Delight in our wide array of eating options, serving everything from ice cream to porridge. We have something to put a smile on anyones face.
And then there’s our coffee, always made from our signature bean which was carefully selected for it’s absolute quality.
The adventure of Edinburgh should never end! While we appear like a normal building on the outside, The Castle Rock Cafe has preserved it’s historic architecture dating back to the early 18th century.
Immerse yourself, and enjoy every minute in the old town!
We take pride in facilitating events and are the perfect choice for anyone trying to capture that rich, rustic and warm atmosphere.
The above photo is from our event with Netflix and Double Dare You for their 2025 movie (Frankenstein)!
As you step into The Castle Rock Cafe you can’t avoid being taken back in time to the Old town as it used to be. With the carefully preserved stone work and rustic decor it’s a unique opportunity to relax in an authenic old town setting.
Situated within Makars’ Court (Just off the mile) and being right next to Lady Stair’s House and The Scottish Writer’s Museum, a visit to The Castle Rock Cafe is on the recommended route of any tourist. It’s often described as a “Hidden Gem” by visitors who appreciate it’s discrete location compared to the crowd crush of other nearby options.
Scotland’s legacy of hospitality is woven into its very culture, a tradition of warmth and generosity that spans centuries. From ancient clans welcoming travelers to Highland estates treating guests as kin, the Scots have always believed no visitor should go unfed or unwelcomed. Whether in bustling cities or quiet villages, their high standards of hospitality endure—not as mere courtesy, but as a deep respect for kinship, storytelling, and sharing.
And at The Castle Rock Cafe, every guest is greeted not as a customer, but as a friend, with a welcome that lingers long after the journey ends.
In today’s world, where value matters more than ever, great food and drink should be crafted with care, using the finest ingredients, yet remain accessible to all. Thoughtfully sourced produce, skilled preparation, and warm service create an experience that feels indulgent yet sensible. Whether it’s a rich, barista-made coffee, a freshly baked pastry, or a hearty, wholesome meal, excellence should never feel out of reach. Here, quality and affordability go hand in hand, ensuring that every visit is not just satisfying, but genuinely worth returning for.
ALL WEEK: 8:00 – 19:00
Mon: 8:00 – 19:00
Tues: 8:00 – 19:00
Wed: 8:00 – 19:00
Thurs: 8:00 – 19:00
Fri: 8:00 – 19:00
Sat: 8:00 – 19:00
Sun: 8:00 – 19:00
Please note our outdoor seating is wheelchair accessible but interior seating requires navigation of stairs.
Whether it’s feedback, event enquires, business or pleasure; we always welcome a good ol’ fashioned chin wag. Drop us a message and we look forward to hearing what you have to say. An email is not required in case you wish to leave anonymous feedback.
Reservations are not available at this time.
The Castle Rock Cafe is situated in Makars’ Court and is just starting it’s legacy as a staple feature. Started in 2024 with the goal of bringing a high quality, authentic and original eating experience to the court, The Castle Rock Cafe looks forward to a future of serving high quality breakfasts, lunches, brunches and all other ranges of delicious foods and snacks. We spent month’s uncovering the historical architecture and restoring it to it’s former glory. We augmented the atmosphere with our own cosy additions. We are now proud to deliver the most homey, cosy and old towney environment in Edinburgh!
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, Makars’ Court stands as a tribute to Scotland’s rich literary heritage, celebrating the poets and storytellers who have shaped the nation’s voice. This deep-rooted tradition of words and wit has always found a natural home in the café, where the hum of conversation and the scent of fresh coffee create the perfect setting for both readers and writers.
From the 18th-century coffeehouses where thinkers of the Scottish Enlightenment—like David Hume and Adam Smith—debated ideas, to the modern-day cafés where authors such as J.K. Rowling found inspiration, Edinburgh has long been a city where literature and coffee intertwine.
The café culture reflects Scotland’s enduring love of storytelling, offering a welcoming space for quiet reflection, lively discussion, and the creation of new works that carry on the legacy of the makars. The Castle Rock Cafe is now the prime cafe in Makars Court, and every cup poured and every page turned is part of a tradition that stretches from the past into the future. We hope to foster a bright cultural future and to help the spirit of Makars’ thrive!
If you are looking for great ideas for your trip to Edinburgh and topical LGBTQ friendly tours from local expert guides then look no further than our friends over at Street Historians!
Need a place tae lay yer weary heed? With great views of the castle and excellent central positioning for a very reasonable rate, The Castle Rock Hostel is well deserving of being one of Scotland’s best Hostels and is one of our close friends!
For a surreal experience that bends the mind with fantastical illusions and scientific shenanigans make sure to visit the world renowned Camera Obscura, one of our first friends in the Edinburgh City Centre!
