Two in one meal with special features on the side? This is what brunch is all about! The brunch culture continues to thrive in Scotland, especially in Edinburgh where diverse range of dining options can be experienced.
However, it can be hard to choose which ones to try with the many options available. That’s why we’ve listed some of the best brunch dishes to try in the capital city and where you can get it.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these picks will surely hit the spot so you can experience the best brunch scene in the city. Let’s dig in!
Full Scottish Skillet at Black Ivy
4 Alvanley Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 1DU, United Kingdom
Just a short stroll from the Edinburgh City Centre, Black Ivy is a stylish neighbourhood boutique hotel that’s a favourite for brunch lovers. Among their standout offerings is the Full Scottish Skillet. This hearty dish includes dry-cured bacon, juicy pork sausage, roasted plum tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans, and a potato scone.
Plus, you’ll find classic black pudding and haggis, all served with whole meal toast and eggs cooked just how you like them.
What makes this brunch even more special is that it’s part of their boozy brunch experience. Alongside your skillet, you’ll enjoy a starter of freshly baked pastries with homemade preserves, cured meats, oatcakes, cheese, and fresh fruit. And to top it all off, there’s a cocktail included to make your brunch even more delightful!
Experience a wonderful brunch scene like this by booking a table today.
Eggs Benny at Urban Angel
Charlotte House, 18 Young Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH2 4JB
Located inside the vintage building of Charlotte House, Urban Angel has been serving delicious brunches in Edinburgh for almost 20 years. One of their must try dishes is their Eggs Benny – soft poached eggs placed in a toasted English muffin, smothered with either spicy or classic homemade hollandaise sauce. What a heavenly way to start your day!
But wait, there’s more: you can even customise it with a topping you like. Choose from pan-friend mushroom spinach, Streaky bacon, haggis, veggie haggis, or black pudding, or chorizo and spinach.
For more information, you can visit Urban Angel’s website.
Avocado Smash Toast at Loudons
2 Sibbald Walk Edinburgh EH8 8FT / 94b Fountainbridge Edinburgh EH3 9QA
With two branches in Edinburgh, Loudons is one of the multi-award-winning restaurants in the city. It’s among the go-to spot for breakfast, brunch, and lunch where everyone can find something to enjoy, whether you’re a local or just visiting. One of their must-try dishes is the Avocado Smash Toast.
This dish includes a perfectly seasoned smashed avocado served on toasted sourdough. It’s topped with poached eggs along with a delightful mix of red pepper tapenade, juicy tomatoes, spring onions, and crumbled feta. To finish it off, the dish is drizzled with chilli and lime vinaigrette to create a symphony of flavours that’s both fresh and satisfying.
If you’re curious about their full offerings, you can check out Loudon’s menu.
Big Jerk Brekky Roll at The Pantry
1 North West Circus Place, Edinburgh
Started in 2012, The Pantry is a modern restaurant that quickly become the talk of the town because of their Eggs Benedict. According to their about page, The Sunday Times mentioned that their Eggs Benedict was ‘reason alone to come to Edinburgh.’ However, we’re going to put the spotlight on another dish in their menu: Big Jerk Brekky Roll.
Inside this dish you’ll find house-made square sausage, perfectly smoked bacon, and a crispy hash brown to add the perfect crunch. But it doesn’t stop there; with fried egg, pantry jerk, and barbeque sauce to add, it guarantees a spicy, tangy kick that makes every bite an adventure.
If you’re eager to try the Big Jerk Brekky Roll and their other brunch dishes, you can head to The Pantry’s website to access their full menu.
Brioche Bun Stack at Mimi’s Bakehouse
63 Shore, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6RA, United Kingdom
Mimi’s Bakehouse is a family-owned cafe established in 2010. Aside from its delicious pastries (they’re an award-winning brand!), they also offer all-day breakfast, lunch, and brunch. One dish that you can’t simply miss in this cafe is the Brioche Bun Stack.
This tasty dish features creamy avocado, rich Ramsay of Carluke black pudding, smoked Ayrshire bacon, and a crispy hash brown, all brought together with a touch of sweet chilli jam. Served in a soft brioche bun, it’s a delightful mix of savoury and sweet flavours that makes for the perfect brunch bite.
If you want to try this dish, you can book a reservation at their Leith branch.
Veggie Brunch at Snax Cafe
118 Buccleuch Street Edinburgh EH8 9NQ / 15 West Register Street Edinburgh EH2 2AA
Snax Cafe is an independent cafe that offers variety of dishes, from breakfasts and brunches to salads and toasted wraps. One of the must-try brunch dishes in this cafe is their Vegan Brunch.
This hearty dish includes two veggie sausages, a fried egg, juicy fried tomato, baked beans, and crispy chips. It’s a classic brunch spread that’s packed with flavour to boost your energy for the day. Whether you’re vegan or simply looking for a delicious brunch option, this dish is sure to hit the spot!
See Snax Cafe’s full menu to discover their other dishes that are worth to try.
The Breakfast Stack Pancakes at Greenwoods
61 Frederick Street Edinburgh EH2 1LH United Kingdom
Originated from Amsterdam, Greenwoods has been serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and tea that everyone loves since 1988. In May 2021, they finally opened their Edinburgh branch, and this one dish is something you shouldn’t miss: The Breakfast Stack Pancakes!
This dish features a towering three-pancake stack topped with two eggs cooked just the way you like them—scrambled, fried, or poached. Included in the pancakes are crispy smoked bacon, a link herb sausage, roasted tomato, and a homemade hash brown. To add a touch of flair, it’s finished with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of Cajun spice, and a side of maple syrup. It’s a mouth-watering combination of sweet and savoury that can fuel you up for the day!
If you’d like to know more details about their menu, you can visit Greenwood’s official website.
OB Bigger Breakfast at Olive Branch
91 Broughton Street, EH1 3RX
If you’re in New Town, you can spot Olive Branch in the corner of Broughton Street and Broughton Place. This independently owned restaurant serves modern British breakfast, brunch, and lunch with an international twist.
This generous plate features free-range eggs cooked to your preference, smoky bacon, juicy pork sausages, and a savoury black pudding. You’ll also find haggis, mushrooms, beans, potato scones, and a grilled tomato, all served with a slice of toast. It’s a classic breakfast feast that packs in all your favourite elements for a satisfying, energising brunch.
To book a table, you can visit Olive Branch’s website.
Eggs Royale at The Ivy on the Square
St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2BD, UK
Located in St. Andrew Square, The Ivy on the Square will let you experience sophisticated dining in the heart of Edinburgh. But that’s not all. You can find different cuisines that will make you enjoy brunch more, just like their Eggs Royale.
This dish features perfectly toasted muffins topped with poached free-range hen’s eggs and a luxurious hollandaise sauce. The highlight is the premium The Ivy 1917 Cure smoked salmon, adding a rich, smoky flavour. Served alongside thick-cut chips, it’s a brunch option that combines sophistication with comfort in every bite.
If you’re interested in dining here, you can check out The Ivy’s full menu. They accept reservations via their website.
Discover Edinburgh’s best brunch dishes
Brunch is more than just a meal; it’s an experience and a celebration of flavours. From the Eggs benedict to Scottish skillet, Edinburgh offers an array of delicious dishes that cater to every palate.
No matter if you’re a local or a visitor, exploring these brunch spots will add a delightful twist to your weekends. So, why not treat yourself to one of these incredible brunches and savour the best of what Edinburgh has to offer? Your taste buds will thank you!
