Overlooking the lively River Tay, visitors to Dundee should expect to fill up their calendars with things to do while exploring this cultured city in Scotland. Dundee is an extraordinary holiday destination, from the dolphins and whales that occasionally grace the River Tay to the wealth of museums and art galleries available. The city also has a vibrant coffee culture, with the coffee Dundee offers being some of the best in the country.
If you’re interested in finding the best coffee in the city before you set out to see its attractions, stick around! Here’s a great selection of all the fantastic coffee shops and roasteries you can find in vibrant Dundee:
Brewery Lanes Coffee Roasters
Brewery Lanes Coffee Roaster is a specialised artisanal coffee roaster in Dundee that focuses on creating beautiful blends from single-origin beans worldwide! You can expect an ever-rotating selection of decadent coffee bean blends based from multiple different sources – it all depends on what Brewery Lanes can get their hands on at the time.
You can expect a homely and authentic experience as an independent coffee shop if you visit Brewery Lanes Coffee Roasters and coffee done the Scottish way. If you want a great place to immerse yourself in Dundee’s coffee roasting culture, Brewery Lanes Coffee Roasters should be at the top of your list.
You can find Brewery Lanes on… Well, Brewery Lane in Dundee. Isn’t that simple?
Tartan Coffee House
Named after the iconic patterned cloth worn by the many iconic clans of Scotland, Tartan Coffee House continues offering fantastic coffees with Scottish flavour. This vibrant coffee house is on the West End of Dundee, right off Perth Road.
In addition to supplying locally roasted coffee that’s to die for, Tartan Coffee House also treats guests to a tasty breakfast and lunch. Along with your steaming cup of local coffee, you can eat a full Scottish breakfast with all the bells and whistles or have a light lunch snack like pancakes, bagels, and freshly made sandwiches.
Coffee & Co
A relatively new addition to the coffee shops and cafes in Dundee is Coffee & Co, a new favourite for visitors who want a latte and maybe some tray bakes. Located on Reform Street, Coffee & Co is centrally situated in Dundee and makes for a perfect place to wind down after visiting the Waterfront, the University of Dundee, and the various golf courses that dot the region.
Try Coffee & Co’s freshly baked cakes and pastries, including coconut macaroons, chocolate fudge cake, and even chocolate brownies to pair with your delicious coffee. Coffee and cake are the ultimate combinations to start or wrap up your day, so pop by Coffee & Co while in Dundee.
Empire State Coffee Artisan Roasters
Empire State Coffee Artisan Roasters takes coffee beans from all over the world and expertly blends them to make possibly the best coffee you can find in Dundee. How do we know that? Well, this roastery has been in operation for over 10 years, so they must be doing something right.
If you need a pick-me-up before you set out on a day of adventuring around Dundee or want a place to decompress after a full day of fun, Empire State is the place to be. And if you’re feeling a wee peckish, why not pick up one of their panini sandwiches made with freshly baked sourdough bread?
Empire State Coffee does artisanal food and drinks right and may be your new favourite spot for coffee in Dundee. Only one way to find out!
Dundee Espresso Lab
Have you ever wanted to try espresso that’s been boiled down to a science? Dundee Espresso Lab is an exquisite high-quality speciality coffee shop that offers Italian desserts and pastries you need to try!
This roaster takes its coffee seriously, bringing coffee beans from famous places like Guatemala, Colombia, and more and combining them into a genuinely fantastic blend that keeps you coming back again and again. If you need a shot of quality espresso before you set out for a day in Dundee, try the decadent coffee from the Espresso Lab.
The Bach
Bach’s design is a starkly different experience compared to many of the other Dundee coffee roasters, and you’ll be forgiven for mistaking yourself to be in New Zealand rather than Scotland. Sporting a beautiful and authentic look into New Zealand coffee, The Bach is one of the most unique places to enjoy great coffee and delicious food.
It’s also a stunning brunch spot for great food, including burgers, french toast, bagels and poutine fries. This café gets pretty busy during the early morning hours, so if you don’t want to wait, we recommend booking one of their tables. It’s the perfect family brunch spot too!
J A Braithwaite
If you want to go to Dundee’s oldest shop, you only have to head down Castle Street to find J. A. Braithwaite! This store has been open since 1868 and provides customers with authentic tea and coffees to try and taste.
J. A. Braithwaite is not strictly a cafe but rather a cafe merchant with an impressive stock of fresh tea, coffee, and other local produce of artisanal goods. The history of J. A. Braithwaite is more than enough to warrant a visit to this store and you may find yourself picking up a souvenir or two!
Henry’s Coffee House
Henry’s Coffee House is a proudly independent coffee shop that also offers classic and speciality coffees! This Dundee coffee shop aims to serve the very best coffee Dundee has to offer and consistently challenges itself to raise the standard of what a piping hot brew should be.
And if you love their coffee, you’ll also love their toasted sandwiches, waffles, eggs and bacon, and the plenty of other options they serve to fill you up for a full day in Dundee.
Flame Tree Cafe
Australia is sometimes considered the home of coffee, where authentic speciality coffees are not made to be drunk but to be indulged. Flame Tree Cafe has both Scottish and Aussie roots, and you can enjoy delicious Australian food, both cold and warm, along with incredible coffee.
And for those stormy days, then try out a soup or two as well! Flame Tree Cafe gives full service to coffee, so take advantage of this coffee shop in Dundee. Some of their menu is gluten-free but double-check before your order.
Pacamara Food & Drink
Serving locals and tourists alike, Pacamara Food & Drink is a hub of good food and great people. If you want to meet friends or chat with locals while enjoying a cosy atmosphere and excellent coffee, this local cafe is a great spot to visit in the town of Dundee.
Treat yourself to more than just coffee at this cafe; they also have a great selection of burgers, french toast (with a banana), and even a full Scottish if you’re so inclined. You can find Pacamara Food & Drink on Perth Road in Dundee, right in the city’s heart.
