Mentioned by 10Best
Wonderful waterfront restaurants and cafes in the heart of Edinburgh
"I’ve lost count of the number of times we visited Dynamic Earth as we used to have a yearly membership. This is a fantastic place for children (and adults) of all ages. You’ll embark on a journey through time and space where you’ll learn all about our planet earth – how it evolved from the Big Bang to present day."
"Take an interactive journey through the history of the earth. Go to the tundra or the bottom of the ocean, never being more than a stone’s throw from the Scottish Parliament and Arthur’s Seat.Holyrood Road, 550 7800, dynamicearth.co.uk. Daily 10am–5.30pm (until 6pm in Jul & Aug; closed Mon & Tue Nov–Mar)."
"A short stroll from the foot of the Royal Mile, Our Dynamic Earth is a hugely popular attraction that tells the story of our planet’s past, present and future. Children and grownups alike will love exploring exhibits like the Time Machine and Future Dome."
"After a refreshing pint in the Grassmarket head across the street to Mary's Milk Bar for one of their legendary ice creams. With unusual flavours that change every week, you might find yourself trying something more adventurous like their chocolate liquorice, whisky marmalade or fig and honey ice cream. You can sit in Mary's '50s inspired café and enjoy your creamy gelato or head outside and soak up the sunshine under the Castle while it lasts."
"Outside lockdown, Mary’s Milk Bar is unmissable for its fabulous hot chocolate gelato floats. For now, though, we’ll have to make do with her inventive artisan chocolates and cakes, packed full of ever-changing flavours. New for spring is her white chocolate, saffron and nutmeg bar."
"A post shared by Mary's Milk Bar (@marysmilkbar) on Feb 21, 2020 at 1:59am PST. Mary’s Milk Bar is as cute-as-a-button. This quirky parlour serves ice creams, sorbets and chocolates with daily changing flavours that are mixed up every morning."
"63 The Shore, Edinburgh EH6 6RA277 St John’s Road, Edinburgh EH12 7XA250 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8AA1 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DE. Yet another hugely successful bakery has recently started moving into the vegan cake arena – and we couldn’t be happier!. Mimi’s has been delighting omnivores for years with their seriously indulgent cakes and bakes, but after enjoying success with their animal product free range at last year’s Christmas market, they have decided to extend their offering."
"Mimi’s is one of the most popular spots for a coffee and cake in Edinburgh, and being the Scottish Baker of the Year for 4 years running, it’s understandable. While their breakfast, brunch and lunch menu is hearty and delicious, it’s really the cakes put this warm and welcoming family-run bakery on the list. Find Mimi’s main cafe right by the river in the heart of Leith, or Mimi’s Little Bakehouse in two locations in the Old Town."
"Disclaimer: My meal at Mimi’s Bakehouse was a gifted experience. All opinions are my own. Another vegan-friendly cafe in the Old Town of Edinburgh is Mimi’s Bakehouse."
"A post shared by Susan (@susandoherty__) on Nov 16, 2016 at 4:13pm PST. Hula Juice Cafe has a lot more to offer than just juice. Here, you can get a selection of fantastic vegan food, including wraps, bagels, salads, and açaí bowls, to enjoy with your smoothie or nut milk latte."
"A post shared by This Must Be The Place (@hulajuicebar) on Dec 15, 2018 at 1:44pm PST. If you're looking for something healthy, Hula Juice Bar & Café may be just the place. Their menus offer all the healthiest options including tropical açaí or a colourful poké bowl."
"The Pantry’s Finn & Bear has settled in nicely in Leith, we’ve already lost count of the number of brunches we’ve consumed (possibly connected to the number of Bloody Marys that seem to accompany our early morning feasts). In The Pantry’s Stockbridge restaurant, you can tuck into Sunshine in Stockbridge – it’s only fitting that there should be a Sunshine on Leith too. We proclaim this to be one of Leith’s (possibly Edinburgh’s) Best Brunches!"
"A labour of love for husband-and-wife team Chris and Charlotte Thompson, The Pantry exploded onto Edinburgh’s culinary scene in 2012 and is still making waves. Brunch at this Stockbridge restaurant is a rite of passage for any Edinburgh visitor. Chris’s eggs benedict, for instance, captured the imagination of The Sunday Times, who wrote that it was ‘reason alone to come to Edinburgh’."
"A post shared by Finn & Bear (@finn.and.bear) on Feb 25, 2019 at 5:30am PST. Finn & Bear located on the Shore next to Toast is also open 7 days a week serving lunch, brunch, and dinner. It has a rustic interior with wooden floors and reclaimed furniture and an outside waterside seating area which makes it a popular location all year round."
"A photo posted by The Counter (@thecountered) on Aug 16, 2016 at 2:38am PDT. Initially just one police box in Morningside, The Counter has now expanded to include 2 more police boxes at the Tollcross junction and outside the Usher Hall, and a floating coffee shop on the Union canal!. Their most recent addition is the newly refurbished stationary barge, serving coffee from the canal straight onto the towpath."
"A post shared by Mary King (@mary_from_derry) on Dec 29, 2019 at 8:17am PST. Looking out onto the bustling Kinnoull Street, the Bothy prides itself on serving simple but delicious Scottish fare in a cosy Highland themed setting. Alongside the popular haggis, neeps and tatties, and beer battered Scottish haddock, there’s also plenty of non-traditional fare to enjoy."
"Another cafe to open in December, the independent coffee house has barely had a chance to impress customers with its unreal roasts. Opened by leading coffee woman Lynsey Harley, the Bruntsfield cafe will be bringing a host of different beans to the table, as well as some pretty tasty pastries."
"Travel underground and experience the dark underbelly of the city in the Edinburgh Vaults. The vaults are a number of chambers formed from the arches of the South Bridge, built in 1788. Originally, the vaults were used by tradesmen and illegitimate figures."
"Don’t miss the Camera Obscura show on the top floor. PRO TIP: The presentation also gives you a nice overview of Edinburgh and its history, which is great if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Plan to spend about an hour here (or more, depending on your interests)."
"View the world in a new way at the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions|© lindsay smith / Alamy Stock Photo"
"Last but certainly not least we have Artisan Gelato Edinburgh in the Old Town, with their authentic Italian-looking store that is the perfect backdrop for a shot of your Instagrammable ice cream. Their hand crafted ice cream is to die for and some of their most popular flavours include pistachio bronte Sicily, chocolate orange and cheescake...we will take ten scoops please. One reviewer said it is the "best gelato outside of Italy" and, like their neighbours Over Langshaw Farm, they offer vegan, gluten free and dairy free options."