Conquering the busy streets of Edinburgh can be an exciting yet exhausting adventure. And what’s the best way to fuel your energy for the day ahead? A hearty breakfast!
Whether you’re a tourist exploring the historic landmarks or a local enjoying your beloved city, starting your day with a delicious morning meal is essential.
In this guide, we’ll take the off-beaten path and discover hidden breakfast spots across this historic city. These lesser-known establishments offer unique and mouth-watering options that are sure to delight your taste buds and provide the perfect start to your day.
So, prepare your taste buds and let’s uncover the best-kept breakfast places in Edinburgh!
Black Ivy
Just 5 minutes away from Edinburgh City Centre, Black Ivy is a stylish neighbourhood boutique hotel that offers more than just a place to stay. This place has an array of exciting offerings, including delectable breakfasts that are sure to start your day off right.
The hotel’s elegant interiors create a blend of chic and welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect backdrop for a relaxing breakfast. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll feel right at home in this stylish setting.
Unique breakfast dishes
Black Ivy has some truly mouth-watering breakfast dishes that will make your morning special. Let’s check out some of their extraordinary menus:
1. Full Scottish Skillet
This hearty dish is a must-try for anyone looking to experience a traditional Scottish breakfast.
Picture this: dry cured back bacon, juicy pork sausages, roasted plum tomatoes, earthy Portobello mushrooms, beans, potato scones, black pudding, and haggis, all served with wholemeal toast and eggs cooked just the way you like them.
This dish is part of the Black Ivy Grills offerings. They also have vegan and vegetarian options for this particular menu so everyone can enjoy this hearty feast!
2. Organic Scottish Porridge with Blueberries
For something a bit lighter but still incredibly satisfying, try the organic Scottish porridge. It’s topped with sweet, juicy blueberries, apple compote, and a sprinkling of seeds. It’s the perfect combination of healthy and delicious, giving you the energy you need to start your day.
3. Black Ivy Bennys
Black Ivy’s twist on the classic eggs Benedict is something you won’t want to miss. All their Bennys are served on a toasted muffin with two perfectly poached eggs and topped with rich hollandaise sauce. Here are the options:
- The Stack: A true Scottish delight with smoked streaky bacon, haggis, and black pudding.
- The Veggie Stack: For a vegetarian twist, try the vegan haggis, halloumi, and tomato.
- Crispy Ayrshire Cured Bacon: For those who love their bacon crispy and full of flavour.
- Scottish Smoked Salmon: A classic choice that pairs beautifully with the creamy hollandaise.
Whether you’re in the mood for something traditional or a bit more unique, Black Ivy’s breakfast offerings are sure to delight your taste buds and set you up for a great day exploring Edinburgh! Access their full menu to see the other delicious meals they have.
Black Ivy Library – Summer 2020
Ambiance
Black Ivy boasts a unique design that is both chic and quirky, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for every guest that walks through their doors.
Since its housed across three adjacent Victorian townhouses, it gives a grand appearance from the outside. However, as soon as you enter, you’ll sense a lively and trendy atmosphere. Their walls are adorned with framed photographs of head-scratching art, while the floors are made of shiny American pennies and reclaimed 19th-century wood.
The main public area is dominated by a spacious bar and restaurant, outfitted with plush, club-style banquettes where you can enjoy a tasty drink or delicious meal while socialising with friends or fellow guests. It’s the ideal spot to unwind after a day exploring Edinburgh or to kick off a fun-filled evening.
Special features
Black Ivy isn’t just about fabulous breakfasts. They also boast their delightful dining experiences. Enjoy their renowned Sunday roasts, indulge in a classic Afternoon Tea, or treat yourself to a Boozy Brunch. For those who love al fresco dining, their outdoor seating is perfect for sunny days.
The lively bar, complete with a DJ, provides a vibrant nightlife experience for every guest. They also have a drafthouse and private dining area available for rent, making Black Ivy the perfect place for special occasions.
Whether you’re here for breakfast, a special meal, or a celebratory event, Black Ivy has something unique to offer. Visit them today at 4 Alvanley Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 1DU, United Kingdom.
Seb’s Urban Jungle
Located in the heart of Leith Walk, Seb’s Urban Jungle is not your ordinary cafe. This charming spot started as an online plant shop and expanded into a vibrant shop and cafe in September 2020. Now, they are a thriving small business that delights visitors with its delicious brunch offerings, exceptional service, and an array of beautiful plants.
Unique breakfast dishes
Seb’s Urban Jungle takes breakfast to the next level with its unique and delectable menu options. Here are some of the standout dishes you must try:
1. Eggs Venice
Get ready to enjoy a plate of perfectly scrambled eggs, topped with Pesto Genovese, chilli flakes, and creamy Dutch goat’s cheese. These eggs are served on a slice of freshly toasted sourdough, offering a delightful crunch with every bite.
To make it more mouth-watering, the dish is served with a crispy bacon for a savoury and smoky flavour.
If you want a creamier texture, you can add a sliced avocado to enhance its smoothness. Alternatively, you can double up on the streaky bacon for an even more satisfying, hearty meal.
2. The Ultimate Breakfast Ciabatta
Picture a toasted ciabatta panini, oozing with melted cheese, and packed with savoury sausages and crispy bacon. To add more, the smashed avocado brings a creamy, nutritious element to this indulgent sandwich.
For an extra boost, you can add two fried eggs to elevate the experience with a golden yolk richness. A side salad can also be added for a refreshing crunch that balances out the heartiness of the ciabatta.
This dish also comes with a vegan option to make sure everyone can enjoy its deliciousness.
3. Urban Jungle Benedict’s
A unique twist on the classic Eggs Benedict, this dish features toasted sourdough as the base, topped with two perfectly poached eggs. The eggs are blanketed in Hollandaise sauce, accented with fresh dill and cracked black pepper for a fragrant and slightly peppery finish.
To personalise the dish, you can choose your own delectable toppings:
- Streaky bacon adds a crispy, smoky element.
- Honey roast ham provides a sweet and savoury contrast.
- Scottish oak smoked salmon offers a rich, luxurious taste of the sea.
Each version is served with a side salad to add a fresh, vibrant touch to the dish.
Adding sliced avocado introduces an extra layer of creamy goodness, making the Benedict even more flavourful.
Excited to see more? Click here to check out the full menu of Seb’s Urban Jungle!
Ambiance and special features
The warm and friendly atmosphere, combined with the café’s dedication to quality and service, makes Seb’s Urban Jungle a must-visit breakfast spot.
As soon as you walk in, you’re surrounded by beautiful plants that create a chill and relaxing vibe. It’s like stepping into a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city. The owners are committed in creating a safe and inclusive space where every visit is a positive experience.
But Seb’s Urban Jungle isn’t just about great food and a cool vibe. They offer some pretty unique services too. If you’re into plants, you’ll love their plant care workshops. You can learn all the tips and tricks to keep your plants happy and healthy. They also offer plant rental and maintenance services, which is perfect if you want to green up your space without all the hassle.
And if you’re planning an event, this place has you covered. You can rent the café for pop-up events, movie nights, or any special occasion. With its lush, green setting, it’s the perfect backdrop for any gathering.
All these special features, combined with their delicious food and welcoming atmosphere, make Seb’s Urban Jungle a true hidden gem in Edinburgh.
If interested, you can visit them at 187-189 Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH6 8NX, United Kingdom.
Papii
Situated along Hanover Street, Papii is a delightful spot that began with a simple yet wonderful idea: to create a space where friends and families can gather to enjoy fantastic food and good company.
They’ve built their reputation on offering an extensive all-day breakfast menu that caters to every palate. Whether you’re a fan of classic morning fare or looking for something a bit different, Papii has it all.
However, what sets Papii apart is their commitment to quality and sustainability. They partner with local farmers and businesses to ensure that every ingredient they use is fresh and top-notch. Not only does this support the local economy, but it also helps minimise their environmental impact and reduce their carbon footprint.
So, if you’re looking for a breakfast spot that’s both delicious and environmentally conscious, Papii is definitely worth a visit!
Unique breakfast offerings
Papii believes that breakfast is more than just a meal but also delightful experience. Their unique offerings showcase a creative twist on classic dishes, each made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
1. Bacon, Maple Syrup, Strawberries & Cream
If you’re in the mood for a breakfast indulgence that hits all the right notes, this dish is it. Imagine crispy bacon paired with the sweetness of rich maple syrup, fresh juicy strawberries, and a generous dollop of velvety cream.
It’s the ultimate brunch treat that perfectly balances sweet and savoury!
2. Egg’s Papii Florentine
For a classic breakfast with a twist, you can’t go wrong with this meal. It features toasted English muffins topped with perfectly poached free-range eggs and a luscious, special Hollandaise sauce.
Plus, the fresh spinach adds a lovely touch of green to make it even more delightful.
3. Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake
Comfort food at its best! Dive into this homemade Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake with a creamy sauce that’ll warm your soul. It’s served with a crisp side salad to balance out the richness. Perfect for those days when you want something hearty and satisfying.
Each of these dishes showcases their dedication to quality and creativity, making it a must-visit for breakfast lovers. See Papii’s full menu here!
Ambiance and special features
Step into Papii and you’ll be greeted by a relaxed and cozy atmosphere that instantly feels like home. With its laid-back vibes and soft blues music playing in the background, it’s the perfect spot to unwind with friends or family. The warm, inviting décor makes every visit a pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of Hanover Street.
Aside from all-day breakfasts, Papii also offer fantastic catering services for local events. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a bigger affair, their range of sandwiches—made with a variety of fresh breads—is perfect for any occasion.
Note that their catering service is pick-up only, so you can easily grab your goodies and take them wherever you need.
Try their breakfast menu today by visiting them at 101 Hanover St, Edinburgh EH2 1DJ, United Kingdom!
Start your day with a fresh twist!
Ready to start your day with a breakfast adventure? Step off the beaten path and explore Edinburgh’s hidden gems for a truly unique morning. From quirky cafes to delightful dining spots, each place offers its own special twist on the traditional breakfast.
Don’t settle for the usual and popular—discover new flavours, charming atmospheres, and exciting experiences. Dive into Edinburgh’s lesser-known breakfast spots and make your mornings as memorable as the city itself. Happy exploring!
