Brewhemia is one of those places that already has a reputation in Edinburgh, and for good reason.
I had actually been before for a Kinky Boots press event back in 2018, and again for my graduation in 2019, and both times it was fantastic. So coming back in 2026 and seeing that the standard is still just as high is genuinely so promising.
We visited on the 26th of March, this time for breakfast after picking up an itison voucher that morning. We called ahead to ask if we could use it the same day and luckily that was no problem, which made it feel very last minute in the best way.
There had been an issue in the kitchen earlier on, which meant things were much quieter than usual. For a while, we actually had the place to ourselves. It gave the whole experience a more relaxed and slightly more personal feel, which you probably do not get as often here.
We decided to go for two completely different options, which worked out well because it gave us a proper feel for the menu. My fiancé chose Rabble’s Breakfast, Brewhemia’s take on a full Scottish, and the portion size was honestly huge. He has a big appetite and even he struggled to finish it, which says everything. It is definitely one to go for if you are actually hungry. There were also a few unexpected touches, like a pretzel on the plate, which is not exactly standard for a Scottish breakfast but made it feel a bit more interesting than your usual fry up.
I went for the smashed avocado with egg and pomegranate seeds. I do love an avocado toast, so it is something I would usually go for, but not necessarily when doing a breakfast deal like this. Normally I would lean more towards a full breakfast.
That said, this was genuinely one of the best avocado toasts I have had. The pomegranate completely made the dish, adding a fresh burst of flavour that worked so well with everything else. It felt like a simple dish done really well, with just enough of a twist to make it stand out.
The booking included two hot drinks, served in little pots, and a mimosa each. I went for a mint tea, my partner had coffee, and it just made everything feel a bit more put together. It felt more like a proper sit down experience rather than just grabbing something quickly. And realistically, adding a mimosa makes any breakfast feel like a bit of a treat.
The service was one of the best parts of the whole experience. Our waiter was so attentive without being over the top, and just genuinely friendly the entire time. Even with the kitchen issues earlier on, everything still felt smooth and relaxed. There was also a moment when the very large sausage arrived and we made a few slightly immature jokes. I was a bit embarrassed when he heard, but he just laughed and went along with it, which honestly made the whole thing feel even more comfortable.
The menu itself has a really good mix of classic breakfast options and slightly more unique dishes. You have your full breakfast plates, but also things like chicken and waffles, bagels and lighter options like smashed avocado. Some of the combinations feel a bit unexpected, but in a good way, and it makes it feel more thought through than a standard breakfast menu.
We paid just under £30 through itison for breakfast for two, including drinks, which for central Edinburgh feels pretty reasonable. It is definitely more of a treat than something you would do all the time, but with a deal it feels worth it.
Brewhemia is one of those places that feels reliable. The food has consistently lived up to expectations over the years, and the atmosphere can shift depending on when you go, from lively events to more relaxed mornings like this. They also host a range of events, which adds to the overall experience and makes it more than just somewhere to eat.
It is definitely somewhere I would come back to, and I would love to try their brunch, afternoon tea or even dinner next time.
