If you’re in the mood to enjoy something
sweet and sugary in Scotland’s capital, then look no further! From
creamy gelato to sugar-crisped doughnuts and delicate patisserie,
Edinburgh has a lot to offer in the way of desserts. Most of the
destinations mentioned below allow you to sit in, so why not spend
your afternoon sitting back, soaking up all this vibrant city has
to offer with something sweet in hand? If that sounds like a bit of
you, then check out our guide to the best dessert places in
Edinburgh.
Where to go for the best dessert in Edinburgh
Bread Meats Bread
- Burgers
- 92 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, EH3
9BE
Bread Meats Bread on Lothian Road is famed for its burgers,
but its desserts are equally impressive. After a hearty meal, treat
yourself to one of the decadent milkshakes made with Italian gelato
and available in various flavours like chocolate, vanilla and
strawberry. The dessert menu also includes indulgent options like
sticky toffee pudding, raspberry and white chocolate cheesecake,
luxury chocolate torte and caramel apple pie with a
melt-in-the-mouth shortbread crust. Yum!
Urban Angel
- Brunch, Cafe
- 121 Hanover Street, Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom, EH2
1DJ
For something a little lighter, head to Urban Angel for a menu
filled with delicious, healthy options. The dessert selection
features flavour-packed treats like gluten-free brownies and
seasonal fruit crumbles. If you do want something a little more
decadent, the brioche French toast with whiskey liquor and
marmalade is a must try. Pair it with one of the expertly crafted
coffees for the ultimate tea-time treat!
The Little Chartroom
- British
- 14 Bonnington Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH6 5JD
The Little Chartroom is a charming restaurant that takes pride
in its meticulously crafted dishes, including its desserts. The
dessert menu changes seasonally, ensuring fresh and innovative
offerings. Past favourites include the bright lemon tart with
meringue and the rich chocolate delice with crème fraîche ice
cream. The service is impeccable, and so too are the savoury
plates. A must visit for real foodies!
TGI Fridays
- American, Diner
- 26 Castle Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH2 3HT
TGI Fridays excels in bringing the American diner scene to
life across the UK. With locations in Kinnaird Park and on Castle
Street in Edinburgh, TGI Fridays is famous for its desserts,
especially their sundaes. From S’Mores (Crunchy Biscoff® biscuit
pieces, crumbled chocolate flake and a caramelised Biscoff® sauce
with a toasted mallow topping) to Black Forest (Cherry compote and
warm chunks of chocolate brownie with a cherry on top), their
choices ooze temptation for any sweet tooth.
Leftfield
- Bistro, Seafood, European
- LeftField, 12 Barclay Terrace, Edinburgh, Midlothian, United
Kingdom, EH104HP
Loved for its modern European cuisine and relaxed atmosphere,
Leftfield’s dessert menu offers something for everyone. From
creative options like elderflower panna cotta to more classic
choices like dark chocolate fondant, everything is prepared with
terrific ingredients and precision. The restaurant has a
contemporary feel with large, bright windows and views of the
nearby links — the perfect backdrop to enjoy a sweet treat!
The Willow Tea Rooms
- Afternoon Tea
- 1st Floor, 120 Princes Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, United
Kingdom, EH2 4AD
An Edinburgh institution, The Willow Tea Rooms is best known
for its traditional afternoon tea. Here, you can indulge in scones
with clotted cream and jam, beautifully intricate pastries, moreish
cakes, and of course, plenty of teas and coffee. Inspired by the
designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the elegant setting adds a
touch of sophistication to your dessert outing.
L’Escargot Bleu
- French, Bistro
- 56/56A Broughton Street, Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom,
EH1 3SA
L’Escargot Bleu is a French bistro that brings a touch of
Parisian charm to Edinburgh. The dessert menu features classic
French treats like crème brûlée, île flottante and chocolate
nemesis, all prepared to exacting standards. The interiors are chic
and pared back and, as one would expect from a French restaurant,
the wine list is extensive.
Noto
- Fusion, Asian
- 47a Thistle Street, Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom, EH2
1DY
Noto offers a modern dining experience with a menu influenced
by culinary traditions from around the globe, particularly focusing
on Asian cuisines. The fusion cooking blends French, Asian, and
Scottish ingredients to create unique and inventive desserts. From
miso caramel ice cream to black sesame cheesecake, the desserts are
as exciting as they are tasty. The chic, minimalist decor
complements the innovative menu, making Noto a top spot for those
looking to explore new and exciting flavours.
Paradise Palms
- Diner, Vegan / Vegetarian
- 41 Lothian Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, Eh1
1HB
Paradise Palms is a quirky, vibrant venue known for its
eclectic decor and lively atmosphere. Beyond its excellent savoury
food and drinks, it also offers a variety of mouthwatering
desserts, featuring tasty treats like vegan chocolate brownies and
indulgent dairy-free ice cream sundaes. The lively ambiance and
unique interior make it a fun place to enjoy a sweet treat, with
plenty of vegan options to boot.
Holyrood 9A
- Pub, Burgers
- 9a Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, EH8
8AE
Holyrood 9A is a lively pub that serves hearty food and
delicious desserts. The sweet menu features comforting classics
like sticky toffee pudding, chocolate brownies and Eton mess with
homemade meringue. With an extensive drink menu too, including
brilliant craft beers and cocktails, it’s a great place to enjoy a
sweet treat with friends.
Haute Dolci
- Desserts and brunch
- St James Quarter, Edinburgh, EH1 3AD
If you’ve got a sweet tooth and a taste for the finer things in
life, Haute Dolci in Edinburgh’s St James Quarter is your ultimate
dessert paradise. Picture plush pink interiors, golden accents, and
a menu dripping in decadence - from towering waffles smothered in
chocolate to delicate French-style patisserie that’s almost too
pretty to eat (almost). Whether you're diving into a plate
of fluffy pancakes or sipping on a velvety hot chocolate, every
bite at Haute Dolci feels like a little moment of luxury.
Mary's Milk Bar
- Gelato
- 19 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2HS
Step into a time machine of sweetness at Mary’s Milk Bar, a
charming little gelato haven in the heart of Edinburgh’s
Grassmarket. With its retro décor and ever-changing menu of
handmade ice creams, this place is pure joy in a cone. Flavours?
Think the unexpected and the downright dreamy – from gooey salted
caramel to fragrant rosemary and honey. Each scoop is churned fresh
daily, making every visit a new adventure in indulgence. Grab
your cone, take a seat on the cobbled streets outside, and soak in
the unbeatable view of Edinburgh Castle looming above.
