Cafe Portrait — Restaurant in City of Edinburgh

I checked the website and noted that last orders at the café were at 4:30. Arriving at 3:00 we found all the hot food cleared and display cabinets being cleaned. Cakes only. Oh well. We ordered flat whites and a courgette, pistachio & ginger cake. The cake was a bit pricey but was good. Whilst it lacked the taste of ginger, the top was enjoyable. The coffees so so.

I like the dining room. The feel, the look, the buzz. But I was put off by the floors being swept and tables cleaned down at 4:00. Why, if a café’s last orders are at 4:30, do they start cleaning at 3:00 ???

The cleaner is sweeping around the tables, scraping chairs, buckets being dropped on the floor. It really doesn’t help the customer feel welcomed.

You have a good product and a nice room. Please...

UPDATED REVIEW I have reached out to the cafe manager via email and was met with a sincere apology and the promise of a complimentary visit. We appreciate that they owned up to their mistake of putting us down on the wrong date and were actively trying to compensate for our disappointing experience.

Made several email exchanges to book afternoon tea with a friend who loves art and museum. Arrived at the cafe and showed staffs the confirmation email. Was told that my name was not on the system and they couldn't do anything about it. No apologies and was simply offered to book for another day. My friend who was leaving Edinburgh the next day was thoroughly...

Went here after meaning to go for a long time, and it was worth it. The café is in a large well lit room with comfortable seats and many tables.

The café is in the National Portrait Gallery and serves salads, baked savoury and sweet goods, together with hot and cold drinks. The salads are excellent, and can be eaten with sandwiches, pasties or sausage rolls. There is a good choice of cakes for later with tea, coffee or alcoholic drinks.

Prices are not cheap, but the quality of the food and drinks is very good. Service is also brisk...