Restaurants in Edinburgh: Books, coffee, and great food! That’s how I should describe Edinburgh. If you ever visit the Edinburgh International Book Festival, you will know it’s a favorite place for Dark Academia enthusiasts.
However, as your mind and eyes look for words, your palette searches for some delicacies. So, let’s find out the best restaurants in Edinburgh with a Dark Academia feel.
Edinburgh is filled with jewels and surprises at each turn of nooks and alleys. Did you know it is a top-trending culture-rich city on TikTok?
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Best Cafes And Restaurants In Edinburgh For Dark Academia Fans
It’s not possible to keep calm when you are talking about the city of Robert Lewis Stevenson and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The city has also witnessed the first Harry Potter book taking shape.
At the same time, it’s also the city where you can have the best smoked salmon and partan bree.
Here, I have curated the seven best cafes and restaurants in Edinburgh for dark academia fans.
1. The Elephant House
Address: 21 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EN, United Kingdom
The Elephant House started in 1995. This place is also like a pilgrimage for dark academia fans, with Alexander McCall Smith, J K Rowling, and Ian Rankin among the many celebrated patrons.
This cafe and restaurant is close to George Heriot’s School. Did you know that this school was a probable inspiration for Harry Potter’s Hogwarts School?
If you are at this place, don’t miss a stroll on Victoria Street. The place offers you a kaleidoscopic view of colors. As you take a walk, you will feel like being transported to Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.
2. The Cloisters
Address: 26 Brougham St, Edinburgh EH3 9JH, UK
If you are a dark academia fan, you cannot avoid the charm of The Cloisters. Did you know that it’s a revamped form of All Saints Parsonage?
If you visit the place today, you will feel the whiff of history as you enter the place as most of the decors are kept intact.
Along with a variety of chips, soups, and fries, you will also get vegan delicacies here. If you are a vegan, you must try the Gobi Dhanshak Curry at The Cloisters.
The Cloisters is also one of the most famous bars in Edinburgh. It serves the exquisite ones from all over the country. So, you cannot just give this place a miss if you look for the best bars and restaurants in Edinburgh.
3. The Blackbird
Address: 37-39 Leven St, Edinburgh EH3 9LH, UK
Let’s head to The Blackbird. It’s a place the world swoons over. The Times Newspaper also has included this place among the top 30 terraces and cocktail bars in the United Kingdom. The place is quaint, with a great fusion of a lively atmosphere and a laid-back vibe.
Once you are at The Blackbird, you can have the best of wines and food here. It’s also a great place for finding an escape from the library and studying.
If you explore the menu, the Skirt Burrito Bowl and the Noho Chicken Bowl look delicious. If you are a vegan, you can try the Chipotle and Lime Fries, Naked Fries, and House’ Slaw 2.
4. The Hideout Cafe
Address: 5 Upper Bow Edinburgh EH1 2JN
What do you notice first when you are in a cafe or restaurant? I tend to notice the ambiance and character of the place. Having the most delicious cuisines on the menu is never enough for me.
At the cafe, exuding the quintessential British vibe, you will find a bookshelf with literary gems. It also has some knick-knacks to keep the enthusiast in you intrigued.
The overall setup of the place is also great for a Dark Academia fan. The seating arrangements are very comfortable, and the floor-to-ceiling windows make the place ideal for studying or working long hours.
Overall, it’s a perfect “hideout” if you want to spend your day with books and coffee as your companion.
5. Union Brew Lab
Address: 6-8 S College St, Edinburgh EH8 9AA, UK
The Union Brew Lab is a favorite joint in Edinburgh for book lovers because it’s very close to the National Library of Scotland and the Central Library.
The place completely justifies its name as it has the best range and flavors of coffee one can ask for. Once you are at this place, you must try out the single-origin coffees.
Two of these single-origin coffees are so exquisite that they are brewed and served as pour-overs at the bar. Further, the rest of the coffees are brewed at the espresso bar.
You will also love the cakes procured from local bakeries at the Union Brew Lab. The menu at the place is simple and familiar. So, this place is to enjoy a great combination of comfort food and books.
6. Williams & Johnson Coffee Co.
Address: CUSTOM LANE, 1 Customs Wharf, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6AL, UK
What can be a better place for book lovers than a cafe started by two geeks? This cafe started in 2016, and here you will have the best-harvested coffees procured from all over the world.
Further, two major attractions of the place are the “stripped-back decor” exuding the quintessential Dark Academia feel.
Also, the space is airy to make you feel comfortable for long hours.
The best thing about this place is that it has an attached roastery. So, you will get to enjoy the fresh aroma and taste of the coffee and get to see how good coffees are transformed into great coffees.
7. Artisan Roast, Broughton
Address: 57 Broughton St, Edinburgh EH1 3RJ, United Kingdom
It is the first specialty coffee shop in Scotland. So, it has played a pivotal role in nurturing the coffee craze of the country. Today, this cafe has its presence in many locations.
However, Broughton is the place where all the craze began and made what Artisan Roast is today.
If you love to garner knowledge by interacting with people, Artisan Roast is a great place to be. The baristas at the cafe have all the knowledge and skills to make great coffee.
Further, the ambiance at the place is laid-back, and you will have a relaxed time studying or working.
This place is also great for your gastronomic delight. You can have the best brews, soups, and snacks at this place.
Final Words
Your tour in the cultural hub of Scotland is going to be fulfilling with complete knowledge of the best cafes and restaurants in Edinburgh.
Visit any of the places I have shared here and have a great time with good food and books.
Enjoy your holidays, and don’t forget to share if you have any other recommendations in mind.
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