Top 10... Cafés

Anteaques
17 Clerk Street

The man who owns the shop next to Anteaques has never heard of it: it's that much of a secret. Open only on Fridays and weekends, this tiny antiques-cum-teashop is the most original and quaint of all Edinburgh’s cafes. It's like the attic of some dead collector. You sip tea surrounded by urns, replica ships, and under the watchful gaze of eight or so fox pelts. A huge selection of tea, clotted cream scones and tiny cakes to coo over, but don’t ingest too much sugar as you may become dizzy and knock over a priceless grandfather clock. [CS]

Artisan Roast 
57 Broughton Street

A snobs' coffee shop on Broughton Street, Artisan Roast has no counter and no nonsense to get between you and your espresso. Boasting its own coffee roaster and staff who know far too much about blends, it is hands-down the best coffee in Edinburgh. The smell enough makes your hands shake a tad. Don’t leave here without tasting it, though if you must they also stock some pretty dandy chocolate from Coco in Bruntsfield (also worth a visit). You may never be able to drink Starbucks again, let alone instant. [CS]

Black Medicine
2 Nicolson Street; 108 Marchmont Road

There's a couple of Black Medicines in Edinburgh but the one on Nicholson Street is the daddy. While the snack fare is standard and the coffee fine, it is the ambiance that makes this cafe. Woody interiors and a constant playlist of Tom Waits, The Rolling Stones and That New Band You Have Yet To Hear But Will Love, it’s dark, cosy, with excellent street views. Another branch in Bruntsfield and one in Marchmont that boasts Dylan Moran among its regulars. Drop in for a coffee as you get a biscuit with it, that’s right, a biscuit. Aaaah – it's the littlest things. [CS]

Caffé Lucano 
37-39 George IV Bridge

Step into Caffé Lucano and you feel like you’re in a scene from The Godfather; they’re going to make you a coffee you can’t refuse…. and much more besides. Flogging pastries for breakfast, panini for lunch, pasta for dinner, coffee and liquor round the clock; it’s no wonder the elderly Italian men of table 4 appear never to leave. They even serve alcoholic milkshakes, presumably to quieten the bambinos. Student discounts, free newspapers and table service are just the sprinkles on the cappuccino. Also, after 3pm most of the food is half-price so you have no excuse not to gorge. [CS]

Forest Cafe 
3 Bristo Place

The Marmite of Edinburgh cafes; you’ll either buy into the hippy screw-the-man vibe or you’ll just want to go wash your hands. Run by volunteers who are "not your bitches" it doubles as an art space and concert venue. The murals and posters cover most of the dirt and the clientele are sociable if a tad threateningly bohemian. Check out the art gallery, the "free shop" and the various vegetarian options or come for a poetry-reading-cum-psych-folk gig. And then have a shower and go back to your day job. [CS]

Kilimanjaro 
104 Nicolson Street

If you don’t feel like taking any risks, Kilimanjaro is probably the safest cafe to go to; it’s impossible not to like it. The coffee is award-winning, the food homely and affordable, and the setting immaculate. Get a generous portion of the soup of the day and sit by the wide windows looking across Nicholson Street. Alternatively try the peanut butter and banana milkshake, the all-day breakfast, or just enjoy the beautifully crafted cappuccinos made by Scotland’s Barista of the Year. Kilimanjaro is unpretentious, uncomplicated, unparalleled. [CS]

Nile Valley 
6 Chapel Street

This informal Sudanese cafe is a student favourite with the wraps on khobz bread proving the most popular. You pick your own fillings from a ton of unpronounceable sauces and vegetables – like Subway but for people who actually like food. The decor is as basic as it gets but the clientele are trendy and the food somewhat addictive. Good for vegetarians, meat-eaters and anyone looking for a budget dinner (it’s BYOB). This is the sort of place relaxed enough that you don’t notice how "authentic" the experience of going here is. [CS]

Pavillion 
Jawbone Walk

Like the creche version of Forest Cafe with toys instead of subversive artwork, it gives you the cheery face of Edinburgh’s hippy subculture. Ideally situated on the corner of the Meadows it is the only bathroom for miles and you might as well have a coffee while you’re there. The staff are friendly and the hours flexible with great vegetarian fare and intriguing cakes as long as you don’t mind squatting on a child-sized table next to some greying teddy bear. It’s the children’s birthday party it’s OK to intrude upon. [CS]

Peter’s Yard 
27 Simpson Loan

Set in the glossy new Quartermile, this Swedish cafe stocks pastries which sound like Ikea furniture and look like lego. Other fare includes home-made ice cream and artisan bread, but don’t dwell on the prices too much; the real appeal of this cafe is the acres of outside seating. Looking out onto Middle Meadow Walk, this is the perfect Festival people-watching place. Pricey but look out for the ever-full "complimentary" coffee table beside the counter with a guilt-inducing Honesty Box as you wander back for your eighth free latte. [CS]

Spoon
15 Blackfriars Street

Only recently opened, Spoon is already a well-established Newington favourite. Maps are glued to the tables and 70s magazines are glued to the walls, but don’t feel alienated by the all-too hip interiors of Spoon; they also stock old back issues of Cosmo and Men’s Health. The food is basic but brilliant and served all day, though brunch may be the best time to enjoy the bright interiors. Spacious, relaxed, you can kill hours in here. It’s one floor up from busy Nicholson Street and a world away. [CS]