The City Cafe

Featured reviews

• G

  Google user

  ·3 weeks ago

  “Service was terrible. The employees seemed more interested in socializing with each other than working. I had to flag them down if we wanted anything, like getting the bill so we could leave. And despite tipping not being required they add a 10% service charge, which would be fine if the service was good. Food was decent, and the place had a fun decor. I wouldn't say don't go, just go with the right expectations.”

• G

  Google user

  ·1 month ago

  “Nice dinner style restaurant not far from Edinburgh Mile. We went during the Fringe so I was extremely busy, nethertheless food was served quickly and was decent, staff were friendly.”

• G

  Google user

  ·1 month ago

  “I had a Scottish breakfast. It tast good spacially the bread and potato. They make it in different ways. People who worked there all were very friendly.”

• G

  Google user

  ·2 months ago

  “Very american style cafe. Good breakfast, but nothing special. Service was friendly. They offer real coffee freshly made!”

• G

  Google user

  ·2 months ago

  “Always love popping in here, it’s like a diner style cafe with karaoke nights and a pool table. They do full English and more, I had a bacon roll and it was delicious, service was swiftly and friendly all rolled into one. Excellent booths available and it’s generally a great place to go solo or with friends. There is a staff member to greet you and direct you to a table or tell you where to sit etc… Always enjoy popping in here”

• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “I suppose I stumbled across this place by accident really and I'm so glad I found it. Was looking for a light lunch before heading to the theatre so ordered a caprese baguette. It was huge and absolutely delicious, packed with tomato and mozzarella on a very tasty baguette and served with crisp fresh fries. And with a can of Irn Bru was on £14.85. Absolute bargain.”

• G

  Google user

  ·5 months ago

  “Ate a chicken burger with fries. Chicken was burnt to the point of feeling the taste of burnt meat in every bite. And fries were really dry, too dry. 1 our of 5. Very unfortunate since the atmosphere was nice and service good. Got recommended this place from a local tour guides website.”

• G

  Google user

  ·6 months ago

  “Found this nice cafe just off the Royal Mile and went in for a quick bite. So glad I did. The staff were really lovely and the service was impressively fast. The decor is fun with a proper retro feel. It just feels warm and easy to sit in for a while. I enjoyed my meal and the charging ports at the tables were such a nice touch. Would happily go back.”

• G

  Google user

  ·7 months ago

  “A great place to dine, we visited during a pre Xmas break to Edinburgh. Friendly service and dog friendly. it’s a colourful mix of American-style diner vibes, jukeboxes, neon accents, and classic booth seating set a fun, relaxed tone, hearty food, and a lively atmosphere that suits everything from a casual brunch to evening drinks. Casual meals with generous portions, Milkshakes, brunch classics, and comfort food. Pool table and Photo Booth. Well worth it.”

• G

  Google user

  ·8 months ago

  “If Elvis opened an American diner in Edinburgh and never quite left, this would be it. The City Cafe is loud, unapologetically retro, and absolutely leaning into its role as the city’s most committed time warp. Neon lights glow, jukebox stands ready for duty, and somewhere between your booth and the counter you half expect a rockabilly soundtrack to start following you around. The food is exactly what you want from a proper American diner. Big breakfasts that do not mess about, burgers that arrive with confidence, and milkshakes that clearly believe they are a meal rather than a drink. Portions are generous, comforting and very good at soaking up the previous night’s questionable decisions. If restraint is your thing, this is not the place to practise it. The atmosphere is the real star. Red booths, black and white flooring, walls covered in vintage Americana, and yes, an Elvis statue keeping a watchful eye over proceedings like the King of Bacon and Pancakes. It is kitsch, it is bold, and it works because the place commits fully and unapologetically. Service is fast, friendly and refreshingly no nonsense. You are fed, watered and sent back out into Edinburgh feeling happier, fuller and slightly tempted to say “thank you very much” to strangers. A brilliant spot for breakfast, a late night feast, or just a reminder that sometimes what you really need is comfort food, neon lighting and a jukebox. The City Cafe does not pretend to be subtle, and that is exactly why it is so much fun.”