The Best Desserts In Edinburgh

Published . By Katie Kirwan.

If you’re in the mood to enjoy something sweet and sugary in Scotland’s capital, then look no further! From creamy gelato to sugar-crisped doughnuts and delicate patisserie, Edinburgh has a lot to offer in the way of desserts. Most of the destinations mentioned below allow you to sit in, so why not spend your afternoon sitting back, soaking up all this vibrant city has to offer with something sweet in hand? If that sounds like a bit of you, then check out our guide to the best dessert places in Edinburgh.

Where to go for the best dessert in Edinburgh

Bread Meats Bread

  • Burgers
  • 92 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, EH3 9BE
Bread Meats Bread on Lothian Road is famed for its burgers, but its desserts are equally impressive. After a hearty meal, treat yourself to one of the decadent milkshakes made with Italian gelato and available in various flavours like chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. The dessert menu also includes indulgent options like sticky toffee pudding, raspberry and white chocolate cheesecake, luxury chocolate torte and caramel apple pie with a melt-in-the-mouth shortbread crust. Yum!
 

Urban Angel

  • Brunch, Cafe
  • 121 Hanover Street, Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom, EH2 1DJ
For something a little lighter, head to Urban Angel for a menu filled with delicious, healthy options. The dessert selection features flavour-packed treats like gluten-free brownies and seasonal fruit crumbles. If you do want something a little more decadent, the brioche French toast with whiskey liquor and marmalade is a must try. Pair it with one of the expertly crafted coffees for the ultimate tea-time treat!
 

The Little Chartroom

  • British
  • 14 Bonnington Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH6 5JD
The Little Chartroom is a charming restaurant that takes pride in its meticulously crafted dishes, including its desserts. The dessert menu changes seasonally, ensuring fresh and innovative offerings. Past favourites include the bright lemon tart with meringue and the rich chocolate delice with crème fraîche ice cream. The service is impeccable, and so too are the savoury plates. A must visit for real foodies!
 

TGI Fridays

  • American, Diner
  • 26 Castle Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH2 3HT
TGI Fridays excels in bringing the American diner scene to life across the UK. With locations in Kinnaird Park and on Castle Street in Edinburgh, TGI Fridays is famous for its desserts, especially their sundaes. From S’Mores (Crunchy Biscoff® biscuit pieces, crumbled chocolate flake and a caramelised Biscoff® sauce with a toasted mallow topping) to Black Forest (Cherry compote and warm chunks of chocolate brownie with a cherry on top), their choices ooze temptation for any sweet tooth.
 

Leftfield

  • Bistro, Seafood, European
  • LeftField, 12 Barclay Terrace, Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom, EH104HP
Loved for its modern European cuisine and relaxed atmosphere, Leftfield’s dessert menu offers something for everyone. From creative options like elderflower panna cotta to more classic choices like dark chocolate fondant, everything is prepared with terrific ingredients and precision. The restaurant has a contemporary feel with large, bright windows and views of the nearby links — the perfect backdrop to enjoy a sweet treat!
 

The Willow Tea Rooms

  • Afternoon Tea
  • 1st Floor, 120 Princes Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, EH2 4AD
An Edinburgh institution, The Willow Tea Rooms is best known for its traditional afternoon tea. Here, you can indulge in scones with clotted cream and jam, beautifully intricate pastries, moreish cakes, and of course, plenty of teas and coffee. Inspired by the designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the elegant setting adds a touch of sophistication to your dessert outing.
 

L’Escargot Bleu

  • French, Bistro
  • 56/56A Broughton Street, Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom, EH1 3SA
L’Escargot Bleu is a French bistro that brings a touch of Parisian charm to Edinburgh. The dessert menu features classic French treats like crème brûlée, île flottante and chocolate nemesis, all prepared to exacting standards. The interiors are chic and pared back and, as one would expect from a French restaurant, the wine list is extensive.
 

Noto

  • Fusion, Asian
  • 47a Thistle Street, Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom, EH2 1DY
Noto offers a modern dining experience with a menu influenced by culinary traditions from around the globe, particularly focusing on Asian cuisines. The fusion cooking blends French, Asian, and Scottish ingredients to create unique and inventive desserts. From miso caramel ice cream to black sesame cheesecake, the desserts are as exciting as they are tasty. The chic, minimalist decor complements the innovative menu, making Noto a top spot for those looking to explore new and exciting flavours.
 

Paradise Palms

  • Diner, Vegan / Vegetarian
  • 41 Lothian Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, Eh1 1HB
Paradise Palms is a quirky, vibrant venue known for its eclectic decor and lively atmosphere. Beyond its excellent savoury food and drinks, it also offers a variety of mouthwatering desserts, featuring tasty treats like vegan chocolate brownies and indulgent dairy-free ice cream sundaes. The lively ambiance and unique interior make it a fun place to enjoy a sweet treat, with plenty of vegan options to boot.
 

Holyrood 9A

  • Pub, Burgers
  • 9a Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, EH8 8AE
Holyrood 9A is a lively pub that serves hearty food and delicious desserts. The sweet menu features comforting classics like sticky toffee pudding, chocolate brownies and Eton mess with homemade meringue. With an extensive drink menu too, including brilliant craft beers and cocktails, it’s a great place to enjoy a sweet treat with friends.
 

Haute Dolci

  • Desserts and brunch 
  • St James Quarter, Edinburgh, EH1 3AD

If you’ve got a sweet tooth and a taste for the finer things in life, Haute Dolci in Edinburgh’s St James Quarter is your ultimate dessert paradise. Picture plush pink interiors, golden accents, and a menu dripping in decadence - from towering waffles smothered in chocolate to delicate French-style patisserie that’s almost too pretty to eat (almost). Whether you're diving into a plate of fluffy pancakes or sipping on a velvety hot chocolate, every bite at Haute Dolci feels like a little moment of luxury.

Interiors of Haute Dolci in Edinburgh.

 

Mary's Milk Bar

  • Gelato 
  • 19 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2HS

Step into a time machine of sweetness at Mary’s Milk Bar, a charming little gelato haven in the heart of Edinburgh’s Grassmarket. With its retro décor and ever-changing menu of handmade ice creams, this place is pure joy in a cone. Flavours? Think the unexpected and the downright dreamy – from gooey salted caramel to fragrant rosemary and honey. Each scoop is churned fresh daily, making every visit a new adventure in indulgence. Grab your cone, take a seat on the cobbled streets outside, and soak in the unbeatable view of Edinburgh Castle looming above.Mary's Milk Bar in Edinburgh.

Recommended by