Cafes Around Edinburgh and the Lothians You Have To Try
Edinburgh and the Lothians are packed with small, characterful cafés that quietly shape the rhythm of local life; places where the pastries are made by hand, the coffee is poured with care, and the welcome feels like a soft landing. These ten spots are the ones I think people need to try: independent, craft‑driven, full of personality, and each offering something that makes the journey, whether a short stroll or a 30‑minute bus ride, absolutely worth it. From tiny pastry counters to seaside brunch rooms, they’re the kind of places that turn a quick coffee into a moment you want to linger in.
EDINBURGH
The Kitchen Table Twelve Triangles, Easter Road Leith
A neighbourhood favourite serving exceptional sourdough, laminated pastries, and small‑batch bakes straight from the Twelve Triangles bakery. Plenty of indoor seating - tables of two and communal. It’s 10 minute walk from Princes Street or hop on the 1 or the 35 buses.
Relish, Leith
A bright, friendly café known for generous sandwiches, great coffee, and a proper “local” feel. There’s indoor seating, dogs are welcome, and it’s right on several Leith bus routes with on‑street parking nearby.
Think Pastry, Abbey Hill
A tiny pastry studio turning out some of the most beautiful Greek pasties in the city — crisp, buttery, and always seasonal. Limited indoor and outdoor seating, dog‑friendly outside, and just a short walk from the 2 and 5 bus stops.
Gorse, Newington
Modern, calm, and ingredient‑led, Gorse offers thoughtful brunch plates and excellent coffee in a minimalist space. Indoor seating only, no dogs inside, and well‑served by the 3, 5, 7, and 8 buses with on‑street parking around the corner.
Pastry Section, Stockbridge
A cult favourite for glossy tarts, perfect choux, and some of the prettiest patisserie in Edinburgh. Indoor seating is limited, dogs are welcome outside, and it’s an easy wander from the 24 and 29 bus routes.
LOTHIANS 20-30 minutes drive or bus ride from Edinburgh
Cafe Filly, Cockenzie
A charming coastal café offering hearty brunches, home baking, and a relaxed, family‑friendly vibe. Indoor and outdoor seating, dog‑friendly, parking nearby, and reachable by the 26 bus.
Drift, North Berwick
A cliff‑top café with panoramic sea views and beautifully plated brunch dishes that feel like a treat. Indoor and outdoor seating, dog‑friendly outside, plenty of parking, and accessible via the X5 but best to drive or cycle.
Brew, Dalkeith
A specialty coffee spot serving excellent espresso, fresh bakes, and a warm community feel. Limited indoor seating and outdoor benches, dog‑friendly, and its best to drive or cycle.
Chocolate Barn, Dalkeith
A cosy café known for its handmade chocolates, indulgent hot drinks, and comforting cakes. Indoor seating, dog‑friendly, parking available, and served by local Dalkeith bus routes including the 3 and 33.
Beachhouse, Portobello
A breezy beachfront café offering brunch, cakes, and coffee with one of the best sea views near Edinburgh. Indoor and outdoor seating, dog‑friendly outside, parking along the promenade, and reachable by the 26 bus.
Whether you’re staying in the city or heading out to the coast and countryside, these ten cafés showcase the best of what Edinburgh and the Lothians do so well: craft baking, thoughtful cooking, warm service, and spaces that invite you to slow down. Each one has its own personality, its own rhythm, and its own reason to become someone’s new favourite, and together they make a perfect map for anyone who loves good coffee, good pastries, and good places to be.
TartanSpoon is an award‑winning blog dedicated to uncovering the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, across Scotland, and beyond.
With a strong focus on food tourism, food destinations, and discovering the most exciting culinary experiences countries have to offer, TartanSpoon brings readers honest reviews, curated recommendations, and stories that celebrate the vibrant food and drink scene.
Adele is a writer and reviewer based in Edinburgh, passionate about showcasing the people, places and plates that make Scotland and other countries such standout destinations for food lovers.
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