A family-run cafe bistro on St Mary’s Street, a minute from the Royal Mile — with a walled garden behind it.
Between the Royal Mile and the Cowgate, Mary’s does the full Scottish at seven in the morning, moussaka at one, and a steak and a glass of red at ten. Three things people come back for:
Nine breakfasts served from open to close — Scottish, Mediterranean, vegan, or a roll on your way past.
A stone courtyard behind the building, tucked out of the wind. The thing our guests photograph most.
Dolma, hummus, saksuka, enginar, bulgur — five things on one platter, meant to be argued over.
Everything below is served every day we’re open. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes are marked.
Mary’s sits at the bottom of St Mary’s Street, in a stone tenement at the Netherbow end of the Royal Mile. It is a cafe in the morning and a bistro by the afternoon, and the kitchen has never been able to decide whether it is Scottish or Mediterranean — so it does both, and the haggis sits on the same menu as the meze.
Behind the building there is a walled garden: old stone, climbing plants, hanging baskets and a dozen wooden tables. On the rare Edinburgh afternoon that allows it, it is the best seat in the Old Town.
Everything is cooked to order. The cakes are cut where you can see them.
“This cosy cafe has exceptional service and we were well looked after. There is a homely feel to the cafe’s set up.”Tommy Suth · Google review
Reserve in a few seconds through OpenTable. Larger groups and the garden are worth booking ahead — the courtyard fills fast when the sun is out.
Walk-ins always welcome. For groups of eight or more, or anything unusual, ring us on +44 131 563 9581.
Shot in the room, in the garden and out on the pavement. Tap any one to see it whole.
Three minutes’ walk from Waverley, at the Netherbow crossing of the Royal Mile.
| Monday – Friday | 7:00 – 23:00 |
| Saturday | 7:00 – 23:00 |
| Sunday | 7:00 – 23:00 |
Mary’s Cafe Bistro