I only had a few lattes and cortados here but they were so amazing! The guilty pleasure espresso was soooo good, I had to buy a bag to take home with me! The staff was relatively nice but the cafe was very busy. It was hard to find somewhere to sit. The food options looked great but I only got to try one pastry. read more

Cairngorm Coffee - Cortado - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, MLN

Six of seven, on the Disloyal 7 challenge, and we were swiftly running out of time to collect 'em all! We clearly didn't plan things out well, as we had to scramble to hit stops 6 and 7 within an hour of closing, on our last full day in Edinburgh. But, in our defense, coffee shops close up super early in Edinburgh! We hustled our way from the Mile towards Cairngorm, side-stepping tourists and hurrying across intersections. On a normal day, it would've been a nice jaunt through town, but on this day, it was a hectic seemingly-longer-than-it-should-have-been-half-sprint to the front door. I did love the feel of this shop, from the steps leading down to the cozy interior and the bags of spent coffee bean lining the ceiling. The girl working that day was very nice and welcoming. We placed our order and settled into a small table near the back of the building. I kept an eye on the barista (hubby's back was to the counter) so that I could pop up to grab our drinks when they were ready, but she brought them to us, instead. She saw our Disloyal 7 cards out on the table, and said, "Be sure to bring that by before you leave so that I can stamp them!" The lattes were good, with a nice, rich and creamy flavor. I think I could've ended our night here, wrapped up in the warmth of a good latte and a comfortable chair, but my husband pointed out that we had time to get to the final stop on our list, if we hurried. So, we went up to the counter and had the barista stamp their slice, and then hurried once more into the cold Edinburgh dusk. read more

Cairngorm Coffee - Interior and the super fun ceiling - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, MLN

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Nice spot for an afternoon break - lots of seating, friendly staff, good drink and sweets selection. We had a long black, assam tea, honey nut oat bar, and millionaires shortbread. read more

Amazing coffee & service! Awesome atmosphere too! Highly recommend this place for a cup of coffee or tea!

Cheese toastie heaven? Hell yes! I love cheese toasties - maybe too much, but I'm ok with that. I headed here to get some work done and for a meeting and was absolutely starving due to a disappointing brunch elsewhere. Cairngorm on Frederick St is a bit smaller than I was expecting but the table outside was free, so I ordered at the counter and then took a seat. I ordered an Americano as well as a toastie with chili jam on it. I didn't have to wait long for either and woah - what an impressive toastie. It was jam packed with cheese but in good way, and was totally lush - cheesey, chili and delicious bread too. It was also a massive portion and I actually couldn't finish it all. At least I know for next time! This place was great - welcoming, relaxing and a really great spot to get some work done and then have a meeting. It is small inside though so you might not get a seat, but it's still worth taking a chance. read more

Cairngorm Coffee - Cheese toastie and an Americano - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, MLN

Super funky coffee venue in the heart of Edinburgh. I've heard so much about the grilled cheese sandwiches which I'm still yet to try, but at least today I can finally make comment on the coffee! It's good. I put it up there with the likes of Wellington and Grounds, this place does a pretty decent coffee. I really liked the interior, there wasn't a whole lot of seating but it's cosy and rustic and if you happen to be alone without any piece of technology on you then there's access to tablets fixed on the communal bench. I would have given five stars but the wait time for a coffee was in excess of 15 minutes and the place was not that busy. I honestly thought they had gotten my order but it eventually came out with an apology and friendly smile so all is forgiven. read more

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OMG THIS GRILLED CHEESE. It was truly epic. I was walking around time with my friend who was visiting and we needed a snack before dinner. We seriously sniffed the air and I said "that smells like grilled cheese" and she goes "maybe it is coming from that place that says they serve coffee and grilled cheese"...so in we went! We just tried the regular grilled cheese with chili chutney and it was divine. The bread was so very tasty too. I love coffee, and theirs smelled good, but I opted to try a coffee tonic which was on the menu board. The barista said it was coffee and tonic water and tasted like stout. To be honest, I didn't care for it, but I will be back to try their aeropress and another grilled cheese for sure! read more

Cairngorm Coffee - The best grilled cheese - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, MLN

So just when I think the Edinburgh coffee scene can't surprise me, I find Cairngorm. Not only does this little basement coffee shop do fantastic coffees that rivals some of the best, but the grilled cheese sarnies are amazing (and a great hangover cure FYI). The staff are always really friendly in here, and this is fast becoming my local coffee shop (especially as I've moved in round the corner). They also have 2 iPads free to use in there, which is a nice touch, as my ipad is currently dead and it saves you asking for the wifi code. read more

Cairngorm Coffee - Thanks a latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, MLN

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First of all, their grilled cheese met my expectations! As did the coffee although (and I hate to bring this up each time I post a yelp review of a European coffee shop), but why...why only serve a one sized latte? As I've stated before, I'd gladly pay an extra buck or two (even) for a 12oz. I know...I know, I shouldn't make a fuss about it, after all it's all about the taste right? And as you can probably imagine, it tasted great with a citrusy and somewhat cheery aftertaste that stayed in my mouth minutes after having finished the cup! I urge ya'll to get here if you wanna have a heavenly good cup of joe! read more

Cairngorm Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, MLN

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Tutting at myself for not visiting this place sooner. it's like being in my second home - Aviemore, right next to the Cairngorms. It strikes a cord in me as there are lots of good happy ones up there. Anyways - coffee gets a tick from me. Flat white get a gold star from me and so does the croissant. I love the interior decor. Like Caz says you may or may not be so lucky with a seat or table as the place gets busy quickly. Toilets? or did I miss them? read more

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My colleague recommended this place to me and I absolutely LOVE their coffee. Never have any problem with their service but i only order coffee to go. Lovely decor and food look amazing as well (haven't try any of them yet but colleagues have positive feedbacks). It's just around the corner from my work, so i pay regular visit since then. HIGHLY recommended! read more

Cairngorm Coffee - Really like the deco of this place - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, MLN

There are two great reasons to go to Cairngorm. Coffee and grilled cheese sandwiches. On the coffee front this is on the upper-end of the coffee offerings in Edinburgh. There is a lot of good coffee in the area but this is definitely a great choice. Flat whites, filters, espressos all done with expertise. Then there is the grilled cheese. These fairly substantial looking sourdough sandwiches aren't just your usual cheese and ham affair. With various types of cheese and more unusual fillings such as stilton, pear and chocolate. I don't know if it's the best grilled cheese sandwich I've ever had, but everytime I walk past I have an immediate desire for one. They are clearly passionate in here and I keep coming back. The venue itself is unusual. It's definitely rustic; woods beams and eclectic decor. It's quite dark. It feels like the kind of hip cosy highland place you would want to step into after a trip up the Cairngorms, although maybe not after a sunny afternoon shopping trip on George Street. It's good to have some variety and I appreciate a coffee shop that doesn't just look the same as everywhere else. One good thing about Cairngorm is it's open till 7pm. Good coffee after work is few and far between. Check it out. And I although it looks good, don't burn your mouth on the cheese. It's *hot*. read more

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Such a lovely place and it is going to be my second home in Edinburgh probably:) Friendly staff, delicious artisan coffee, oishi-scones (they warm it up before serving), cozy decor with 2xiPad available in-store. Hands down! Top 5 favorite spots in the city. I will definitely come back to try their grilled cheese next time... And! If you fancy a cold brew, they offer Minor Figures Cold Brew from a London Based micro-brewery, either straight black or with organic milk. I bought a black cold brew for the day after to help me get pumped for some calories burning exercise. Nice acidity with a balanced flavor, much more enjoyable than working out. Next time I will try it with milk! read more

Cairngorm Coffee - My second scone of the day - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, MLN

Quaint little cafe that was right outside our airbnb. The interior decor shows its character and the food was actually more impressive than the coffee! Definitely try the grilled cheese and carrot cake for a bright start to your morning in Edinburgh :) read more

Cairngorm Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, MLN

Really friendly staff, great coffee coupled with a unique, comfortable and artsy interior. Great place to spend your afternoon chilling or working. The toasted sandwiches are amazing. I had a jarlsberg and Chilli jam sandwich. read more

Cairngorm Coffee - Great coffee at Cairngorn Frederick Street. Lovely atmosphere and friendly staff. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, MLN

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Super dinky little coffee shop on busy Frederick Street. Their espresso comes from local roaster Mr Eion and they have a V60 'brew bar' as well if espresso isn't quite your thing. They also served a grilled cheese toasty for those who fancy a bite tho I've yet to try it out for myself. They also sell a variety of chocolate, crisps and snack bars if you're just wanting to grab something on the go. Not many tables though so be warned you may not always get a seat. read more

Amazing coffee, amazing grilled cheese, and amazing brownies. All to be enjoyed in a cosy little place right off of George Street. Guest filter coffees are in each week and served with tasting notes. There isn't much else to say. If you want an excellent cup of coffee, an epic grilled cheese, or a delicious brownie, you should stop by Cairngorm Coffee. Staff are great. Highly recommended if you're looking for an indie coffee place in Edinburgh. read more

I had a fantastic grilled cheese here and shared a really good brownie with my wife. I'm not a big coffee drinker, but my wife is and she was raving about the coffee here. This is a great local (as far as I know) indie coffee and sandwich bar and if I live closer I would frequent here regularly. Highly recommended. read more

We ordered a flat white and latte. Both were good, but a bit bitter. Had to add sugar when I normally do not. Definitely one of the better coffees we had in Edinburgh. I came back later for a Toastie, it was very yummy but I took it to go and did not get to enjoy it hot. read more

salmon Bagel is awesome. One of the best I have ever tried! Good place to have a coffee, take a rest during the shopping! read more

Cairngorm Coffee - Salmon Bagel and cappuccino - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, MLN

Had an incredible experience here! I had a grilled cheese w ham and dijon which was delicious. The bread the grilled cheese is on is thick and buttery. I will definitely be back to try their chili jam grilled cheese! They didn't have it today, but I have read such good things. My favorite thing was the chocolate orange brownie I had. So many brownies at cafes are so dry, but this was deliciously moist - almost like fudge - with such a delightful balance of orange and chocolate. It is rather small, but I found a little seat for myself and they have free, fast wifi! Couldn't ask for anything better! read more

Yes yes yes! This is my second visit to cairngorm, and most certainly will not be my last. The staff are lovely as all heck and extremely helpful, the cafe is totally chill and you don't feel rushed at all. It's small, quiet (but not too quiet) and a lovely wee escape from the town centre. On to the good stuff. The coffee is great, with a good variety and different choices for the coffee elite BUT come here for the grilled cheese and brownies. Om nom nom nom. We had the special, and it was melt in your mouth tummy hugging good. Best cheese toastie in Edinburgh (don't worry scoff is still number 2). read more

We're not talking just grilled cheese here! Thick slices of mayonnaise slathered rustic bakery bread, aged jarlesberg cheese, tender slices of off-the-bone ham stuffed in a meal of a sandwich and grilled caramel brown. Great coffee too! Yowza. All for £7.50. read more

Cairngorm Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, MLN

I had a kind of meh-ish experience at Cairngorm Coffee recently. These days, Edinburgh's coffee scene has really been ramped up so places need to do more than just make good coffee - it needs to be served in decent surroundings by people who have more to offer than just coffee-making ability. Of those three requirements, Cairngorm addresses two. The coffee is good and the venue is nice - it is small and while it doesn't exactly invite you to stay a while, it is perfectly adequate for while you're enjoying their wares. It was the service we experienced which really let the side down. So, I'm growing a person and I like coffee. Little person likes coffee too and my penchant for lattes has increased so I now have 1-2 a week (vs 1-2 a month previously). But, in order for a latte to actually taste of coffee and not just vaguely coffee-ish milk, it needs two shots of espresso. Fortunately, most places (including Cairngorm) do two shots. UNfortunately, that may be tipping the caffeine while pregnant scale a bit on the high side. So, I discovered the half-decaf latte. One shot caffeinated espresso, one shot decaf. Flavour with half the caffeine. I have never had a problem ordering this anywhere, until I came to Cairngorm. I ordered and the barista said "so just one shot of espresso?" I explained that, no, I wanted one shot of normal espresso and one decaf, if that was ok. She repeated what I said in a way that screamed "are you having an absolute laugh?" I said yes, that was right, and was that ok? I was treated with a *sigh* "YES" *extended pause* "that's fine" Is half decaf more work? Yes. Were there any other customers either in line or in the cafe? Well actually no there weren't. In fact, they were more than an hour to closing and not one person came in after us. I 100% understand how it's annoying to have to make weird specialty drinks for someone, but when you literally have nothing else to do it should really not be an issue. And frankly, when I'm visiting a cafe, I expect to be able to get what I want to drink as opposed to settle for something which is more convenient for the barista to make. So all in all, not loving it. If I were meeting someone for a a coffee in town again, I would steer away from Cairngorm. read more

Great little coffee joint but service is lacking. Walked in after a large group of girls so I expected my order to take a little longer than usual. What I didn't expect was that one of the baristas left the bar leaving us all waiting for our coffees. The one barista left worked hard to get our drinks out but it still took a good while. Even if it's time for your break, don't take it when the place is just filling up! Great coffee and cake, lovely decor but service could be much better. read more

Their 3 cheese toastie is Amazing. I have had it two lunches in a row and can't get enough! Perfect flat whites in a great basement space. It's all so good! read more

Cairngorm Coffee - Mmmm delicious flat white goodness - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edinburgh, MLN

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Cute cozy hidden gem coffee shop. Moderately priced cafe with friendly staffs. Highly recommended! read more

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I went in here purely by chance on Saturday morning and I'm glad I did. I had a Fantastic bacon sandwich and lovely fresh, coffee. The bacon sandwich was on chunky sourdough bread and stuffed with bacon. The coffee was rich, flavoursome and made with care. The only reason it's not a 5 star review is because its such a small, dark space. I look forward to trying their West End outpost. read more

Great little coffee spot. I had the cappuccino, it was really good. Hubby had a coffee, loved it. The staff was really kind, bribed my daughter with a straw if she used the bathroom lol. Will definitely come back next time we are in Edinburgh. read more

Loved the whole experience with superb coffee. I had avocado toast which tasted like great healthy food and also a bonus was the friendly service. read more

Perfect place for a good pour over or filter coffee similar to what you have at nice coffee places in the US. While I love Americano, it is nice to get a great Chemex from time to time. Staff is friendly and attentive and location is great. read more

Continuing my quest for the ultimate flat white in Edinburgh!! Really enjoyed this one, great vibe inside the store too. The only downside to this whole experience was that I wasn't hungry enough to try one of the EPIC looking grilled cheeses. read more

Jaw dropping Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Chilli jam. Cheese. More cheese. Another cheese. Ham. Sourdough. You nailed it. read more

Awesome - as others say - I come here for pourover coffee and grilled cheese. Both are incredible. Also does a mean bacon on sourdough - really stacked with bacon. Friendly service and nice space (inc breakfast bar style seating and more traditional tables). Free wifi with two in-situ iPads. You could spend your life circulating between here, Lowdown and Fortitude, and die a happy person. Coffee-life at its very best. read more

Was able to enjoy slightly warmer spring weather in Edinburgh at Cairngorm! I ordered an americano and a peanut butter chocolate brownie (oh my god so so tasty) and sat at one of the outdoor tables they have on the street level. I could go on and on about how nice and strong the coffee was (I actually prefer it to the americano I had at Wellington's), or how absolutely delicious the brownie was, but all you really need to know is that you should go there. Quick service and friendly baristas, nice view if you sit outside, a good amount of table space inside, great coffee and really decadent treats. I will definitely be back to try one of the famous grilled cheese sandwiches, and let's be honest, probably another brownie too. read more

Excellent lentil salad and really good haloumi sandwich. Very friendly staff. Only in Edinburgh for a few days but I'll surely be back before we leave! read more

I travel a lot, and the convenience of big coffee chains can take over, but I happened upon this sweet little shop on Frederick Street during a weekend stay. I chatted with the owner, Robbie, and got to know a little bit about the company. Only three months in business, and there seems to be a superior little enterprise happening here. I had a cup of freshly ground and filtered Kenya coffee which was delicious, noticed there were sandwiches and chocolates and snacks and told them I'd be back later for lunch. I came back a few hours later after scaling Arthur's Seat and tried one of the famous grilled cheese sandwiches. It was decadently delicious. I returned the next day, Sunday, on my way to the train station to have one more Kenya and one more grilled cheese. I hope Robbie stays in business. It's a fantastic hip little shop, a few tables and communal sitting areas, free wifi and even a couple of tablets there to check in with the web when you haven't brought your own device. Clean, chic, friendly and refreshingly urban - this place needs to be supported by everyone wanting a good coffee. And I learned something about CairnGorm Mountain! read more