The Scottish Cafe
Cafés


National Gallery of Scotland, The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL

The Scottish Cafe is truly at the heart of Edinburgh, not only in terms of situation, with its stunning views across the city, but also in regards to its Scottish roots. Situated within the Princes Street Gardens, directly beneath Edinburgh Castle, this is a treasure-trove of homemade delights and hearty Scottish food; a delightful place for a bite to eat during a busy day of shopping or after exploring the city's National Gallery.
The Cafe is packed with Scottish delights ranging from Cullen Skink and hearty venison stews, to butteries, Dundee cake, shortbread and gingerbread. With scones and cakes baked freshly every morning, you can expect to choose from an array of beautifully decorated, delicious-tasting treats - just the thing to nibble on with a cup of (ethically sourced) coffee. Should you opt for a traditional Scottish scone you can be assured that the jam accompanying it will have also been made on the premises by one of the team - chutneys and pickles are all made on site too. The team here is acutely aware of The Scottish Cafe's environment, and there's even a herb garden for use in the kitchen come spring - the herbs cultivated here are the first to have been grown for consumption in the Princes Street Gardens since the First World War. Everything is recycled, and produce is sourced as locally as possible. James Dickson of Cockenzie's supplies The Scottish Cafe with his hand-sliced, oak-smoked haddock, Jeff Reid provides Isle of Mull Cheddar, honey comes from Tweedside and vegetables from East Lothian - and that's just a handful of the 45 artisan Scottish products on offer. Of course, The Scottish Cafe also provides a full whisky menu.
Not only does The Scottish Cafe serve beautiful food and maintain outstanding ethics, it also boasts a stunning interior. As befits an eatery within the National Gallery, The Scottish Cafe showcases Annie and Lackie Stewart's hand-woven Wooster wool and tweeds, as well handmade pottery and oak furniture designed and made in Scotland. So, if you're looking for lovingly prepared, authentic Scottish fare, your search is over.
The Cafe is packed with Scottish delights ranging from Cullen Skink and hearty venison stews, to butteries, Dundee cake, shortbread and gingerbread. With scones and cakes baked freshly every morning, you can expect to choose from an array of beautifully decorated, delicious-tasting treats - just the thing to nibble on with a cup of (ethically sourced) coffee. Should you opt for a traditional Scottish scone you can be assured that the jam accompanying it will have also been made on the premises by one of the team - chutneys and pickles are all made on site too. The team here is acutely aware of The Scottish Cafe's environment, and there's even a herb garden for use in the kitchen come spring - the herbs cultivated here are the first to have been grown for consumption in the Princes Street Gardens since the First World War. Everything is recycled, and produce is sourced as locally as possible. James Dickson of Cockenzie's supplies The Scottish Cafe with his hand-sliced, oak-smoked haddock, Jeff Reid provides Isle of Mull Cheddar, honey comes from Tweedside and vegetables from East Lothian - and that's just a handful of the 45 artisan Scottish products on offer. Of course, The Scottish Cafe also provides a full whisky menu.
Not only does The Scottish Cafe serve beautiful food and maintain outstanding ethics, it also boasts a stunning interior. As befits an eatery within the National Gallery, The Scottish Cafe showcases Annie and Lackie Stewart's hand-woven Wooster wool and tweeds, as well handmade pottery and oak furniture designed and made in Scotland. So, if you're looking for lovingly prepared, authentic Scottish fare, your search is over.
Open: Mon-Weds 8am-6pm; Thurs 8am-7pm; Fri 8am-6pm; Sat 8am-7pm; Sun 10am-6pm (open for private functions from 6pm Mon-Sun, please call for details)