Books N' Cup Cafe — Restaurant in City of Edinburgh

I have always walked past this cafe but today I decided to try out a variety of items in their menu. Long story short: best cafe in Edinburgh ever!

I‘ve been going from cafe to cafe testing out different coffees from different places and I must admit that BooksnCup serves one of the best coffees I‘ve ever had. Their beans come from Machina (plus points for supporting local businesses), and the coffee itself is just the perfect blend. (They even had packs of shortbreads and biscuits to go with the coffee)They also offer nondairy alternatives, giving me the best oat flat white I‘ve had in a while.

Apart from amazing coffee, BooksnCup also offers a variety of non-caffeinated drinks. Apart from their decaf beans, they even have options for hot chocolate: regular, white hot choc, and a Nutella one! Having a bit of a sweet tooth myself, I had to try the Nutella and let me tell you, it was just amazing. The barista was really helpful in making sure I got the level of sweetness I wanted, and she really made me feel like I was getting taken care of (which was deeply appreciated).

As for the food options, the cafe offers a selection of toasties and toasts.I opted for what I thought was the easiest option, the pesto cheese and tomato toast. To my surprise, I was asked to pick out what kind of cheese I wanted. I quite honestly am not an expert on cheese myself but again, the barista was extremely helpful in helping me decide which one to take, asking me about my preferences in flavour profiles and describing each cheese to me. I surely would not have been able to decide myself, considering they have a wide selection including Stilton, Manchego, Mature Cheddar, Gruyère, Brie and even vegan cheese! (Don‘t even get me started on their Raclette wheel!) The toasted sourdough was perfectly done, with the cheese perfectly melted as well. I also decided to add a small side salad with lettuce, rocket and red pepper with a tasty balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressing and I was stuffed.

When it came to desserts I found that I felt even more indecisive than I did for my toastie. There were so many to choose from! All their pastries looked amazing but I decided to end my meal with their delicious carrot cake. It was very creamy but perfectly sweet and despite being so full I just wanted more! Despite the absolute feast, I only paid £17.68 which is amazing for how much I was given.

After my meal I decided to enjoy my desserts on one of the gorgeous leather couches at the back. The vibes inside were adorable and cozy. Great tunes were playing and I just felt so relaxed and at home. They had multiple vintage books at the back of which I took the liberty to read and enjoy.

In short, I could not love this place any more. Not only was the barista super friendly and helpful, the whole place was just gorgeous and my food and drinks were very very good. On top of that, it closes at 10pm!!

I truly recommend BooksnCup, I will...

Books N' Cup Café is a hidden gem that combines two of life’s greatest pleasures—good coffee and a love for books. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels more like a cosy retreat than a typical café. The shelves lined with books give the space a unique charm, making it the perfect spot for readers, students, or anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful coffee break with a touch of inspiration.

The coffee here is truly excellent. Each cup is brewed with care, delivering rich flavours and a smooth finish that makes every sip satisfying. Whether you prefer a classic latte, a bold espresso, or something chilled and refreshing, the menu offers a wide variety to suit every taste. I particularly enjoyed their cappuccino—it was perfectly balanced, with just the right amount of froth and depth of flavour. Alongside the coffee, they also serve a lovely selection of teas, hot chocolate, and refreshing cold drinks, making it a café that appeals to everyone.

The food menu is equally impressive. From freshly baked pastries and cakes to light bites and wholesome options, there’s something for every mood. Everything tastes fresh and homemade, which adds to the charm. It’s the ideal place for breakfast, a light lunch, or simply indulging in a sweet treat while you dive into a good book.

What makes Books N' Cup Café really special is the atmosphere. It’s calm, creative, and inspiring—perfect for studying, working remotely, or simply unwinding after a busy day. The combination of books and coffee creates a sense of comfort and community. It’s easy to lose track of time here, which is a sign of how enjoyable the experience truly is.

The staff are wonderful as well. They’re welcoming, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the café. You can tell they put a lot of heart into making sure every customer feels valued. Their recommendations are always spot-on, and their friendly attitude makes the experience even better.

Overall, Books N' Cup Café is far more than just a place to grab a coffee—it’s a destination for relaxation, inspiration, and connection. Whether you’re a book lover, a coffee enthusiast, or someone looking for a cosy spot to recharge, this café is absolutely worth a visit. I can’t wait to return and spend more time enjoying everything it...

I go to this coffee shop on a regular basis as I'm a local. I'm not one for leaving negative reviews but since I've had my takeaway coffee handed to me twice and the lid on the coffee cup was cracked, I have to say something. This happened once before but I just put it down to a bad coffee lid. However today the same thing happened again as I asked for an Americano with hot milk. The girl behind the counter said she had to double the cup up because it was hot. (No joke) As I was waiting for my coffee I was talking to a woman who was from Boston USA. I was then handed my coffee from the waitress and then I had a sip from my extremely hot americano. The lid was literally cracked and to everyone's amazement the coffee poured all over my face and down my neck over my shirt. It was very painful! It's no fun getting burnt.

Another waitress did come over as she saw what happened. I asked if she could change it into a new cup and as she opened the lid with great difficulty there was bits of plastic floating inside the coffee. I asked if she could put it into a actual cup so I could sit in and enjoy the woman's company who I was speaking with.

This has happened twice to me from the same coffee shop. I'm beginning to feel disliked. I don't know how this can happen because the crack was obvious. I am not impressed because my chest is still sore to this evening as this is why I'm writing this review.

From all the other coffee shops located in Stockbridge I've never had this problem with any of them.

It really has put me off going back into this shop so I will not be back. There was no apology really for any of the staff. The girls just seem to be young and pretty but lack common sense. I think the owner should have a word with the staff and make sure this does not happen again to anyone. It's no fun getting burnt by extremely hot coffee. You really don't expect a lid to be broken when you take a drink from it.

I hope the owner takes note off this review and invests in some new coffee lids...