Home United Kingdom Cafes EM's Kitchen Cafes

EM's Kitchen

4.4 600 reviews 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 38 St Mary's St, Edinburgh EH1 1SX, United Kingdom

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EM's Kitchen, located in the heart of Edinburgh, is quickly becoming a favored brunch destination. Customers rave about the warm hospitality that greets them upon entering the delightful café. The vibrant pink decor adds a charming touch, inviting guests to enjoy their meals in a cozy ambiance, though some have noted that the indoor atmosphere could use a bit of enhancement.
Patrons are particularly smitten with the pancake offerings, ranging from Nutella & Banana to Biscoff combinations, which are said to boast generous portion sizes. Reviewers like Munirah AlDelaijan and Isabella Millar emphasize the excellence in food quality, with dishes like perfectly poached eggs and decadent pancakes receiving high praise. Tim appreciated the unique twist of a pistachio latte served alongside espresso, highlighting the café's commitment to innovative drinks.
While most reviews are glowing, there are mentions of inconsistencies, such as the density of certain pancakes and cleanliness. Nevertheless, the efficient service, tasty breakfast selections like the hot & smoked streaky bacon bagel, and the inviting atmosphere make EM's Kitchen a must-visit for brunch lovers. With a plan for some decor updates, this hidden gem is poised to enhance its appeal even further.

Photos

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Amenities & More

Service options

  • Onsite services
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Delivery

Highlights

  • Great coffee
  • Great dessert
  • Great tea selection

Popular for

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Solo dining

Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Table service

Amenities

  • Restroom

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy

Crowd

  • Tourists
Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with EM's Kitchen before visiting.

Reviews for EM's Kitchen

4.4
600 reviews
5
100%
4
21%
3
11%
2
7%
1
8%

Review highlights

Based on 600 reviews

EM's Kitchen is generally praised for its warm atmosphere, friendly and attentive service, and a cozy, inviting decor that enhances the brunch experience. Customers appreciate the fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes, with highlights including savory breakfast options, well-prepared eggs, and unique beverages like pistachio lattes served with care. However, some guests have noted inconsistencies, particularly with the texture of pancakes, which are occasionally described as dense or tough. While many find the food satisfying overall, a few reviews mention cleanliness concerns and unmet expectations tied to certain menu items. Nonetheless, the positive ambiance and quality of service frequently encourage repeat visits.

Tim
Jul 17, 2025

The brunch options were really good. The sweet and savory breakfast was perfect, except the pancakes were just a tad dense. They were great for soaking up the maple syrup though. I really liked how the pistachio latte came out with the espresso on the side and you could pour it into the glass. It was one of the best lattes so far. Definitely returning!

Sara Baldock
Jun 09, 2025

Food was not worth the hype, the restaurant was a bit dirty. Our caramel lattes did come in cute bear cups, they were good! The Blueberry lemon pancakes were tough. However the eggs, sausage, hasbrowns and toast were great! I would not come back here as it did not meet my expectations with the pancakes and that's why I came lol

Munirah AlDelaijan
May 30, 2025

I recently visited Em’s kitchen for brunch, and I am absolutely blown away! From the moment I walked in, the service was top-notch. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made sure we felt right at home. The food was nothing short of amazing! I tried the pouched eggs, halloumi, french toast, and others, and it was delicious—perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. What impressed me the most was how quickly our meals arrived. We barely had time to finish our coffees before our delicious brunch was served. It’s clear that they prioritize both quality and efficiency. If you’re looking for a fantastic breakfast or brunch spot, I highly recommend it. I can’t wait to go back and try more of their menu!

Jasper Luijten
May 17, 2025

Em's Kitchen is a hidden gem of a restaurant that exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm hospitality and the cozy ambiance made me feel at home. The restaurant's decor was tastefully done and added to the overall welcoming atmosphere. The menu at Em's Kitchen was impressive with a wide variety of dishes, all made with fresh ingredients and a homemade touch. I decided to try the vegetable lasagna and it was delicious. The layers of pasta were cooked to perfection and the combination of vegetables, cheese, and tomato sauce was flavorful and satisfying. I also tried their lentil soup, which was hearty and filling, and the perfect dish for a cold winter day. The staff at Em's Kitchen were friendly and attentive, making sure that we were happy with our food and had everything we needed. They were happy to accommodate any special requests and were knowledgeable about the menu and the ingredients used in each dish. Overall, I had a fantastic experience at Em's Kitchen and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a delicious meal. The quality of the food, the welcoming atmosphere, and the exceptional service make it a standout restaurant in the area.

Isabella Millar
Apr 19, 2025

Lovely brunch spot, which really stands out with its lovely pink walls and pink flowers from the outside. The staff were very friendly from the moment we walked in and the service was super quick, drinks came within 5 minutes of ordering and the food about 10 minutes later. We both had the biscoff pancakes, and swapped the blueberries and strawberries for banana, which was no problem. They were absolutely delicious! Generous portion size indeed. The Nutella hot chocolate was also lovely and creamy. I would definitely come back for the service and the food. Only critique would be the decor and atmosphere inside. It was surprisingly quite and we felt as though we had to whisper to talk to each other, the tables are quite close together which was a bit uncomfortable. The furniture also looked a bit cheap (plastic chairs). However, I do understand that there is only a certain amount of space available. I think a little TLC with the indoor decor is all that is needed. Overall, we enjoyed our visit, especially the food, and we will definitely be back!

Riley Koh
Apr 18, 2025

I was drawn in by the inviting soft pink accents of this cafe. I tried the Eggs Florentine, which had a comforting, homemade feel—nothing too fancy, but satisfying. The oat latte was simple yet perfect, the ideal complement to the breakfast. The staff were warm and attentive, ensuring we were well taken care of throughout. Overall, it’s a plain yet cosy spot, with a delightful touch of simplicity that makes it a lovely slow morning!

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Quick info

Address
38 St Mary's St, Edinburgh EH1 1SX, United Kingdom
Price range
£10–20
Category
Cafes

Opening hours

  • Monday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Tuesday (Today) 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Wednesday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Thursday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Saturday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Sunday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Location

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