Wild weekend planned in Edinburgh, but no clue where to fuel up between pints? Good thing we’ve done the thinking for you and gathered six of the city’s top food experts to get their tips on where to eat out on the morning after the night before.
From ‘hair of the dog’ cocktails to hefty Scottish fry-ups, cushion the blow of tomorrow’s hangover and check out the following suggestions for brunch spots in Edinburgh. You’ll thank us later…
“Much as Edinburgh is a city of great architecture and wide vistas, a fuzzy head of a morning needs some time out from sightseeing, and a little TLC. If you’re feeling a tad fragile, this little spot just off the High Street, is an Edinburgh institution.
With its art deco frontage and chrome accents, this American-style diner offers comfy booths, a relaxed vibe and hearty food. The full breakfast (£8/5) has a Scottish slant with haggis, black pudding and tatties scones.
Americana and soul-food inspired dishes feature too, so you can re-fuel on a good Monteray Jack cheeseburger (£8), plate of nachos (£4.50), or sticky hickory-smoked baby-back ribs (£7.50).
There’s a superb selection of local and Scottish small-brewery bottled beers including Williams Bros, Stewart Brewing, and Arran Brewery offering everything from hoppy IPAs to darker porters.
Cocktail-wise, go for a classic bloody Mary or a fresh cucumber gin martini – the friendly staff will get you back on your adventuring feet in no time.”
The City Café, 19 Blair Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QR. Tel: 0131 220 0125. Food served 7 days 9am to 10pm.
Recommended by Leila from Leilappetit.com
“Henri’s café/deli is in the heart of Stockbridge, a leafy suburb of the city with a great buzzy feel about it particularly on a Sunday when the local Farmers Market is on.
It’s open all day for breakfast, lunch, and sharing platters in the evening. If you’re looking for something other than the predictable ‘eggs benedict’ or a ‘full Scottish’ for breakfast then Henri’s is pretty much the perfect spot.
With a lovely atmosphere, a few outside tables for when the sun is shining, grab a seat, kick back and enjoy.
A little bit of the Auld Alliance in Edinburgh, Henri source the best quality cheese and charcuterie from France and this is reflective in their menu.
Comte, bacon, and onion sourdough toastie (£5.95) is an absolute winner, ham and cheese croissants (£4.50) just melt in your mouth, and the pan aux raisin are ‘ooh la la’ particularly when served warm.
Accompany your continental breakfast with one of the best coffees in Stockbridge and you’ll be set up for a great day exploring a lovely area of the city.
Tip: Before you leave this little haven be sure to have a look around the deli at the ever-growing selection of organic and bio-dynamic wines, the fantastic display of cheese, chocolate, pate…..the list goes on. You definitely won’t leave empty handed!”
Henri, 48 Raeburn Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh, +44 31332 8963. Mon-Thurs 9-7, Friday 9-late, Saturday 9-7, Sunday 9-6
Recommended by Hilary from Mymonkfish.com
“If you’re looking for a cool and quirky bar with bags of character then look no further than Roseleaf. It’s the ideal place to blow away the cobwebs.
Be sure to try a perfectly balanced Bloody Mary – your hangover will be a distant memory. For those wanting something more substantial than a Bloody Mary, check out the Brunch menu.
Roseleaf understands the brilliance of brunch, which is why it’s on the menu until 5pm. How do you like your eggs in the morning? Well, with eggs benedict served six ways we’re sure The Roseleaf will be able to help you decide.
We recommend The Barry Benny with crispy bacon. Another favourite is the French toast with a mound of bacon and lashings of maple syrup – an indulgent way to start the day.
Fans of a fry-up should check out the The Big Yin or Roseleafer (V) – an absolute feast served in a griddle pan.
Tip: Burger lover? Try The Royal with Cheese, but if afternoon cocktails are your thing, have one served up in a teapot, the famous pot-tail.”
Roseleaf, 23/24 Sandport Place, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6EW.
Recommended by Gary from Edinblogger.com
“One of our favourite spots for brunch is Nobles. It’s situated on Constitution Street in the heart of Leith and has a real old world, traditional feel to it. The low lighting and laid back atmosphere make it the perfect place for a laid back Sunday (or any day) brunch.
If you’re going to do Sunday brunch you may as well do it right. At Nobles doing it right means the ‘Nobles Full Scottish’: Stornoway black pudding, Findlay’s haggis, sausage, two rashers of bacon, cherry vine tomatoes, mushrooms, beans, two eggs and tattie scone coming in at £9.95.
The food is fantastic and it’s a hearty serving, representing good value for money and is pretty average cost-wise for a decent Sunday brunch in Edinburgh.
Nobles also offer some excellent alternatives on their brunch menu such as ‘green chilli & chorizo scrambled eggs’, ‘full veggie breakfast’ and ‘eggs benedict’ as well as a number of others. All use locally sourced ingredients and free range eggs.
To wash down your brunch there is a good selection of teas, coffees and fruit juices, or my favourite, the Bloody Mary.”
Nobles, 44a Constitution Street, Leith, 0131 629 7215. Mon – Fri 12pm – 1am, Sat – Sun 10am – 1am
Recommended by Jonathan from Edinburgers.co.uk
“Papii, a lovely little cafe and coffee shop on Hanover Street, is a great spot for an energising brunch. The selection spans healthy options such as granola and their fantastic eggs Florentine, to more decadent choices like maple syrup and bacon topped buttermilk waffles.
Even if you go with the simple breakfast roll, you’ll find this quiet and compact little eatery is a city centre treasure.
With impressively good Artisan Roast coffee to the fore, the counter folks are always ready with a smile and a cheery greeting, and are most adept at spotting when you’re best left on your own to gather your thoughts for the day ahead.
Equally suited to both sit-in and takeaway customers, a visit to Papii is the ideal way to start your day in Edinburgh.”
Papii, 101 Hanover Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1DJ, 0131 220 5682, Mon-Fri 7.30-4pm; Sat 9-5pm; Sun 10-4pm
Recommended by BKR from Lunchquest.co.uk
“Just a few blocks away from the Royal Mile is a hidden Edinburgh gem, Spoon Café. They understand your brunching needs perfectly, with a menu that varies from super healthy eats to a classic full Scottish breakfast.
This relaxed vintage style café is a large airy room on Nicholson Street with plenty of tables (so you’re always likely to get a seat) and a dedicated Sunday brunch menu.
The star dish is of course the full Scottish breakfast and you know a café understands hangovers when they serve chips along with all the usual breakfast suspects.
There’s also a variety of healthy options when you want to do your body some good. Some of the saintly selections include berry and melon fruit salad, pancakes with yoghurt, banana and granola and proper fresh orange juice too.
Their décor is super cool with retro finds, old newspapers, coloured bubble lighting, 60’s wallpaper and vintage crockery. Spoon opens at 10am on a Saturday and 12pm on a Sunday which is perfect for both shopping trips into town and lazy hangover days alike.”
Spoon Café, 6a Nicholson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DH.
Recommended by Katey from Edinburgh Etiquette
- Fiona Hilliard
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