Roseleaf Bar Cafe
Leith's quirky bohemian café-bar where Scottish comfort food meets Wonderland whimsy in teapots and hearty bowls.
Nestled in Leith's historic waterfront, Roseleaf Bar Cafe enchants with its whimsical Alice in Wonderland-inspired decor, hearty Scottish comfort food, and creative cocktails served in teapots. This family-run gem offers all-day brunch, pub classics like legendary Cullen skink, and a bohemian vibe perfect for casual dining or lively evenings. Open daily from 10am, it blends vintage charm with fresh, local ingredients in a cozy, quirky space.
A brief summary to Roseleaf Bar Cafe
- 23/24 Sandport Pl, Edinburgh, Leith, EH6 6EW, GB
- +441314765268
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-11 pm
- Thursday 10 am-11 pm
- Friday 10 am-12 am
- Saturday 10 am-12 am
- Sunday 10 am-11 pm
Local tips
- Order the legendary Cullen skink—Edinburgh's creamiest smoked haddock chowder—for a true taste of Scottish coastal soul.
- Sip cocktails from teapots or jam jars; ask for off-menu specials like mint-infused gin for a personalized twist.
- Visit for all-day brunch until 5pm daily; share haggis croquettes or Korean chicken wings for variety.
- Reserve ahead for larger groups, especially weekends; the back room suits sit-down dining amid the lively front bar.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
Roseleaf Bar Cafe location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Roseleaf Bar Cafe
Whimsical Wonderland Entrance
Step into Roseleaf Bar Cafe and tumble down the rabbit hole into a bohemian dreamscape. Quirky hats line the walls, boozy teacups scatter tabletops, and pre-loved furniture mingles with vintage knick-knacks and local art. Formerly the Black Swan pub, this family-run spot underwent a magical makeover, transforming into a haven of eccentricity where aspiring artists display works for free. The front area buzzes with casual socializing, while the back room accommodates larger groups for relaxed meals.Scottish Soul in Every Bite
Roseleaf's menu celebrates Scotland's hearty traditions with fresh, seasonal produce from local suppliers. Signature Cullen skink—a chunky, creamy chowder of smoked haddock, potatoes, leeks, and onions—earns raves as Edinburgh's best, served with homemade sourdough. Brunch staples like eggs benedict, French toast, and full Scottish breakfasts run daily until late afternoon, alongside inventive twists such as Korean fried chicken wings with gochujang or haggis croquettes packed with neeps and tatties.Pub Classics Elevated
Elevated pub grub shines in dishes like triple-cheese mac with truffle oil, prime rump steak topped with smoky red chimichurri and charred broccolini, or goats cheese salad with pickled figs and candied nuts. Fish cakes blend fresh seafood, black pudding salads feature premium cuts, and Sunday roasts deliver comforting abundance. Everything tastes authentically Scottish—tattie scones, skagen, smoked salmon—crafted with care to fill bellies and warm hearts.Cocktails with a Kooky Twist
Drinks match the venue's playful spirit: cocktails pour from teapots and jam jars, alongside loose-leaf teas, herbal infusions, and local IPAs or Edinburgh Gin. Rotating specials like lemon cheesecake or mint-infused creations keep things fresh, paired perfectly with meals. The bar divides the space into lively front nooks for drinks and chats, fostering a neighborhood feel since opening in 2007.Leith's Neighborhood Heartbeat
Tucked in Leith's Sandport Place, Roseleaf pulses with community energy amid ongoing local roadworks. Open daily from 10am to 11pm (midnight weekends), it serves brunchies, lunchies, din-dins, and munchies with last kitchen orders at 9:15pm. Dog-friendly and accommodating various diets, it embodies culinary hugging—homely, unpretentious, and deliciously local.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Water of Leith Walkway Finish
0.1 km
Edinburgh’s scenic 13-mile riverside trail ends at Leith’s historic waterfront, blending nature, heritage, and urban charm.
Scottish Merchant Navy Memorial
0.4 km
A solemn sandstone column in Leith honoring the bravery and sacrifice of Scotland’s merchant seafarers lost at sea in war and peace.
Robert Burns Statue
0.4 km
A striking tribute to Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, set in the historic maritime district of Leith, Edinburgh.
Queen Victoria Statue
0.6 km
A commanding bronze tribute to Queen Victoria and Leith’s Boer War heroes, standing proudly at the foot of Leith Walk since 1907.
Forth Lock
1.4 km
Historic Forth Lock in Leith, Edinburgh, blends maritime heritage with vibrant waterfront life and scenic canal views.
Leith East Breakwater Lighthouse
1.8 km
Historic maritime beacon guiding ships into Edinburgh’s vibrant Leith Docks since 1876, now a cherished symbol of nautical heritage.
Monument to the Scottish Parliament
2.4 km
Discover the Monument to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, a stunning architectural tribute to Scotland's democratic heritage amidst beautiful landscapes.
Regent Rd
2.5 km
Explore the historic charm and vibrant culture of Edinburgh, where every street tells a story and adventure awaits around every corner.
Dugald Stewart Monument
2.5 km
A neoclassical tribute to philosopher Dugald Stewart, offering iconic views over Edinburgh from historic Calton Hill.
Queen Mary's Bath House
2.5 km
A rare 16th-century Tudor pavilion near Holyrood Palace, steeped in royal mystery and linked to Mary, Queen of Scots.
Burns Monument
2.5 km
A serene and classical monument in Edinburgh honoring Robert Burns, Scotland’s cherished national poet and cultural icon.
Old Calton Cemetery
2.6 km
Discover the historical significance and serene beauty of Old Calton Cemetery, a must-visit landmark in Edinburgh's rich heritage.
White Horse Close
2.6 km
Experience the historical allure of White Horse Close in Edinburgh, a charming alleyway filled with stories and rich Scottish heritage.
Scottish-American Soldiers Monument
2.6 km
A unique Edinburgh memorial honoring Scottish soldiers who fought in the American Civil War, symbolizing liberty and transatlantic heritage.
Waterloo Pl
2.6 km
Explore the architectural beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Waterloo Place, Edinburgh's notable street rich in history and culture.
Unmissable attractions to see
Leith Citadel
0.1 km
Explore the enduring 17th-century fortress guarding Edinburgh’s historic port in the vibrant Leith waterfront district.
Custom House Leith
0.2 km
Historic Georgian Custom House in Leith, evolving into Scotland’s first fully digital museum and vibrant cultural hub.
Teuchters Landing
0.2 km
Waterside freehouse on Leith’s Shore — wide whisky range, rotating ales, dockside beer garden and roomy conservatory for all seasons.
Shore
0.2 km
Historic waterfront district in Leith blending maritime heritage with vibrant dining, bars, and scenic river views.
The King's Wark
0.2 km
A centuries-old Leith gastropub serving seasonal Scottish seafood and classic pub fare in a cosy waterside setting.
The Leith Mural
0.4 km
A monumental mural in Edinburgh’s Leith district capturing decades of community history and maritime heritage through vivid street art.
Leith
0.4 km
Historic Edinburgh port transformed into a vibrant waterfront district famed for Michelin-starred dining, lively pubs, and cultural charm.
Trinity House Maritime Museum
0.4 km
Explore Leith’s seafaring legacy in an elegant Georgian townhouse, home to a remarkable collection of maritime treasures and stories.
0 Water of Leith Walkway
0.5 km
A tranquil 12-mile riverside walkway weaving through Edinburgh’s nature, history, and art, perfect for peaceful strolls and cultural discovery.
Ocean Terminal
0.6 km
Edinburgh’s premier waterfront shopping centre blending retail, dining, cinema, and the iconic Royal Yacht Britannia in vibrant Leith.
Port of Leith Distillery (entrance)
0.7 km
A poignant memorial in Leith honoring the valor and sacrifice of the Royal Marines 43rd Commando during World War II.
Wonder World Soft Play Edinburgh
0.7 km
Edinburgh’s largest indoor soft play and party venue offering thrilling slides, go-karts, and dedicated toddler zones for endless family fun.
The Royal Yacht Britannia
0.7 km
Explore the majestic Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh, a unique floating palace that reveals royal life at sea across five fascinating decks.
Leith Links
0.8 km
Historic green oasis in Edinburgh’s Leith district, birthplace of golf and witness to centuries of Scottish history.
Fishmarket Square
1.4 km
Historic Fishmarket Square in Newhaven, Edinburgh, where maritime heritage meets vibrant community life by the Firth of Forth.
Essential places to dine
Roseleaf Bar Cafe
0.0 km
Eclectic family-run bar cafe in Leith serving fresh Scottish classics, inventive cocktails, and a quirky, artistic atmosphere.
The Kitchin
0.1 km
Experience refined Scottish cuisine with a French touch in Edinburgh’s iconic Michelin-starred restaurant nestled in historic Leith.
Domenico's
0.1 km
A cozy, authentic Italian restaurant in Leith serving fresh Sicilian-inspired dishes with warm hospitality and generous portions.
Kezban Mediterranean Restaurant
0.2 km
Authentic Mediterranean flavors and warm hospitality on the vibrant shore of Leith in Edinburgh.
Heron
0.2 km
Michelin-starred modern Scottish dining in Leith with innovative seasonal menus and scenic waterside views.
Tapa
0.2 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant flavors in the heart of Leith at Tapa, Edinburgh’s celebrated tapas bar and restaurant.
Fishers
0.3 km
Historic 17th-century watchtower turned seafood haven in Leith, serving fresh Scottish fish with a relaxed, waterfront charm.
The Shore Bar and Restaurant
0.3 km
Cozy waterfront dining in Leith offering superior seafood and modern European cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Nobles Cafe Bar & Restaurant
0.4 km
Leith's historic gastropub where Scottish seasons meet craft drinks, roaring fires, and port-side charm in a dog-friendly haven of flavor and vibe.
The Walnut
1.6 km
Cozy and unpretentious, The Walnut offers seasonal Scottish dishes with creative flair and excellent value on Edinburgh’s vibrant Leith Walk.
Down The Hatch Edinburgh
2.1 km
Bold Canadian comfort food and lively vibes meet in the heart of Edinburgh’s Antigua Street for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
The Gardener's Cottage
2.1 km
An intimate Edinburgh dining gem blending seasonal Scottish produce with rustic charm in a historic garden cottage setting.
L'Escargot Bleu Restaurant and Wine Bar
2.2 km
Authentic French bistro in Edinburgh blending classic cuisine with fresh Scottish ingredients and a cozy wine bar atmosphere.
Fhior
2.2 km
Experience innovative Scottish fine dining with seasonal tasting menus in a minimalist, elegant setting at Edinburgh’s acclaimed Fhior.
Educated Flea
2.2 km
Discover bold, inventive fusion cuisine with a Scottish twist in a cozy, friendly spot on Edinburgh’s vibrant Broughton Street.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
ScotClans
0.0 km
Authentic Scottish clan and tartan products crafted with heritage and pride in the heart of Leith, Edinburgh.
Flux
0.3 km
Curated cards, artisan homewares and design-led gifts in a compact, maker-friendly shop on Bernard Street, Leith.
TBCo | Tartan Blanket Co.
0.3 km
Discover sustainable tartan magic in Leith: touch lambswool blankets, customize with embroidery, and carry home Scotland's cozy soul from this Edinburgh gem.
Destined for Home
0.4 km
Discover unique gifts and personal service in the heart of Leith at Destined for Home, Edinburgh’s charming boutique for distinctive treasures.
The Leith collective
0.6 km
Discover upcycled artistry and sustainable treasures from 65+ Leith makers in this eco-heartfelt shopping gem at Ocean Terminal.
Retro Clothing Outfit
0.6 km
Dive into decades of style at Retro Clothing Outfit in Leith's Ocean Terminal—vintage gems await in Edinburgh's creative coastal enclave.
Build-A-Bear
0.6 km
Craft your own cuddly companion in Leith's lively workshop, where stuffing hearts and dreams creates lifelong memories for kids and families alike.
Logan Malloch Ltd
0.7 km
Discover authentic Scottish craftsmanship and unique gifts at Logan Malloch Ltd, a vibrant artisan shop in the heart of Edinburgh’s Leith Walk.
Britannia Gift Shop
0.7 km
Discover exclusive royal souvenirs and nautical treasures at the Britannia Gift Shop, where the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II's yacht comes alive in every carefully curated item.
Georgian Antiques
0.7 km
Explore 50,000 sq ft of Scotland's finest antiques in Leith's historic heart – from Regency cabinets to gilded mirrors in one vast warehouse.
Wee Leith Shop
1.3 km
Quirky novelties and charming gifts await in this cozy Leith Walk gem, capturing the neighborhood's independent spirit with playful treasures for every home.
Planet.A Boutique
1.8 km
Discover Edinburgh’s stylish and sustainable gift shop offering unique local treasures and eco-friendly finds on Easter Road.
The Cats Miaou
1.9 km
A vibrant Leith gift shop bursting with quirky, pun-filled designs and ethically sourced handmade treasures in Edinburgh.
Meadowbank Shopping Park
2.1 km
Edinburgh’s vibrant shopping park offering diverse stores, extended hours, and a welcoming atmosphere for all your retail and dining needs.
The Dragonfly
2.2 km
Discover unique gifts and local charm at The Dragonfly, a stylish boutique gift shop in Edinburgh’s vibrant Broughton Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Barologist
0.1 km
A characterful Leith pub-cocktail bar mixing inventive drinks, rustic plates and quirky interiors for relaxed nights and small celebrations.
Three Marys
0.2 km
Leith's stylish cocktail gem with smoked margaritas, eclectic decor, and shareable plates in a historic portside nook—perfect for inventive sips and cozy evenings.
Malt & Hops
0.2 km
Historic Leith pub since 1749, pouring real ales and whiskies by a roaring fire amid maritime charm on the Shore.
The Vine Bar
0.4 km
Experience the warmth of Leith at The Vine Bar, a cozy spot offering a delightful selection of local drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.
Smoke & Mirrors
0.6 km
Quirky Leith cocktail haven where magic-themed vibes meet masterful mixes in an intimate, colourful escape from Edinburgh's everyday.
Leith Dockers Club
0.6 km
Leith's 1946 social heartbeat: massive bar, function suites, beer garden, and community spirit for gatherings big and small.
The Lioness of Leith
0.7 km
Leith's quirky gastropub haven for gourmet burgers, craft cocktails, and electric vibes since 2013—where quality bites meet lively nights.
The Street
2.3 km
Casual cocktail bar by day, energetic late-night bar and small club by night — Picardy Place’s go-to spot for social evenings and weekend parties.
Nightcap
2.5 km
Intimate New Town speakeasy with whisky-led cocktails, reclaimed-wood warmth and attentive, bespoke service for relaxed late-night evenings.
The Alchemist St James Quarter
2.6 km
Experience Edinburgh’s vibrant cocktail theatre and unique dining at The Alchemist St James Quarter, where drinks come alive with magic and flair.
The Alchemist
2.6 km
Theatrical cocktails that smoke and sparkle, inventive global dishes, and an alchemist's lair in Edinburgh's St James Quarter—pure mixology magic awaits.
The Voodoo Rooms
2.7 km
Edinburgh's clandestine Victorian lair of cocktails, cabaret, and live tunes in opulent, hidden chambers.
Cask
2.8 km
Discover Cask: Edinburgh's rooftop cocktail bar offering stunning views, innovative drinks, and delectable small plates in a vibrant atmosphere.
Bramble Bar
2.8 km
Edinburgh's speakeasy legend: masterful cocktails, dim-lit nooks, and beats that linger until 1am in a Queen Street basement hideaway.
The Cocktail Geeks
2.8 km
Edinburgh's arch-hidden gem for themed cocktails, geeky immersions, and masterful mixology in a cozy, ever-changing vault.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Quirky
- Unique
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly