Mary's Milk Bar

"Mary’s Milk Bar is the best gelateria in Edinburgh—maybe in Scotland—so there's almost always a line here. There will always be the stalwarts—vanilla, chocolate, and the like—but your best is to go for some of the more creative flavors, like ginger and rhubarb; strawberry and elderflower; damson ripple; or tea and biscuits. There are even savory options. You'll see people from all walks of life: locals who want their ice cream fix, trend-seekers who have seen Mary’s on Instagram, and tourists looking to see what all the fuss is about. With only a handful of seats, Mary’s is tiny, but most people are getting their goodies to go. If you're lucky enough to snag a seat, it’s well worth staying for a Knickerbocker Glory, the Holy Grail of British sundaes. Don’t ask them what’s in it—let yourself be surprised." - Freya Herring

"Inspired by the traditional British milk bars of the 1920s and 60s, and located slap bang on Edinburgh’s busy buzzy Grassmarket, Mary’s Milk Bar is a local institution. Scoops are served depending on the weather outside. In the winter, expect gelato flavored with brandy mince pie, ricotta and baked figs and sage and chestnut (single scoops £2.50) and in the summer tea and jam, gooseberry sorbet and sweetcorn and black pepper. They also sell beautiful artisan chocolates such as peppermint creams, spiced peppernut and hazelnut pralines. Inventiveness rules here and everything is made fresh daily by Mary, who is an actual real life gelato graduate having trained at Bologna’s, Carpigiani Gelato University. Come summer, and especially festival time in August, lines snake down the lane. Even if you wait a while, once inside it’s impossible not to smile when you’re served by a jolly team who’ll see you off with “have a scooper day!” Basically, this is a unique place and a charming antidote to any weather that Edinburgh may throw at you." - Caroline Eden