The Nether Bow Port is a coffee house and bistro at 12 High Street on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Its name recalls the fortified gateway that once marked the boundary between Edinburgh and the Canongate, whose former outline can still be traced in the street close to the cafe.
Breakfast service includes cooked plates, eggs Benedict, omelettes and lighter cafe choices, giving early visitors a substantial start before exploring the Old Town. Espresso and pour over coffee are treated as a core part of the offer rather than an afterthought, alongside tea and other drinks.
At lunch and dinner, the menu expands into starters, pasta, daily plates and a steak selection. British cafe favourites such as fish and chips sit comfortably beside bistro dishes, while vegetarian choices and cakes provide options for diners stopping for anything from a quick coffee to a full meal.
The long daily opening hours allow the room to change character from morning coffee house to evening bistro. Its Royal Mile position makes it convenient for visitors, but the all day format, reservations and mix of food and drinks also suit local diners meeting in the centre of Edinburgh.
Address: 12 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1TB, Scotland