"Edinburgh’s leading purveyors of the very finest of cheeses since 1993, I.J Mellis showcases high-quality farmhouse fromage from the U.K., Europe and beyond, including tempting two-day curd cow’s milk cheese from Aberdeenshire and washed rind cheese from County Cork, Ireland. At the Victoria Street shop, you’ll find yourself not only amidst some of the world’s finest cheese but also surrounded by a whole street of independent shops selling everything from Harry Potter memorabilia to whiskeys and local gins—plenty for your pantry. The curved street, with its old-fashioned cobblestones and pastel-colored buildings, is one of the most photographed in the city. This is a lovely, traditional and warm shop and far more than a mere cheesemonger, and as such, it deserves a little of your time. (If you can, it's also worth scoping out the cozy Stockbridge location, where there's space in the back to indulge in a hot drink, and a toasted cheese sandwich of epic proportions.)" - Caroline Eden