The Pastry Section in Edinburgh, City of

I write this review as a regular customer at the Pastry Selection, with the majority of my visits during weekdays Mondays to Friday. The day on Saturday a day to visit and purchase the coffee within and then after sat with my laptop, after 30 minutes I was approached by a member of staff who I have not previously seen within the premisses. The staff member requested that I leave if I was making no further purchases. I informed her that I had not finished the coffee I had purchased where upon she stated ‘as soon as I finish it I should purchase another or leave’ this interaction took place in front of other customers which I found belittling and demeaning. Not two things a regular customer should experience. Whilst I love the premisses the conduct of the staff member toward me was both ignorant, arrogant and totally inappropriate. In view of this conduct towards me as a customer, it has resulted in me not wanting to go back.

Very tasty pastry! Worth the visit

Lovely friendly cafe with the most amazing delights, the brownie was amazing & the coffee smooth with considering its location, the best coffee prices I've seen. Will defo return when back in area.

I'm here at least once a week. And highly recommend " The Pastry Section" to everyone!!! Sooo many various nice desserts, my top is cinnamon and lemon tart!!! Nice and soft cappuccino and flat white, only missing some filter for me🙃😀

The cinnamon bun was incredible!! Absolutely loved it and will be coming back as the pastries look so delicious :)

Had an absolutely amazing gooey, salted caramel brownie and the coffee was incredibly great! A fine establishment.

We were on vacation in Edinburgh and we did a scone tasting at different cafes in the city, and this one was the winner.

UPDATED HURRAY! After some issues early in the year I see that Pastry Section is back as the most consistently best patisserie in Edinburgh in my view! Heavenly light but rich cake fillings paired up with moist and never sickly bases in just enough of a variety of flavours. Love it! And of course amazing staff:)

We got a selection of cakes to take away and every one was more delicious than the last. I lost track of what I was eating because I tried everything. There was a raspberry nut cake that was particularly divine. But not an unexceptional bite in the box. Gorgeous.

The Pastry Section did our small wedding cake and we couldn’t have been more pleased! The whole process of choosing and sampling flavours was so easy and the team were so accommodating with our very changeable minds! This is our favourite cake shop in Edinburgh, their cinnamon buns on the weekend is a must, so we knew we wanted them to make our wedding cake. The cake was so beautifully decorated and tasted incredible - so fluffy and light! It went down an absolutely treat with our guests - can’t recommend them enough!!

This place makes cakes, pastries, biscuits, tarts, flans, doughnuts, scones. Nothing savoury. Wow, a bit of a carb fest. If cake is good for you, this is your heaven. The coffee, tea, chai is as good as you would want, staff are delightful. Atmosphere? well we were the first in on a lovely day and other customers were seated outside.

I popped in here while passing by, irresistibly drawn to sweet treats like a kid to a sweetie shop. And boy, do they have a treasure trove of goodies! The lady who served me was pleasant, giving me the lowdown on their cakes and pastries like a pro dessert connoisseur. The selection? Vast, my friends. They've got all the classics you love and some unique concoctions that tickle my adventurous taste buds. On her recommendation, I snagged an Eton mess cinnamon bun, a raspberry and pistachio cake, a Swiss roll a cherry crumble filling, a cake with assorted chocolates (I know, I should've taken notes), and a honeycomb slice. Plus, everything is freshly baked at their Leith store, so you know you're getting the good stuff. When I got home, I realized they forgot to pack the honeycomb slice. One star deducted for that oversight – my taste buds wept. Now, let’s talk about the Eton mess bun. I devoured that bad boy solo right outside the shop because it was so massive, they couldn't close the lid without squashing it. I couldn’t possibly ruin this attractive looking masterpiece. A rather convenient excuse to not share it with my wife, who was waiting at home. Sorry, not sorry. Picture this: me, standing there, face covered in dessert, looking like a kid who found the cookie jar. The name "Eton Mess" couldn’t be more accurate. And with a lack of napkins made it a real sticky situation. Despite its glorious filling, the bun itself was a bit dry in parts. But hey, we can’t have it all, right? The other cakes that I did share (because I’m not a complete monster) were phenomenal. This place is great, and I’ll definitely be back to explore more of their delights – hopefully with better napkin preparedness next time.

The cakes here are second to none - highly recommend!

The cake was super nice and such a nice portion aswell!

We’ve been fans of TPS for a while and decided to use them for our post-wedding celebration. We wanted canapés rather than a big cake and Lesley worked with us to narrow down some options that would work well for this, with the taster box being a highlight of the process! She was helpful and upfront about costs and flexible with dietary requirements. The cakes were delivered directly to the venue on the day and were exactly as delicious as expected. We loved sharing our favourite bakery with our friends!

Everything they sell is delicious.

The best lemon drizzle cake we’ve ever had. The coffee was good too. There’s a lot of competition in Stockbridge.

The best lemon drizzle cake we’ve ever had. Great coffee too. Given the amount of competition in the area, this cafeteria / cake shop does very well.

Always fantastic, does wonders for my oncoming diabetes.

The Pastry Section is my absolute favorite bakery in Edinburgh. The frangipane tart is always perfect , crisp pastry and beautiful filling. The icing on anything/everything makes me make noises I probably shouldn't make in public. Lush!

Very nice staff. Yummy cake & coffee.

Went here to purchase a couple of cakes to takeaway. Everything was going well until payment by card. The machine immediately asks if you want to leave a tip %. This is a bit rich when they charge £5.00 for each cake. And all the member of staff did was put them in a box and hand them to me. Cakes were not bad, however I found them a bit heavy, the cheesecake one should have been light, but was quite hard. Both cakes were quite dry also.

Lovely coffee and cake (ginger brownie was superb), will definitely be back.

Girl with short brown hair in Stockbridge cafe is very rude. Got a dirty look up and down and “is that all?”. Been in multiple times and her attitude is the same every time, her coworker looked uncomfortable at least. Not surprised there’s other reviews about her.

Amazing food, outstanding coffee and sensational staff. The girl who served us was incredible. Will definitely be back

Gr8 place for a quick refreshment rest, lovely hot drinks and gr8 cake selection

I’d had this little place starred on my map for a while now and the opportunity finally presented itself to visit recently. I was instantly attracted to the vast array of beautiful cakes lined up inside via the window so in I bobbed for a flat white and slice of pistachio, raspberry and white chocolate cake. It was heavenly sent, truly. Everything looked firmly delicious so I guess I’ll be back to try some more of their gorgeous goods next time I’m in town. A shoutout to the friendly staff too. I also really appreciated the cute take away coffee cups.

Stopped in for a mid walk treat and was blown away by the selection. Apple tart was perfect but the frangipane tart was out of this world. So much so I walked back and got another. The gals serving were so friendly and welcoming. If we lived closer I’d be here every week!

Small cafe with a nice selection of delicious pastries

Having been massive PS fans and supporters, the quality control of late has been extremely concerning. My wife picked this up today as a gift for someone but once we got home we took a closer look at the miniature size of the classic Nanimo bar. The picture makes it look bigger but it’s literally 50% smaller than what it should be and was still charged £4 for this, which is criminal. This was the last straw of a few months of underwhelming bakes. It pains me to say that PS are starting to loose their touch and follow suit with other small business where their quality to which they are know for goes out the window and also gets smaller. Come on PS where has the love gone?

Coffee and cake really delicious.

Just delicious and brilliant. The Persian love cake with cardamon and pistachio is out of this world.

My friend had a lovely scone. I personally wouldn’t hurry back for the service though . For example “not having the right change” is understandable but possibly avoidable with forethought and certainty not the problem of the customer and refusing a second stamp on a loyalty card for a second coffee is a little churlish, given I could have paid individually and got the stamp. I handed the one stamp card back but no one seemed that interested so not really getting the right vibe from me.

Their pastries are good but it’s is unhelpful how they do not list the prices at the window. Plus, the bad and impractical design of placing the seating at the window just asks for awkward moments of having cafegoers be in the way of ordering and is a hassle.

We were in Edinburgh for 5 days, visited this place twice even though we didn't stay close. The "millionaire's shortbread" (or something like that) was completely and utterly delicious.

Really fantastic place, the pastries were delicious and so were the drinks. It’s definitely worth coming here, really good value too. I loved my cinnamon bun!

This is probably the best cake I've ever eaten..... And I've tried plenty. Delicious, light and beautiful flavour and texture. With coming to Edinburgh just to have a cake here

Oh....my....god. Amazing. Simply. amazing. Some of the best cakes/pastries and coffee on offer on Edinburgh. A gem of Stockbridge and a must-visit. Staff are lovely and welcoming too which also makes a big difference. Gluten free options are however limited Don't leave it too late, pastries/cakes disappear quickly!

This place is great! A bit overpriced but really good stuff so it’s worth it in my opinion. For me though, service is everything! Not even service, but just friendliness! If I was a business owner, I would want to know who I am employing is very rude. I’ve been multiple times with the girl with brown short hair working. One of the times, she was so rude to us and the people after us that the gentleman after us asked her name to complain about her :/ today she was so rude to us and I’m just confused why! I just don’t think customer service is her forte possibly? But I would definitely want to know this about one of my employees. Otherwise everyone else is wonderful and I like the pastry section!

I placed an enquiry for our wedding cake as I have forever dreamed of my wedding cake to be made by the pastry section! I requested delivery as this would be most convenient but not essential. I received an abrupt response telling me that the pastry section are not taking wedding orders outwith Edinburgh next year - which I thought was very strange, understandable if this was about the delivery. I asked if I could collect and I have had no response and this was a week ago. So disappointing! Especially since I have always held this place in high regard.

Patisserie très bonne avec des gateaux typique de la région. Le café est égalelent très bon

It was nice to have a coffee and cake with my friend especially when he insisted on paying.

Absolutely lovely cakes and coffee, and music. Friendly staff - what more could ask - and a proper cake fork!

Great place to take a short break. Lovely service, delicious cakes.

Oh my goodness, just the best cakes! I absolutely adore these folks. I've eaten here many times and also ordered their occasion cakes and truly I just cannot fault them. The staff are so lovely! And how do I choose a favourite cake?! The cinnamon buns! The salted caramel brownie! The raspberry and white chocolate cake! I could go on! Amazing place.

Good flat white. Lots of nice cakes on display. Would not order the blondie lemon again. Worth a visit at least once but may not be the best in the neighbourhood.

Incredible cake, great latte, friendly staff, and nice music.

Cakes are amazing, if a little expensive.

I really enjoyed these pastries!! Friendly staff and beautiful selection of goodies.

I had wanted to try this cafe for months so my partner and I went to grab some coffee and cake for my birthday. When we walked in, there were two members of staff working and one other customer, we received a look up and down from one of the staff members and no acknowledgment from the other. As someone who works in a cafe, I understand that some customers like to have long chats to staff however my partner and I waited for nearly 10 minutes to be served. The first staff member, who gave us a dirty look, completely ignored us as they stayed listening to the customer who was talking about holidaying up North. The second staff member was stocking up their napkins and also completely ignored us. We decided to leave as I started feeling uncomfortable and only then, as I was already out the door, did my partner get asked if they can help him. So so disappointed with the service and the staff members, I was really looking forward to trying this cafe.

Consistently delicious and friendliest of staff - good honest cakes absolutely splendid, fab wee bakery!!!

LUSH cakes and pastries ... to die for Lovely staff!

Simple y sencillo pero caro cafe!!!

I had the most delicious lemon polenta raspberry cake. They only take exact change if paying in cash and no prices are visible for the pastries though FYI.

The most wonderful spot for people watching. Delicious cakes (get them before they sell out) and the nicest atmosphere. We were served by two lovely girls both called Beth :D

We only took away 2 pastries and ate them by the pond a bit up north, the Honeymoon cake was glorious

After reading so many good reviews about the cinammon buns, I was so excited to try while visiting Edinburgh. However, the buns were way too small and overpriced. It is not worth

Always a lovely selection of cakes and pastries and often get to try new things

Really stingy cake portions, and they cost £4 a slice on average! Also, getting served seems to take FOREVER. Can they not have more than 1 person attending at the same time??

A small cafe but really BIG on flavour and quality cakes. Get there early for the best choice!

Lovely little patisserie in the heart of Leith, food was stunning and so well presented. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Would highly recommend.

Wonderful cake shop with an ever changing range of tasty treats from cream cakes frangipan tarts, carrot cakes and many others. All excellent so you're bound to find something that will take your fancy. Great variety that changes regularly, you literally can't go wrong with the delicious selection

Seduced by the pastries in the window, I had to walk in and try; I'm glad I did. I grabbed a white chocolate raspberry pastry with Chai Latte to go. Both the drink and pastry were amazing!

The best carrot cake I've ever tasted, such great service too. Following my visit, I also ordered a special order online for a gift, and Lesley was so accommodating with my request and budget. Couldn't recommend enough!

The very best lemon meringue pie I’ve EVER eaten. Great coffee, in a big cup and hot!!! Hrest staff. Seriously, you get what you pay for. Will always come back here

They say they’re open but when i went they were shut.

If you’re in Stockbridge I’d highly recommend giving this place a go. The decor was lovely and the members of staff are extremely friendly. I had one of the best chai latte here and I can’t wait to come back for more! The carrot cake is also sublime.

Entire selection of sweets looked amazing, wish they had an extra member of staff and more seating

Who ever keeps getting the Victoria sponge before me… I do have are a very particular set of skills. Skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you. If you let my *victoria sponge* go now that’ll be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you, but if you don’t, I will look for you, I will find you 🍰

Hands down, the best desserts in the area. They have a few everyday items, and lots of others that are there once, rarely to be seen again. These can be hit or miss, but usually have really good, unusual, well-balanced flavors. From the regular offerings, I love the ultimate brownie, which is a rich, magical gradient of creamy textures with a thin sponge at the bottom, and the almond flour (?), Persian love cake which has a well balanced blend of subtle flavours, dusted with dried rose petals. Rare is the week when I don't pay them a visit!

The best cakes in Edinburgh. Unreal.

Dived into The Pastry Section to escape the rain when wondering around Stockbridge yesterday. Have always thought this cafe/bakery looked nice when I've passed by before but never had the chance to try it - fortunately I was not disappointed! Had a very tasty slice of apple and cinnamon cake plus a great big hot chocolate, which were both reasonably priced I'd say. A lovely little place with tasty treats and friendly staff that I'm sure I'll make an effort to go back to.

Scrumptious cakes again to be sure. Friendly service, as always. 2nd takeaway order & never ceases to be a treat. Adore the carrot cake. Got to get in quick before they're gone ... Says it all. Thanks 'The Pastry Section'.

It's OK. The pastry is done right, but the cakes are awful. I have had 3 different cakes all at different times and you can taste the baking powder in them, they lack flavour, and are overpriced. Even my 5 year old who loves cake spit them out. If you go here stick with the pastry and skip the cakes.

Fabulous baking. Best Flapjack ever Go!

Amazing cakes and pastries! I especially love the white chocolate, chocolate and raspberry cake I tried as well as the ginger cake and cinnamon buns. You do have to come early in the day though, the favourites always sell out.

Staff very friendly but cakes are a bit OVER priced yes very tasty and pleasant on the eye sorry not for me

Everything we tried was to die for. We will come back

Fell upon here on a walk along GJ street & bought some goodies to take back home. We had the pumpkin cream cheese swirl, orange marble slice & raspberry frangipani tart. Super fresh & tasty!

Have wanted to try here for a long time as there instagram looks out of this world . They did not disappoint! Quality for great price and the staff where welcoming too. Will not be our last visit

I've been a regular for just close to a year now. Although I like the selections on offer I was left disappointed by my experience today. To cut a long story short, I've been waiting for a replacement bank card and decided to pop in and pay by cash for the first time ever. I was told rather curtly that they don't accept payment by cash only card. I was extremely disappointed, firstly because there's no signage to indicate they operate a cashless premises, meaning today's visit was a waste of time and effort. Secondly, just two weeks ago I visited the bakery and heard the sales woman tell a customer (who also wished to pay by cash) that they only take cash if the customer has the exact change. Fortunately, the customer did. I won't be visiting this store again, because I really dislike inconsistency. It seems clear that they do allow "certain" customers to pay by cash, unfortunately I was not one of those customers and so will be giving this store my business again.

Stopped by for coffee and cake during a walk in Stockbridge. The desserts were spending. I recommend the lemon loaf.

Super tasty and nice friendly staff

Delicious coffee and cakes that are just as beautiful as they are tasteful! Perfect little place.

You know you want to, so stop reading before they sell out.

Cosy cafe with delicious pastry and unexpected fabulous coffee.

Pastries are beautiful and delicious. Friendly and welcoming staff. Always enjoy a visit here!

Highly recommend it! The Pastry Section team has gone above and beyond to fulfill a personalized order I had placed a couple months in advance from the US. They were thorough and open with communication. The treats ordered were also beautifully crafted and tasted great!

Oh yes! After a good 5 minutes salivating at the window, I settled on the carrot cake - amazing. The girls are friendly, everything is clean and fresh, and my waistline isn’t gonna like me staying here too long 🫣 Very recommended.

I had been to the Pastry Section pre Covid with a friend and loved it, good coffee,good cake. I was really happy to see them continue to operate throughout the pandemic serving from the door but as badly as I wanted one of their cakes it wasn't the same as sitting in. Cute and quaint atmosphere makes it better than your house. Then FINALLY they opened back up for sit inside and I was thrilled!!!! Their cakes are on a whole other level now, the portion sizes massive, the flavours amazing, the variety of the cakes makes choosing so difficult that you have to go with someone else so you can try 2 different cakes and not feel like you missed out. If I could give 10 stars I would!!! The coffee is still delicious, using Santu coffee who's roastry is located in the Biscuit Factory (I worked briefly with the owner for a time pre Covid) and produces a full bodied coffee blend. Again if I could give 10 stars I would but 5 will have to do. Keep up the good work Loves. X

Super lovely place! The staff is friendly and very attentive, the variety of the pastry is just unbelievable! I really liked their cappuccino and chai latte as well.

Sub-par coffee, horrible experience, and rude manager

I had the peanut butter cake and an americano. The cake was a very good size portion a d very tasty. I want to try the frangipan tart next

The best cake shop in Edinburgh, end of the line! Rush to get these 'love cakes' and 'ultimate brownies' before they're gone! Their pastries are so successful, that the shop often closes early after running out of EVERYTHING; so come early. Glad we don't live next to it, otherwise our bellies would be as inflated as our bank account would be deflated after constantly buying their amazing creations.

One of the friendliest teams ever, and definitely the most diverse range of desserts on offer in Edinburgh. The presentation is always top notch. My only complaints are that the coffee cups are too small, and the sweets are a hint too sugary.

Delicious cakes and good coffee

Really nice cakes, just wish it was a little larger so we could find a table more often.

Amazing cakes and pastries, especially Persian love cakes which I haven’t seen anywhere else - absolutely delicious! Great coffee too. Be prepared for the best cakes to sell out early in the day.

Great coffee and pastries. Carrot cake recommended!!

My favourite cafe in Stockbridge. Flavourful, strong coffee and friendly staff.