Welcome to Cafe Portrait
At Cafe Portrait, nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, the ambiance captivates with its warm, inviting atmosphere. This contemporary café shines with a menu tailored for every palate, offering an enticing selection of cakes, scones, and heartwarming dishes like the Chef's signature apple pie and spiced potato wedges. Patrons rave about the delightful salads and expertly crafted hot meals, all while enjoying a glass from their curated wine list. With its strategic location near St James Quarter, Cafe Portrait serves as a perfect meeting hub, blending delicious cuisine with a cozy environment, ensuring a memorable experience for all who visit.
Cafe Portrait: Reviews & Ratings
Good selection of hot dishes, salad (the Galleries cafes all do amazing salads, sorry no photos!) and a wide range of cakes. This cafe is quite large so it's easier to get a table than at Modern One, and the location close to St James Quarter makes it an easy meeting point even if you're not visiting the gallery itself.
It's much smaller than before the renovation, more shop space, back room not available to cafe.
Nice place to have a tea and a cake
From the atmosphere to the tastes and the staff, this place is so good. It’s a very good stop when you need a break for a coffee. They have very good pastries. It’s a self service place where you’ll need to get yourself a tray when choosing what to eat. Pro tip: they also have lockers that work with a coin of 1 inside
I recommend reserving a table in The Nook to fully enjoy the cafe’ atmosphere and being pampered by the excellent service. We had the Nook Salad and a delicious Haddock Ash with sweet potatoes and kale.
I love how creative they are with their desserts! Vegan options always available. Great space and variety of teas. Coffee is good as well. Staff are always friendly. Child friendly- lots of space for buggy/pram with an optional buggy park - accessible.
Went here after meaning to go for a long time, and it was worth it. The cafe is in a large well lit room with comfortable seats and many tables. The cafe is in the National Portrait Gallery and serves salads, baked savoury and sweet goods, together with hot and cold drinks. The salads are excellent, and can be eaten with sandwiches, pasties or sausage rolls. There is a good choice of cakes for later with tea, coffee or alcoholic drinks. Prices are not cheap, but the quality of the food and drinks is very good. Service is also brisk and efficient.
We booked an afternoon tea in advance for our trip to Edinburgh. We had to make the reservation through email, and the process went smoothly. They asked about food allergies and accommodated what they could and explained what they could not. The food was great, the service was great, and we all enjoyed the experience.
Location
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1 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JD, United Kingdom Hotline: +44 131 558 7031
Welcome to Cafe Portrait, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Edinburgh at 1 Queen St, just a stone's throw from the bustling St James Quarter. This welcoming cafe is a sanctuary for both casual meet-ups and quieter reflection, effortlessly merging delightful culinary offerings with a charming atmosphere.
Cafe Portrait is not just about the food; it embodies a vibrant community hub where patrons can unwind. The spacious layout provides a more accommodating setting compared to some of the city's smaller cafes, making it an ideal spot for gatherings. Customers have praised its ease of access, particularly for those not visiting the gallery, which adds to its appeal as a convenient meeting point.
- Signature Dishes: You simply must indulge in the chef's specialities like the Braised Tomato & Chickpea Tagine (£12.75) and the ever-so-comforting Smokie Hash (£16.95). For a sweet finish, the Chef's Signature Apple Pie (£7.00) is nothing short of a masterpiece.
- Cakes and Scones: Treat yourself to a selection of cakes and scones, all available for just £4.50. They are delightful accompaniments to your choice of tea or coffee.
- Refreshing Beverages: Complement your meal with the 2023 Pinot Noir (£8.00) or the house red, the Café Portrait House Red (£7.00), both of which enhance the flavors of your dining experience.
The atmosphere at Cafe Portrait plays a significant role in its charm. As one customer noted, it’s a perfect place for those moments when you need a comforting coffee break. The self-service style encourages a leisurely pace as you select pastries and treats, allowing for a casual yet fulfilling dining experience. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy their Nook Salad or the Haddock Hash with sweet potatoes and kale, which has received rave reviews for its freshness and flavor.
Overall, Cafe Portrait emerges as a delightful choice for both food enthusiasts and casual diners alike. Whether you're stopping by for a quick pastry or planning a leisurely lunch, this cafe balances quality, atmosphere, and accessibility with aplomb. The staff are attentive, ensuring that your visit is not only enjoyable but memorable. I highly recommend reserving a table to truly soak in the atmosphere while being pampered by their excellent service.
If you're in Edinburgh, make sure to stop by Cafe Portrait and indulge in their exceptional menu. You won't regret it.