Söderberg The Meadows Travel Guide

Söderberg The Meadows brings a taste of Nordic café culture to the south side of Edinburgh, just a short walk from the University. Housed in a light-filled space with large windows and a clean, contemporary design, the café feels both stylish and welcoming. The scent of freshly baked sourdough and cardamom buns fills the air, drawing in students, locals, and visitors looking for a quality coffee and a proper pastry. The focus is on Scandinavian baking traditions, with daily-made buns, sourdough breads, and a range of Swedish-inspired dishes that feel both comforting and distinctive.

The menu is built around Söderberg’s renowned pastries, particularly the cardamom and cinnamon buns that have earned a loyal following. Alongside these, you’ll find vegan buns, berry mazarins, and a rotating selection of cakes and tarts. Breakfast and brunch options include poached eggs on sourdough, avocado with crispy kale, and the popular Frukostbricka – a Swedish-style breakfast tray with eggs, cured meats, cheese, bread, and fruit. Waffles, granola with yoghurt, and a range of open sandwiches on sourdough rye or farmer’s bread offer something for every appetite, from a quick snack to a more substantial meal.

As the day progresses, the café shifts into lunch mode with sourdough pizzas, soups, salads, and Swedish meatballs served with cream gravy and lingonberry. The coffee is a highlight, with well-made espresso-based drinks and a good selection of teas. The atmosphere is calm and conducive to lingering, whether you’re catching up with friends, working on a laptop, or simply unwinding with a book. The staff are generally attentive, and the overall experience is polished, though some note that prices sit on the higher side for a casual café.

One of the café’s biggest draws is its generous outdoor seating area, perfect for sunny afternoons or crisp autumn days. Blankets are often provided in cooler months, making it a pleasant spot to enjoy your coffee and pastry while people-watching. Inside, the space is modern and uncluttered, with a counter service model and a visible bakery section showcasing the day’s bakes. Restrooms are available, though access may require a code from your receipt. The café is known for participating in food-waste initiatives like Too Good To Go, offering discounted bags of unsold items at the end of the day.