Top 10... Breakfasts

Botanic Gardens 
(Entrances on Inverleith Row and Arboretum Place)

A morning stroll around the Botanic Gardens is the best way to squeeze some peace and quiet into your day at the Fringe. Best of all, there are two different places for a delicious bite: in the John Hope Gateway Centre, which serves a full range of continental staples and local Scottish nosh, and the less fancy Terrace Cafe, where the range is limited to a few scones and pastries. [EB]

Browns
131 George Street

If you absolutely, positively have to spend all your money in the morning then go for the Champagne Breakfast where your smoked salmon and eggs are served with fresh strawberries with Greek yogurt and a sparkling glass of Perrier Jouet. Also available is a perfectly tasty and reasonably priced breakfast selection. [CW]

Circle Cafe 
1 Brandon Terrace

This gem is perfect for a top-class continental breakfast or an equally tasty local one. Try the locally-sourced bacon and sausages or a delectable French pastries to go with your eggs Benedict. Charming staff and relaxing surroundings make Circle Cafe the perfect place for a civilised morning deep in the new town. [EB]

Elephants and Bagels 
37 Marshall Street

The little sibling of George IV Bridge's slightly fancier Elephant House, Elephants and Bagels is actually a much tastier option for breakfast or brunch. Any filling you can imagine, including a very respectable bacon-and-egg, on any one of a welter of tasty bagels from sesame to sun-dried tomato. A range of good-priced teas and coffees. Handily central, situated between two of the busiest venues - The Pleasance Dome and Courtyard. [EB]

Eteaket
41a Frederick Street

Hidden in plain sight on Frederick Street, Eteaket is part antique shop and part tea nirvana. As the dozen or so lucky enough to squeeze in among the collection of curios will know, these true Brits love their morning tea. With a dazzling selection ranging from the sweet hazelnut to the smokey Suchong brews, tea experts and novices alike will easily find something to their tastes thanks to the descriptive menu and friendly, knowledgeable staff. [CW]

Henderson's
94 Hanover Street

An institution among Edinburgh's veges, you get into Henderson's via an unpromising flight of stairs going down to a cellar. Inside is surprisingly well-lit and capacious, with a cavernous dining area as well as the charming little cafe. The menu rotates constantly, but you can be sure of an appetising range of fruit, cereals and porridge. The (local, mostly organic) bread is fantastic. [EB]

Montpeliers 
159-161 Bruntsfield Place

Having been open for business for over a decade, it's hard to imagine Bruntsfield without Montpeliers. Their tried and true breakfast menu has helped them outlive the competition. Alongside their mixed grill and numerous eggy options is a selection of light cakes and fruit smoothies should you wish to start the day with something fresher. [CW]

Olive Branch 
2 Broughton Place

With branches in Broughton, Bruntsfield, George IV Bridge and beside the Botanic Gardens, you're never too far away from an Olive Branch bistro. The menu is imaginative offering a delicious smoked salmon, scrambled eggs on toast as well as the usual continental breakfast. And with an aromatic selection of herbal teas, the Olive Branch is to be enjoyed as an alternative to those hangover cure-alls found at other abodes. [CW]

Snax
118 Buccleuch Street

This greasiest of spoons serves up the perfect hangover-breakfast: greasy bacon, crumbling hashbrowns, a heap of haggis, a mound of beans, bangers containing probable pig. The vege option is just as appetising to the discerning customer. Best of all: the cafe caters for early-bird workmen, which means you can even conclude your night out with a heartening breakfast at 6am if you prolong your bender. Fantastic. [EB]

McDonalds
137 Princes Street

Founded in 1940 offering "fastly deliverable cost-effective foodthings", McDonalds is a young company still to make its mark on the world. Offering a range of burgers and equally edible toys, McDonalds signature breakfast dish is the Egg McMuffin wherein a Canadian Bacon, American cheese and undisclosed fried egg work together in a toasted English muffin inspired by the spirit of international cooperation. [CW]