Best French Bakery in Oxgangs

"What: Edinburgh-born Martin Wishart is one of Scotland’s most famous chefs and this Leith flagship (he has another restaurant on the shores of Loch Lomond) has held a Michelin star since 2001. It’s not hard to see why: neutral furnishings and thick carpets look sleek and suave, though everyone is here for the sophisticated French-accented interpretations of Scottish ingredients, best sampled by first timers from a tasting menu that might include Orkney scallop with Jerusalem artichoke and sweet potato. There’s also a great-value lunch menu."

"This latest venture from Martin Wishart moves away from haute cuisine to a more casual brasserie-style offering without ever forsaking quality. Steaks and seafood are specialities while set menus include lunch, tasting and kids’ options."

"Learn about the creation of our planet and travel through time as we explore Earth's past, present and future. Get thrust back in time to the very beginnings of our universe, and witness first hand the big bang and the very first moments of our galaxy and solar system. Make your way back to the present day through volcanic explosions, landscape-forming glaciers and the evolution of our life on Earth."

"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."

"My son’s favourite treat is ice cream and Mary’s Milk Bar does great gelato; it’s a nice way to spend a sunny day with my boy when he has been well behaved. My favourite flavour is salted caramel, but Sonny is more of a traditionalist chocolate gelato man."

"Mary’s Milk Bar in Edinburgh for the best of home made ice cream. A cosy space for you to enjoy the best quality gelato and chocolate. The key to all Mary’s products is freshness."

"Walk along the Royal Mile and beeline it for Mimi’s Little Bakehouse. Here, start your day off right with what else, a lovely scone, or ten, since Mimi’s has some of the best scones in Edinburgh (not that I know much about scones as an American)."

"Good news for vegans out there, Mimi’s Little Bakehouse offers vegan cakes!. Aside from the traditional cakes, the shops also create cupcakes, traybakes, and brownies so you would have wider option to choose from."

"Located on the West Bow at the foot of Victoria Street just off The Grassmarket you'll find Hula Juicebar. This is a terrific option for anyone seeking a healthy breakfast in Edinburgh. You'll find great big bowls of porridge, bagels, fresh fruit and loads of tempting beverages."

"An oasis in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket this place feels very relaxed. Tucked away between the main run of the Grassmarket and Victoria Street Hula Juice bar is a nice surprise in a landscape of pubs and shops. It offers a range of … Read More"

"Get your brunch fix at Hula Juice Bar in Grassmarket, which serves up smoothie bowls, sourdough sandwiches and colourful salads to Edinburgh’s health foodies."

"Be transported to another time with City Cafe's diner setting and huge fluffy pancake stacks. A local favourite since 1980, you can find the portal to 1920s America on Blair St. Sit next to the jukebox and go for a classic bacon and syrup combo (teamed with an ice-cream shake of course) for the ultimate quintessential American experience."

"Step into your dream, cheesy, American teen drama (*cough* Riverdale *cough*) in Edinburgh’s very own traditional late night diner just along from your Cowgate favourites such as Subway and Sneaky Pete’s. A blissful combination. Truly the platonic ideal for a stack of pancakes, sometimes simple really is the best."

"A kitschy American diner by day, the City Café becomes a pre-club party joint by night. Cocktail and beer pitchers are the main event, and on the weekends guest and resident DJs spin funk, hip hop and house tracks to get you in the mood for nearby dancefloors."

"If you hadn’t guessed by the ruddy great Eiffel Tower adorning the wall of the café space, there’s a French influence at large here – though the flaky brekkie croissants and pains au chocolat are as popular as the traditional breakfast fry-up or black pudding butty. All day ‘snacks’ range from the likes of croque monsieur to grilled paninis and salad. It’s the menu du jour though, available at lunch and dinner, that offers the tastiest scran, and best reason to loiter here."

"Cafe Marlayne is a lovely French restaurant in the New Town. There is a large semi-formal dining area to the rear of the premises, and a delightfully relaxed cafe nearer the front with comfy sofas and a plethora of cushions. The restaurant serves a wide array of classic French bistro dishes, such as the wonderful crock monsieur and an array of tempting soups, terrines and roasts."

"Bites and Leaves is a cosy café that opened during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in October 2020. Angela is a passionate cook and freshly makes cakes, salads and other goodies for breakfast and lunch. The full breakfast features a rice-flour and sweet potato “egg” along with rice paper “bacon”."

"Alongside their restaurant on George Street, Cafe Andaluz serve authentic small plates of Spanish tapas. With furnishings from Spain, authentic fabrics, ornaments and mosaic tiling, an outing here is reminiscent of a summer evening meal on your favourite Spanish holiday. Bookings should be made advance via the website."

"Situated in the heart of George Street, this exceedingly popular Spanish tapas restaurant has an extensive range of tapas. A firm favourite is the Pollo Rebozado, succulent chicken fillets in a crisp batter coated with light grain mustard and honey."

"Address: East London Street, Edinburgh, EH7 4BL, Scotland, UK Mansfield Place Church is to be found within the New Town area, standing close to the bus depot and the King George V Park. Built in 1872 by Robert Rowand Anderson, this old church has had many uses over the years and once even functioned as a nightclub. Today, it is owned by the Mansfield Traquair Trust, a conservation group who have actively restored the building over a number of years."

"The grand seat of local government was built in the 1880s at the high point of Glasgow's wealth. The interior is even more extravagant than the exterior, and the chambers have sometimes been used as a movie location to represent the Kremlin or the Vatican. You can have a look at the opulent ground floor during opening hours. To see more, free guided tours are held at 10.30am and 2.30pm Monday to Friday; it's worth popping in earlier that day to prebook."

"Dominating the east side of George Square, this exuberant expression of Victorian confidence, built by William Young in Italian Renaissance…"

"Also dating back to the 1800s, Old St Paul’s has since been renovated multiple times – the nave extended and the chancel floor raised with marble. Nearly all of the many panes of stained glass, ornaments and vestments were made possible by fundraising or donations. Unusually, the gargoyles at Old St Paul’s are located inside, not on the exterior of the church as is common on buildings of this period."

"Around a 15-minute drive from our luxury student accommodation buildings in Edinburgh is Bread Meets Bread, a super popular eatery perfect for a takeaway. They have four delicious vegan burger options, as well as plenty of vegan sides if you’re wanting that little bit extra. If you like a bit of spice, the vegan Caribbean burger is definitely worth a try!"

"Bread Meets Bread is a great place to go for lunch when you need some much needed catch up time with your bestie. With a large menu, including a specialty glazed doughnut burger; this is the best place in Edinburgh for a good old catch up and great food."