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 still 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. Fancy something unconventional? Check out the Asian street food-inspired Bar Soba for cheeseburger spring rolls, Japanese dumplings and teriyaki noodles, 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!
Best boozy brunches in 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 (or shaking it down) to some of the city’s top musicians. Choose from brunch staples with fun twists; think blueberry muffin french toast and beer candied bacon pancakes, accompanied by beers, cocktails or Bloody Marys. It’s hard to know what’s tastier - the food or the tunes.
Where: 1A Market Street, EH1 1DE
Book now: Brewhemia
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.
Where: 112 Hanover Street, EH2 1DR
Book now: Hanover Tap
Bar Soba
What: Bar Soba is loud, lively, and the local king of Pan-Asian street food. For their delightfully boozy brunch, Bar Soba serves up an interesting range of un-brunchy fusion dishes; think cheeseburger spring rolls, Japanese dumplings, teriyaki noodles and katsu curry, accompanied by a drinks selection including Tsingtao, melonballs, prosecco and the signature Soba Colada. Diners might be initially surprised at the higher prices, but bear in mind that this includes a starter, main and four drinks per person.
Where: 104 Hanover Street, EH2 1DR
Book now: Bar Soba
Tigerlily
What: With its extravagant trendy décor, this boutique hotel/bar/restaurant/nightclub is THE hangout spot for Edinburgh’s smart set. The 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 three glasses of prosecco over the course of two hours. Treat yourself.
Where: 125 George Street, EH2 4JN
Book now: Tigerlily
Gaucho
What: Gaucho is a name familiar to most, and for good reason. This Argentinian steakhouse is mouth-watering luxury incarnated, and Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square location places it right at the heart of Scotland’s bonny capital. Gaucho’s ‘Electro Brunch’ gives brunch a Latin twist with choripan and steak served with eggs and chimichurri on offer, alongside a choice of cocktails, beer or juice. Make it premium and you can sip on some pornstar martinis, Domain Chandon and espresso martinis all while soaking in the Argentinian inspired setting.
Where: Unit 4a 3-8 St Andrew Square, EH2 2BD
Book now: Gaucho Edinburgh
The 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 for a tight 90 minutes, so be sure to wolf down some quesadillas, crumpets, burgers or Scottish breakfasts and 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 sharing platter, bottomless wings or to level up your cocktails. What more could you wish for?
Where: 30/32 Bread Street, EH3 9AF
Book now: The Chanter
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 bottomless prosecco or Chandon garden spritz, a cocktail on arrival, a continental plate to share and an individual breakfast featuring options like cinnamon french toast, eggs benedict and the highland stack. 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 roast portobello mushroom rosti, mixed berry compote waffle and eggs benedict with a variety of toppings accompanied by a range of punchy cocktails. 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.
Where: 113-115 George Street, EH2 4JN
Book now: Slug and Lettuce Edinburgh
Brown's
What: Brown's sparkling brunch is one of the classiest treats on offer. Order your brunch dish plus four glasses of prosecco or, if you're feeling indulgent, four glasses of Champagne. Choose from smashed avocado on sourdough toast, smoked pancetta buttermilk pancakes, sumptuous lobster benedict and more. Good news for plant-eaters; the menu also caters to vegans. Go on, you deserve it.
Where: 131-133 George Street, EH2 4JS
Book now: Brown's Edinburgh
Copper Blossom
What: Copper Blossom describes its boozy brunch as 'the perfect treat for any foodie or cocktail lover'. Enjoy brunch plates like egg avocado muffin, pork and chorizo shakshuka, and croque madame, or if you're hungry there's the option to have a main dish like chargrilled steak, marinated halloumi or a crispy duck salad, all made with seasonal produce from Scottish suppliers. This weekend treat also offers you two cocktails and a glass of prosecco along with your meal. Swing by in the summer time to sit on the terrace and enjoy breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle.
Where: 107 George Street, EH2 3ES
Book now: Copper Blossom
If all this talk of cocktails has got you thirsty for more, check out our roundup of the best cocktail bars in Edinburgh. Or speed on over to the other side of Scotland and grab a seat at some of Glasgow's best restaurants.