Lovecrumbs cake shop on West Port in Edinburgh, opened 2010, a tea-and-cake counter in a Grassmarket-adjacent townhouse with a sun-filled bay window for laptop work.
Tip: Their daily-changing cake counter is a one-glass-each affair; the upstairs nook seats four for quiet sessions.
Address: 155 West Port, Edinburgh EH3 9DP
The Company Bakery on Easter Road in Edinburgh, opened 2018, a coffee bar and sourdough bakery serving filter coffee, fresh pastries and a small lunchtime.
Signature drink: Flat white and a sourdough sandwich
Tip: The cinnamon morning bun sells out before 11:00. Order ahead via their website for collection most days.
Urban Angel on Hanover Street in Edinburgh New Town, opened 2003, a basement organic-leaning all-day cafe serving breakfast, brunch and light lunches.
Signature drink: Flat white
Tip: Brunch is the volume play; their Forth Street branch is smaller and easier to walk into on a Saturday.
Edinburgh Larder cafe on Blackfriars Street in the Old Town of Edinburgh, opened 2009, a Scottish-provenance all-day cafe serving breakfast, lunch and brunch plates.
Signature drink: Filter coffee and a Stornoway black pudding roll
Tip: Closes 16:00 most days. The cafe on Blackfriars Street is calmer than the larger bistro round the corner.
Valvona and Crolla caffe on Elm Row in Edinburgh, opened in the 1990s at the back of the city's longest-running Italian deli, pouring espresso and serving.
Signature drink: Espresso and a Pugliese pastry
Tip: Stand at the bar for the proper Italian experience. The deli at the front is open till 17:30; shop on your way out.
Leith Walk Police Box on Pilrig Street in Edinburgh, opened 2016 inside a 1950s blue police box, a 3-square-metre coffee counter pouring filter and espresso.
Signature drink: Flat white
Tip: There is no seating; coffee in hand on the Leith Walk central reservation. Cash only on most days.
Artisan Roast on Broughton Street in Edinburgh, opened 2007, the city's third-wave coffee pioneer roasting on-site in Glasgow and pouring filter and espresso.
Signature drink: Filter coffee
Tip: Open from 08:00 weekends and busy by 10:00; the back room takes laptop users for longer sessions and stays open till 18:00.
