The Red Cockerel Cafe

1 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2AB, United Kingdom
+44 131 241 2456
$$$ Cafe
(145 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Welcome to The Red Cockerel Cafe, a delightful haven tucked away at 1 Lothian Rd in the heart of Edinburgh. This charming café is the perfect stop whether you're looking for a light lunch, a quick coffee break, or just a sweet treat to brighten your day.

As you step inside, you’re greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere that reflects the attentive and friendly service you'll encounter. The ambiance is perfect for both solo visitors seeking a cozy corner to unwind and families looking to enjoy a delicious meal together. With the café’s close proximity to Princes Street, it has become a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike.

The menu at The Red Cockerel Cafe is truly a celebration of comfort food, showcasing an array of fresh and wholesome offerings. Start with indulgent Fruit or Cheese Scones served with jam and butter, both priced at just £3.95. If pastries are more to your liking, their Croissant is a buttery delight that pairs beautifully with your choice of hot drinks, such as a rich and creamy Cappuccino for just £3.85.

For those with a penchant for dessert, the café's selection of cakes and baked goods is not to be missed. Treat yourself to their Traybakes or Sponge Cakes, each priced at £4.50, and don't forget to ask for a Jug of Cream to elevate your experience for just an additional £1.50. According to customers, the sweet offerings are a particular highlight, with one reviewer, Brian Bullock, praising the café for its fabulous sweets and friendly staff.

When it comes to beverages, The Red Cockerel Cafe doesn't disappoint. With a range of hot drinks like a rich Mocha or a steaming Latte, priced at £4.40, you can find the perfect pick-me-up to accompany your meal. If you prefer something refreshing, try their homemade juices or classic soft drinks like Ginger Beer for £4.25 or a lovely Elderflower Sparkling drink for £3.85.

Customers have shared glowing feedback about their experiences, with one patron describing The Red Cockerel as a “lovely surprise” filled with healthy, homemade choices and fresh, multigrain bread. Another visitor, Dawn Uniat, raved about the nutritious food that their body would thank them for, making it clear that what you enjoy at this café not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body.

So whether you're popping in for a quick slice of cake or settling in for a leisurely lunch with friends or family, The Red Cockerel Cafe offers a delightful experience that’s all about enjoying quality food in a relaxed and inviting environment. Come visit and see why this café has captured the hearts of many, one delicious bite at a time!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours

Monday

10:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Sunday

Closed

145 Reviews
Brian Bullock

18 Sep 2025

Nice place off Princes St to stop for lunch or coffee. Friendly staff. Sweets in particular are great.

Paradigm Shift

26 Aug 2025

Food is not bad at all. The staff kids and the cook lady, work very hard. They are very sweet. It's a lovely place to have a relaxing time. My dad and I recently visited, it was great. The pic is of my dad enjoying his meal.

Bryan Monaco

20 Aug 2025

Excellent sandwiches in a neat atmosphere. It's a perfect place to have lunch.

Sharon Curtis

14 Aug 2025

This was our first meal in Edinburgh and we accidentally stumbled upon it while searching for a place for lunch. We got there as there were shutting down breakfast to prepare for lunch. We were offered drinks and to sit on their patio while waiting for lunch service to begin. We got the sharing plate which was filled with deliciousness. The brown bread and butter with cheese and gerkins was delightful and one of my fondest food memories of Scotland.

Roxanne Dinsdale (Author, Finding Escher)

14 Jul 2025

Excellent fresh, nutritious food your body will thank you for!

Dawn Uniat

10 Jun 2025

What a lovely surprise! We came across this little gem while exploring the area near St. John's church. There were heathly, homemade choices. We had salad plates, nice variety, all tasty, and it was served with delicious fresh multigrain bread.

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