The joy of The Haven café is its friendliness. It’s not a beautiful part of the city, but nearby Newhaven Harbour is worth visiting. The staff are welcoming, the decor homely, and the fare great.
Although it serves a range of breakfasts (Scottish, Vege), my favourite savoury dish is scrambled egg with mushrooms and tomatoes, and the sweet offering I choose is the raspberry scone served with home-made jam and cream. I wash it all down with green tea (made from real leaves), and they know me so well that they start to make it when they see me coming!
I enjoy meeting friends and family for brunch or writing on my laptop if it’s not too busy. There is something about the ambience: the eclectic mix of arm- and dining chairs, the old sewing machines and many-shaped looking glasses, the comfy cushions and vintage crockery which makes me feel at home ... except that I don’t have to cook my own sweet potato and coconut soup, berry pancakes, delicious smoothies, or bake my own Victoria Sponge!
Open Tuesdays to Sundays, The Haven attracts local people plus those in-the-know. You can take-away or sit in. The playlists mean there’s always jaunty music and the frequent laughter from behind the counter makes for a lovely relaxed atmosphere. The toilets are clean, there is WiFi, and in winter it’s warm enough to coorie in (Scots for snuggling up) out of the sea wind. What more do you want from a café?
Find your way with 138 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Craiglockhart Hill is one of Edinburgh's 7 hills. In contrast to Calton Hill, Castle Hill and Arthur's Seat, even many locals can't name this one!
by
The zoo is one of Edinburgh's most popular tourist attractions. Next to it is "Corstorphine Hill" that's in my opinion much more interesting to explore!
by
The "Antony Gormley Sculptures" are six human-like statues across Edinburgh. Four of them are actually in the river! I love introducing visitors to them...
by
There's a forgotten railway tunnel on Scotland Street in Edinburgh. I like toake people down there to give them a lesser-told history lesson...
by
"Little Free Library" in Edinburgh is a project for neighbourhood book exchanges. It has really caught on here -- look for the birdhouse mini libraries!
by
"The ‘Heave Away’ Hoose" tells the story of a young boy who was the sole survivor of the collapse of a tall house in Edinburgh. So many such stories...
by
"Grow Urban" in Edinburgh is an independent plant shop that also has its very own coffee shop! Entering feels like stepping inside a jungle...
by
"The Cactus House" is one of my favourite little hidden gems (and photo stops). This impressive doorstep is adorned with flowers, cacti and so much more!
by
"Wild West Town" is a mini town in Edinburgh that's just like... well, a town from the American Far West. The ghost town-style feel only adds to it!
by
"David Bann" Edinburgh isn't just for vegetarians, it's for anyone who enjoys good food. It's my favourite restaurant in the city, even as a meat eater.
by
"Traverse Theatre" in Edinburgh has a reputation that extends far beyond its subterranean location. It's also not expensive, so it's a great choice...
by
138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 138 Insider Tips