So *drum roll* here are my top ten!
This has sneaked into the top ten as it is maybe my Central Perk in Edinburgh, the place where I meet up with friends regularly. It's small, cosy and does a pretty decent coffee and pastry and the staff are very friendly.
9. Artisan Roast (Bruntsfield and Broughton St.)
Phwoar, this place is nice. There are two in Edinburgh, one in Bruntsfield, the other on Broughton Street. This place really brings you back to the roots of coffee. With coffee bean bags draped across the walls and hipsters who really know their roasts you are guaranteed a good time. There is also a bookcase with books and board games that you can enjoy for free so all in all, a good spot,
8. Cairngorm Coffee & Co., Frederick St.
I came across this place by accident one day with a friend when we couldn't find room anywhere else and thank God we did come across it. I loved its simple design with wooden benches and side tables. Most of all it does a great coffee and grilled cheese sandwich. Definitely worth a visit.
7. Le Café Bleu, Grassmarket
This is not the prettiest or most comfortable café but it serves the nicest waffles I have ever eaten and has the friendliest and kindest owner. It is based on Belgian and Middle Eastern recipes and has a really personal feel to it. The Belgian waffles I had came with a platter of fruit and they were spectacular. Highly recommend it.
6. Falko, ( Gullane and Bruntsfield)
On a drive to Gullane one Sunday with my brother and his Austrian wife we came across this delightful spot. Its a German cafe set up by a man by the name of Falko (never) who when came to Edinburgh loved the city but didn't like the style of baking here. So he brought over his own style of baking, based on subtle and natural flavours. They sell the most delicious bread and a lot of the cakes have fruit filling. If you are looking for a taste of traditional Bavaria I highly recommend this spot.
5. The Pantry, Stockbridge
This is one of my favourite places to have brunch in Edinburgh. My favourite thing on the menu is the (somewhat pretentious) avocado, poached egg and chorizo dish. It makes working hard worth it sometimes. A really nice place to go on a Saturday morning to forget about life for a bit.
4. Obadiah, Grassmarket
This is a pretty new place in the Grassmarket that was recommended to me by my flatmate. It is an Australian run spot (with pretty staff), so pretty in fact they completely got my order wrong and I didn't even mind!(How big of me)! A place where you need to know what a flat white and a tall black is. There is also a cute carpeted area where you can sit on the floor to enjoy the ambiance.
3. Serrano Manchego, Leith Walk
Oh how I love this place. Where nostalgia and delicious meet. This is definitely a happy place for me in Edinburgh. It is great for both breakfast and dinner. With a wonderful atmosphere, delicious Spanish eats and a real feeling of Spain I just want to recommend it to everyone, particularly the Grande breakfast which just has all of the good stuff in it (patatas bravas, egg and cured ham)! So worth a visit.
2. Checkpoint, Bristo Place
This is a place I could go every day and never get sick of it. This is my favourite place to have breakfast ever. Smashed avocado with boiled eggs is a favourite and they also do a hash brown pancake that looks amazing also. With its random array of furniture, quirky staff and views out onto the old town this is just truly a wonderful place to go and relax and be happy!
1. Earthy, Cannonmills
I have to say I have only been to this place once but I will be back!! Both healthy and delicious this place is like therapy. I tried the most delicious hot drink 'the Chocolate Abyss' which consisted of black tea, chunks of chocolate, coconut and cocoa, it really was heaven in my mouth. Its the kind of place you just want everything, There are an abundance of healthy salads to choose from with a unique blend of delicious flavours, soups and sandwiches and all things delicious. Cannot recommend it enough!! It is genuinely food for the soul.
So here concludes my top ten, apologies for the cheesy nature of this post but this was just something I have really wanted to write for a very long time!
