Jay Sullivan
Google
Urban Angel’s website explains that it was founded by Gilly Macpherson, inspired by the vibrant café cultures of Australia and New Zealand. That might be why, as a group of Aussies, we felt very comfortable and at home here.
I got the BLT, it had chili jam, garlic aioli, red onion, and gherkins. The gherkins were large, thick cut, good gherkins but, after the bacon they were a big, overpowering flavour.
I love gherkins but some people might not expect them to be that dominant in the dish. In the US, you will often get a side of pickles, that might be a better way to serve these so you get a more traditional BLT.
Others got the baked eggs in tomato sauce with goat’s cheese, chili-infused honey, and fresh basil, served with sourdough toast, they looked good and were enjoyed.
We also got the Eggs Benedict, featuring chorizo, spinach, and chipotle hollandaise. I was thinking the chorizo would be thin slices as a way serve it a bit more like how a traditional benedict comes, but the flavours worked and if it sounds good to you, you’d likely enjoy it. I enjoyed the bits I had.
The za’atar spiced scrambled eggs on toast, it came with spicy hollandaise, fresh coriander, spicy salsa, and an added side of halloumi.
I guess this dish is another nod to the idea of what some Australian cafes try to do: fresh, bold flavours, trying to put a spin on dishes and having a go. Australian cafes also usually have great coffee at a higher standard than lots of UK cafes, we don’t lean into the franchises as much and lots of our baristas take their craft very seriously. The coffee here was great, so we got a takeaway for the morning sight-seeing.
Being Edinburgh, the cafe also had Scottish Breakfast Tea instead of English. Similar enough, but I appreciated this patriotism, and liked the flavours of the style.
Urban Angel has a nice vibe in the space, it is nestled in a building that feels like it has some quirky history. The café retains elements of its past, and creates a warm and rustic atmosphere.
The staff were friendly, good-humoured, attentive, and the way they go about their work definitely enhance the overall dining experience.
Urban Angel’s website and menu promote an ethos of good food, done right. Sustainable and responsibly sourced, etc.
It’s in a pretty part of town and has some parks and shopping areas nearby. I’d recommend visiting Urban Angel and grabbing some breakfast or brunch and a coffee. Order flavours you like and you won’t go far wrong.