Cafe at the Palace

Touristy, of course… and also quite pricey. Kind of logical when you get something to eat and drink at the ‘Royal Palace’, but still…
I had the shortbread which was ok. Everything was just ok, maybe I would rate it good but thinking about what I paid my mind just wants to rate it OK and no higher.
Coming down Hollyrood it is the first option you get so that is what you get when you don’t take snacks or drinks up there!
It’s quite a nice location so I guess an OK stop when you are touring with visitors and not on a budget, but I will try to stretch out my hunger and thirst next time and go somewhere else!

I made an unexpected stop at this café when touring Edinburgh last summer. I thoroughly enjoyed my time walking around this great city, but unfortunately, as I approached Holyrood Palace, I got caught in a rain storm and looked for a place to seek shelter.
Just in front of the entrance to the palce is Café at the Palace. They had ample outdoor seating and a somewhat spacious dining area. They offered a variety of standard café items, but my travel companion and I settled for a warm beverage and a scone.
The scone was one of the better scones Ive had – very big and good flavors. I cant say much about the rest of the items. Id have to try more of them to make a good assessment. But overall, I was happy with the experience. It was a bit touristy, but I liked what I ate and the location was good. Also, it was well-​staffed which is always a plus when visiting shops/​restaurants in tourist heavy areas.
Pros: Location next to Holyroodhouse, well-​staffed, excellent scones, outdoor seating
Cons: A little touristy, not the best prices (but not awful either)

Expect your pockets to come out of this café full of holes, as if moths had had their way with them while you sat there eating over-​priced scones and drinking over-​priced tea. On the other hand, it’s a really quaint setting. It’s a good place to feel like you’re having a regal afternoon, after a stroll by the Queen’s pond or up and down the Royal Mile and Canongate.
The café looks out onto the courtyard before the entrance of the Palace (you can even spy on the guards). Everything is exactly as you’d expect a Café in a Palace to be. Pricey, yet tasty. If I had taste alone to go, I would rate this place higher, but I’m a meager student and can’t really afford to like a place like this.