Stockbridge is maybe the prettiest neighbourhood in all of Edinburgh, and that’s saying something. Have you seen this city? This neighbourhood, on the north side of Edinburgh, is home to the Royal Botanic Gardens, plenty of small gifts, art, book and jewellery shops, bordering picturesque Dean Village and a 10-minute walk from Princes Street, Stockbridge has it all!
As well as being one of the best places to sightsee, Stockbridge is a foodie’s paradise, with more cafés, bakeries and restaurants than you can count in this small area. They’ve got everything from artisanal bakes and cheeses to full desserts and decadent Italian cuisine. Come with an empty belly and you’re sure to leave beyond satisfied.
We’re here to give you the low down of the best foodie spots in Stockbridge.
6. I. J. Mellis Cheesemongers — get stinky with it
Set in a beautiful store harkening back to an older era, Mellis Cheesemongers offers a huge selection of farmhouse cheeses and has been doing so since the ‘90s. Set in multiple stores across the city, this is our favourite. Mellis has cheese for every taste. Truffle Brie Morin for the umami lover. Tomme au Marc for a fruiter taste palette. Isle of Mull cheddar for those looking for something a bit simpler…and less punchy.
While the choice is staggering, the incredible staff can help guide you to a cheese you’re sure to love. Selling apples, jams, chutneys and other pantry staples, be sure to pair your cheeses with various foods for a greater depth of flavour.
Must-tries: their indulgent pecorino with truffle…delicious
Opening times: 9am – 8pm (depending on the day)
5. Lannan Bakery — pastries winning prizes
This award-winning bakery is relatively new on the Stockbridge streets, but it’s sure to stick around for a long time. Winning La Liste’s 2024 ‘Pastry Opening of the Year’ and featuring in Vogue, this is a bakery you can’t sleep on.
Offering a wide range of delicate Vienosserie pastries; rhubarb, rice pudding and pistachio croissant, cardamom buns, caramelised milk chocolate pain Suisse, and more, you’re sure to find something to love. With cakes and coffee, savouries and sweets, the only trouble you’ll have will be trying to decide which one to try! Plus, there are big plans to renovate the building to become a full sit-in café, so watch this space.
Must-tries: Everything!…but you need to try their custard slice/Amalfi lemon croissant tart
Opening times: 9am – 4pm (Wednesday to Sunday)
4. Sotto Enoteca & Trattoria — wine not treat yourself?
Boasting over 200 wines at the fingertips, and some of the finest Italian dining in the city, Sotto is a foodie spot you can’t miss out on. This classy date-night spot has an extensive pasta menu with different shapes and sauces sure to fit any taste.
This cosy restaurant has the perfect wine selections to enhance the dishes. Try their venison ragu alongside a glass of Sordo Barolo. Or puttanesca with a pairing of ‘05 Angelo Gaja Super Tuscan. Sotto’s sommeliers are as integral to the food on offer as they are to the chefs themselves, and both sommelier and chef perfectly pair in harmony.
Must-tries: their venison ragu, hands-down
Opening times: 12pm – 12am (Wednesday to Sunday)
3. Chulo’s Stuffed Cookies — get stuffed…with cookies!
Looking for a sweet fix after your decadent Italian meal at Sotto? Chulo’s is the answer. Specialising in stuffed cookies, Chulo’s puts flavour and punch first and foremost in all of their creations! Home of the viral £45 giant stuffed cookie, their range of mouthful cookies will surprise you.
Last Rolo, Raspberry Ripple, Cherry Bomb, Biscoff Brookie, Cranachan and many more rotating in and out of their ever-evolving chunky cookie lineup. With seasonal and festive offerings, no matter the week you visit Chulo’s, you’re sure to find a new fantastic flavour. You’ll just have to dislocate your jaw to fit the whole thing in.
Must-tries: Sticky Toffee, need we say more?
Opening times: 10am – 5pm (Friday to Sunday)
2. Harkness Pies — lunchtime is easy as pie
Looking for a grab-and-go snack while exploring Stockbridge or wandering the Botanic Gardens? Harkness Pies are your number-one stop for lunch on the move. Featuring hand-made pies of sweet and savoury flavours, hefty and heavy with fillings, these pies are sure to keep you going.
Whether a simple pinch-top pie or covered with a pastry lattice, these pies are stunners to look at, almost too good to eat. With a variety of seasonal offerings, Harkness Pies switches up their options depending on availability and freshness. So you’ll always have choice paralysis when visiting.
Must-tries: their mince and potato dauphinoise are to die for
Opening times: 10am – 5pm (times may vary)
1. Mootz General Store — pop-by for provisions, stay for the schiacciata
With a beloved general store selling pantry staples and provisions of all kinds (fun olives, honey, jams, etc.), you can find many delicious treats. However, most notably, Mootz’s deli counter offers some of the best sandwiches money can buy in Edinburgh.
Using schiacciata, a Tuscan bread not unlike focaccia, just slimmer, baked in-house fresh every day, each sandwich is packed with punchy fillings that perfectly pair with the soft and pillowy bread. With sandwiches like salmon avo, prosciutto, steak frites and many more, you’re sure to find a new favourite every time you drop by.
Must-tries: their huckleberry sandwich is one of their bestsellers for a reason
Opening times: 9:30am – 4:30pm (varies depending on the day)
Check out our other blog posts about experiences in Edinburgh.
