Roseleaf Bar Cafe

4.7 (1762)

Leith's quirky bohemian café-bar where Scottish comfort food meets Wonderland whimsy in teapots and hearty bowls.

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Roseleaf Bar Cafe

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
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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.

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Getting There

Tram

Take the tram from Edinburgh city center to Ocean Terminal stop, then 10-15 minute walk along the waterfront path; frequent service every 7-12 minutes, single ticket £1.80.
Bus

Lothian Buses 16 or 22 from Princes Street to Sandport Way, 20-25 minutes total; runs every 10-15 minutes daytime, adult fare £1.80, note occasional roadworks delays.
Taxi

Taxi from Edinburgh Waverley Station, 15-20 minute ride depending on traffic; £12-18 fare, available 24/7 but peak hours add wait time.
Walking

From Leith Walk, 20-25 minute stroll via Constitution Street; flat pavement with some cobbles near waterfront, suitable for most fitness levels.

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Restrooms
Drink Options
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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.