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.
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.
Address: 19 Elm Row, Edinburgh EH7 4AA
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.
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.
Matt and Helen Carroll's York Place coffee bar in Edinburgh New Town, opened 2014, a 10-seat third-wave room pouring filter and espresso from rotating UK roasters.
Signature drink: Filter coffee
Tip: The York Place branch takes no laptops; the South Bridge cafe is the work-friendly sister site.
Brew Lab on South College Street in Edinburgh, opened 2012, a third-wave coffee bar pouring filter and espresso into a long basement room near the University.
Signature drink: V60 filter
Tip: Their training arm runs Saturday public cuppings at 11:00; sign up online for a week or two ahead.
Machina Espresso on Brougham Place in Tollcross Edinburgh, opened 2015, a tiny espresso-led bar pouring single-origin shots and selling commercial coffee equipment.
Signature drink: Espresso
Tip: No laptop policy; this is a stand-and-go espresso bar. The South Lauder Road branch has tables.
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.
