Best Independent Food Shops In Edinburgh

BAKERIES

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Is there anything better than the smell of freshly baked bread in the morning, or the first bite of a warm buttery pastry? Here’s our round-up of some of the best bakeries in the capital.

The Wee Boulangerie

The Wee Boulangerie is a genuine artisan bakery in the heart of Edinburgh’s Southside. Every day they produce fresh breads, pastries and cakes. The bakery produces a wide range of French and other breads and savouries. Service is friendly and the staff knowledgeable about the goods sold. Open Monday to Saturday.

Address: 67 Clerk Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9JG - read more

Cuckoo’s Bakery

Winner of the Best Individual Cake in Scotland Award 2015 and 2016, this bakery is well known for its cakes and delicious cupcakes. The original shop is in Dundas Street and they now have a second shop in Bruntsfield. Cuckoo’s team of bakers work through the night creating classics such as their white chocolate and raspberry cupcakes.

Addresses :
150 Dundas Street, Edinburgh, EH3 5DQ
116 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4ES - read more

Casa Amiga

This cafe specialises in coffee, pastries and bread, and has a selection of drinks and delicacies from Portugal.
They sell a great selection of pastries and other snacks with a different fresh soup every day. Pastry delights include chorizo brioche and the famous Portuguese custard tart - Pastel de nata. Open 7 days a week.

Address :
294 Leith Walk, Edinburgh, EH6 5BX - read more

Sicillian Pastry Shop

This is a popular Italian deli and pastry bakery. An ideal choice for take home pastry and cakes, this bakery has been in Edinburgh since the 1920's. All the food is baked onsite so you get the wonderful smells as you wait for your order. The prices are also reasonable and it’s a great place to pick up treats for a packed lunch or have a custom made cake for a special occasion. Open Mondays to Saturdays.

Address : 14-16 Albert St, Edinburgh, EH7 5LG - read more

Bakery Andante

Bakery Andante is an award-winning bakery in Morningside which specialises in providing freshly baked bread made from scratch using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible. They create everything from croissants to New York style deli rolls, and it’s all baked fresh each day. Open 7 days per week.

Address: 352 Morningside Road, Edinburgh, EH10 4QL - read more

The Bearded Baker

Based in Canonmills near Edinburgh's Botanic Gardens, this coffee shop and bakery makes some of the city's best bagels, doughnuts and sourdough loaves. Using fresh produce from local suppliers, they provide sit-in or take-away breakfast and lunch options as well as a wide selection of teas, coffees and soft drinks.

Address: 46 Rodney Street, Edinburgh, EH7 4DX - read more

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CHEESE

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Do you have a passion for cheese? We certainly have, so here’s our highlights of some of the best cheesemongers and delis in Edinburgh.

I.J Mellis’

Since 1993, Mellis’ has been the perfect go-to shop and deli for lactose lovers everywhere. Shopping here is a real treat because of the sheer quality and variety, and far more personal than any supermarket counter. They stock a wide variety of artisan and farmhouse cheeses from all over the world. Mellis’ is also a great place to try cheese samples before you buy.

Address :
330 Morningside Road, Edinburgh EH10 4QJ
Open Mon–Sat 9am–6pm, Sun 10am–5pm - read more

Valvona & Crolla Deli

Italian deli Valvona & Crolla in Leith opened way back in 1934, and is still going strong. While its owners have branched out into various cafés, restaurants and food halls across town, the deli has remained virtually the same throughout the years. Valvona & Crolla specialise in Italian cheese like gorgonzola and taleggio, but they also stock some choice varieties from France and the UK. The store also offers some excellent cured meats, freshly baked bread, fruit and vegetables from Milan, antipasti, cakes, coffee, sweets and cooking items.

Address : 19 Elm Row, EH7 4AA - read more

Craigie’s Farm Shop

A short trip to South Queensferry is well worth it to visit Craigie’s Farm Shop which specialises in Scottish cheeses, hand-selected from suppliers like Highland Fine Cheeses and Dunlop Dairy in Ayrshire. You can make a day of it and enjoy one of the Farm Shop’s cheese-tasting events and the menu in their adjoining café gives visitors plenty of opportunities to sample the cheeses on offer before buying in the Farm Shop.

Address : West Craigie Farm, South Queensferry, EH30 9AR - read more

Henri’s of Edinburgh

This French deli, café and wine bar in Stockbridge specialises in artisan French cheese and can also provide you with the perfect accompanying bread and wine. Quite often Henri will stay open until late on Friday nights, giving you extra time to pop in and sample their finest wine, charcuterie and cheese.

Address : 48 Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, EH4 1HL - read more

Clarks

Suppliers to some of Scotland's premium food retailers for over 25 years, this family-run cheese emporium stocks an impressive range of Scottish, Welsh, English and Irish cheese. They also receive weekly deliveries direct from France, Spain and Italy, so whatever your preference, your cheese cravings will be satisfied by the selection at Clarks.

98/6 Eastfield Drive, Penicuik, EH26 8HJ - read more

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BUTCHER MEAT AND POULTRY

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Edinburgh is well served for conventional butcher meat and poultry plus a variety of more exotic produce including cooked meats, farmed goat, fine sausages, venison, wild boar and more.

George Bower Butchers

A favourite for many in Edinburgh is George Bower Butchers in Stockbridge. A traditional butchers shop with various hanging beasts in the window their down-to-earth approach and reasonable prices means they have built up a loyal following since they opened nearly 70 years ago. Sourcing the majority of their products from Scotland and elsewhere in the UK, they have plans to open their own farm to stock the shop with homegrown produce direct from the field. Open Monday to Saturday.

Address : 75 Raeburn Place, Edinburgh EH4 1JG - read more

Crombies

Crombies is a firm favourite of meat lovers across the city. Situated on Broughton Street, Crombies meat cabinet is something to behold. The beef is locally sourced from West Lothian and the pork is from the Scottish Borders while the selection of black pudding, haggis, other meats, pastries and pies is excellent. Their signature product is sausages – over 40 types ranging from the traditional pork to the more exotic (whisky, hog and wild thyme).
Open Monday through Saturday.

Address : 97 Broughton St, Edinburgh, EH1 3RZ - read more

Findlays of Portobello

An award-winning family butcher in the seaside suburb of Portobello, Findlays regularly wins awards for the quality of its haggis. The traditional version uses lamb, beef, oatmeal, onions and spices although the precise recipe remains a family secret. In addition the Findlays team has developed all kinds of haggis over the years including curried, gluten-free, vegetarian and venison versions as well as small haggis puddings for the solo diner.
Open every day except Monday.

Address : 116 Portobello High St, Edinburgh, EH15 1AL - read more

Saunderson's

Situated at Tollcross near the King's Theatre, Saunderson's family butcher has been going strong since 1958. All produce is fully traceable, locally sourced Scottish beef, lamb and pork with chicken and poultry from the north of England. The shop features an impressive array of every type of meat you can imagine, as well as specialty BBQ, steak lover and breakfast meat boxes. Pop in to the shop and speak to an in-house expert butcher or subscribe to their online service to get meat delivered direct to your doorstep.

40 Leven Street, Tollcross, Edinburgh, EH3 9LJ - read more  

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FISH and SEAFOOD

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Edinburgh is blessed with many excellent seafood restaurants but many people are turning their hand to preparing fish at home. Here’s our top tips for the best places to buy fresh fish in Edinburgh.

Eddie’s Seafood Market

Eddie’s Seafood Market is something of an Edinburgh institution - founded 30 years ago by Eddie Kwok, who decided to stay here after university, rather than return to his native Hong Kong. The shop is happily decorated with fishing memorabilia, and stocked with plenty of marine delights from Scottish waters. It’s also a great place to try if you’re looking for sushi grade fillets of salmon or tuna, or something more unusual, like giant sea snails. Best of all are the staff who are friendly and knowledgeable. Open Tuesday to Saturday.

Address : 7 Roseneath Street, Edinburgh, EH9 1JH - read more

Armstrong’s of Stockbridge

A traditional Scottish fishmonger trading since the 1940s, Armstrong’s survives on the quality of its produce, its service and the expertise of staff. Not only can you get all the expected fresh fish and shellfish here like cod, haddock, langoustine, mussels or oysters but they also source more exotic, foreign-landed species.
Open Tuesday to Saturday.

Address : 80 Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, EH4 1HH - read more

Welch Fishmongers

First started in 1959 Welch Fishmongers are one of the most prolific fishmongers in Edinburgh. Shops in Newington, Newhaven and Leith keep the demand for fresh fish satisfied across the capital. Brill, cod, haddock, hake, halibut, lemon sole, mackerel, monk fish and plaice are just some of many offerings on ice when you walk in store. Welch’s also offer an extensive selection of shellfish and crustaceans. Open Mondays to Saturdays.

Addresses:
Newhaven, 23 Pier Place, Edinburgh, EH64LP
Leith, 34 Great Junction Street, Edinburgh, EH6 5LA
Newington, 12 Clerk Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9HX - read more

George Hughes & Son

Whether it's cod, crab, oyster or mussels you're after, you are sure to find what you need at George Hughes & Son. This independent, family-run establishment prides itself on sourcing only the freshest seafood from local suppliers in Scotland, guaranteeing their customers the best range of top-quality fish. They are one of the few seafood suppliers to deliver fresh and unfrozen fish to customers who order via their online shop.

197 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4DQ - read more

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ICE-CREAM

Ice-cream is a favourite not just in the Summer but all year round and Edinburgh has some real gelato gems waiting to be enjoyed.

S Luca’s

Considered Edinburgh’s favourite ice cream parlour, S Luca’s two shops – based in Musselburgh and Morningside – always attract long queues during the summer. But some things are worth waiting for! Luca’s originally set up over a century ago by Mr Luca Scappaticcio in Musselburgh, has won various awards and its creations include Raspberry Pavlova, Toffee Fudgy Wudgy and Festival Blueberry. Open 7 days a week.

Addresses :
16 Morningside Road, Edinburgh, EH10 4DB
32-38 Musselburgh High Street, EH21 7AG - read more

Mary’s Milk Bar

Mary’s Milk Bar is a cosy space for everyone to enjoy the best quality gelato and chocolate. The key to all Mary’s products is freshness. The ice cream is made every morning until 11am so there are fresh, ever-changing flavours to sample. This also means that the choice of flavours change every day and can even sell out in the summer months. The gelato is soft and creamy – every week there’s new flavours and new ways to enjoy them. You can take a scoop away with you, enjoy a waffle cone, chocolate float or seasonal sundae for example. Open Tuesday to Sunday.

Address: 19 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2HS - read more

Scoopz Dessert Parlour

A haven in the Southside of Edinburgh, Scoopz is a novelty that insists on brightening up your day with a sprinkle of hundreds and thousands. They offer some wacky toppings including Ferrero Rocher and Oreos and ice-cream flavours include Jaffa cake, tiramisu and blue Cookie monster. Its also a great place to let the kids run wild, while indulging in your own topping-covered cone. Open 7 days a week.

Address : 25–27 West Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DB - read more

Affogato

This cosy little ice cream parlour and coffee shop in Edinburgh's West End is the ideal spot to unwind after a day's shopping in town. With an impressive selection of hand-crafted gelati and sorbetti, freshly baked waffles and delicious cakes, there's something to suit everyone's taste buds. Open until 10pm, why not pop in to relax and unwind after a hard day at the office?

Address: 36 Queensferry St, Edinburgh EH2 4QS - read more

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OUTDOOR MARKETS

If you consider yourself a food enthusiast and you’ve never paid a visit to one of the city’s many markets then you’re really missing out! Edinburgh Farmers Market and the Grassmarket Weekly Market on Saturdays, and the Stockbridge Market on Sundays are just three of the regular markets you can enjoy and pick up some great fresh food. Edinburgh’s outdoor markets offer everything from artisan coffee and gourmet marshmallows to authentic sushi.

Farmers’ Market

Started in 2000, this award-winning market has been a huge success with locals and visitors to Edinburgh. Situated along castle terrace shoppers can enjoy the stunning backdrop while browsing some quality food produce. Among dozens of stalls you can find staples such as bread, cheese, fish, fruit, meat and vegetables but also a range of upmarket produce and some fantastic street food like buffalo burgers and hog roast rolls.

Saturdays 9am-2pm
Address : Castle Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2EL - read more

Grassmarket Weekly Market

If you prefer to sleep later on Saturdays and miss out on the Farmers’ Market, the Grassmarket Weekly Market is a good alternative since it starts later and finishes later. It’s a little smaller but still has enough grocery stalls to meet your culinary requirements, along with a variety of street food and crafts that make for a pleasant outdoor shopping experience.

Saturdays, 10am till 5pm
Address : Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2JU - read more

Stockbridge Market

A relatively new market launched in 2011, it has become firmly established as a weekly favourite at the corner of Kerr St and Saunders St in Stockbridge. Shoppers can browse a range of high quality food produce and crafts, as well as some innovative street food from Scotland and around the world. If you’re on a foodie trip you can round it off by taking a riverside walk by the Water of Leith.

Sundays 10am-5pm
Address : Saunders St, Edinburgh, EH3 6TQ - read more

The Pitt Market

The Pitt Market is Edinburgh's pioneering street food market in the city's historic old town. Offering the best street food around Scotland, you'll find an eclectic mix of food stalls serving steak and chips, shellfish, Vietnamese noodles, craft beers, cocktails and more. Enjoy your food in a friendly ambience accompanied by live music and talented buskers. Open until 11pm, kids welcome until 9pm. Dog friendly.

The Pitt, 125 Pitt Street, Edinburgh, EH6 - read more

The food scene in Edinburgh right now is exciting for both residents and visitors. The capital is spoiled with a great variety of shops such as those we’ve highlighted here. And in the last 15 years the emergence of weekly outdoor markets not has brought fresh produce and innovative street food into the heart of the city. Of course if you prefer not do any cooking Edinburgh is awash with great restaurants and places to eat around the clock.
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Do you have a favourite place to shop for food in Edinburgh? Let us know in the comments section below.

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