Café£tollcross-west-endMon-Fri 08:30-18:00, Sat-Sun 09:00-18:00Work-friendlyWifi
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.
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.
Café£leithMon-Thu 08:00-16:00, Fri-Sat 08:00-20:00, Sun 08:00-16:00
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.
Café£new-townDaily 08:30-15:30Work-friendlyWifi
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.
Café£old-townMon-Fri 07:30-15:00, Sat-Sun 08:00-15:00Work-friendlyWifi
Edinburgh Larder cafe on Blackfriars Street in the Old Town of Edinburgh, opened 2009, a Scottish-provenance all-day cafe serving breakfast.
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.
Café£canonmills-inverleithMon-Sat 09:00-18:00
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.
Café£leith
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.