The joy of The Haven café is its friendliness. It’s not in a beautiful part of the city, although nearby Newhaven Harbour is well worth visiting, but its staff are always kindly and welcoming, and the fare is really pretty good.
Serving a range of full breakfasts (Scottish, Vege), my personal favourite savoury dish is scrambled egg with sides like mushrooms and tomatoes, and the sweet offering that I so often go for is their 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 like to meet friends and family for brunch or sit writing away 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/coconut soup or bake my own Victoria Sponge!
Open Tuesday to Sunday, The Haven attracts local people, and those in-the-know, for both take-away and sitting in. The playlists mean that there’s always jaunty music, frequent laughter from behind the counter lends a relaxed air, the toilets are clean, and in winter it’s warm enough to coorie in (Scots for snuggling) out of the sea wind. What more do you want from a café?
Explore Edinburgh like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Edinburgh guide.
"Sabzi" in Edinburgh used to be a Blockbuster video store, then it became a pop-up restaurant. Now it serves wonderful heart-warming Punjabi street food!
By
"S. Luca" has been one of my favorite places in Edinburgh since I was a kid. What they're famous for is their own brand of ice cream - and I love it!
By
"Green. Leith" is a refreshing and colourful addition to the well-known street in Edinburgh. They really take green plants & accessories to a new level!
By
I have to confess I've walked past the spot thousands of times before I actually realised it was anything to pay attention to!
By
The "Leith Victoria Swim Centre" in Edinburgh is a beautiful pool surrounded by an ornade, Baroque, cast-iron colonnade. Well worth a visit!
By
"Union Brew Lab" Edinburgh is one of the original hipster coffee shops in the city. JK Rowling hasn't written a book here yet!
By
"Manna House Bakery" in South Queensferry in Edinburgh has great views over the Forth Rail Bridge. Come here for the super value-for-money homemade food!
By
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 Hanging Bat" is craft beer lover's idea of heaven in Edinburgh. If it's quiet enough, I like to take a seat at the bar and chat with the staff...
By
138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters