For hundreds of years Leith was a port town and separate from the City of Edinburgh (which it only joined in 1920) and that commercial and industrial past has left its mark on the area. Leith has an attitude like nowhere else in the city. Indeed, it still has a stubborn, independent streak to this day.
The dockers and shipyards may now be mostly gone, but recent gentrification has seen families, young professionals, immigrants and students move to the area. Today you’ll be spoilt for choice with artisan cafes, bakeries and bars, fine dining and independent shops - not to mention an active creative scene.
Gritty, vibrant and changing for the better - just be careful not to run into Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting character Begbie.
Modern European eatery open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Montreal-style bagels in Scotland
Industrial Estate Brewery Taproom
Vintage boutique
Venue and Bar
Gourmet Burgers & Beers
Intimate Asian Fusion
Sicilian Street Food
Nautical Cocktails
Barbers & Craic
Laid Back Bistro
Eateries & Drinkeries
An absolute Leith institution
Responsibly Sourced Boozer
Late Night Pies
Brunch Spot at The Shore
Sourdough Breads, Pastries and Doughnuts
Flagship Coffee
The Best Brunch. Period.
Antiques & Vintage
Historic Italian Food
The best sourdough pizza
Speciality coffee
Big Hot Focaccia Sandwiches
Cured meats of Scotland
Premier taqueria of Edinburgh
What started life as roastery is now Leith’s flagship coffee establishment. This is caffeine on a knife edge. Always single origin, the coffee beans change seasonally and are roasted around ten feet away from the counter.
The shop occupies a space inside Custom Lane - a collaborative working space, art gallery and craft shop - so be sure to check out what’s on before you visit.
In the summer months, the courtyard opens up and this is one of the best transformational spaces in Leith.
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