The Black Medicine Coffee Co. in Edinburgh, City of

A great place to stop for a nice cup of coffee. Friendly staff, good location and most important of all - great coffee and reasonable prices.

I had previously made a visit to Black Medicine pre Covid, and now I have made a welcome return. The cafe has a distinctive look using wood to create a nice diner experience. I enjoyed a coffee and a spicy tuna pannini. The pannini was the right size for a lunchtime snack. The cafe was busy, but I didn't have to wait too long for my order to be prepared. The cafe serves excellent coffee. Well worth a return visit

Stopped for a drink here. This coffee shop is closed to lots of Fringe venues and the Edinburgh Museum. There is lots of seating. They serve pastries and the largest range of coffee syrups I’ve ever seen. I’ll be back here again, probably tomorrow.

Good coffee. Nice vibe. Bigger than it appears as there is a downstairs too. Had a latte. But sitting where I was it was impossible to hear my name called

A good place with nice atmosphere and interesting decor coupled with attentive staff. Great smoothies and coffee. Good value pricing too.

Very student friendly especially for prices and study sessions offered with extra discount. I got the chai latte with coconut milk and vegan biscoff, which was amazing especially paired together. The customer service was very good and helpful. They also have very great WiFi and charging outlets, useful for students or remote workers. The interior gives of very fantasy vibes and looks very majestic, however the downfall is the comfort, would recommend sitting down the stairs especially if your study as student.

A great wee coffee shop - great coffees with good selections, nice atmosphere and great service. Would come here again.

came here on a Sunday afternoon after walking all the way across town and it was the perfect treat. Although the cafe was packed the service was quick and the staff were friendly. The highlight however was the iced chai- so autumnal and full of flavour!! The downstairs seating area is a great place to relax as it takes you away from the bustle of the city centre.

Excellent service In lovely surroundings. Prices good. Friendly staff in a very busy period during the Edinburgh fringe.

Friend chose to meet. So you queue to go in. Queue to order. And then again queue 10 mins for what you ordered with people coming in and out. And oh and past you. Chaos despite they’re being say 6 staff behind the counter. And all self service and clear. Maybe a keen eyed manager needed. Coffee was OK. Most of the seating was high stool. Looks so uncomfy luckily I got a small normal table. The food looked basically industrial With sad pre-made bagels behind a plastic counter. Dull almost Greggs looking pain au chocolat. Although Greggs I don’t think do. All topped off by a hatchet faced female who tried to push in. Mmmm. As every coffee shop in Edinburgh it’s a HP connection it claims!!?(Harry Potter). Thought I had left that behind in my beloved home city of York. Wouldn’t recommend. And would avoid in future. Needs a visit from a time and motion “ man”.

Exceptional coffee with pastries. Wonderful and friendly service in a funky ambiance. Be sure to try the fruit scones!

We stopped in here purely by the looks of the place. It is really captivating. The ceiling is red painted plaster and beautiful. The tables and chairs are carved wood trunks. We had the sweet potato coconut chili and toast with a gluten free salted caramel brownie. It was all very delicious.

Sehr stilvoll gestaltetes Cafe in guter Lage mit freundlichem Personal.Am besten sind die Nischen vor den Fenstern. Smoothies sind hervorragend, Kaffee (wie ich von meiner Begleitung hörte) auch.

Great wee coffee shop. Open early on a Sunday, lovely atmosphere inside and friendly staff. Nice coffee too. I’ve been here when it’s quiet and when it’s busy and the staff are always really nice.

Cool chilled out atmosphere & most importantly REALLY good coffee. Would be a regular if I was local

The coffee is mega expensive and mediocre at best , the brownies are fairly good but I wouldn't say they're worth the price. It's quite a dark little cafe , with neither natural nor artificial light. The wifi doesn't work either

En nuestro recorrido de "Harry Potter" llegamos a este cafe donde se supone que la autora empezo el libro pero a la vez se supone que no fue ahi, sea como sea. Entramos ahi y tomamos un cafe y comimos algo pequeno. Todo estuvo muy rico, el personal fue amable.

De los pocos cafés en condiciones que me tome en Reino Unido. Un local con mucho encanto llevado por gente amable y divertida.

We called in to this café, whilst waiting for the National Museum of Scotland to open. The seating arrangement was mainly stools, but these were comfortable enough with views from the windows. We enjoyed two good quality flat whites, which cost £7. We enjoyed the coffee break in a pleasant atmosphere.

Really weird. Have to order, then sit down, then go up and collect your things when they shout for you, like a takeaway at Starbucks but worse. Coffee had strange chemical taste and was horribly overpriced (£4.30!!!?!?!?!?!?). Also very noisy so difficult to have a conversation. You could see straight into the kitchen which wasn’t great and the decor was, whilst a bit different and interesting, too much for a cafe (wooden totem poles and Viking chairs not practical). Won’t be back, because now I’m bankrupt.

Place is really nice, with pretty decorations. Coffee was strong, food really tasty and filling. WiFi did not connect. Bit cold with people not closing the doors. Quite spacious.

Coffee was quite good but the high stools were really uncomfortable. The atmosphere is enhanced by the bare ancient stone walls.

Great location, excellent coffee, enjoyable cakes, friendly staff, clean washrooms and fascinating people watching. What more could you want from an independent coffee shop? Will visit again.

Great range of exciting sandwiches, paninis and filled croissants and the most delicious cakes. Excellent coffee! Seating up and down. Some tables are high with tall stools. Toilets downstairs.

I thought this place was great. I always look out for an indie coffee shop. The staff were friendly and welcoming. They brought my pastry to the table and offered to warm a croissant. The coffee was good and the early morning vibe just chillin’....

I like sitting here with a book and a coffee and idly watching various types of humans go by. The coffee is alright. The food is garbage. Ordered a stuffed veg bagel and couldn't get beyond the first bite; it was disgusting. Bread quality was...

Oh come on please. Apart from the great back story there is nothing else that warrants a visit to this establishment. Average coffee, average food, in fact the food is less than average as the rolls, cakes etc all left out uncovered, and unwrapped. I...

Nice coffee shop, friendly team, knowledgeable baristi, well trained, nice latte art. We had a fruit scone, a paradise slice and a white chocolate cranberry muffin. Would gladly come back.

I got a fruit smoothie. It was alright, nothing special but cost £4.25 for a standard glass full. I was happy with the drink but can’t say I’d pay that again for it. The atmosphere in the shop is pleasant and relaxed and a joy...

Lovely staff, nice atmosphere. Enjoyed my latte and the Malteser tiffin was to die for! Hope to return soon, next time in Edinburgh it will be be a must.

Popped in for a morning coffee to start our day. The coffee was excellent and the service was quick, despite the queues out the door! We got a nice seat by the window and were able to watch Edinburgh pass us by. The atmosphere is...

We visited this cafe three times during our five-day stay in Edinburgh - this is how much we liked it. Perfect for breakfast and brunch/lunch. Really good value for money. Not unnecessarily overpriced - unlike some other 'tourist traps' in the area. Staff were very...

Great stop for lovely coffee served by enthusiastic and personable staff in a very attractive environment. Cakes looked yummy and very fresh

Very well located near U of Edinburgh's Old College, this cozy cafe offers all kinds of treats. Perfect for going with friends, working/studying or just looking out of the window.

Very delicious food at this venue; staff were friendly and helpful—will definitely come again! Really helped to make my trip to Edinburgh worth the while.

Beautiful looking cafe, stylish and with amazing coffee. What’s more could you need? If you’re vegan, they have a good range of vegan cakes too. We didn’t try them as we just had breakfast but they look very tasty.

I've been coming to the Black Medicine Café for 5 years now and it has never disappointed. The coffee is strong and delicious (and I can highly recommend the chai latte). The staff is fun and friendly and give the café a homely atmosphere. Sometimes...

Came here to do some work on my dissertation outside of my parents' house. I was seated at a really small table, so I was kind of forced to hunch over my laptop - but the staff were obviously really busy, so I'm not judging...

Popped in for breakfast, coffee & cake before heading out for day, really liked the set up, decor & staff were really friendly. Food & coffee were very good, really enjoyed Brie & Bacon croissant & Salted Caramel Brownie.

Great place for a coffee and a breakfast or to get a snack while visiting edinburgh. Prices were really good and service was quick. Quality of both food and drinks was lush. Staff were also welcoming and friendly. Really recommended!

Was recommended this place by a friend, and given that I was going to the museum I thought I would rest my feet at this coffee shop. The gent at the counter was very polite and friendly. The chai latte I had was good. I...

I am not a huge coffee drinker but the two I had here were delicious! I had two lattes and the only complaint I have is that my PSL was lacking in flavour but it was still one of the better coffees I’ve had in...

Helpful, welcoming staff, lovely coffee (including the decaf), reasonably priced, amazing cakes, good covid measures. 100% recommend

Good Covid measures in place as soon as you walk in. Pleasant staff. Great coffee and nice croissants, directed downstairs and coffees brought down to us. Popular with students.

Best coffee we had in Edinburgh - also really nice fresh pastries. Good place to sit and watch the world go by.

We nipped in for a quick coffee and a bite to eat. The decoration is really nice and the food was delicious but the friendly and understanding, helpful and appreciative nature of the staff really set this place aside. I fully recommend popping in

Friendly service, good cafe snacks and cakes, great smoothies and coffee. Huge downstairs space with good atmosphere.

Whether I want a quick coffee or snack or to camp out and do coursework in the cozy downstairs room, Black Medicine is the best coffee shop. They make consistently great coffee, great savory snacks and baked goods, and the staff are always super friendly,...

Visited here for a quick cup of nice Yorkshire tea. Came in a lovely teapot with proper cups, not cardboaed and tasted very good. My companion also had a generous slice of orange and almond cake which he said was tasty, altho the orange overwhelmed...

We had arranged to visit the nearby Dovecot Studios, but arrived early due to the lack of Festival crowds. Knowing Black Medicine of old we popped in for coffee and were not disappointed. Excellent coffee, friendly ambience and good welcoming chat with the staff. Great...

Great interior however the plants were neglected and not looked after , also staff wasn’t very friendly , love that they use reusable metal straws -such a great way to save our planet

I've been to Edinburgh three times, and I've visited Black Medicine all three times. The atmosphere is lovely and the staff are incredibly welcoming. On my second visit I had the yellow split pea soup with toasted soda bread and I was so impressed that...

We had a quick coffee and croissant before heading into the city. Staff very friendly, cafe very quirky and coffee and food very tasty! Would definitely recommend stopping by!

Good coffee stop. Lovely little cafe with coffee and cakes available for sitting in or taking away. Plenty to choose from and great social distancing measures considered.

Came here with friends on a Saturday tea-time. The service was a little slow but they were very busy. We were lucky to get a table. The background music was decent and the atmosphere great. Tasty cakes and drinks. Would definitely come back here.

Visited here before heading to the National Museum. Loved the interior which was both quirky and inviting, very tactile wood here!! The staff were friendly and the coffee was good along with a complimentary biscuit.

Excellent coffee from this wonderful little coffee shop. nice relaxing place to sit and drink. they also make some really nice breakfast bagels. Beats any of the coffee chains as somewhere for early morning coffee and paper

Bien mangé, bien bu, ambiance chaleureuse, et ce pour relativement bon marché surtout si on compare aux pris Edimbourg de manière générale. Le milieu est très beau, l'ambiance cosy.

Black Medicine Coffee Co, is well placed opposite the Festival Theatre. Hot chocolate is excellent and home baking is generous in size. We visited at 7.00 on a Sunday evening and there was still plenty to choose from. A very relaxed space and well worth a visit.

Nipped in for a quick coffee and snack to pick us up during the fringe. Coffee is very strong (black medicine!) And panini was ok, nothing spectacular. Staff are very switched on and manage the rush well.

Best cappuccino you will find in Edinburgh. Get it extra hot if you're taking it out as they don't tend to be the hottest. Taste-wise it can't be beaten tho.

Popped in for a black americano to go this morning. Lovely staff. Delicious, smooth, non-bitter black americano. If only this was local to my home!

I spent lot of time when I had a great breakfast then getting some hot lunch - means like French toasties or pastry sometime. I had a fun conversation with David Stewart many time because he is my great friend! Keeping for visit here more time.

Dropped in for a quick coffee, really lovely coffee, cakes and pastries I could not pick fault with and a warm and unique atmosphere, definitely worth a visit!

Great coffee and a great vibe, the staff were slow in making the coffee but overall it was a great experience.

Very cool building, nice seating, and really friendly staff. Cozy, wooden decor and very good cappuccino . Nice ambiance, with plenty of seats spread out across two levels. Also quite good selection of tea. Tasty sandwiches. It is very popular with students so you may struggle to find a seat at peak times.

I always stop at black medicine whenever I’m nearby and I’ve never been disappointed! The food and drinks are great and the staff are always chatty :)

Lovely welcoming informal cafe with a great choice of drinks and healthy delicious food. The Toffee apple smoothie was perfect in October. Staff are lovely and it feels so homely- no pressure to move people on, though it can get very busy- unsurprisingly..

I love this place from the hot chocolates and coffees to the decor, it's one of my favourite cafes in Edinburgh!

First time here and we loved it. Staff were great and everything we ate/drank was delicious. Lovely atmosphere too!

Ordered the masala chai loose leaf tea, very fragrant and delicious. Spacious inside with a whole hidden downstairs area, nice place to have a cup of tea to break up the day

A perfect place to let the showers pass by, with good scones and a proper choice of teas. Often crowded though, making finding a free seat not obvious.

Popped in to this local ‘dugs welcome’ coffee shop- truly impressed. Situated close to the attractions in heart of Edinburgh and most importantly dog friendly. Good selection of food and vegan friendly choices. Well informed staff.Friendly atmosphere. Good service and reasonably priced.

I have to confess, we were trying to go where JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter. It was closed so we went into the coffee shop below. I wanted plain coffee, they recommended the latte. I usually drink Mochas, but this latte was A-MAZ -ING! My husband loved his hot chocolate as well. Now I just have to figure out how to add a trip to Scotland as part of my morning commute in California!

Have passed by here for years but, always looked busy. Popped in this morning for early coffee, glad we got chance at last. Try to avoid high st coffee shops, really good coffee served quickly in a pleasant coffee shop, lovely carved seats and tables, will definitely be our stop when up this part of town.

As a coffeelover this was definitely the best coffee I got in the town. Even when I think, brittish people just don‘t know what a Latte is and how it should look. So, expect your Latte to be a Cappuccino. :))

Very friendly and good strong chocciness in the mocha. Or is it just that the coffee isn’t that strong? Lovely friendly place though and they thoughtfully provide reusable straws

There are loads of coffeeshops in Edinburgh which are overpriced, this is not one of them. Good sized delicious coffees at excellent prices. I would say the chairs are extremely uncomfortable and my husband was slightly put off when the cashier noted his name as 'Joy' instead of 'Johnny' but I found it entertaining!

was up in Ed for the fringe and came across this place by accident and was really pleased I did. the best coffee I had in Ed, really tasty and strong and the breakfast role was really tasty. I also loved the decor and layout, felt really laid back and cool and great value. I went back a few times while there as my go-to coffee point. definitively recommend.

DON’T try the Hummus ciabatta sandwich unless you enjoy eating cardboard and you've won the lottery to pay for it in the first place. They should be ashamed of themselves for selling such s..t.

We were walking and it started to rain. That's what drove us inside. Boy are we glad we were located right next to The Black Medicine Coffee Co. Great coffee drinks, bustling inner city Edinburgh atmosphere, and the staff dealt with a tidal wave of new customers with gracious, personable service. And did I mention that the coffee drinks were excellent?!

They are just too busy during the Fringe to make good coffee- untrained barristers are just churning out orders. When a long black is on the menu- you should really know what one is! Brew Lab is just down the road- also busy, but still taking the time to make a proper cup.

This coffee shop has a wonderful provenance: JK Rowling reputedly penned several chapters of her Harry Potter series at these tables. The place has warm wooden tables, with ample space, and a friendly vibe. Great snacks and coffee, with a nice airy downstairs. Time well spent while hanging out in the University neighborhood.

Really nice coffee shop near our hotel. We’ve visited three times during our fringe visit. Nice staff and cakes. Highly recommend this place!

This cafe serves great coffee , panini , cakes , salads ,snacks in a lovely bohemian setting with almost sculptural carved tables benches and a totem pole. Reduction in drink prices if you bring your own cup.

I visited The black medicine coffee co for breakfast whilst visiting Edinburgh for the festival. It was busy but still managed to feel relaxed and welcoming. The coffee was lovely and well presented and I also enjoyed a tasty toasted bagel. A good range of other foods such as pastries and sandwiches are also available. A lovely place for food, drinks and watching the world go by!

Friendly staff who seem to enjoy working whilst knowing what they do. The coffee was strong and well-made, the sweets quite tasty.

What you want Good coffee standards They also do bagels etc and snacks Very good festival stop off place

Went in as I'd meant to visit for ages and it was really nice. Had an iced oat milk latte and a homemade peach iced tea. Iced tea was lovely and inexpensive at £2. Iced latte was 50p more than a hot latte and it was 50p more for a hot drink which is a bit much. Otherwise lovely with a good younger vibe in the shop!

Particularly good coffee and in winter their soups are just the thing to warm you up. Paninis recommended too.

Ideally placed if you are visiting the University central campus or recovering after a museum visit - good seating up and downstairs, coffee and lots of other drinks. Well worth finding if you love your coffee.

Popped in on our way to train station to pass the time. We didn't think very much of it. The teaspoons whuch were sitting on the counter for you tae help yourself, looked dirty. Hubby asked waitress to please miss out the tomato ingredient in my bagel as I have a allergy to tomatoes. To which she didn't, overall the bagel tasted disgusting. Plenty of other good cafes to go to in Edinburgh.

very nice coffee, and wall of syrups options. If they've got it...you can have it - bounty mocha, choclate orange mocha, coconut latte, bakewell latte - the possibilities are endless. Plenty of options for non-coffee drinkers with a large selections of smoothies and juices. All coffees come with a small biscuit on the side. Cafe is friendly, tries to be sustainable (reusable straws, discounts for keep-cups) and a good place to sit for a while to chat. plus they have a resident axolotyl downstairs.

I usually go in here once a week, it has a nice cosy atmosphere and some of the staff are friendly. The coffee is great and served really quickly.

Nice atmosphere to enjoy a smooth coffee. The ginger & dark chocolate tiffin was a real treat. Plenty of seats, upstairs and down.

This cafe produced the best coffee that we had in Edinburgh. It is so nice to go to a local cafe rather than the chains. The service was excellent. To be recommended.

Very small establishment but they made a nice pot of tea and cheese and tomato croissant. The staff was very friendly and service was quick.

Went there as it was 2 minutes away from our Airbnb. The coffee and hot chocolate were very tasty and the staff very friendly ! Highly recommended !

We were walking pass The Black Medicine Coffee every day on our way to the hotel and eventually decided to walk it, as it looked nice from the outside. It's indeed lovely, with lots of wooden seats and wooden elements, very nature-like. They got the regular coffee you find everywhere, some baked goods, some bagels. It's pretty descent, but the service could really be better. 2 grumpy girls worked that day behind the counter, the one that makes coffee didn't even bother to say hello or look up from the coffee machine. When I asked her for another cup as the one she gave me was dirty, she just "threw" a new cup at me, without saying a word. A shame, really. This could have been a nice place.

I stopped here for a small breakfast prior to heading for the airport. The upper floor looks like it could seat about 20 comfortably, and I later discovered there is a lower level that can hold more people. I liked the wood and stone interior, particularly the almost quirky way the wood had been fashioned into tables and bench seats. You can see my table in one of the pics.