Edinburgh is no stranger to cozy cafes, pubs, coffee shops… pretty much any store you can think of gets the cozy treatment here. As a remote worker, I love finding coffee shops to work from in new cities, and just coffee shops in general–delicious hot cocoa, freshly made pastries, unique coffee options, comfy corner booths and big tables by the window for people watching, space to work if needed. It’s all very casual and comforting, as any good coffee shop should be!
After spending over two months exploring and working from Edinburgh, I’ve tried my fair share of coffee shops and cafes in the city, and my absolute favorites are listed below. All are great for remote laptop work, some have more of a brunchy cafe feel, and others are more of a relax-with-your-coffee-in-cozy-chairs vibe, but all are wonderful stops for your morning (or afternoon) coffee and bite to eat in Edinburgh!
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1. The Milkman
A true Edinburgh institution, these iconic cafes not only bring gorgeous aesthetics and prime people-watching views, but of course, amazing coffee and treats, too! If you can snag a window seat in either shop on Cockburn Street, you’ve achieved the seemingly impossible. If you can’t, still pop in and grab a hot drink, a delicious baked good, and the ambiance!
2. Cappuccino
Cappuccino is a newer cafe in Edinburgh’s Old Town just off the Royal Mile, and it’s the absolute perfect spot for a long breakfast or a morning/afternoon of remote work! There are multiple rooms with seating available, but the highlight is their cozy fireplace room - it’s smaller with fewer tables and chairs, a lovely window with string lights overlooking foliage, and a pair of comfy chairs in front of the fireplace. This cafe is definitely a quiet, relaxing spot, especially on a cold winter day when you want to warm up with a coffee by the fire!
3. Society Bar & Kitchen (formerly "noon")
Society is a restaurant that took over the former cafe noon in early 2023 - I haven’t gotten the chance to visit since it’s changed over to Society, but the spot itself is still a wonderful place for coffee and brunch! Their location right next to St. James Quarter is unbeatable, and with plenty of seating on two levels plus some prime window seats, there’s ample space to relax with your coffee and toast, or bring your laptop for some remote work.
4. Union Brew Lab
Union Brew Lab is more of a bustling coffee shop with just as many remote workers as there are groups of friends catching up and solo coffee drinkers. It’s near the university, so the crowd here is on the younger side, and the background noise is absolute perfection for WFH vibes. Not too loud, but it’s not so quiet that you can only focus on how quiet it is. They have a lovely selection of coffees and teas, pastries, cakes, and larger breakfast and lunch items, so whatever you’re in the mood for, they probably have it at Union!
5. Black Medicine Coffee Co.
Black Medicine was one of the most unique coffee shops I’ve popped into in Edinburgh; it’s got gorgeous wooden tables, rustic stone walls, and cozy corners by the window for some natural light. There’s a good mix of communal tables and individual seating, and there’s a downstairs area as well (but I haven’t ventured down). They make a colossal cappuccino and some really delicious pastries (confirmed below), but they also serve smoothies, lunches, and takeaway foods as well! This is another popular spot with university students, and I’d suggest getting here early as it fills up extremely fast. I was lucky to snag this cozy corner spot after someone got up, and as I was leaving myself, another customer grabbed the spot immediately - it might rival the Milkman window seats in popularity.
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