Cafe Portrait

We visited mid-morning and spent a few hours in the café working. There is no stated laptop or time-limit policy, and during that time we made several purchases: 4 coffees, a scone, a ham & cheese croissant, a blondie and 2 soups with bread — totalling about £50 for two people. A third friend joined us later and also purchased additional items. Despite this, when the café became busier an employee (Heather) told us that if we were not planning to buy anything immediately, we would need to leave — even though we had purchased two coffees less than an hour earlier. There were also several unoccupied tables that had not been cleared. When we raised this and noted the amount we had already spent, another staff member (Francis) stated that he “hadn’t seen us get up since 10am.” We were not there at 10am, and when we offered to show receipts, the comment was withdrawn. When we asked why we were being singled out, we were told that “other customers want to sit.” While we understand the need to manage seating during busy periods, we were the only customers approached, despite others also having been seated for extended periods. In particular, a man using a laptop nearby — who had been present longer than we had — was not asked to leave. This inconsistency contributed to the impression of unfair and potentially discriminatory treatment. However, there was no acknowledgement or apology for the misunderstanding. Only a vague promise of a manager calling (we’ll see if that happens). Overall, we were treated disrespectfully despite being paying customers, and the experience was extremely disappointing.

From the atmosphere to the tastes and the staff, this place is so good. It’s a very good stop when you need a break for a coffee. They have very good pastries. It’s a self service place where you’ll need to get yourself a tray when choosing what to eat. Pro tip: they also have lockers that work with a coin of £1 inside

my muffin was excellent. light and moist with great flavour. excellent view of the shop and the fridge magnets. I had a cold drink but the coffee smelled good. Nice layout so not crowded. Great gallery

I went with my brother for lunch. We have been several times in the past and it has consistently been very good. Popular with tourists as well as locals, so currently exceptionally busy. There was a queue at the counter, but it was being processed efficiently by the staff. The area was completely clean and tidy, the food fresh and tasty and the prices appropriate. We would certainly go again.

I recommend reserving a table in The Nook to fully enjoy the cafe’ atmosphere and being pampered by the excellent service. We had the Nook Salad and a delicious Haddock Ash with sweet potatoes and kale.

Went here after meaning to go for a long time, and it was worth it. The café is in a large well lit room with comfortable seats and many tables. The café is in the National Portrait Gallery and serves salads, baked savoury and sweet goods, together with hot and cold drinks. The salads are excellent, and can be eaten with sandwiches, pasties or sausage rolls. There is a good choice of cakes for later with tea, coffee or alcoholic drinks. Prices are not cheap, but the quality of the food and drinks is very good. Service is also brisk and efficient.

The staff were absolutely lovely and welcoming! Excellent service and such delicious coffee, thank you so much for making our visit so enjoyable. We’ll definitely be back!

We booked an afternoon tea in advance for our trip to Edinburgh. We had to make the reservation through email, and the process went smoothly. They asked about food allergies and accommodated what they could and explained what they could not. The food was great, the service was great, and we all enjoyed the experience.

Just a short walk from our hotel. We got here right after they just open. I am happy to see some locals are enjoying their times with their friends at the cafe. I got tea and fruit scone with butter and jam. They are light and tasty. It is spacious and quiet. The staff are really nice.

Booked tea for £22/person. I thought it was served in the 'Library.' It is not. The room wasn't attractive. Food was average. Nothing special. Just another museum cafe. Also, The Library is on the first floor. It is separate from the cafe, which is on the ground floor.

A tour guide told us about the portraits gallery so we walked over and went in. It is free and very interesting. There are several floors but can't remember if there was an elevator available. If you're in the area, take a look, it's worth it.

I had read that they have an excellent tea service at the National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh. You have to make a reservation online but that was done simply. Upon arrival we were warmly greeted and taken into a private room in the back of the Cafe. We made our tea selection and relaxed until our teavservice arrived. A tower of cakes and sandwiches accompanied a pot of earl grey. The tea was perfect and didn't need a thing. The cakes and sandwiches were beautiful and tasty. Next I'm in Edinburgh I will be having tea here again.

Good quality cafe with food selection. There's an Afternoon Tea service though I didn't try it. Apparently, it's rather nice. Had mainly the salad and some tea and a scone. Counter service. Tasty food, and good and efficient service at the counter. What really makes this great are the tall ceilings and windows that give it a nice airy feel. Acoustically, the space feels quiet; when I was here the cafe was about half full but people talked a little like they were in a library. Bathrooms: Exit cafe to use the museum toilets but those are very close. Clean, functional, modern, and spacious.

I thought this cafe would be extortion but it was pretty decent especially for what you get which was chicken and sweet corn soup with big chunks of chicken. Expect lots of health food recipes in this cafe, butternut squash, kale, quinoa but also a great selection of delicious cakes. Expect an abrupt cashier but apart from said cashier this place is pretty decent, its busy, big but a good place to eat before or after taking in the sights of the gallery which I highly recommend.

The cafe in the National Portrait Gallery offers a wide range of tasty sweets as well as some dishes for lunch. Situated on the ground floor, it got a lot of space and tables. Passing by a couple of times, we always saw lot of people inside which is a good sign from our point of view. As the cafe is part of the gallery which is free of charge to enter, we dropped in today and enjoyed some cake in between our tour around the gallery. The service was quick and friendly.

This is one of those strange cafe's that seems to have been in a time-warp for years and years. Most of the partons are of a certain age, shall we say, and it seems to cater mainly for soup, cake and tea lovers. It can get very busy at lunchtimes and, as it is situated at the end of the gallery through the shop getting access to it isn't so easy for either young families or those in wheelchairs. It is a nice place to go if you are feeling nostalgic and don't mind sharing your table with a couple of strangers at busy times!

I suspect that most of the people here have not been to the gallery but come for the cafe. It has a long reputation for good quality food and baking and is always busy. The ingredients are fresh and good quality. The scones are particulary good, but my most lavish praise must go to the brownies which are absolutely deliciousl As it can get very busy you sometimes have to share a table with strangers,but mostly that is not a problem. This is the place to see a real mix of Edinburgh locals, from little old ladies who lunch, to bank types who have just popped round the corner from St Andrews Square. Of course, while you are there, have a look at which exhibitions are on. There are usually some smaller free ones as well as a ticketed main exhibition. The shop is also a good source of presents for arty friends and family.

What a surprise! Lunchtime in Edinburgh can be a bit hit-and-miss but after a couple of hours in the Portrait Gallery we sauntered into their cafe for a bite to eat. It was bustling, which augured well and at the self-service counter we could see why. A host of croissants with fresh looking fillings, tasty sounding soups and a couple of hot dishes as the daily choice. We chose a couple of croissants - one ham, one pastrami. Both delicious and accompanied by good coffee it filled the hole just as we wished. Definitely one to revisit.

My only hesitation about writing this place up is that it might therefore get even more crowded than it already is. But there you go for the love of mankind, I will do my honest duty. And my honest duty is to say: This place is fabulous. The food is just soooo delicious! My all-time favourite was the smoked salmon paté, I was in grave danger of over-eating! But equally nice are the cakes, teas, and soups. It really is a great place with a cosy (well, when it's truly packed at lunchtime, too cosy!) atmosphere, lots of dark wood and beautiful windows.

Great place to go for a coffee/tea and snack! A real find and soem very tasty homemade cakes!

It's not supposed to be the main attraction, but the cafe of the Edinburgh portrait gallery is a wonderful place, and once you've looked round the rooms and feasted your eyes on the artwork, it is always nice to feast more literally on some of the lovely salads, home made cakes and whatnot in everyone's secretly favourite exhibit. I mention cakes because here are some of the most luscious looking you will see; caramel slices, marble-topped tiffin, flapjack; all huge and very rich. It is also nice for a general cafe-goer, having a nice, cultured collection of eaters.

The National Portrait Gallery is almost as famous for its delightful wee cafe as it is its exhibitions. A splendid place to drop-in to enjoy a cup of tea and one of their excellent homemade scones or flapjacks (try the date oat flapjack). The decor is nicely traditional, with beautiful windows and interesting artwork. Great to visit before and after the gallery itself; very pleasant.