The Ultimate Guide To Edinburgh’s Best Scones

There are few things more quintessentially British than a perfectly baked scone. We know scones are a serious matter; from cheese or fruit scones to a luxurious cream tea or simply the classic plain scone, it seems everyone has their favourite. 

Edinburgh’s Best Scones

It’s no great secret that Edinburgh is full of incredible cafés, coffee houses, and bakeries, and there’s no exception when it comes to scones. If you’re a fan of the humble scone, you’ll be spoiled for choice here. With so many great places to try, it’s hard to know where to go first. But have no fear, we’re here to help! Keep reading to discover our ultimate guide to Edinburgh’s best scones.

1. Bon Papillon

Bon Papillon | 15 Howe Street

Bon Papillion is both a gallery and cafe, owned by resident artist Ingrid Nilsson. Open Wednesday to Sunday, you’ll find contemporary arts and crafts in the gallery as well as pieces for sale. In the cafe, a range of hot drinks, light lunches, and home baking are served. If you’re in the mood for a scone, Bon Papillon is home to some of Edinburgh’s best. Their legendary blueberry scone is a must-try!

2. Cafe at Modern One & Two

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art | 75 Belford Road

All the Scottish National Galleries’ cafes serve up a good scone, but (in our opinion) there’s something extra special about the Modern Art Gallery’s scones, which make them particularly scrumptious. They’re fresh, tasty and served with lots of jam or compote – depending on whether you’ve opted for sweet or savoury. It’s the perfect treat after a morning spent perusing the galleries – divine!

3. Leo’s Beanery

Leo’s Beanery | 23A Howe Street

Leo’s Beanery is a family-run cafe located in Edinburgh’s beautiful New Town and a personal favourite of ours. Its cosy interior and warm tones make it the ideal spot to retreat to if you’re caught in a spot of bad weather or simply meeting up with a friend. As well as a whole host of main dishes to choose from, there’s the option of several sweet or savoury scones here. Having consumed numerous cheese scones, we can vouch for how indulgent and delicious they are! Additionally, there’s also the option to push the boat out and enjoy one of their Croque-mon-scones (a toasted cheese scone with melted cheddar, tomato, and spinach or Parma ham)!

4. Honeycomb & Co

Honeycomb & Co | 1 Merchiston Place

Honeycomb & Co, nestled in Bruntsfield, has cemented itself as a popular foodie spot with locals. The cafe is bright and airy with a modern feel and serves a range of sweet and savoury breakfasts, sumptuous salads, seasonal cakes, and a fabulous afternoon tea. There’s something for everyone here, including some delicious scones! We’re particular fans of their moreish cheese scones.

You may have already guessed that we’re big fans of afternoon tea and there’s a guide for that, too! The Best Places For Afternoon Tea In Edinburgh.

5. Project Coffee

Project Coffee | 192-194 Bruntsfield Place

Located in the village-like suburb of Brunsfield, Project Coffee is part of a quality group of independent coffee shops (which also include, Kilimanjaro Coffee, Press Coffee, and Wellington Coffee). Its high ceilings, large windows, and light industrial look make it a very pleasant place to relax with a book or a group of friends. They also have a range of delightful scones. We highly recommend either their fruit or cheese scones.

6. Mimi’s Bakehouse

Mimi’s Bakehouse | 63 Shore + 250 Canongate + 277 St John’s Road

If you have a sweet tooth, Mimi’s Bakehouse is a must-visit. This Edinburgh institution sells everything from bountiful brunches to decadent afternoon teas. Their range of cakes is abundant, with favourites like chocolate fudge cake, banana caramel cupcakes and gluten-free coconut brownies on the menu. Mimi’s has become famous for their sweet treats and their scones are no exception. They all come with a generous helping of clotted cream and homemade jam, making Mimi’s the ideal spot for an indulgent scone!

7. Fox & Co

Fox & Co | 11-13 William Street

Located on the utterly charming William Street, Fox & Co is a catering company with a fantastic little cafe. They’ve been serving fresh, handmade food to Edinburgh’s West End for over 25 years, so they know a thing or two about good quality food! Their scones are freshly made on the premises every morning ensuring you receive a mouthwatering scone every time. We can’t fault them!

We’re big fans of Edinburgh’s West End! Our blog post about Edinburgh’s West End has more on our favourite things to see and do in this charming part of the capital.

8. Secret Herb Garden

The Secret Herb Garden | 32A Old Pentland Road

Despite being slightly out of the city centre, it’s worth making the trip to visit the Secret Herb Garden. This specialist herb nursery nestled at the foot of the Pentland Hills covers 7.5 acres of lush land to wander around. After a relaxing walk, stop by their lovely cafe for some inventive foods with a herby twist. They offer amazing coffees, a huge range of herbal teas, cakes, quiches and soups. Plus, most importantly, scrumptious scones!

9. Tasty Buns

Tasty Buns | 67 Bread Street

Located on Bread Street, Tasty Buns is an independent cafe serving up locally-roasted coffee and delicious baked goods. As well as their ‘boozy bakes’, Tasty Buns makes some pretty inventive treats, like their Dulce de Leche walnut “cruffins”. Their scones are to-die-for, with some whacky and wonderful flavours like whisky pepper sauce scones and amaretti espresso scones. They host regular “Scone Fests”, where there is a large selection of scones both savoury and sweet on offer, including boozy ones!

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