Anyone who knows me knows that I’m fuelled by coffee. But it’s about so much more than just the coffee: it’s the vibe, the style, the feel-good factor-you’re with me, right? We’re absolutely spoiled for choice with independent coffee shops in Edinburgh. How on earth can I limit this to just 5? I’ll give it a go.
Pumpkin Brown, Grassmarket
Just steps from the apartment is one of my favourites. This little vegan haven is all about feel good vibes. Always a warm welcome, plenty of fresh green plants, and great coffee, nutritious breakfasts and lunches. Be kind to yourself food and drink, all plant-based. Love the speciality lattes especially of course the velvety pumpkin spiced latte in officially the best coffee drinking season, Autumn. And of course it’s got to be the window seat with its beat-up wooden breakfast bar for people watching in the Grassmarket.
![A cosy Pumpkin Spiced Latte in Ednburgh's Grassmarket cafe Pumpkin Brown.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a27d24_cebb8c6ab1a941e1bfdc279492b442c8~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_655,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/a27d24_cebb8c6ab1a941e1bfdc279492b442c8~mv2.jpg)
The Milkman, Cockburn Street
Ah…the Milkman. Firstly let’s talk about that sign! I could photograph this shopfront forever and never get bored of it, with its pared-back ghost signage and cosy glow inviting you into this tiny haven when you’ve been exploring Edinburgh’s moody Old Town. Also the history…just love that the owner Mark’s Great Grandfather was a milkmen in Huntly, Aberdeenshire and the last person to deliver milk by horse-drawn cart to the town and surrounding area. Coffee with heart and soul. Plus it has what is probably the most iconic and most photographed window seat in Edinburgh.
![The Milkman, the best cafe in Edinburgh, in Cockburn Street with its famous ghost writing sign.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a27d24_2b7e822592bc4c9c8d92d3b26c724831~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_908,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/a27d24_2b7e822592bc4c9c8d92d3b26c724831~mv2.jpg)
Cairngorm Coffee, Melville Place
Another of my favourites! Sunny, light and spacious with a cool vibe. At the same time it shouts out a happy, sunny vibe with its iconic bright yellow cups and copper detailing. Share a table and stay a while.
![Bright yellow cup of latte in one of Edinburgh's best loved cafes Cairngorm Coffee.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a27d24_91927fc459154eeea0732cd7e06446dc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_655,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/a27d24_91927fc459154eeea0732cd7e06446dc~mv2.jpg)
Gordon Street Coffee, Market Street
One of Edinburgh’s newer coffee hangouts, great for a pit stop with really good, strong, fresh coffee, roasted in-house, friendly service and a cool, tiled interior.
![Best coffee in Edinburgh at a cafe near Waverley Train Station, Gordon Street Coffee](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a27d24_293384b599254d62869d416fd1570424~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_980,h_954,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/a27d24_293384b599254d62869d416fd1570424~mv2.jpeg)
Leo’s Beanery, Howe Street
I’m a little in love with this place. Its like your friendly neighbourhood go-to coffee shop. This is where I’ll go to meet friends, family or talk work. Its like Edinburgh’s version of Central Perk. My go-to brunch spot. The most delicious warm banana bread (or you’ve got to try the warm apple bread in Autumn) and hot chocolates that are literally a big chunk of chocolate in a cosy mug-you get the picture. It’s a hug-in-a-mug kind of place.
![Best cosy neighbourhood cafe Leos Beanery with great coffee and the best warm banana bread in Edinburgh.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a27d24_2f6cb97cfcf04820870620aeaac3cbf3~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_655,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/a27d24_2f6cb97cfcf04820870620aeaac3cbf3~mv2.jpg)
It’s hard to stop just there, and I know you’re going to be screaming at me with your favourites that I've missed but let me know your top choices in the comments as I'm pretty sure I need to do a part 2. If you've enjoyed this blog you can subscribe for more of my Edinburgh insider tips for caffeine fixes and more.
But right now I’m going to tear myself away for an iced coffee and pastry. Join me?
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e3a639_1892b489688549c2b08d2afbe7872ea8~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_245,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/e3a639_1892b489688549c2b08d2afbe7872ea8~mv2.jpg)
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