Edinburgh's Best Bakeries
Having just finished my year abroad in France, I have definitely developed a new appreciation for bakeries. Although there is nothing quite like the French boulangerie - often 100+ years old, with recipes that have been passed down through the generations - Edinburgh certainly isn't short of incredible places to pick up a pastry or loaf of fresh bread. And, Edinburgh is home to bakeries offering not only French delicacies, but delights from across the globe.
From France: The Wee Boulangerie
Widely renowned as Edinburgh’s best French-style boulangerie, The Wee Boulangerie, found in Southside on Clerk Street, offers a wide range of the true French classics. From the traditional French pastries, including croissants, pains au chocolat and brioches, to baguettes and bigger loaves, The Wee Boulangerie feels like stepping into a proper French bakery. Made on site at the back of their shop, all items are made fresh daily, using traditional French methods, though also incorporating methods from Scotland, Germany, Scandinavia, Italy and beyond.
One of my other favourite things about this bakery is their commitment both to charity and to being no-waste - their leftover bread gets given out to different charities, which have over the years included Salvation Army, the Mosque’s food bank and soup kitchens.
With 4.7 stars on Google reviews, The Wee Boulangerie is definitely a favourite amongst tourists and locals alike in Edinburgh - and definitely worth a visit if you’re looking a little French pick-me-up!
From the UK: Bit’s Bake Shop
If you’re looking for a bakery/coffee shop that is more traditional to the UK, I must recommend Bit’s Bake Shop located on Dalkeith Road. Although I have to credit this recommendation to my brother, I can vouch that they have incredible fresh bakes every day, with a variety of delicious options.
With bakes including brownies described on Tripadvisor as “best brownies… ever!”, chocolate cake described as “truly scrumptious” and pistachio buns repeatedly described as the best item offered, you really cannot go wrong!
Note: it is not open on weekends but it is open Tuesday-Thursday from 8:30-16:00 and Friday 8:30-15:00.
From Northern Ireland: Peregrine
Having only opened in April of this year (2026), Peregrine is a relatively new addition in Edinburgh. Located on Pleasance, it has already become a favourite with 4.5 stars on Google reviews.
Having spent many of my childhood holidays in Belfast, I am well acquainted with the classic Northern Irish bakery, though Peregrine is doing something a little different. Taking inspiration from Northern Ireland, Peregrine is putting its own modern spin on the classics, bringing a taste of Northern Irish baking to the heart of Edinburgh. Their sample menu includes items like a Tayto Cheese and Onion Danish, Guinness and Gorse Cake, and more traditional soda farls.
It’s this mix of familiar Northern Irish flavours with more experimental bakes that makes Peregrine such an interesting addition to Edinburgh’s bakery scene - and somewhere I particularly love to visit.
From Italy: Sicilian Pastry Shop
When I first visited Sicilian Pastry Shop, located on Albert Street, just off Leith Walk, I was amazed by the amount of choice. They really have it all - cream buns, fruit tarts, cookies, pastries, doughnuts, cannoli, huge cake slices and so so much more. If you have a sweet tooth, it is definitely one of those places where deciding what to get is half the challenge!
Of course, as the name suggests, there is plenty of Italian influence too. Their selection of cannoli is particularly impressive, with the traditional Sicilian pastry available alongside the huge range of other sweet treats on offer. They also have plenty of savoury options, including focaccia sandwiches with a range of fillings - and for only £5, they make a great affordable lunch option if you’re around Leith Walk.
The Sicilian Pastry Shop also offers custom, made-to-order cakes for special occasions, with everything from birthday cakes to much more elaborate designs, such as for wedding cakes. With such an enormous selection, whether you’re stopping by for a quick pastry, picking up lunch or looking for an entire celebration cake, you’re unlikely to leave empty-handed.
From Greece: Krema Bakehouse
Krema Bakehouse can be found on Leith Walk and takes inspiration from the Greek roots of its owner, whose family also owns a pastry shop in Greece. Bringing some of that Greek baking tradition to Edinburgh, Krema offers a mixture of classic Greek flavours and more modern creations.
They offer traditional Greek items such as Baklava, Portokalopita (Greek Orange Pie) and Tsoureki (Greek brioche), alongside more familiar bakery favourites like brownies, cinnamon buns and fruit tarts. Their counter is always packed with different options, so it’s another one where you may struggle to choose just one!
Similarly to the Sicilian Pastry Shop, they also offer custom, made-to-order cakes for special occasions such as birthdays and weddings. Their beautifully decorated cakes and colourful selection of pastries make Krema well worth a stop if you find yourself on Leith Walk - particularly if you fancy trying something a little different from your usual bakery order.
There are plenty of amazing bakeries in Edinburgh (part 2 incoming!) but these are my current top recommendations! So, if you find yourself craving pastries, bread or a little sweet treat, Edinburgh is not short of amazing options… enjoy!
Comments