We first visited Coffee & Co. in Dundee, known for their homemade cakes and toasties. Their early opening time at 7 AM makes it an appealing spot for early birds like us. 

This independent coffee shop, nestled in the heart of Dundee City Centre, had a warm and inviting ambiance. The interior, thoughtfully designed by local architect Jon Frullani in 2015, also exuded a cosy charm. 

They offered both sit-in and takeaway options, making it convenient for patrons. Plus, they proudly showcased locally sourced produce in their menu.

For those who like to work or read while sipping their coffee, Coffee & Co. offers free WiFi, power points at most tables, and even a selection of daily newspapers. This is great for those who’d like to catch up on their work or studies during breakfast.

We thought their scone with cream and jam was delightful. The scone was freshly baked, and the cream and jam accompanied it perfectly.

Their haggis and cheese toastie was equally delicious. We enjoyed the flavorful combination of savoury haggis and creamy cheese.

However, the coffee I ordered was a letdown because it was extremely watered down, lacking the rich, robust flavour I expected. The milk was also poorly steamed, resulting in an unpleasant texture. 

What’s more, we heard reports from previous customers that the staff were unwelcoming to those working on their laptops. Despite the café having empty tables, they were asked to leave after just an hour and a half.

We also went to the lovely Bridgeview Station Restaurant. Situated on Dundee’s bustling waterfront, the restaurant’s location couldn’t be better –offering a picturesque view– and the setting within an iconic Victorian Station added a unique touch.

The restaurant’s commitment to using local seasonal produce was commendable. Knowing that the meats came from Campbell’s Prime Meats and Butcher Falconers while the seafood was hand-picked from local suppliers was appealing.

The menu boasted a variety of tempting options, and we couldn’t resist trying their club sandwich, which was a delight. It was filling and tasty – a great way to start our day.

The creamy scrambled eggs we ordered were equally delicious. In fact, it was probably the best scrambled eggs I’ve had in a while.

Bridgeview Station’s architectural design was another highlight. Based on the original design of Dundee’s old Magdalen Green Station, the restaurant’s ambiance was a charming blend of historic and modern elements. 

The presence of an authentic 1870s railway carriage further enhanced the experience. It was an iconic place, and we took lots of pictures for the ‘gram.

However, the visit had its drawbacks. The prices, while not exorbitant, were on the higher side, which could deter some diners.

The initial service also left much to be desired, as we entered and went unnoticed for a while, eventually having to ask for assistance.

For our next breakfast adventure, we decided to go to Henry’s Coffee House, a 100% independent coffee shop. Enjoying its charming, intimate ambiance, we appreciated the change of pace from the corporate coffee chains. 

The atmosphere inside was a perfect blend of relaxing and lively, suitable for studying or simply enjoying a buzz of conversation. 

During our visit, we opted to enjoy our meal outdoors, basking in the summer sunshine, which was a refreshing change. Free Wi-Fi was a plus, which allowed us to stay connected to work and social media. 

We indulged in their delicious lemon drizzle cake, which paired wonderfully with their coffee. We thought the cake’s balance of sweetness and tartness was spot on.

We also couldn’t resist trying their sausage and egg roll, and it was quite satisfying.

We also learned that Henry’s Coffee House had built a long-standing reputation for hosting fundraising events and collaborating with charities. This certainly added to their appeal.

However, we heard from several customers we interviewed that they couldn’t get the Wi-Fi to connect, which was a minor inconvenience. 

Moreover, considering the quality of the food, we think their prices were a tad high.

We chose to go to Empire State Coffee Artisan Roasters, a popular breakfast spot in Dundee. Located just a couple of minutes from the Rail Station, it’s conveniently accessible.

One of the highlights of Empire State Coffee is their rich history of blending and roasting coffee for over ten years. What’s more, they proudly carry their own coffee beans, ensuring quality control from bean to cup.

We appreciate that they open their doors bright and early at 7:30 AM. This makes it a perfect stop for those early birds in need of a caffeine fix. 

As a cafe with vegan and vegetarian options, they cater to a variety of dietary preferences, which we appreciate.

The staff were also friendly and ever-willing to help, adding to the overall pleasant atmosphere.

We were very happy with their pancakes – they were perfectly fluffy and delicious. Plus, the aroma of their artisan coffee filled the air, and it tasted as good as it smelled.

However, their almond croissant, though promising, turned out to be disappointingly hard – almost like a brick!

Also, we waited for at least 15 minutes for two coffees, which we felt was a bit longer than expected. This place might not be ideal for those in a rush. 

We felt the cafe’s interior was slightly cramped. It would be a tad challenging to find a comfortable spot during busy hours.

We heard good things about Dundee Centre Beefeater, so we decided to give it a try. Established in 1974, we think this family-friendly restaurant is certainly worth a visit.

One bonus is that it opens bright and early at 6:30 AM, making it an ideal spot for early commuters seeking a hearty breakfast. 

Its free parking was also a pleasant surprise, ensuring a hassle-free start to our day. 

The breakfast options were extensive and budget-friendly. For just £9.99, we indulged in an unlimited breakfast that allowed us to customise our plate with eggs, premium sausages, crispy bacon, hash browns, and black pudding. 

Their continental options at £7.99 were equally tempting. It offers a delightful variety of pastries, fresh fruits, and cereals for those seeking a lighter yet equally satisfying breakfast experience.

As a cherry on top, the price includes unlimited teas, coffees, and juices, which we definitely took advantage of.

Another major perk was that two kids could enjoy a free breakfast, making it a great choice for families. 

The availability of outdoor dining was a refreshing touch, allowing us to savour our meal in the brisk morning air.

However, not everything was perfect. Some of the food, regrettably, arrived cold, which was disappointing. 

The most glaring issue was the excruciatingly slow service, even though the restaurant was almost empty. It left us twiddling our thumbs, longing for a more efficient dining experience.