Before flying to Edinburgh, I went down a Google rabbit hole hunting for the best brunch spots. Scotts Kitchen kept popping up with rave reviews, and honestly? It wasn’t the food that sold me. It was the vibes. Perched on Victoria Terrace, this place overlooks the famously photogenic Victoria Street — so you’re basically dining with one of Edinburgh’s prettiest views on a plate.
Scotts Kitchen: The Terrace Tells All
We didn’t bother with a reservation and simply walked in around 10.20am. A short wait later, we scored the very last table at the end of the terrace. Bonus points if you snag an outdoor spot, but the indoor seating looked cosy too.
The spring sun felt glorious in the 10°C chill — until it started blinding us. No shades, no problem. The staff cheerfully popped open the umbrella, and we were sorted.
Quick Tips Before You Go
- Breakfast menu runs until 11.30am.
- Not a brunch person? They serve Scottish classics like Haggis Neeps and Tatties, Cullen Skink, plus salads, sandwiches and burgers for lunch and dinner.
- Outdoor tables fill up fast on sunny days — come early.
Browse the breakfast menu here, and the day menu here.
What We Ordered at Scotts Kitchen
Drinks — Cappuccino & Americano (£3.50 each)
Both leaned bitter. Nothing memorable. Skip these and order tea instead.
Scotts Breakfast (£17)
A proper plate of everything: smoked back bacon, Lorne sausage, poached egg, black pudding, haggis, Scotts beans, tomato, mushroom, and artisan sourdough.
- Poached egg: beautifully runny yolk
- Beans: taste homemade, not tinned
- Sausage: firm and slightly rubbery — strange at first, but the flavour won me over
- Mushroom: juicy
- Black pudding & haggis: well-seasoned, with the haggis softer and peppery
Eggs Benedict (£12.25) + Smoked Salmon (£4)
Comfort food done right. Runny yolks met that rich, creamy hollandaise, and the smoked salmon added a salty, umami punch that pulled everything together.
Easily the dish of the day.
Final Verdict on Scotts Kitchen
Food at Scotts Kitchen sits comfortably above average. The coffees were a miss for us. But the real winner? That fantastic terrace location and warm, friendly service. If you’re chasing a leisurely brunch with people-watching and good outdoor vibes on a sunny Edinburgh day, this is exactly where you want to be.