Had the fruit scone and it was amazing! Cute little place and friendly service! Cappuccino was so wonderful!

Great to see a coffee bar open so late on these dark nights! At this time it's great to actually get a seat as I've often passed here and it's crammed. Because I've already had huge amonts of Black coffee at another cafe previous to this visit i choose a ginger beer for my beverage. It's definatley an off beat sort of place and has a certain buzzy atmosphere even at 6pm on a Friday night. I've still to try a BM coffee so i will try and pop by when i'm next in the area! read more

I'm quite surprised about all the rave reviews of this place... The interior design is amazing, so much wood, native american design fused with strong bold statements. I would like my living room to look like this. It makes me want to love this place. I once had a scone here, which was obviously not so fresh, but warmed up to give me that illusion. It had a really weird aftertaste, and was not at all up to Edinburgh scone standards. Edinburgh offers some pretty good scones, believe me. The coffee here is quite grainy, if not diluted, if not lukewarm. I was so disappointed by the baked goods and coffee here. This probably wouldn't be such a negative point in a smaller town, but unfortunately black medicine is surrounded by places which do the same job so much better: brew lab, the dovecot cafe, Kilimanjaro coffee. On top of that, I have had quite a few problems with the staff here, encountering what seems to be an intended coolness, but comes across as arrogance. Often it feels like they don't care what you have to say, which is fine, but they shouldn't let you feel like that. On a plus, they have wi fi, and I once got a roast vegetable and goats cheese bagel here which was delicious. They certainly have a large amount of regular customers, so they must be doing something right (maybe people come for the hot food and the lovely decor?). read more

Nice coffee & location to meet friends ! I was looking for the place to write article, then luckily there were not so busy. But almost all busy and not quiet place. I went three times and still going, though. :) And, here is the only place to perfectly hear my name to write on the cup in Edinburgh, even the STARBUCKS can't do it ! All in all, I like here to chat with friends & stay for a short time to study ! read more

Lovely staff served me a much needed hot chocolate - a heart warming, frothy mix that was velvety and luxurious. I'll be back :)

Walked in mid-afternoon on a weekday and waited pretty much 20 minutes for an Americano to take away. That's too long. Nice-looking space with the usual assortment of hipsters perched in front of lap tops. Don't think I'll bother to try it again. I hate waiting that long for anything. read more

Ambience great. Coffee ok. Service below par. That's me in there now 3 times this past week and not a smile or hello from anyone working there. One more try and then I'm moving on if no change... read more

I was worried when moving to Scotland that I wouldn't be able to find a great coffee place. Well my fears were unfounded because Black Medicine has some deeeelicious coffee. I've had their drinks for both take away and staying in, and both have been great. Lattes aside - I think my favorite aspect of Black Medicine is the decor - very Pacific Northwest/Puget Sound-y. The staff are very nice and even when it gets busy the drinks still come out in a reasonable amount of time. Also free wifi, yay! read more

I went to Black Medicine for the first time this week, despite it being on my to do list for quite some time. The coffee (I had a flat white) was fantastic but I just didn't find the atmosphere is quite to my taste. I don't know if it was because I was sitting at the back but the music was just a fraction too loud (I sound so old!). It had tipped over from being good to listen to and instead was pushing for my attention constantly. I also don't like that you have to go up to get your coffee like it's a Starbucks. But the staff seemed friendly and the coffee really was nice. read more

For a coffee shop so near the university, this was a big let down. The music is way too loud. The staff, once they actually notice you, are unfriendly and disinterested. The one good thing is the price, but in general a disappointment. read more

Great place for students to plop down, get some coffee, and work through the afternoon--provided it isn't full!

I frequent this place since it is close to work. The seating upstairs is very communal and not particularly cosy and is usually rammed full of students. Hard wood benches and stools everywhere, I just don't feel like it's a comfortable place to be. I ordered a panini with my coffee and that was disappointing, mostly as it was pretty bland. The coffee tends to be milky, I've asked for a dry cappuccino and I couldn't tell the difference to their regular cappuccino. I really only go here because of proximity and not for any other reason. I want to like independent coffee shops but if they can't get a simple dry cap order right it really puts me off. read more

Although I like some of the other Black Medicines across the city - this has to be my least favourate. Its just a bit too big, a bit to loud and a bit too busy. Yes, the same satndard of food and drink is there as the other stores, but frankly - I would try my hardest not to come in here if i could help it. I mean, yeah - it has its bonuses, like being so close to uni and serving damn good soups, but I just dont think I can put up with the other stuff. Much rather go to the one in Marchmont. read more

Cute coffee shop with a unique ambiance due to the wood-carved furniture. Felt a little bit rushed to order and pay when I went in the afternoon, and you can probably find coffee for cheaper elsewhere. I had a better experience on another occasion when I tried their tomato brie croissant, which was warmed up, and flaky and soft. I happened to get a window seat that time, which was nice for its natural lighting. Altogether pretty good, but I'll be trying some other places before coming back. read more

Im in Edinburgh for the month of the frindge. My friends nick name the the coffee girl. Everywhere I go I find a great cafe. I must say it was a challenge in Edinburgh this trip. Until I found Black Medicine that is. Great coffee, deserts, sandwiches etc. Upstairs and downstairs and a great decor. The staff are lovely and the toilets are clean. They are downstairs though, I always wonder in Edinburgh how mobiltiy challenged people survive. read more

Loving the wood but hotter coffee please! The choc chip cookie a nice free saucer filler.

Had a delicious cup of hot chocolate after climbing Arthur's Seat. This is a chill, cozy, funky place.

Great place to start your day. Good coffees, great food, unique atmosphere, friendly staff.

A brilliant cafe with free wi fi, fantastic food (lunch/snack type...paninis, sandwiches, toasties, cakes, cookies) and a large variety of drinks from teas and coffees to milk shakes and smoothies all at great prices. It has amazing wooden seating and tables, it is a decent size and quite cosy. A good place to stop by and to use your lap top in peace! read more

A cosy café with funky chairs and tables made from rough and natural timber, this is a great place to hang out, watch the world go by and make good use of the free wi fi internet connection. While Black Medicine is often filled with students and travellers, anyone will feel at home in the warm and friendly environment. A selection of bagels, roles and sandwiches are available, along with great fruit smoothies and good coffee. read more

Utterly brilliant, great value coffee shop right in the middle of the Old Town -- often very busy, don't even TRY going in at 1pm when lectures chuck out for lunch at the Uni -- but still a lovely place to hang out. The drinks menu is vast -- not just coffees but teas galore, and a menu of smoothies that is legendary among students... the Flash Smoothie should have its own fanclub! They also do a huge glass of juice from a large selection for only a quid, which is great for a hot summer's day and makes a nice alternative to tea or coffee. The pastries are always yummy too -- the choc and walnut brownie is particularly lovely as is the rocky road. The sandwiches are also great, unusual fillings but always well heated/toasted and presented... and bargainous! Particularly good are the salmon bagel and the pesto melt... this place is great for veggies and vegans too with a good choice of meat and fish free sarnies and paninis. I've been going to Meds for over five years and I'll admit, the staffing isn't what it used to be -- die hard Meds regulars all fondly remember the two Kyles running the show, those were the days! Unfortunately Meds staffing policy seems to be that first and foremost, you must be a hipster to work there nowadays... but most of the hipster staff are pleasant enough, I'm just nostalgic. Not everyone likes the 'YOUR FOOD'S READY COME GET IT LAZY-ASS!' yelling system that Meds operates, but I love it. The whole place is really laid back and cool, usually the music is great and the prices are the best thing about it. It's where I always take my visitors for a true Edinburgh experience! read more

Without drawing the eye, The Black Medicine Cafe is one of Edinburgh's hot-spots. You could easily miss it as you walk along the bustling pavement of Nicolson St, but upon entering there is a warm and quirky charm that immediately draws you in. It's easy to see why Black Medicine is a favourite for students, who study nearby and look for an inspiring retreat for their study breaks. Filled with unique, carved furniture and cosy burrows at the windows for street-gazing, the cafe has an old-fashioned feel, while serving warm, wholesome pannini's, soups and good coffee. Adding to the atmosphere are a bunch of fun and friendly young staff from all over the world, who no doubt bring their own eclectic range of music into work every day, providing a stimulating soundtrack to your morning coffee. Black Medicine is a great place for wanderers to stop a moment and watch the passers-by themselves for a change. For those who are always plugged in, free wireless is available. Informal, rustic and friendly, Black Medicine is a great stop-off during a lull in your busy day. read more

The Black Medicine Coffee Company cafe is a staple for many Edinburgh students - especially those looking for a study break from the law lectures at Old College across the road. There's the usual selection of coffee, tea, hot chocolate etc, as well as a great smoothy menu and lots of tasty treats, cakes, paninis etc. There's quite a cosy atmosphere with carved wooden tables and chairs and window seats. Definitely more personal than the usual big coffee chains. Prices are pretty average and all in all this is a great place for a relaxing timeout. read more

I really like this coffee shop and it's a great place to hang out or get some work done with a coffee. I would agree with some of the other commenters that music can often be a bit too loud - but it doesn't stop me going regularly.. read more

Black Medicine used to be a great coffee hang out, but it seems to have gone somewhat downhill recently, although it still seems to be popular with the Edinburgh University students who give it an energetic buzz. A recent trip there confirmed that the coffee is badly made, the staff are unfriendly and the music makes it feel like a nightclub. One of the few things Black Med. has going for it is the decor; it's furnished with a rather charming collection of hand carved tables and chairs. In addition to this there's free wifi and a couple of power points next to the window seats by the front door. So, if you're really stuck for somewhere to charge up and connect from, then you might end up braving the bad coffee and music! read more

I am sitting in Black Medicine as I write this. I have given Black Medicine multiple opportunities to retain their spot a the top of my Edinburgh cafe list. Their coffee and snacks are ok, but the service is not the friendliest. One time I was *accidently* given my order in a take away cup even though I never said it was take away, and although it was a mistake on their end, I was glared at by a barista for a good 5 minutes and then approached in an angry manner, going on a rant about how students order in a take away and then sit in. I understand that there was built-up frustration, but I thought it was inappropriate to take it out on me. When I went back and told another barista about the incident, her response was "oh yeah, we yell at people a lot." No thanks, Black Medicine! read more

the coffee, the atmosphere, the pastries/sandwiches... this ended up being our morning go-to during our trip to edinburgh. there is a downstairs, but kept ourselves happily cozy in the beautifully carved chairs on first floor. read more

Good place to study or talk- large seating area downstairs and plenty of food (bagels, sandwiches, pastries) to keep you going.

Absolutely lovely. The coffee was solid - the natural wood chairs and tables are enchanting, and and consistently good pastry.

This cafe is quite expensive and I find the food very limited. You cannot order a sandwich from different fillings, only the snadwiches they offer, so if you don't like a particular ingredient you cannot ask for the sandwich etc without it. It is quite popular with students and for coffee. All seat and tables are carved from wood and the lighting is quite dim. Unless you are looking for a good coffee don't bother going. read more

Good coffee and tea. Good home made lemonade. Good Lemon Drizzle cake. Deservedly popular with students, I would go here again but at a time of day when students are still asleep as some of them showed their ignorance to both the staff and other customers. Drinks are decently priced, give it a go if you are in the Nicolson Street area read more

The coffee is decent, and they have good sandwiches. However, this joint is extremely hipster. For example, there are a few, bulky tables made out of old tree trunks and it's an extremely popular joint; so watch out if you want to get a seat there, because it's hit or miss. That's what I mean by hipster. Plus, the coffee is a little pricey for the quality. The staff are also a little stiff and pretentious, as well. So meh. read more