About us
A cosy corner of the Royal Mile
A cosy cafe on the Royal Mile, right in the middle of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Breakfast and brunch all day, good coffee, and a team that makes you feel at home.
Our story
Breakfast on the Royal Mile
Cafe Edinburgh sits at 57 High Street, on the stretch of the Royal Mile that runs down from St Giles’ towards the Canongate. It is the kind of place you find on the way to somewhere else — and then plan the rest of the day around.
Inside it is all tartan curtains, warm timber and framed old photographs, with the city’s skyline painted along the back wall. In the colder months the wool throws come out, and the window seats go first.
The kitchen cooks breakfast and brunch from seven until six: full breakfasts and haggis, Eggs Benedict and Eggs Royale, pancakes, waffles and porridge, with plenty of choice for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free guests.
At a glance
Cafe Edinburgh in brief
- Address
- 57 High Street (Royal Mile), Edinburgh EH1 1SR
- Opening hours
- Every day, 7am – 6pm
- Serving
- All-day breakfast and brunch, lunch, coffee and cakes
- Dietary
- Full gluten-free menu; vegan and vegetarian options
- Scottish classics
- Full Scottish breakfast with Macsween haggis and Stornoway black pudding
- Bookings
- Walk-ins only — no reservations needed
- Dogs
- Welcome inside
- Seating
- Indoor tables and outdoor seating on the Royal Mile
- Also on the menu
- Wine, local beer, cocktails and Scotch whisky
- Google rating
- 4.6 from more than 1,400 reviews
- Last checked
- October 2026
How we work
What we care about
A full gluten-free menu
Not a couple of swaps — a whole second menu. Tell us about any allergy when you order and the team will talk you through how each dish is made.
Breakfast all day
We open at seven, every day of the week, and the breakfast menu runs until we close. Late starts are very welcome.
Something for everyone
Vegetarian and vegan options, both sweet and savoury, sit alongside the Scottish classics, so mixed groups never have to compromise.
Dogs welcome
Bring them in out of the rain. Four-legged guests are as welcome as everyone else.
Old Town
Our part of the Old Town
The Royal Mile is the spine of the Old Town: the Castle at the top, Holyrood Palace at the bottom, and closes and wynds running off it on either side. We are right in the middle of it.
Before the castle, after the tour
Most mornings start with people heading up to the Castle, down to Holyrood or out on a walking tour — and wanting a proper breakfast first.
By the afternoon it is coffee, cake and somewhere to sit down after a long day on the cobbles. Whatever time you come in, there is no rush to leave.
A team people remember
Guests write about our staff by name more than anything else on the menu. The team comes from all over the world, and they are always happy to talk you through the menu, allergens included.
When the lamps come on in the evening, the front window is one of the warmest-looking on the street. Come and see for yourself.
If it is your first time, ask for a window seat. If it is not, you already know where the good light is.