10 Best coffee shops to try in Perth

Whether you consider yourself something of a coffee snob or are simply looking for a place to stop and refuel while exploring Perth you’ll be glad to hear ‘the Fair City’ boasts a vibrant café culture scene.

With the opening of the new Perth Museum this Easter, there’s never been a better time to sample the city’s array of unique independent coffee shops and cafés.

  1. Stone at Perth Museum St John’s Place

    Stone - Perth Museum's Café

    © Julie Howden/Culture Perth and Kinross

    Stone is the newest addition to Perth’s Café quarter. It’s located inside what used to be the Lesser City Hall and is all about showcasing the delicious food and drink on the city’s doorstep. From its own customised coffee blend to the freshly baked bread used to make delicious Nordic-stye open sandwiches, Stone relies on local suppliers to create its tantalising vegan-inclusive menu featuring lunchtime favourites, treats and platters. The café is open to everyone – not just museum visitors, including well-behaved dogs.

  2. Hinterland 20 St John’s Place

    Hinterland

    At Hinterland coffee isn’t simply a hot beverage – it’s a way of life. Sip on a cup of their expertly brewed coffee produced from the finest Arabica beans using traditional drum roasting techniques and take in the relaxed ambience. Feeling peckish? There’s an equally tantalising menu of simple, nutritious dishes ranging from seasonal salads to homemade banana bread.

  3. Willows Coffee Shop 14 St John’s Place

    Willows Coffee Shop & Restaurant

    © Michael White

    Located on St John’s Place overlooking the new Perth Museum housed inside the former Perth City Hall, Willows Coffee Shop is a firm favourite with locals. From breakfast to afternoon tea and everything in between, it’s perfectly situated for a coffee or tea pit-stop while exploring Perth’s city centre.

  4. Rascal’s Vegan Café 13 George Street

    Rascal’s Vegan Café

    © Dodie Piddock

    Life happens, coffee helps is the motto of Rascal’s Vegan Café which prides itself on great, affordable food. It’s also dog friendly! In addition to its exceptional coffees and teas, everything served at Rascal’s is entirely vegan, from its freshly cooked dishes to its scrumptious home-made cakes and treats. It’s also a social enterprise with proceeds going towards the charity Starting Step.

  5. Effie’s of Perth 202 High Street

    Effie's of Perth

    Turn back time on a visit to Effie’s of Perth, a delightful old-fashioned tearoom which specialises in tea boasting a choice of over 30 different types of blends. Enjoy a cuppa alongside a freshly baked scone with homemade jam and clotted cream served on vintage crockery while taking in the quirky interior festooned with antique wall décor and photographs.

  6. Bistro @ The Castle Balhousie Castle

    Bistro @ The Castle

    © Black Watch Castle & Museum

    Get your caffeine and a cultural fix at the Bistro @ The Castle. It’s located next to Balhousie Castle, the home of the award-winning Black Watch Museum which charts the history of Scotland’s oldest military regiment. Enjoy a coffee or tea break in the bright and airy dining room or in the castle courtyard if the sun’s out. All proceeds from the café support the museum and its many good causes. 

  7. The Rose House Café & Gift Shop 9-15 St John Street

    The Rose House

    © The Rose House

    The Rose House is a florist with many strings to its bow. It’s home to Perthshire’s only dedicated Floral Academy offering classes in the art of flower arranging, a gift shop brimming with fresh flower gifts and vintage-style homewares, as well as a café. Enjoy a superb cup of coffee and hot snack in the tastefully decorated, white-washed interior. There’s also a lounge and small library upstairs next to the academy.

  8. Artisan Espresso & Wine Bar 33 St John Street

    Artisan - Espresso & Wine Bar

    © @artisanperth

    Set in a former butcher’s with beautiful original tiled walls, Artisan is a place to enjoy a coffee break with an authentic Sicilian twist. Pair your coffee or espresso with an array of homemade treats, from fruity Danish pastries to slices of red velvet and walnut cake or the café’s speciality: crispy cannelloni stuffed with mouth-watering sweet fillings.

  9. Coffee & Things 10-12 St John Street

    Coffe & Things

    © Anthony Monti

    Set on the pedestrianised St John Street facing the back of St John’s Kirk, Coffee & Things brings a touch of continental style to this popular shopping thoroughfare. Nestle down inside to enjoy their hot drinks, frappes and famous home-baked brownies. There’s plenty of outdoor seating too creating an al fresco sun spot during the warmer months.

  10. Ginger Café 22 Scott Street

    Ginger Café

    © Ginger Café Perth

    If you’re in need of caffeine fix or quick bite to eat look no further than Ginger Café. The menu offers a comforting mix of breakfast and lunchtime staples with a couple of surprises thrown in for good measure – giant German hot dogs followed by apple strudel anyone? With its bright, cosy interior and friendly service, Ginger ticks all the boxes.

Other things you might like

Join our newsletter clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Get the Scotland newsletter