7 Heavenly hot chocolate spots in Edinburgh

The Marshmallow Lady is tucked away on Rodney Street in Canonmills, offering refreshing twists on the traditional hot chocolate – and they look almost too good to drink! 

The marshmallow topping is the shop’s signature; all handmade to perfection and piled on top of your steaming cup that you can customise to your heart's content. Choose from tempting flavours like pink-toasted strawberry mallows, salted caramel and churro brûlée, or something a bit unusual like rum, nutmeg or even Irn-Bru.  

The Marshmallow Lady is the perfect pit stop if you're heading to the nearby Royal Botanic Garden, especially if you're going to catch the Christmas Lights at the Botanics during the festive season – nothing beats that feeling when you wrap your hands around a warm cup while looking at the twinkling lights. 

Start your chocolate adventure at The Marshmallow Lady 

If you’re looking to recharge during a day of sightseeing, expect nothing less than a delicious and satisfying experience at Uplands Roast. Situated on The Meadows, close to the centre of Edinburgh, this simple and funky trailer specialises in artisan brews. Their hot chocolates are topped with a heaped layer of frothy milk, toasted marshmallows, a dusting of cinnamon, chocolate sprinkles and a chocolate stick – guaranteed to not only keep you warm on your Edinburgh adventure but it will also lift your mood.  

Grab a cuppa and wander The Meadows, where autumn brings a blaze of golds, ambers and reds. Wade through the carpet of crunchy leaves underfoot or simply sit back and watch the world go by for a while. Afterwards, head towards the National Museum of Scotland or Edinburgh Castle, taking in the winding cobbled streets, historic rooftops and the mighty fortress as it comes into view. 

Discover Upland Roast's sweetest sips 

To call a hot chocolate from Moo Pie Gelato ''chocolate heaven'' is simply an understatement. This ice-cream bar is tucked away on St Mary’s Street in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town and is known for its indulgent (and perfectly Instagrammable) Italian-style gelato, while their hot chocolate drinks are equally scrumptious. 

But these aren't simply drinks. They are cups of pure comfort, filled to the brim with fluffy toasted marshmallow foam and fudgy brownie pieces, and you get to choose whether you want your drink made with 50% or 70% dark chocolate, milk chocolate, malted milk, or even caramelised white chocolate. As for the gelato flavours, how about cinnamon sugar doughnut or brown toast and jam? You can even add a pinch of Maldon salt! There are plenty more unexpected combinations that will keep you coming back.  

If you're exploring Edinburgh's Old Town, Moo Pie Gelato is just a short stroll from the Scottish Storytelling Centre and the historic John Knox House, just off the Royal Mile. Here, you can hear vivid stories from Scotland's past and get a real feel for people and places that shaped Edinburgh.  

Warm up with a sweet treat at Moo Pie Gelato 

Basement Gelato Co in Edinburgh’s West End offers a unique spin on the classic hot chocolate experience. Everything is made on site, including their signature hot chocolate, so you can expect a rich, freshly crafted treat that feels delicious from the very first sip. Paired with natural, homemade marshmallows available in a variety of mouth-watering flavours such as vanilla bean, salted caramel and chocolate orange, each cup is a serious treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. And when those soft mallows start to melt and become gooey, they’re simply too hard to resist.  

If you’re looking for something different, try one of their crumble pots with custard or, of course, their famous gelato. The shop also offers vegan options with dairy-free milk and a creamy vegan topping. 

When you're ready, wander through the picturesque Dean Village, following leafy paths along the Water of Leith past charming stone cottages, or step inside Johnnie Walker Experience on Princes Street nearby and discover vibrant flavours and spectacular city views from its rooftop bar. 

Try the perfect hot chocolate at Basement Gelato Co 

Wrap up warm and head to Edinburgh’s seafront for a refreshing walk around Portobello. For the winter season, local favourite Aemilia treats customers to their decadent Italian-style hot chocolates – the kind so thick that you can stand a spoon up in. Made with rich, melted chocolate and finished with a swirl of thick cream and a toasted marshmallow, their steamy cup is perfect to keep you toasty warm from the inside out on a wintry amble. 

Should all that sweetness leave you craving something savoury, Aemilia are expert pasta makers, preparing fresh pasta and homemade sauces for you to take away and cook up a feast at home. 

Enjoy a stroll along Portobello Beach to soak up the sea where kayakers, paddleboarders and wild swimmers take to the water. Then, wander through to Figgate Park between Portobello and Duddingston, where you can take in views of Arthur's Seat along the way. 

Treat yourself to Aemilia's homemade favourites

Your experience at Mimi’s Bakehouse will surely be one to remember. Not only are their hot chocolates a tasty treat, but they are also beautifully presented. From a Baileys shot to honeycomb, chai, and even white chocolate with raspberry, all topped with whipped cream and meringue – each one is equally divine.  

If you’re sitting in, their food menu will tempt your taste buds, too. Choose from all-day brunch dishes such as bacon pancakes with maple syrup or Scottish smoked salmon crostini, or treat yourself to one of their award-winning cakes, traybakes, teas or speciality drinks.  

You’ll find Mimi’s Bakehouse in six locations across the city, including Lauriston Castle and the City Art Centre. At Lauriston, follow the path past the rose garden towards the Japanese Garden – you'll love how peaceful this place feels, with gentle cascades and a traditional Japanese bridge. 

Check out Mimi's Bakehouse 

Located in South Queensferry, just outside of Edinburgh, Dune Bakery is well worth the trip. Perfect as a morning pick-me-up or a comforting afternoon treat, this popular bakery not only offers rich and creamy hot chocolates from Coco Chocolatier – an artisan chocolate brand – but also an exceptional range of high-quality baked goods made with attention to detail and locally sourced ingredients. 

Pop in to see what seasonal offerings are available, as you might find special pastries or treats reflecting the time of year. The pistachio and raspberry Danish is worth a try, and so are the lemon meringue cruffins and stuffed cinnamon buns – you shouldn’t need more convincing to grab a drink and pastry combo while exploring nearby. 

As for the area, pause at Hawes Pier for a classic seaside moment. Watch boats gliding on the water beneath the spectacular Forth Bridges, while the irresistible smell of fresh fish and chips drifts in the air. If you have time, explore the beautiful grounds of Hopetoun House nearby. 

Try the delicious treats from Dune Bakery 

This list was created by VisitScotland to showcase a range of experiences. It isn’t ranked in any specific order.