3ES
Book now: Contini

Dishoom, New Town

What: The Edinburgh Dishoom in St. Andrews Square is a real jewel in the group's crown with its central location, views of the square’s greenery, and stunning interiors. The breakfast at Dishoom remains as popular as ever and has become a core part of the experience thanks to the borderline legendary bacon naan roll, big Bombay breakfast, and pork sausages with masala beans. There are also dishes for more intrepid guests such as their chicken keema peppered with delicious morsels of chicken liver. The drinks are also not to be missed out on with a house lassi and their famous house chai.
Where:3a St Andrew Square, EH2 2BD
Book now: Dishoom Edinburgh

Edinburgh Larder, Old Town

What: Located just off the Royal Mile, this hidden gem has garnered a loyal following as an outstanding breakfast spot with its emphasis on seasonal and local produce, and that extends to its hot drinks with  locally roasted coffee beans and locally sourced tea. From the food menu expect a full Scottish breakfast, potato hash served with sea trout, and breakfast baps with all the usual fillings. A special mention must also go to their kilted eggs which feature a poached egg served with haggis and black pudding. There are plenty of dishes on offer for vegetarian and vegan guests as well as a wide range of gluten-free baked goods.
Where: 15 Blackfriars Street, EH1 1NB
Book now: Edinburgh Larder

Cafe Milk, Leith

What: The refined breakfast menu at Cafe Milk is perfect if you are looking for something delicious and nourishing to start your day. Granola is elevated to new heights with rose and pistachio flavours and their sweet option includes a warm and toasted banana bread served with yogurt and honey. For those looking for something more substantial chorizo is served on sourdough toast with avocado, eggs, spinach, and punchy chimichurri. The veggie and vegan options would tempt even the most ardent of carnivores too, with a black bean and sweet potato hash that is served with avocado, tomatoes, and spinach and topped with a zingy lime and chili fermented sauce.
Where: 232 Morrison Street, EH3 8EA
Book now: Cafe Milk

Ship on the Shore, Leith

What: Overlooking the waterside at the shore in Leith, The Ship on the Shore offers a menu that focuses on simple dishes that showcase the high-quality seafood that Scotland has to offer. This spotlight on seafood extends to their breakfast menu which as well as other classic breakfast dishes also features Loch Creran oysters, king scallops served with a poached egg and Stornoway black pudding, and Angels on Horseback - a fabulous and luxurious combo of oysters wrapped in bacon.
Where: 24-26 The Shore, EH6 6QN
Book now: The Ship on the Shore