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6 Best Coffee Shops in Edinburgh
How We Picked
Coffee
A good coffee shop should have delicious, quality coffee in different variations. That’s why we first rated the quality and selection of coffee drinks available in each shop.
Cafe Staff
Service plays an important role in providing a great customer experience, so we also reviewed the responsiveness and demeanour of the staff.
Price
We checked out the price range in each coffee shop to let you know which ones can provide the best value for your quid.
Ambiance
We also assessed the vibe of each coffee shop to let customers choose which environment they prefer to enjoy their steaming cup of coffee in.
1. Fortitude Coffee

Coffee Selection: Espresso, Flat White, Latte, Specialty Coffees
Website: https://www.fortitudecoffee.com/
Address: 3C York Place, Edinburgh EH1 3EB, United Kingdom
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 9 AM-4 PM
Google reviews score | 4.7/5 |
Trip Advisor reviews score | 4.5/5 |
Score consistency | 5/5 |
Total Reviews | 4.73/5 |
Coffee | 3.75/5 |
→Quality | 3.5/5 |
→Selection | 4/5 |
Cafe Staff | 3.5/5 |
→Responsiveness | 4/5 |
→Demeanour | 3/5 |
Prices (A higher score means better value) | 4/5 |
Ambiance | 4/5 |
Pros
- 2022 Tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award
- Specialises in Colombia Gesha-blend coffee
- Sells tote bags, gift cards, and coffee subscriptions
Cons
- Some rude staff members
- Slightly long wait times
- Coffee quality issues
We first decided to hit up Fortitude Coffee, a small and stylish coffee shop that offers specialty roasts and local food. This shop actually received Tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award in 2022, so as coffee enthusiasts, we were excited to try their offerings.
First off, we thought their latte was simply delicious. The milk was perfectly steamed, adding a lovely smoothness to the coffee.
Their espresso was also tasty, with a strong but not overpowering flavour. We highly-recommend this for those who love espressos that pack a punch.
We were particularly impressed with their Colombia Gesha-blend coffee, which had a beautiful floral aroma and a clean, crisp taste.
They also sell tote bags, gift cards, and coffee subscriptions. We think gifting these items is a great way to share the Fortitude Coffee experience with others.
Unfortunately, we thought that some members of their staff were incredibly rude. They seemed to be more concerned with their phones than our coffee orders.
Additionally, it took more than five minutes to make an espresso, which was a bit longer than we expected.
When we ordered their Oat Milk Coffee, we were hoping for a tasty alternative to our usual latte. However, we were disappointed to find that the coffee tasted sour and bitter, with an unpleasant aftertaste.
2. LOWDOWN

Coffee Selection: Espresso, Long Black, Pour Over, Flat White, Cappuccino, Latte, Chai Latte, Matcha Latte
Website: https://www.lowdown.coffee/
Address: 40 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2LE, United Kingdom
Operating Hours:
- Mon-Sat: 9:30 AM–5:30 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–5:30 PM
Google reviews score | 4.7/5 |
Trip Advisor reviews score | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 4.9/5 |
Total Reviews | 4.86/5 |
Coffee | 4.5/5 |
→Quality | 4/5 |
→Selection | 5/5 |
Cafe Staff | 3/5 |
→Responsiveness | 3/5 |
→Demeanour | 3/5 |
Prices(A higher score means better value) | 3.5/5 |
Ambiance | 5/5 |
Pros
- Contemporary and bright coffee shop
- Has outside seating
- Global tea selection
- Great specialty coffee
- Awesome coffee art
Cons
- Not the best-tasting flat whites
- Accepts only card payments
- Customer service issues
We then headed over to LOWDOWN, a contemporary and bright coffee shop in Edinburgh. The coffee shop is well-lit and has a welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee by yourself or with friends.
Unlike other coffee shops, they have a charming outside seating area, which is perfect for enjoying your coffee on a sunny day.
Of course, we tried some of their exciting brews. Our favourite was their specialty coffee using Kenyan beans because it had an intense flavour, a slightly acidic note, and an addictive aroma.
Also, we appreciated the coffee art in their lattes. We thought they were incredible and added to the overall experience.
We did find an issue with the flat white we ordered; it tasted a bit sour and was also a bit pricey at £3.20. While we understand that specialty coffee is often more expensive, we do believe that the price could be more reasonable.
Also, they only accept card payments, which could be a downside for those who prefer to pay with cash.
Lastly, the service we received was subpar. The staff were not particularly friendly, and it took a while to get our order.
3. The Milkman

Coffee Selection: Espresso, Long Black, Americano, Iced Americano, Macchiato, Piccolo, Flat White, Latte, Cappuccino, Iced Latte
Website: https://themilkman.coffee/
Address: 7 Cockburn St, Edinburgh EH1 1BP, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 7772 077920
Operating Hours:
- Mon-Sat: 8 AM–5 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM–5 PM
Google reviews score | 4.6/5 |
Trip Advisor reviews score | 4.5/5 |
Score consistency | 5/5 |
Total Reviews | 4.7/5 |
Coffee | 5/5 |
→Quality | 5/5 |
→Selection | 5/5 |
Cafe Staff | 4/5 |
→Responsiveness | 3/5 |
→Demeanour | 5/5 |
Prices (A higher score means better value) | 3.5/5 |
Ambiance | 5/5 |
Pros
- Locally-sourced coffee and pastries
- Received an award for sustainability
- Offers various discounts
Cons
- Unable to take reservations
- No toilet available
- Pricier compared to other shops
The Milkman in Edinburgh is another charming coffee shop that we visited. The space is a restored brick-walled candy shop that has been thoughtfully transformed into a specialty coffee destination.
One of the best things about this cafe is that they source their coffee and pastries with care. We appreciate that they work with local bakeries like KiwiBakes, Fieldworks, and Glutteny to offer a range of vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free options.
We ordered their flat white, and it was absolutely delicious. The milk was perfectly steamed and poured, resulting in a beautiful latte art heart.
We also tried their mocha and long blac. The quality of their coffee and the expertise of the baristas were evident in every sip.
In 2019, they were awarded the LUXLife Global Hospitality Award for the most eco-friendly specialty coffee shop in Edinburgh, which is impressive.
To date, they offer a 10% discount on every coffee to customers who bring their own reusable cup, which we think is fantastic for the environment.
They also offer 10% discounts to NHS staff, the Napier Coffee Society, and Old Town Chambers’ customers and employees. This shows their appreciation for their community.
However, due to the small size of the shop, they are unable to take reservations. Also, there is no toilet available for customers, which can be highly-inconvenient for some.
Finally, their prices are a bit higher than other coffee shops in the area.
4. The Wall Coffee And Design House

Coffee Selection: Espresso Single, espresso Double, Espresso Con Panna, Cortado, Macchiato, Cappuccino, Latte, Flat White, Americano, Mocha, Affogato
Website: https://www.thewallcoffee.com/
Address: 45 Cockburn St, Edinburgh EH1 1BS, United Kingdom
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 9 AM-6 PM
Google reviews score | 4.3/5 |
Trip Advisor reviews score | 4.5/5 |
Score consistency | 4.9/5 |
Total Reviews | 4.56/5 |
Coffee | 4.5/5 |
→Quality | 4/5 |
→Selection | 5/5 |
Cafe Staff | 4.5/5 |
→Responsiveness | 4/5 |
→Demeanour | 5/5 |
Prices (A higher score means better value) | 3/5 |
Ambiance | 5/5 |
Pros
- Coffee house with lots of character
- Uses Elektra Belle Époque
- Delicious handmade Greek pies and paninis
- Clean toilets
Cons
- Expensive
- Slight issues with quality
- Minor order mix-ups
We also had the pleasure of visiting The Wall Coffee and Design House in Edinburgh. We thought it had a lot of character with its rough stone walls, reclaimed wood tables, and green wall tiles, giving it a unique and cosy vibe.
The highlight of our visit was definitely their coffee. They use the superior technology of Elektra Belle Époque, which is an Italian coffee maker, to present customers with top-notch coffee.
We ordered their mocha and chai latte, and both were delightful. Their mocha had a great aroma, and it was clear that the beans were of good quality.
Unfortunately, their flat white didn’t meet our expectations. It was bitter and watery, which was quite disappointing.
The cafe also offers a range of delicious handmade Greek pies, and we had the Spinach and Feta. The pie was a perfect complement to the coffee, and we were wowed by how fresh and flavourful it was.
Since they are known for their paninis, we also tried their House Choice. The combination of the salty halloumi cheese, savoury garlic sausage, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes was perfect!
Their toilets were also clean and well-maintained, which was a nice surprise.
On the other hand, we found their prices to be quite steep. Their flat white costs a whopping £3.55, which is quite expensive compared to other coffee shops.
There was also a minor mix-up with our order, but the staff rectified it right away, which was very impressive.
5. Black Sheep Coffee

Coffee Selection: Black Espresso, Americano, Latte, Flat White, Cappuccino, Mocha, Macchiato, Piccolo, Black Hoof
Website: https://leavetheherdbehind.com/blogs/locations/edinburgh-north-bridge
Address: 25 North Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1SB, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 20 3988 6994
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 6 AM-8:30 PM
Google reviews score | 4.6/5 |
Trip Advisor reviews score | 4.2/5 |
Score consistency | 4.8/5 |
Total Reviews | 4.53/5 |
Coffee | 4.5/5 |
→Quality | 5/5 |
→Selection | 4/5 |
Cafe Staff | 3.5/5 |
→Responsiveness | 3/5 |
→Demeanour | 4/5 |
Prices (A higher score means better value) | 5/5 |
Ambiance | 5/5 |
Pros
- Can be booked for events
- Vibrant, unique place
- Dog-friendly
- Has disabled access
- Competitively-priced
Cons
- Sloppy service
- Refuses cash payments
We also tried Black Sheep Coffee, and we think this Edinburgh-based coffee house is worth a visit.
First of all, the venue is available to book, making it a great spot to spice up your event with its vibrant, graffitied walls and full-serviced bar with catering options. We think it would be a great place to party.
Also, they’re dog-friendly. This is always a bonus if you’re a pet owner looking for a spot to grab a coffee with your furry friend.
Additionally, the café has disabled access, which is something that’s not always available in every coffee shop.
Comparatively, we think their prices are highly-competitive. For instance, their espresso only costs £2.09, which is really cheaper compared to other cafes in the area.
Despite the affordable price, the quality of their coffee is not compromised. In fact, their flat white was the best we’ve ever had – it was so velvety, creamy, and indulgent!
We also loved their oat milk mocha. It had a subtle nutty and toasty flavour from the oats, which added a nice depth to the overall taste.
However, we thought their service was a bit sloppy since at first, we were given a full-fat milk coffee instead of the oat milk we’d ordered. A fellow customer also complained about being served a standard iced coffee instead of their Vietnamese iced coffee.
Another downside is that they refuse cash payment. This can be inconvenient for those who prefer to pay with cash or don’t have access to digital payment methods.
6. Coffee Saints
COFFEE SELECTION | Menu |
WEBSITE | coffeesaints.co.uk |
ADDRESS | 2a Little King St,Edinburgh EH1 3AR |
CONTACT DETAILS | 07719705809 [email protected] |
OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Sunday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
Google reviews score | 4.6/5 |
Trip Advisor reviews score | 4.2/5 |
Score consistency | 4.8/5 |
Total Reviews | 4.53/5 |
Coffee | 4.5/5 |
→Quality | 5/5 |
→Selection | 4/5 |
Cafe Staff | 4.5/5 |
→Responsiveness | 4/5 |
→Demeanour | 4/5 |
Prices (A higher score means better value) | 5/5 |
Ambiance | 5/5 |
Pros
- Fairtrade coffee supporting a worthy cause.
- Wide selection of expertly prepared drinks and snacks.
- Convenient locations and welcoming atmosphere.
Cons
Coffee Saints is one of the top coffee shops in Edinburgh, providing a pleasant experience for coffee enthusiasts. As a social enterprise café, they not only provide wonderful Fairtrade coffee but also support the Grassmarket Community Project, a nonprofit devoted to assisting underprivileged individuals in Edinburgh. Customers who choose Coffee Saints may enjoy their favorite hot beverages while also donating to a good cause.
Located in two prime locations, Little King Street in the St James Quarter and the historic Grassmarket, Coffee Saints welcomes visitors without the need for reservations. The café offers a wide range of coffees expertly prepared by trained baristas, along with a great selection of cold drinks, milkshakes, frappes, meals, and light bites. Their cakes and pastries are particularly noteworthy and are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Coffee Saints offers more than just great drinks and snacks. Customers may also discover stunning handcrafted Greyfriars Tartan goods, lovely candles, and tiny wooden presents and homeware in their store area. The outside seating adds to the appeal and makes a nice and welcome environment for families and even pets.
The café’s hours of operation are convenient, allowing patrons to get their caffeine fix throughout the week. Coffee Saints, whether on Little King Street or in the Grassmarket Centre, offers a comfortable and friendly atmosphere in which to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee.