West End and Fountainbridge

Stay fuelled with bakeries and bistros while exploring the Edinburgh Art Festival around the Grand Union Canal. The Film Festival and EICC are also nearby

Words: Peter Simpson

Cairngorm Coffee

It’s a bright and airy corner unit with some lovely period touches. You’re in good hands, with the coffee roasted by Cairngorm themselves, alongside a carefully curated food menu.

1 Melville Pl, @cairngormcoffeeco

Company Bakery

You’ll find bread from the fantastic sourdough bakery at cafes and restaurants across the city, but check out their weekend market to get your loaves and pastries straight from the source.

5 Devon Pl, @companybakery

Hula

At Hula’s Fountainbridge branch, the aesthetic runs wild. Loads of neon and pattern, plenty of plants, bright green *everywhere* – and an insane mix of brunch classics and great juices.

94A Fountainbridge, @hulajuicebar

Maki and Ramen

Lovingly decorated and surprisingly spacious, Maki and Ramen’s Fountainbridge spot is part sushi bar and part noodle house. Expect quality in presentation, ingredients and execution.

97 Fountainbridge, @makiramen

Nice Times

Sister venue to the excellent Lovecrumbs, Nice Times offers great baking, fantastic coffee, and a pleasingly assertive teal and pink colour scheme.

147 Morrison St, @nicetimesbakery

The Palmerston

This all-day bistro is equal parts grand and down-toearth. Expect modern variations on Northern European classics, and a focus on local ingredients and suppliers.

1 Palmerston Pl, @the_palmerston

Polwarth Tavern

An excellent local pub in Polwarth, the Tavern has an ace up its sleeve – Rob Casson’s King of Feasts pop-up in the kitchen. Expect brilliantly over-the-top sandwiches and burgers.

35 Polwarth Cres, @polwarthtavern / @kingoffeasts

Taco Libre

Neon: everywhere. Tables: lots of them. Tacos: fantastic. Taco Libre is tucked away off Princes Street, but wriggle your way in and you’ll find some of the city’s best Mexican food.

3 Shandwick Pl, @tacolibre_edinburgh

Teuchters

An unexpected slice of country pub cosiness in the middle of the city, Teuchters is ideal for the nights when it’s pissing it down. Get in by the fire, grab a pint, refuse to leave until the rain stops.

26 William St, @teuchtersbar