What Makes The City Cafe (Edinburgh) Special
An American diner established in 1980
The City Cafe is an American diner on Blair Street in the Old Town. It serves breakfast, burgers, coffee, cocktails, and more. At the time of the visit, Asahi was available on tap alongside local beers such as BrewDog and Tennent's.
Opened at 19 Blair Street in 1980, the venue continues to operate as a classic American diner. During the day, you can enjoy coffee and hearty food; at night, there are cocktails and pool. From breakfast to an evening drink, the experience changes depending on when you visit.
Original Burger
The photo shows the Original Burger, one of the burgers on the menu.
In addition to burgers, the menu includes breakfast dishes, shakes, coffee, and cocktails. With both food and drinks on offer, it is a convenient stop for breakfast or lunch while exploring the Old Town, or for an evening visit.
Essential Information about The City Cafe (Edinburgh)
The information below was checked against official sources on November 4, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official website
- The City Cafe's official website provides an introduction to the venue, its menu, opening hours, and online reservations.
The City Cafe, EdinburghWebsite and Venue Management for The City Cafe.thecitycafe.co.uk - 📍 Address
- 19 Blair Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QR, United Kingdom
- 🕒 Opening hours
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- Monday–Thursday: 9:00–24:00
- Friday and Saturday: 9:00–1:00 the following day
- Sunday: 9:00–24:00
⚠️ Opening hours are subject to change, so check the official website before visiting.
- 💶 Prices
- Entry is free, and the cost of food and drinks depends on what you order. Check prices on the official website or the in-house menu before ordering.
- 🎫 Reservations
- Tables can be reserved online. Choose the date, time, and number of guests, then follow the reservation instructions on the official website.
- ⏱️ Suggested duration
- Allow about 45 minutes to 1 hour from being seated to finishing your meal. ⚠️ The length of your meal will vary depending on the number of dishes ordered and your eating pace.
How to Get to The City Cafe in Edinburgh
If traveling to Edinburgh by train, you can start from the centrally located Edinburgh Waverley station. After leaving the station, walk to Blair Street and head to number 19, where you will find The City Cafe's street entrance. Many long-distance buses arrive at Edinburgh Bus Station in St Andrew Square. From the bus station, simply give 19 Blair Street as the destination for a taxi or ride-hailing service.
A Detour to The City Cafe (Edinburgh)
Inside, Elvis is depicted singing his heart out.
Rain gear is indispensable.
For attractions, transport and suggested itineraries, see “Edinburgh: A Guide to Attractions, Food, Transport and Suggested Itineraries”.
