When you just need to get some reliable coffee and aren't sure where the best local coffee shops are, heading to a chain is a safe choice.
In Edinburgh, there are a number of coffee chains such as Costa, Caffè Nero, Pret a Manger, and Starbucks.
With so many of the latter scattered around Edinburgh, you're likely to always be within walking distance to one of the coffee shops.
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Not all Starbucks are created equal, however, and some stores in the city have a better reputation than others.
To help you find the best Starbucks to pick up your morning coffee, we've sorted them all by their review score on Tripadvisor — and included comments from customers.
Fort Kinnaird, 32 Fleming House
Rating: 2/5
Number of reviews: 13
At the very bottom, and the only Starbucks in Edinburgh with a rating of two out of five on Tripadvisor is the Starbucks at Fort Kinnaird. Out of 13 reviews, seven of them gave the coffee shop a score of one out of five. Customers slammed its "shocking service", slow and unfriendly staff, and dirty tables.
What one customer said: "I advise everyone drink coffee elsewhere at another branch or another coffee chain, my partner ran in for 1 coffee just to buy something as we needed boiling water for our baby’s bottle, this somehow took them 20/25 minutes to do so, a screaming hysterical baby, a crying mother and what 4 staff running about doing effing nothing, I’m from Glasgow and Starbucks staff are all lovely shame I can’t say the same about the idiots out here, I for one have worked in busy hotels and coffee shops so I’m not being a Karen I’m a customer who has worked in this line of business and it’s not that hard, I suggest you look at your staffing situation maybe replace them if they aren’t capable, absolute sham won’t be back."
Shandwick Place, 52 Shandwick Place
Rating: 2.5/5
Number of reviews: 7
Scoring just two and a half out of five, customers have not been impressed by the Starbucks on Shandwick Place. The staff in particular received much criticism. It does only have seven reviews, however, so maybe it isn't as bad as it is being made out.
What one customer said: "I've been coming to Starbucks regularly on my way to work, when the Haymarket station store became too busy in the mornings I decided to visit the Shandwick Place store so that I wasn't late to work. I'm not impressed. I have been three times this week and every single time my order has been wrong, and when I point out the error I am made to feel like it's my fault that they messed up the order. Perhaps I should start walking in with 'I want vanilla syrup in my drink' on my forehead and then I might finally get what I ordered. Going to start going back to the Haymarket station store."
Leith Walk, 3 Shrub Place Lane
Rating: 3/5
Number of reviews: 7
Only seven people have reviewed this Starbucks, so take the score with a pinch of salt. The reviews are also all over the place, ranging from one out of five to full marks. This may be one you need to test for yourself.
What one customer said: "My daughter lives in this area and this is the first time I’ve actually gone into this Starbucks and I think it will be the last, not for an extreme reason, just that there is a good choice of coffee places on Leith Walk where you will be welcomed and actually treated like an individual breathing human being lol. Walking into this Starbucks is like walking into a Student common room of old, lots of seating taken up by younger generations with laptops/tablets charging while being worked on and nursing one cup! If this is what Starbucks wants and if this is the customer base they want then good luck to them, just not for me! Coffee was latte but quite bitter!"
Edinburgh Airport
Rating: 3/5
Number of reviews: 10
When you're waiting to catch a flight, your standards for good coffee may be lower than usual — as anything that keeps you awake will do the trick. That's fortunate, because the coffee at the Edinburgh Airport Starbucks does not seem to be particularly remarkable based on reviews.
What one customer said: "This is a typical Starbucks store, the coffee was fine and the cinnamon swirl was fresh. As we were early for our flight we sat there for considerable time and I noticed that for that entire time (at least an hour) the water was running in the sink. The sink was used to rinse out the benders. Now it maybe that I come from a country where water is a precious resource so this really bothered me or maybe I have misunderstood and they have a recycling system whereby they reuse the water?, I don't know but that was an incredible waste of water."
Colinton Road, 2 Colinton Road
Rating: 3/5
Number of reviews: 21
This seems to be a particularly divisive Starbucks, with the majority of reviews being either one out of five or five out of five — with no three out of five scores. Some praised its "fantastic service and super team" whilst others compared it to a "dystopia".
What one customer said: "Must have been desperate as I actually ventured in for a coffee to my least favourite coffee shop. Things don't get any better, I have been all over the world and have yet to find a Starbucks where you can actually taste the coffee. So more hot milk. Staff were fine and the service was good, but the coffee enough said."
Ocean Terminal, Ru45 Ocean Drive
Rating: 3/5
Number of reviews: 63
There was quite a range of opinions regarding the Ocean Terminal Starbucks, but the consensus seemed to be it was fairly middle-of-the-road. The service was a point of contention, though, with some reviewers slow and unfriendly.
What one customer said: "Agree with previous reviewers, a pretty average Starbucks, which does however benefit from a few tables outside in the mall. This is a nicer place to sit drinking your coffee than inside, which is pretty small and can be crowded."
Fountain Park, Dundee Street
Rating: 3.5/5
Number of reviews: 8
One of the least-reviewed Starbucks locations on this list, there is not a lot of information to work with. However, most seemed to be in agreement that it is pretty much your best option for coffee if you're heading to the cinema at Fountain Park.
What one customer said: "We met with some family here for drinks + a catch up before our movie. It's a big open seating area, lots of seats and it's nice + bright. The only place to go for a drink unless you want to go to a pub. It's upstairs but there is a lift if you need it."
Dreghorn Link, 46 Dreghorn Link
Rating: 3.5/5
Number of reviews: 11
There was a wide range of opinions about the Dreghorn Link Starbucks, from the service to the coffee itself. Some felt the drinks were "the best" while others called the coffee tepid. Similarly, the staff were called both "lovely" and "dreadful".
What one customer said: "The server asked if we wanted our cinnamon buns heated so we were surprised when they said there was no micro to heat up the tepid coffee. They gave a fresh coffee instead which was fair enough but the rest of us didn't have the courage to ask as well. A friend tells me you should request an extra hot coffee so is this health & safety gone mad? Didn't rate the coffee flavour much either despite the blurb on the walls about it."
Village Hotel, Crewe Road North
Rating: 3.5/5
Number of reviews: 16
Being located in a hotel, this Starbucks is a little different from most of the others on this list. Most said the coffee was great as always though, but some felt that the drinks were too expensive and the noise level was too high.
What one customer said: "This isn't a bad Starbucks but the service was quite slow and there always seemed to be kids running around making a lot of noise - not a great way to relax and enjoy a drink. The coffee was very nice, although a bit more expensive than I normally pay but I suppose that is to be expected in a hotel."
Leith Street, 47 Leith Street
Rating: 3.5/5
Number of reviews: 28
The Starbucks on Leith Street was praised for its good coffee and service, but some customers felt the coffee shop was understaffed. Additionally, it was criticised for its "elevated noise levels".
What one customer said: "A wee bit short staffed with tables needing cleaned cappuccino was up to the usual standard. A good pavement view looking out as well as a building site across the road. I was only in for a coffee I did not realise I had not been asked if I would like chocolate or cinnamon on it. On another day I would have gone back but it was just a small thing."
Stockbridge, 8-10 Baker's Place
Rating: 3.5/5
Number of reviews: 30
Shoppers noted that it was the location that sets this Starbucks apart from the rest, which makes sense given that its in the heart of Stockbridge. However, some weren't so keen on the service and staff.
What one customer said: "I come here very regularly and usually order the same thing either a vanilla ice latte or a caramel iced latte with cream. It’s never usually very busy which is good and there’s a lot of sofas in the upstairs and downstairs. There’s good wifi and charging sockets. Although staff aren’t the friendliest drinks are always good."
Gyle Shopping Centre
Rating: 3.5/5
Number of reviews: 39
The Starbucks at the Gyle was commended by customers for its great coffee and friendly service. Where it fell down slightly was its cleanliness, with shoppers commenting that tables were not cleared when they sat down.
What one customer said: "The Gayle shopping centre has many options for a coffee stop, most popular and the busiest is M&S so the others need to ensure they are up to scratch. M&S was busy so we tried Starbucks it too was busy however tables were free but not cleared. The coffee and hot chocolate was as ever lovely."
George Street, 30A George Street
Rating: 3.5/5
Number of reviews: 67
While the ambience didn't score as highly as other Starbucks in Edinburgh, the location on George Street was praised by members of the public for its friendly staff and good seating.
What one customer said: "This is a busy Starbucks in central Edinburgh. Customers coming in/out every minute. Lucky to get a seat in peak hours. Staff are excellent at serving fast and keeping the queues down. Visited a couple times during our stay."
Waverley Steps, Unit 13, Princes Mall
Rating: 3.5/5
Number of reviews: 75
For those heading for a train at Waverley Station, you can't really beat this Starbucks location-wise. Fortunately, it also has mostly good reviews from customers — particularly for its bustling ambience.
What one customer said: "We love Starbucks and go frequently to local ones, tried this one while in the area. Comfortable although no clean tables when we went in. Coffee was the same as always but we love it. Odd choice of music as always at Starbucks."
Princes Street, 120 Princes Street
Rating: 3.5/5
Number of reviews: 195
The Starbucks on Princes Street is naturally one of the most reviewed locations in the city, which makes its relatively high score all the more impressive. Customers felt it was a good all-round coffee spot, and didn't excel in any one particular area — but also didn't disappoint in any regard either.
What one customer said: "Staff were very helpful but ever so slightly pushy with adding things onto my order, but I’m sure they are asked to do that and their friendly attitude more than made up for it. Great coffee, beautiful cafe."
Haymarket, 1A Haymarket
Rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 49
Coming in at number four — and the first to receive a rating of four out of five — is the Starbucks inside Haymarket train station, which will come as a relief to those who like a cup of coffee during their morning commute. Reviews noted the great location and friendly staff.
What one customer said: "Our favourite Starbucks for the great drinks, lovely staff and service. Always a great atmosphere and good music!"
Canongate, 116-118 Canongate
Rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 71
The bronze medal goes to the Canongate Starbucks. While it didn't score as highly on atmosphere as some of the other locations, it excelled in service. One recent review gave particular praise to its "picturesque setting".
What one customer said: "I ventured into this Starbucks and it’s one that impressed me. Because of its location in the heart of old Edinburgh it’s going to be busy with both tourists and students. There’s also nearby offices to keep the staff on their toes. I popped in just after nine and it was surprising quiet. There were two members of staff who chatted away and seemed to be laid back. It’s quite spacious, more so than what you think it is form the outside. There’s a scattering of the trademark tables you expect with the chain. It’s got a great personal touch with a notice board full of postcards handwritten by customers and details of charitable events. I sat at a table overlooking the street where I was able to enjoy my coffee, watch Edinburgh stroll past and plan my next visit."
Lothian Road, 123 Lothian Road
Rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 75
Coming in second place, the Starbucks on Lothian Road received good scores for its atmosphere, food, and service. One customer even noted that they felt it was better than the Starbucks that comes in at number one on this list.
What one customer said: "Love going here for my morning coffee, very friendly and helpful staff. It does get busy so sometimes best to do a mobile order if you have the Starbucks app. They do have seating, but again it can get busy around the afternoon and be difficult to find a seat."
Royal Mile, 124 High Street
Rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 412
Placing at number one, most customers were very happy with their service at the Starbucks on the Royal Mile. Particular praise was given to the "very friendly and attentive" staff and and "chilled atmosphere".
What one customer said: "I'm a local and a regular customer. The staff remember my name, ask me how I'm doing, remember my drink and favourite snack. I couldn't ask for a better coffee shop experience. This location can be crazy busy at times with folks who often don't speak English all that well and yet the staff is consistently patient and polite despite the stress they are often under. Rules concerning the virus are followed to the letter and, again, the staff exhibit patience dealing with customers who may not be familiar with the rules. Highly recommended!"
