Killing time looking forward to a tour at The Chocolatarium, or just in and around Waverly Station, there is an abundance of cosy cafés to relax, grab a catch-up with friends or even a midday date. Edinburgh is known for its thriving café scene with too many cafés to choose from, each offering great food, next-level coffee and cute, comfy vibes.
Here are the five best cafés close to The Chocolatarium in Edinburgh.
5. Room & Rumours — puts the ‘do’ in doughnuts
Just around the corner from The Chocolatarium, and a two-minute walk from the Market Street Waverly Station exit, you can find Room & Rumours. Nestled inside the arched ceiling of The Arches, Room & Rumours is the ideal spot for a caffeine pick-up, or a sweet treat and a read. Though small, this café is cosy and offers a great selection of baked treats to pair with your cup of joe.
With a kitchen on site, Room & Rumours features seasonal bakes like Christmas tree brownies, spooky ghost doughnuts and chocolate strawberry Valentine’s Day doughnuts. They’ve got a wide choice of vegan pastries, hot drinks (your standard fare of delicious coffee, and, best of all, iced matcha lattes) and teas galore!
Must-tries: the viral-inspired Dubai chocolate doughnut (with pistachio cream!) or their stellar cinnamon rolls (vegan or not)
Opening times: 8am – 4:30pm
4. The Milkman — Edinburgh’s finest coffee?
A two-decade staple of festive and bustling Cockburn Street, this 2-venue café smack bang in the middle of the Royal Mile is a must-visit when starting your day! With coffee from dedicated roasteries, like Obadaiah, Five Elephant, Bonanza and more, you can be sure this coffee is of the highest craft.
Alongside the coffee, you can enjoy a sophisticated sweet treat from various local bakeries, like Kiwi Bakes and Glutteny, with a variety of special diets provided. Everybody will be happy with a great cup of coffee or tea and a sugar boost for the road! Plus, the vibes are off the charts, with the two café buildings set into the picturesque corners of the famous street, the ambience alone is worth the visit!
Must-tries: their chocolate brownies are off the charts, alongside their Obadiah espresso shots
Opening times: 8am – 5pm (varies depending on the day)
3. Slow Progress Records & Coffee — tunes with a side of coffee
Slow Progress is one of the more unique cafés on this list. Just off Cowgate and a stone’s throw from The Chocolatarium, Slow Progress offers an exceptional range of Santu coffees and teas. These include seasonal pumpkin spiced lattes and apple danishes among others. However, what truly sets them apart is that they cater to music lovers likewise, selling vinyl records of all genres!
Looking for some hip-hop with your cappuccino, you’ve got it. Or pop with your pastry, they’ve got it covered. With an extremely wide selection of genres, from mainstream to indie artists, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Best of all, their music is curated throughout the day by staff, playing the perfect playlists to set the right tone and atmosphere. The best spot to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Must-tries: their Biscoff brownie is a hit, and grab Lana Del Rey’s Born to Die while you’re at it
Opening times: 10am – 5pm (closed Tuesday and Wednesday, times vary depending on the day)
2. Guajira Café and Coffee Shop — coffee and Caribbean charm
Guajira Café is unlike any other on this list. Sure, it serves incredible coffee and a great atmosphere, but besides that, it’s a celebration of Caribbean and Latin American flavours. Serving meals bursting with tropical flavours, inspired by far-flung places, you’re sure to find a new favourite meal.
This café, off the Royal Mile, is a great hideout from the noise of the busy tourist area. With a passionate staff putting their effort into bringing you delicious food, you can expect a delicious Cuban sandwich, Argentinian wraps and more alongside a delicious cup of coffee.
Must-tries: their Cuban sandwich, with ham and gherkins, is a must-try, as well as their spicy Peruvian flatbread
Opening times: 9:30am – 6pm (varies depending on the day)
1. Santu Coffee — calling all caffeine c-aficionados…
Santu Coffee is a hop and a skip from The Chocolatarium, and a five-minute walk from Waverly Station, so whatever your reason for visiting the Canongate area, drop by their coffee shop. Specialising in coffee bought directly from farms in Espirito Santo, Brazil, Santu puts great coffee at the forefront of their business. Many cafés across Edinburgh source their coffee directly from Santu.
By working closely with individual farmers, Santu fosters the perfect relationship for delicious beans and the highest ethical sourcing standards. This one’s for the true coffee lovers who view coffee as an art. However, their hot chocolate is also worth yelling about. Plus, they hands-down sell the best Pasteis de Nata outside Portugal.
Must-tries: a Nitro coffee and the aforementioned triumphant Pasteis de Nata!
Opening times: 8am – 4pm
