Machina Espresso on Brougham Place in Tollcross Edinburgh, opened 2015, a tiny espresso-led bar pouring single-origin shots and selling commercial coffee equipment.
Tip: No laptop policy; this is a stand-and-go espresso bar. The South Lauder Road branch has tables.
Address: 5 Brougham Place, Edinburgh EH3 9JU
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.
Signature drink: Filter coffee and a slice of cake
Tip: Their daily-changing cake counter is a one-glass-each affair; the upstairs nook seats four for quiet sessions.
Cairngorm Coffee on Melville Place in Edinburgh New Town, opened 2014, a basement third-wave coffee bar pouring rotating UK and European roasters.
Signature drink: Flat white
Tip: Their Frederick Street branch is brighter and busier; the Melville Place original is the quiet workspace.
Williams and Johnson roastery cafe on Customs Wharf in Leith Edinburgh, opened 2017 by two former Square Mile baristas, an in-house roaster and cafe.
Signature drink: Filter coffee
Tip: Tour the roaster on the public Saturday morning slot; check the website calendar two weeks ahead.
Twelve Triangles bakery-cafe on Brunswick Street in Edinburgh, opened 2014, a third-wave coffee counter making the city's most popular doughnuts and croissants.
Signature drink: Filter coffee and a doughnut
Tip: Open from 08:00; the day's doughnuts sell out by 11:00 on Saturdays. Order on Square Online for collection.
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.
Signature drink: Filter coffee and a slice of cake
Tip: Their daily-changing cake counter is a one-glass-each affair; the upstairs nook seats four for quiet sessions.
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.
