Balcony Café

45 Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF, United Kingdom
$$$ Cafe
(38 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Discover a delightful spot nestled within the vibrant heart of Edinburgh at the Balcony Café, located at 45 Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF. This charming café is the perfect retreat for those seeking a cozy ambiance combined with delicious offerings, making it an ideal stop during your museum explorations.

The Balcony Café prides itself on its inviting atmosphere, making it more than just a place to grab a quick bite. As you step inside, you're greeted by a warm and cozy environment that beckons you to unwind. Whether you choose to sink into a cushy chair with a book or catch up with friends over coffee, this café strikes a balance between a casual hangout and a lovely culinary experience.

Passionate about quality, the café showcases a delightful selection of cakes and drinks that tantalize the taste buds. Customers rave about their experience, with Matt H highlighting the good selection of cakes and drinks that provide a perfect pick-me-up as you take a break from exploring. From the rich, flavorful coffee to the irresistible cakes, each bite and sip is crafted to enrich your day. Kseniia Feodoridi particularly enjoyed the carrot cake, describing it as "delightful, with a rich and moist texture," perfectly paired with expertly brewed coffee. The café is also known for its fresh and tasty lunch offerings, with customers like Natasza Kublicka enjoying a New Yorker alongside a warm bowl of carrot soup.

The friendly staff strive to create a welcoming environment. Linda Johnston appreciated their attentiveness, noting how they accommodated her family's needs during lunch. Coupled with excellent service, the café radiates a genuine warmth that reflects the happiness of the staff, making your visit even more delightful.

While it can get busy—so it's wise to grab a seat before ordering—the atmosphere buzzes with the lively spirit of fellow travelers and locals alike. Whether you're on a family outing, on a date, or simply enjoying a personal moment with your thoughts, the Balcony Café provides a relaxing haven amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.

In summary, if you're visiting Edinburgh and looking for a place to recharge, the Balcony Café is highly recommended. With its exceptional cakes, delicious coffee, and a friendly, attentive team, you're sure to leave with more than just a satisfied appetite; you'll carry fond memories of a cozy retreat within the city.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
No wheelchair-accessible car park
Service options
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Popular with tourists
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Children
Good for kids
38 Reviews
Matt H

19 Sep 2025

A nice cafe inside the museum with a good selection of cakes and drinks. This is a nice spot to stop and relax when taking a break from exploring.

t t

25 Aug 2025

Great place to stop by during museum visit, get some refreshing drinks and tasty cakes. Also Crew is very nice. They provided me phone charger.

Linda Johnston

24 Jul 2025

The staff were very helpful with requests we had for my 1 year old when we had lunch in the Cafe. Very friendly and attentive. Nice spot to have lunch whilst visiting the museum.

Ryan Beattie

20 Jul 2025

Great cakes and coffee, plenty of seating but it can be busy so make sure you get a seat before ordering

Natasza Kublicka

13 Jul 2025

Came in with my family for a quick lunch while visiting Edinburgh. Food was fresh and delicious. Had a New Yorker and carrot soup. Good pricing as well not too expensive! Staff was very nice and helpful, they all seemed like they are happy to be there! Would highly recommend for anyone visiting as it’s a great spot to enjoy your time.

Kseniia Feodoridi

18 Jun 2025

The carrot cake at Balcony Café was delightful, with a rich and moist texture complemented by a smooth and creamy frosting. Paired with a well-brewed coffee, it made for a satisfying treat. The atmosphere was cozy, providing a comfortable spot to relax. However, there’s room for improvement in terms of the service speed. A pleasant experience overall and worth a visit if you’re in the area.

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