A guide to Broughton Street Edinburgh

Broughton Street is a true gem of a street located in Edinburgh, Scotland. Nestled between the affluent New Town neighbourhood and the lively Broughton and Leith Walk areas, this street is known for its unique shops, restaurants, and bohemian atmosphere. It is also conveniently located near popular attractions such as the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, Omni Cinema complex, and John Lewis department store.

With its close proximity to public transportation, including the York Place tram stop and the bus station, Broughton Street is easily accessible for visitors. The street has been revitalised in recent years, attracting new businesses and adding to its vibrant and diverse character.

Whether you're looking to shop, dine, or take in the sights and sounds of the area, Broughton Street is a must-see destination in Edinburgh.

Independent Shops

Perhaps the biggest draw to Broughton Street are all of the independent shops

Artisan Roast

A coffee shop for the real aficionado, Artisan Roast offer lovely coffee at great prices. The baristas are incredibly passionate about their coffee and offer their own range sourced from countries worldwide, including Columbia, Ethiopia, Guatemala and Costa Rica.
Artisan Roast website

Cask & Barrel

A great wee pub at the very top of Broughton Street. Fantastic selection of beers and a TV to watch the football, what more could you want?

Cask & Barrel website
T. 01315 563132

The Dragonfly

The only gift shop on Broughton street has a wide choice of items and cards on offer. The staff are attentive and helpful. Because the shop is independent, there are so many unique items you won't find elsewhere, including upcycled lamps and furniture. A great place to find that special gift.

The Dragonfly website
T. 01316 294246

Fika Studios

This barber is easy to miss as it is below street level, but if you need a little trim, why not stop by Fika Studios?

T. 01314 668827

Kathy's Knits

Upstairs isn't much to look at, but peek below street level to discover the delights of Kathy's Knits. It's a beautiful little knit shop and ideal if you're looking for some Scottish yarn to bring home with you; Kathy, the owner, can advise on the best one for your knitting or crochet project. Her colourful creations in the window add to this vibrant street.

Kathy's Knits website
T. 01315 564837

Arthaus

No, this isn't an art gallery; it's a very popular hairdresser run by Claire and Rob, who are legends amongst their local patrons. Great haircuts, coffee and the latest gossip! The perfect place for a haircut in the city centre. The bright yellow paint stands out on Broughton Street and gets you in a good mood!

Arthaus website
T. 01315 566858

East Side Yoga

East Side Yoga is one of the best yoga studios in Edinburgh. With gorgeous studio space, a warm prep room and the best teachers, ESY has everything you could hope for in a yoga studio.

The introductory session costs £35 for five classes and £60 for five classes thereafter (including the option to practice from your own home via web streaming).

Sign up for 2023 and get stronger, fitter and more supple.

East Side Yoga website
T. 01312 085500

Broughton Pharmacy

Broughton Pharmacy is quite the experience; no cold plastic counters here, everything is wooden, and it has old-style apothecary shelves. The "independent" service is higher quality and more personalised than the chain chemists. They offer a brilliant delivery service for your prescription if you are local Dunediner!

Broughton Pharmacy website
T. 01315 561054

The Ox

If you're in the mood for good, honest cooking, then The Ox is the place for you. This gastropub offers a range of homemade dishes that are both interesting and satisfying, all served in a relaxed setting. The food here is of restaurant quality but in a more casual atmosphere that's perfect for a laid-back meal.

The Ox is also a family and dog-friendly establishment, with a license that allows children until 9 pm and dogs on the premises.

Highlights are the Sunday roast dinners and the sticky toffee pudding!

The Ox website
T. 01315 569808

Pickles

Pickles wine bar is the perfect place to unwind and relax. This charming retreat offers a wide selection of wines, beers, and coffees, as well as an array of light nibbles and platters, including a popular selection of Scottish cheeses paired with tasty chutneys and pickles. Unwind after a long day at work, spend the evening chatting with friends, or relax in a warm and inviting atmosphere; Pickles wine bar has something for everyone.

Pickles website
T. 07485711023

Broughton Market

In keeping with the independent shops on the street, Broughton Market looks the part with its overhanging banners, large windows and copper and blue colour scheme; it's very inviting.

The shop contains products from all corners of Scotland and the best from around the world, a must-visit while on Broughton Street.

Broughton Market website

Crombies of Edinburgh (Butchers)

Trading within the Broughton Market, this gourmet butcher has won many awards, including "Scotland's Best Butcher's Beef Sausage". Established in 1955, Alex Crombie opened the Broughton Street shop with the philosophy of providing "Quality, Value, Cleanliness and Service". Crombies Butcher would pioneer more than 100 varieties of Scottish sausage over the next 80 years.

Crombies of Edinburgh website
T. 01315 570111

Edinburgh Assay Office

Probably the most unique business in this article, the Edinburgh Assay Office works with precious metals, including platinum, gold, silver and palladium.

Their primary services are:

• Testing the validity of precious metals to national and international regulations.

• Applying hallmarks to tested metals.

It's not somewhere to visit as a tourist, but the building from 1816 is unique and stands out on Broughton Street.

Edinburgh Assay Office website
T. 01315 561144

Image by Brokentaco

Something Fishy

Amazingly fresh seafood is available from this fishmonger; the salmon is delicious! Try the fish cakes; you'll love them!

T. 01315 567614

Image by Ralf Steinberger

Rosevear Tea

More than 140 teas are available to try and buy here at Rosevear Tea. My wife and I visited in 2022 and loved the Earl Grey Blue Flower variety.

There are also many interesting tea-related accessories, including infusers, tea caddies, matcha equipment, teapots and flasks. A true tea lover's paradise.

Rosevear Tea website
T. 01315 582530

Restaurants on Broughton Street

In addition to all the great shops on Broughton Street, there are loads of lovely places to eat!

The Chippy by Spencer

This independent chip shop is popular with students for deep-fried mars bars! If that sounds disgusting, there are plenty of options, such as vegan fish and chips and gluten-free batter. The portions are huge, and the owner has great banter; what more could you want from a chippy!?

The Chippy by Spencer website
T. 01315 568223

The Broughton

This pub/restaurant is the only establishment in this article to be recommended by the Michelin Guide UK 2022, which reported:

You’ll receive a wonderful welcome at this contemporary dining pub a few minutes walk from Princes street. Traditional dishes are given an attractive modern makeover.

I haven't had the chance to try the food at The Broughton, but the images on their website are mouthwatering.

The Broughton website
T. 01315 566608

Barony Bar

A lovely wee gastro pub; there is great food and drink offered at the Barony Bar. The best thing about this pub is the Sunday lunch with all the trimmings:

• Roast sirloin of mature aged beef, Yorkshire pudding.

• Roast chicken breast & thigh, bread sauce, sausage meat stuffing, chicken crackling.

It's quite expensive (£19 for the beef, £17 for the chicken), but it's a lovely meal with quality ingredients sourced locally.

Barony Bar website
T. 01316 299204

Bakery Andante

Offering a range of delicious breakfast and brunch items, including artisan bread, croissants and pastries, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, coffee and tea. Bakery Andante is the perfect place to fuel up for the day ahead.

That's not all - this café is committed to reducing food waste and offers a convenient and environmentally-friendly way to do so. Through the "Too Good to Go" app, you can purchase a bag of discounted products at the end of the day, allowing you to enjoy a real treat while also doing your part to support sustainability.

So whether you're in the mood for a leisurely breakfast or a quick and tasty brunch, Andante is your place.

Bakery Andante website
T. 01314 662901

The Olive Branch

The Olive Branch on Broughton Street is a charming and stylish restaurant serving various delicious dishes with a Scottish twist. This cosy spot is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. The menu is straightforward and unpretentious, featuring a range of dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Its situation on the corner with huge windows makes it ideal for people watching!

Suppose you're in the mood for a classic Scottish breakfast (with amazing smoked bacon, haggis and black pudding), a hearty lunchtime club sandwich, or a sophisticated dinner entree (the rib-eye steak is unbelievable). In that case,you'll find something to satisfy your cravings at the Olive Branch. The generous portion sizes and friendly, efficient service only add to the appeal of this delightful little restaurant.

I highly recommend the fish and chips, potato rosti and dark chocolate cheesecake.

Stop by the Olive Branch on Broughton Street if you're looking for a tasty meal in a chic and welcoming atmosphere.

The Olive Branch website
T. 01315 578589

Fhior

Fhior is a fine dining restaurant located halfway down Broughton Street. I consider this place a wee culinary wonder with its fantastic dishes made with love and local ingredients. Run by Scott and Laura, they have created something special in the heart of Edinburgh - try the smoked egg yolk; it's pure magic.

Fhior website
T. 01314 775000

DaVinci Restaurant

You could spend a week eating at different fine restaurants on Broughton Street Edinburgh, but the DaVinci Restaurant is the only Italian available here. There isn't much room inside, so book ahead, but the food is out of this world; the gnocchi with cheese sauce is heavenly. There are many great seafood options (I would say it's their speciality) here, too, as well as fully vegan meals. NOW PERMANENTLY CLOSED.

Eden's Kitchen

Eden's Kitchen prides itself on using only natural and organic ingredients. The restaurant sources healthy, seasonal, and locally-grown produce that is free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and, whenever possible, organic and natural.

Currently, 90% of the produce used at Eden's Kitchen is organic, and they are constantly working to improve this percentage. In addition, the restaurant only uses organic chicken, beef, and lamb that have been raised without using antibiotics, herbicides, pesticides, or chemical fertilisers. If meat isn't your thing, vegans have many options, such as the "Veggie Tagliatelle" and a very hearty lentil soup.

Eden's Kitchen is a perfect choice if you're looking for a delicious meal with guilt-free provenance and friendly service.

Eden's Kitchen
T. 01315 566588

Educated Flea

This small, intimate restaurant has amazing food and friendly, attentive staff. Upon our visit, we had:

• Hummus starter.

• Hake wrapped in Parma Ham with Leek & Dill Risotto & Chicken Milanese.

• Tangerine Eton Mess.

All three courses were amazing; we will definitely revisit them when we return to Edinburgh.

Rollo

Rollo Restaurant is a stylish and sophisticated wine bar near the bottom of Broughton Street. With a focus on wine, this chic establishment handpicks the best bottles from around the world to offer its customers a diverse and varied selection. But the wine isn't the only thing that sets Rollo Restaurant apart. The food is also top-notch, with an exciting menu that features a range of bites, bowls, and plates, ranging from Asian-inspired dishes like beef spring rolls to classic Scottish fare like venison and banana bread pudding for dessert.

Try the cauliflower pakora and bread and butter pudding with caramel ice cream! You won't be disappointed.

Rollo website
T. 01315 565333

Söderberg Bakery Shop

A taste of Sweden is on offer at Broughton Street at Söderberg Bakery Shop. Indulge in all kinds of Nordic specialities, including rich and gooey kladdkaka, buttery mazarins, fragrant cardamom buns, and crunchy pistachio horseshoes. Sample some authentic Swedish coffee with beans actually roasted in Sweden. A real treat within this wee corner shop.

Söderberg Bakery Shop website
T. 01315 588807

How to get to Broughton Street

Walking from Edinburgh Waverley:

Broughton Street is only about 5 minutes from Princes Street and maybe 15 minutes or so from the Royal mile.

1. Exit the station on the north side and walk onto Princes St.

2. Walk east on Princes Street until you reach Leith Street on the north side of the street.

3. Follow Leith Street north until you reach Broughton Street.

From Edinburgh Airport:

Take the tram to the York Place stop, just a short walk from Broughton Street.

By car:

If you are driving, there is limited on-street parking available on Broughton Street, but there are several public car parks in the surrounding area, such as the St James Quarter Car Park.

By bus:

Take the bus to the St. Andrew Square bus station, about a 5-minute walk from Broughton Street.

Princes Street

Princes Street is a major thoroughfare in Edinburgh, just a short distance from Broughton Street, known for its stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town and its many shops, restaurants, and other attractions. A trip to Broughton Street is well worth the detour from Princes Street to visit independently-owned businesses instead of the massive chain stores.

Places to visit near Broughton Street

Here is a quick list of places within walking distance of Broughton Street that may be of interest to you.

• St Marys Parish Church

• Calton Hill

• Water of Leith

• Royal Botanic Gardens

• Multrees Walk

• King George V Park

• New Town

If you're visiting Edinburgh on a budget, why not check out my article listing 30 suggestions?

Conclusion

If you're looking for a casual meal, a day of shopping, or a night out on the town, Broughton Street Edinburgh has you covered. Located near Princes Street, it's easy to get to via public transport from anywhere in the city and offers independent shopping and food options you will love. If visiting Edinburgh, Broughton Street should be high on your list.