Best Café Near the Royal Mile | The Edinburgh Larder Edinburgh We were very sad when Salt closed down, but at least it was replaced by another of our favourite cafes, with its original branch on Blackfriars Street. Their focus is also on brunch, and dishes include chilli beef brisket benedict, or cold-smoked sea trout with homemade tattie scones, poached egg, dill creme fraiche, capers and pickled beetroot dressing. There’s also…wait for it…French toast, but made with brioche and including caramelised apple puree, creme patisserie and crumble. Hold my coat. Goran Pavlov 30/06/2025
Blank Street Nothing will replace our favourite coffee independents in the Capital. However, we are intrigued by this Generation-Z-friendly brand, which began in New York back in 2000, and, in the UK, now has 37 branches across London, Manchester and Birmingham. It’s taking a prime Old Town spot from January 25 on the Instagrammable Victoria Street, where it’ll serve drinks including its iced blueberry matcha. Goran Pavlov 12/01/2025
HOI AN The Bami isn’t the only new Vietnamese contender in town. We’ve also had the recent opening of this place at Tollcross. It also features classics of the genre, including those transparent spring rolls that are too pretty to eat, and crispy Vietnamese crepes, otherwise known as banh xeo, which are filled with prawn, chicken or tofu. Goran Pavlov 12/01/2025
The Bami It’s only a few months old, and we haven’t yet made it along to this Vietnamese restaurant. However, we have been eyeing-up the menu, which includes a honey chicken version of a traditional banh mi, and pho with rare beef sirloin. For the ultimate buzz, conclude your meal with some salted cream coffee. Goran Pavlov 12/01/2025
Mamacita’s Talking of Portobello, they’ve recently seen the opening of this Cuban sandwich joint, which also serves Latin bowls and empanadas. During January, they’re serving the vegan pata sucia (translating as dirty paws), which is filled with mojo jackfruit, vegan cheese, house mustard, shoestring fries and guava ketchup. Goran Pavlov 12/01/2025
Babyfaced Baker At the Scottish Baker of the Year 25/25 Awards, Babyfaced Baker won the Best in Scotland Gold Award for their croissant. Perhaps that’s why it’s so busy at their newest outlet in Portobello, where treats including hazelnut mocha bostocks and stuffed cookies. You’ll also still find them at their original three-year-old venue on Leith Walk. Goran Pavlov 12/01/2025
