11 of the best boozy brunches in Edinburgh

Brunch is the most important meal of the day and there’s no better place to find it than Scottish capital/foodie paradise Edinburgh. No one can deny that this is a city full of vibrancy and fun, and what better way to join in the action than with a wee boozy brunch? If you're on the hunt for bottomless brunches in Edinburgh, well, this is the best you'll get - bottomless brunches (i.e. unlimited drinks for a set amount of time) don’t exist in Scotland due to alcohol licensing laws. Still, these boozy brunch spots know how to have a good time.   

If you’re not familiar with the concept of boozy brunch, allow us to explain. This phenomenon has swept the world, and it’s easy to see why. Breakfast and lunch come together to form the greatest invention of the 21st century: brunch, usually served in the lazy late morning or early afternoon. How can this possibly get any better? By adding some bubbles, or hops, or spirits. Perfection. 

What can you expect from Edinburgh’s tipsy brunch scene? Well, there’s your traditional options of poached egg and smashed avocado on toast, pancakes smothered in maple syrup, and various types of flaky croissants - but that’s not all. If you want to get boozy and bougie, check out Rabble for some classic brunch dishes served in a luxurious 4-star hotel. Or if you like your eggs with a side of live blues music, then Brewhemia is the place for you. Whatever your preferences, Edinburgh has a brunch for you.  

Whether you’re looking to kickstart your day with a bang, or if you’re desperate for some hair of the dog, here’s our selection of the top boozy brunches in Edinburgh. Bottoms up! 

Black Ivy

What: Located just a short stroll from the city centre, Black Ivy offers a tranquil escape for your next boozy brunch, especially if you can snag a seat on the terrace. You’ll be greeted with a mimosa on arrival, followed by a selection of pastries, cured meats and fruit for the table. Brunch dishes follow, keeping things pretty classic with the full Scottish skillet, Black Ivy Benny, and buttermilk pancakes. Good news for plant-eaters; the menu also caters to vegetarians and vegans, with plenty of plant-based sausages and veggie haggis to go around. The cocktails are hard to resist and if you're feeling fancy, upgrade your drinks to a Perrier-Jouet Champagne. 
Where: 4 Alvanley Terrace, EH9 1DU
Book now: Black Ivy

Tattu

What: If you're looking for a boozy brunch with glitz and glamour, then don your high heels and head to Tattu. Settle in beneath their giant signature pink blossoms trees and indulge in a free-flowing brunch (for up to 90 minutes) with some of the finest Chinese food in town. The menu comes in waves, literally, with 'Wave 1' offering a selection of snacky starters, like duck spring rolls and sesame salad, and 'Wave 2' featuring heartier mains, like white miso salmon and kung po tofu. Veggies can enjoy their own separate menu and the cocktails are worth the visit alone - there's a Cherry Highball, Butterfly Pea Spritz, and more.  
Where: 18 West Register Street, EH2 2AA
Book now: Tattu Edinburgh

Brewhemia

What: Brewhemia serves up some serious ‘bluesy, boozy brunching’. Weekends at Scotland’s only beer palace are reserved for decadent brunching and bobbing your head to some of the city’s top musicians. Choose from brunch staples with fun twists; think beer candied bacon waffles and the favourite Haus Schnitzel with Parmigiano crumb and garlic aioli. What else is included? Well, there's a mimosa on arrival, a continental platter to share - with fresh baked pastries, Scottish cheeses and cured meats - AND your choice of side, including fried pickles and truffle fries. Plus, their selection of spritz cocktails are pretty great - we're talking Aperol, Hugo, Lychee and more.
Where: 1A Market Street, EH1 1DE
Book now: Brewhemia

Tigerlily

What: With its extravagant trendy décor, this boutique hotel/bar/restaurant/nightclub is THE hangout spot for Edinburgh’s smart set. Its George Street location means that it’s close to all the best shops, bars, restaurants and landmarks the city has to offer. If you fancy stopping in for a spot of brunch and a tipple, Tigerlily offers some indulgent continental treats, a cocktail on arrival and half a bottle of prosecco (choose to swap for Whispering Angel or Champagne) over the course of two hours. For those getting a bit sick of avo toast, why not mix it up with the brunch bao buns with scrambled egg and green peppers, or poke bowls with seared teriyaki salmon. Treat yourself.
Where: 125 George Street, EH2 4JN
Book now: Tigerlily

The Pantry

What: If you care more about the brunch than the booze, The Pantry is definitely one for you - we reckon this is one of the best brunch spots in the city, thanks to exceptional fry ups, great hot rolls and killer tattie scones. You have loads of options throughout the week, but on weekends the Pantry also serves booze, so you can choose between beers, wines and cocktails as well as the usual coffees and soft drinks. Although not technically a 'boozy brunch', Pantry has delicious food and plenty of booze, so that's good enough for us!
Where: 1-2 Northwest Circus Place, Stockbridge, EH3 6ST
Book now: The Pantry

Copper Blossom

What: Copper Blossom describes its boozy brunch as 'the perfect treat for any foodie or cocktail lover'. Start with a mimosa on arrival, followed by a 'flight of delights' including a bacon slider, mini granola pot, breakfast pastry and fresh fruit. Next, dive into bigger brunch plates like salt and chilli chicken waffle, creme brulee French toast, and chicken Caesar benny, all made with seasonal produce from Scottish suppliers. Top it off with two more cocktails of your choosing - think Mango Margherita and Espresso Martini. Swing by in the summertime to sit on the terrace and enjoy breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle. 
Where: 107 George Street, EH2 3ES
Book now: Copper Blossom

Rabble

What: Classy yet casual is Rabble's motto. Located just off George Street, Rabble is the ideal location to finish off your lazy morning or shopping spree with a bang. Their boozy brunch menu includes a two cocktails each (options include Elderflower Raspberry Daiquiri, Strawberry Lemon Spritz and Bloody Mary) as well as a brunch plate and an optional glass of Prosecco on arrival. Choose from the Brunch Burger with haggis and smoked bacon, or the salt beef bagel with black pepper cream cheese and pickles. As if that weren’t enough, you can then choose to add a side or dessert. Be prepared to roll out down the streets after this feast.  
Where: 55A Frederick Street, EH2 1LH
Book now: Rabble

Indigo Yard

What: Indigo Yard has been one of Edinburgh’s favourite West End hangout spots since 1996 thanks to its quality food, buzzing vibe and extensive range of craft beers. Boozy brunch here is a reasonably priced weekend treat and menu highlights include the buttermilk chicken waffle with chive sour cream and warm honey sriracha, apple pie French toast with cinnamon and vanilla cream, and Spanish chorizo rosti with mozzarella and poached eggs. To accompany all of that, there's a range of punchy cocktails, like the Calipso Cooler and the Strawberry Froe with Whispering Angel rose. If it’s one of those rare non-rainy days, have a seat in the airy rustic terrace.  
Where: 7 Charlotte Lane, EH2 4QZ
Book now: Indigo Yard

Slug and Lettuce

What: Slug and Lettuce are known throughout the UK for their legendary bottomless brunches, and it's easy to see why. The Edinburgh branch offers two hours of pure brunch pleasure. For your main dish, choose from a selection of brunch classics including eggs benedict, pancakes and various takes on a traditional Full English breakfast. Choose your drink carefully, as the attentive staff will keep your glass topped up throughout your brunch booking - up to six drinks per person! Still hungry? Don't worry, there's a dessert upgrade too - think PB & J brioche sandwich and an almighty pancake stack.
Where: 113-115 George Street, EH2 4JN
Book now: Slug and Lettuce Edinburgh

Hanover Tap

What: Hanover Tap’s two-hour boozy brunches are the perfect way to start the party early, whether you’re a lager lover, cocktail connoisseur or prosecco passionate. This craft pub has an impressive range of craft beer and ciders, and their boozy brunch allows guests to choose up to six drinks. It’s a lively joint popular with the locals, and often hosts stand-up comedians during the Edinburgh Fringe. It’s all about the pub grub here, as might be expected, with classic nachos, platters of wings and burgers and fries all gracing the menu.
Where: 112 Hanover Street, EH2 1DR
Book now: Hanover Tap

Chanter

What: The Chanter’s relaxed, studenty atmosphere makes it the perfect place to catch up with friends, watch some sports or indulge in quizzes and reto-gaming. Boozy brunch here lasts a full two hours, so be sure to get stuck in with some nachos, pizzas, burgers or Scottish breakfasts. Wash it down with some cocktails, prosecco or beer, all while watching the big game on one of the nine TVs. There’s also the chance to order a 1kg sharing platter of chicken wings with your choice of coating. What more could you wish for?
Where: 30-32 Bread Street, EH3 9AF
Book now: Chanter

If you fancy all the brunch but without the booze, check out our favourite brunch spots in Edinburgh. Dining on a budget? Here's a wallet-friendly guide to Edinburgh's best cheap eats.