Next week marks Afternoon Tea Week running from August 8 until August 14.
So with this in mind, we wanted to take a look at just a few of Edinburgh's top eateries that you should visit either alone, or with friends and family, for a relaxing day out.
So if you're in the capital and want to stop for some food, here's five places you should visit during you're trip. Regardless of whether you're a local or tourist.
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Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh
Thoughts: Award-winning afternoon tea at one of Edinburgh's most luxurious dining venues definitely falls under the second category. As Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh introduced their new themed afternoon tea, our reporter Iuliia Vlasova happily went over to check it out. You can read our review here.
TripAdvisor ranking and review: This place ranks number 20 out of of 165 hotels in Edinburgh. On review from August 2022 reads: "Went to Afternoon Tea. Fantastic! Better than the Balmoral and ’Gemma, my server was incredibly personable, professional and attentive. The sandwiches were great and the scones among the best I’ve ever had. The pastries were so creative and tasty. The setting was gorgeous and relaxing. Go!!"
'Excellent' reviews: 3,324
Location: Princes St, Edinburgh EH1 2AB
The Dome
Thoughts: This is without a shadow of a doubt a must-visit for tourists and locals alike. And as well as their famous Afternoon Tea experience, the gorgeous dining venue is now offering its visitors a morning alternative for the early birds. So no matter when you're going, you're in for a real treat. You can read all about it here.
TripAdvisor ranking and review: This place ranks 383 out of 1,776 restaurants in Edinburgh. One review reads: "Excellent service. Very welcoming nothing was too much trouble for staff serving in tea room. Very welcoming, courteous and polite. Very well managed. Front of house also made you feel very special. Afternoon tea well worth the money and well presented."
'Excellent' reviews: 701
Location: 14 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PF
Prestonfield House
Thoughts: Situated in stunning scenery and serving up excellent food and drinks, what's not to love? Preston House prides themselves on offering a luxurious and memorable experience. They made their own selection of scones and other baked goodies. Not only that, they have a selection of leaf teas including Prestonfield's own unique blends.
So if you're after a relaxing time with good food and to be seated in gardens overlooked by the famous Arthurs Seat, where better to go?
TripAdvisor ranking and review: This place ranks at number 14 out of 165 hotels in Edinburgh. One review reads: "Finally visited and was not disappointed. Had a window seat overlooking the gardens which was excellent. Great selection of good for the afternoon tea which was just a little different. Savouries were delicious as was the rest of the food. Enjoyed the most amazing rhubarb rooibos tea, which I was advised is locally sourced. The décor is amazing and quirky! Opulent extravagance indeed!"
'Excellent' reviews: 1,226
Location: Priestfield Road, Edinburgh EH16 5UT Scotland
Eteaket
Thoughts: This is a great place to go if you want to enjoy a spot of afternoon tea on a budget with their afternoon potentially amongst the cheapest in the capital. And if you're an avid tea drinker - you'll be pleased to know they stock over 35 different kinds of loose teas.
TripAdvisor ranking and review: This place sit at 496 out of 1,779 restaurants in Edinburgh. One review reads: "I booked afternoon tea using the online system which was very efficient. We arrived for our tea at 4pm and were warmly welcomed, shown to our table outside as requested. The staff were so lovely and service was prompt but not rushed.
"We got our tea first with an explanation about optimum brew time. A short while later we got our tiered stand of sarnies, scones and cakes. Absolutely delicious! We had the most lovely time sitting in the sun. It was great value (especially when compared to what else was on offer in Edinburgh that day!!) I would return here for sure and definitely recommend Eateket for afternoon tea or even high tea! Great staff. Good location on a ‘not too busy’ road!"
'Excellent' reviews: 257
Location: 41 Frederick St, Edinburgh EH2 1EP
Bon Tea Room
Thoughts: Bon Tea Room is the capital's top-rated place when it comes to tea and coffee - while it's also considered the best for desserts as well. The beautifully quaint café, painted in pink and blue and with several nods to famous Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, prides itself on traditional English afternoon teas and their towers of delicious-looking homemade sandwiches, cakes and bakes. You can read more about them in one of our recent article here.
TripAdvisor ranking and review: As above, this place ranks at the number one spot out of 224 Coffee & Tea places in Edinburgh. One review reads: "We booked this little gem of a cafe for a baby shower for afternoon tea. Everything served was delicious and the cakes and sweet treats are truly a work of art, little edible choc prams, rattle meringues, baby themed treats. it was so delicious and beautiful to look at! Would thoroughly recommend. Thank for making our day special."
'Excellent' reviews: 248
Location: 279A St John's Road, EH12 7XF.
If we've missed any gems out you know and love, let us know about them in the comments!
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