My Favorite Places in Edinburgh

My Favorite Places in Edinburgh

All of my favorite shops, cafes, hidden gems, and corners of the city in the Scottish capital.
Updated ago
Save
Share
The Milkman
@sarahpollock
Super special cozy cafe right in the middle of a lot of touristy Old Town establishments. My friend and I went here two mornings in a row and split the cinnamon roll and espresso walnut cake both times. Cappuccinos were also great.
Add to
Details
BABA
@sarahpollock
Phenomenal phenomenal Middle Eastern small plates to share. Some of the most flavorful, colorful things I've eaten since moving to Europe a few months ago. No notes. the lamb dish was probably my favorite.
Add to
Details
Dishoom Edinburgh
@sarahpollock
You can never go wrong with Dishoom. Make a reservation if you are planning your trip early enough, otherwise except a line down the block. Also go with as many people as you can and share as much as possible. If you are willing to wait/manage to get in, I recommend the black daal, chili broccoli salad, chicken ruby, vegetable samosas, and their famous chai.
Add to
Details
Spry Wines
@sarahpollock
Very cool spot a bit on the outskirts of New Town. Really good wine and bread/butter (that's all we tried here). Great ambiance and I particularly loved that it never got too loud. Would highly recommend it here if you find yourself sick of pub culture or being surrounded by people MUCH drunker than you are. Lol.
Add to
Details
The Pantry
@sarahpollock
The place to go for brunch in Stockbridge!! Around the corner from Golden Hare books!
Add to
Details
The Edinburgh Larder
@sarahpollock
Where I'd recommend if you want a more traditional English breakfast. They are one of the best classic establishments in town and are known for their slightly less greasy, farm-to-table approach to British classics. And the food tastes really really good.
Add to
Details
Golden Hare Books
@sarahpollock
One of my favorite bookstores, maybe in the entire world.
Add to
Details
Dean Village
@sarahpollock
Charming cluster of streets not far from Stockbridge. Not a ton to do in this particular part of the city but it's worth seeing and taking a minute in. It feels like its own little world.
Add to
Details
Arthur's Seat
@sarahpollock
A good hike in the middle of the city!! Views up top are incredibly serene too.
Add to
Details
Williams & Johnson Coffee Co.
@sarahpollock
Great great coffee in Leith! And a GREAT grilled cheese too.
Add to
Details
The Method
@sarahpollock
Cute store in Stockbridge for lotions and potions, etc. Mostly if not all ethical/ nontoxic brands.
Add to
Details
Sheep Heid Inn Edinburgh
@sarahpollock
The first restaurant I went to my first time in Edinburgh. In an old historic inn. The food was great and the place its self is so special.
Add to
Details
Coffee Angel
@sarahpollock
Another great coffee option if you find yourself in this part of town.
Add to
Details
Over Langshaw Farmhouse Ice Cream
@sarahpollock
If you're lucky enough to get here when it's open and warm enough to eat ice cream, GO! Straight from the farm (and British dairy is really some of the best).
Add to
Details
MIRIN
@sarahpollock
Really good ramen! To my knowledge the only non-chain good ramen near the city center. Perfect if you're here during the colder months.
Add to
Details
Söderberg Bakery Shop
@sarahpollock
Fantastic Swedish bakery. I was only here once on my first trip to Edinburgh and I wish I could've gone back!
Add to
Details
Twelve Triangles
@sarahpollock
Quaint and perfectly gourmet sourdough bakery. The people who work here are also incredibly kind.
Add to
Details

Lovecrumbs West Port
@sarahpollock
Delicious homemade cakes. Go if you like cake! Lol
Add to
Details
* * *
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah Pollock is a twenty-something-year-old traveler, creative, and spiritualist. She graduated with a degree in Business Information Systems (although she did not enjoy it) and a minor in Sustainability from the University of Florida. Since embarking on her first trip abroad to Australia and New Zealand at 15 years old, she has since visited 25 countries and counting- most of them solo. She is also an avid foodie, reader, concert-goer, sitter at coffee shops, introspective thinker, and champion of small businesses. She prides herself on her romantic and nostalgic approach to seeing the world, which is reflected in the hidden gem-filled and slightly sentimental tone of her writing and recommendations. She recently spent this past school year splitting time between Tel Aviv and Be’er Sheva, Israel; teaching English to underrepresented and underprivileged children in both Hebrew and Arabic-speaking schools. She is currently continuing this work in Madrid. For more personal thoughts and musings and present updates on where she is in the world and how she’s feeling about it, consider subscribing to her bi-weekly travel newsletter, Postcards. Other subject matters, though all undoubtedly influenced by her experience living abroad, are explored through her primary publication, Older Sister (both linked in bio).
Send A Tip
Support Sarah Pollock’s work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount
Powered by Thatch
The home for unique & authentic travel
Powered by Thatch: Where great trips are made.
© Sarah Pollock 2024 Help Privacy Terms Copyright Become a Seller Seller Academy About Careers Blog Explore Places