Restaurants, Cafés within 5 miles of Edinburgh

Copper Bird The stylish, undemanding charm of this neat wee cafe makes it a welcome addition to a largely neglected section of Morrison Street. Having left a career in accountancy to start up her own successful cupcake business, Edel Porter has taken…

There’s no dearth of restaurants in Stockbridge, so choosing to open a pizza outlet next to a branch of Pizza Express is a bold, brave move. However, the folk behind the popular Meadows bakery-café have clearly thought things through, supplying lunches…

This pretty and understated takeaway, café and mini art gallery shows that nice things can indeed come in small packages. It’s a fairly basic space with a mix of Parisian bistro and wicker chairs providing seating for no more than 20 people, but soft…

This bohemian cake shop complete with dangling vintage tea cups and brightly coloured origami chocolate boxes will not fail to trap the sweet-toothed cafe-lover. Afternoon tea here retains every bit of luxury while avoiding pomp and ceremony. Customers…

Primarily an upmarket delicatessen and off-licence with a wide and well-selected range of local and international meats, cheeses, wines and dried goods, Relish has become a familiar stop on the way home from work for Leithers who live around the Shore…

A short stroll from Leith’s busy Shore area, the Water of Leith Café Bistro enjoys a bright corner site and offers one of the most relaxed and friendly dining experiences around. Classically trained French chef Mickael Mesle prepares a menu that’s a…

A recent minor decorative facelift has left what was once a pop-up store for these Edinburgh-based coffee roasters feeling a bit more permanent. It is still fairly low key, with small tables in the cosy, wood-lined front and more spacious banquette…

Having sold his successful Home restaurant in 2012, chef Richard Logan is now looking to bring restaurant-quality food to the humble sandwich bar. Sandwiches will be based on Breadwinner bread and in addition to these he is planning to offer two or…

The sign reading ‘Six buggy limit’ says it all. If you live in Portobello and have small children, chances are you’ll know Reds and its large, soft cage – sorry, play frame – in the back room, where your offspring can slide and scamper while you eat or…

Occupying a prime double shop front on Portobello's main drag, Skylark is just what the neighbourhood has been crying out for, since evening eating options are somewhat thin on the ground. A daytime café with toys, books, food and events for kids (check…

Portobello Promenade has a faded seaside charm that’s equally appealing for eating chips from a wrapper in the sun or watching rain stream down a window in grey winter light. With its traditional bay frontage looking out over the sea and now opening all…

The combination of minimalist styling and glass display cabinets featuring neat lines of coloured macaroons and delicate pastries means stopping for coffee here can feel like disturbing an immaculate art gallery or exclusive boutique. A gentle Parisian…

There’s a resonance upon entering Café Grande, on the main drag of Bruntsfield, that makes it clear you have arrived in a neighbourhood institution. The easy friendliness with which the staff greet customers, the sense that diners at separate tables…

Useful to keep in mind when the urge to eat a full cooked breakfast strikes in the early afternoon (breakfast is served until 3pm), Maxi’s other brunch options include pancakes or French toast with bacon and maple syrup, porridge and fruit compote, or…

Although the seating is tight at this authentic French cafe and boulangerie, it will leave you feeling much more Parisian than claustrophobic. Chef and owner Vincent Alpincourt aims to introduce Scottish palates to simple French flavours, and succeeds…

While their original Morningside deli (a Mecca for cheese addicts) has very limited sit-in capacity, the Stockbridge branch is significantly larger, with a smart seating area at the back, and a packed deli counter up front. Excellent French cheeses are…

Bruntsfield doesn't suffer from a lack of sociable coffee venues, but that hasn't deterred relative newcomer Project Coffee. Like sister businesses Kilimanjaro, Press and Wellington Coffee, they use beans from small artisanal roasters to make their…

Any Edinburgher knows the weather down Portobello beach can be changeable, but it’s always summer in this charming, family-run beachfront café which blends the simplicity of an old-fashioned seaside greasy spoon with a strong emphasis on quality and…

Complete with a continental bicycle above bread-laden shelves, Falko Konditormeister is a slice of lazy-afternoon coffee-drinking heaven. This corner of Germany in Bruntsfield is already a well-known hangout for cake connoisseurs and has numerous awards…

Le Marché Français markets its wares from a handsome Victorian shop frontage close to Haymarket station. This combined deli, cafe and restaurant promises a taste of French food throughout the day, in a laidback, rustic style that deliberately contrasts…

It may be hard, but try not to be waylaid by the sweetie emporium that greets you on first entering S Luca. This is kiddie heaven and it's hard to imagine anyone, even the adults, getting past the selection of chocolates, ice-cream, sorbets and other…

The hilltop Terrace Café in Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Gardens has an unparalleled view of the city's skyline. The inviting outdoor tables make it an obvious place for an alfresco lunch in fine weather. Inside, small tables are placed near long windows…