Welcome to Cafe Marlayne
At Cafe Marlayne, nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, the essence of culinary artistry meets warm hospitality. This charming eatery has woven itself into the fabric of the city, serving up exquisite dishes like Grilled Haddock and Chicken Supreme alongside delightful starters such as Moules Mariniere. Diners rave about the ambiance, characterized by a friendly buzz that complements the beautifully presented food. Each dish is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Whether indulging in the decadent Basque cheesecake or savoring the rich flavors of a seasonal risotto, guests leave with their taste buds delighted and their hearts full.
- 76 Thistle St, Edinburgh EH2 1EN, United Kingdom Hotline: +44 131 226 2230
Welcome to Cafe Marlayne, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Edinburgh at 76 Thistle St, EH2 1EN. Renowned for its inviting atmosphere and exceptional service, this bistro-style cafe has become a beloved spot for both locals and visitors alike. Reviewers rave about the food’s delightful presentation and robust flavors, making it a go-to destination for an authentic dining experience.
Cafe Marlayne boasts a menu that is rich in creativity and flavor. Start your meal with enticing options like Moules Marinière with creamy garlic sauce or the refreshing Thai Beef Salad garnished with cashew nuts. For those who appreciate unique combinations, the Rosemary & Balsamic Peaches with Honey & Whipped Ricotta promises an explosion of taste that is equal parts sweet and savory.
The main courses continue to impress, offering dishes like the aromatic Carrot Risotto adorned with thyme-roasted carrots and rich parmesan. Fish lovers will delight in the Grilled Haddock served with roast fennel and miso velouté, showcasing the chef’s knack for balancing flavors and textures seamlessly.
Customer experiences echo similar sentiments. Susie Ross, a long-time patron, describes Cafe Marlayne as "absolutely superb," noting the extraordinary food and welcoming ambiance. Cecil Burnett complements the talented culinary team, praising the aesthetic appeal of the dishes and the unforgettable desserts that leave taste buds dancing. Meanwhile, Stephen Grant highlights the exceptional service and culinary delights, marking the Basque cheesecake as a must-try.
Desiring a calm yet lively atmosphere? Cafe Marlayne perfects that balance, according to Miles Wallis-Clarke, who reveled in the details of each course—from the simple yet sophisticated salmon starter to the beautifully cooked duck. Each review heralds a theme of attentiveness and care, qualities that elevate this cafe above others in the bustling city.
In a world where dining can become routine, Cafe Marlayne remains a standout testament to the possibilities of great food and service. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual lunch or celebrating a special occasion, make sure you reserve a table ahead of time—this beloved cafe is always bustling with eager diners. It’s clear why it’s a cherished spot for anyone seeking a moment of culinary bliss in Edinburgh.
In summary, Cafe Marlayne is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience that transports you to a world of delightful flavors and genuine hospitality. With every visit, you’re guaranteed an exceptional meal rooted in tradition and creativity, all within the charming ambiance that defines this lovely establishment.

Absolutely superb place to eat. Service, food and ambience are all exceptional. There is never a spare seat in the house so you must book. A real gem of an eatery with a delicious menu served perfectly and at a very reasonable cost. My favourite restaurant in Edinburgh and has been for decades now!

The Cafe Marlayne is wee gem of restaurant right in the city centre. The restaurant has an amazing atmosphere with really nice buzz with nice friendly staff. My compliments to the chef for producing amazing tasty food that looks great and tastes delicious. The deserts have amazing taste that makes you suck on the food to get that’s rush to the taste buds that’s make the whole experience well worth the visit. We will definitely be back and thanks for the delicious food you served.

Been a couple of times before under previous owner and it was great. Just as good now and fantastic staff team. We had an early table and were initially only people in restaurant so had a good crack either the 2 servers who continued to look after us just as well as the restaurant filled up. Food was wonderful culminating in best Basque cheesecake i have ever had. Will be back very soon.

One of the loveliest meals we have had recently! Four of us were visiting Edinburgh for the weekend. We enjoyed the meal we had booked at Tattu on the Friday night but had no plans for Saturday. We wanted something a little more authentic and independent feeling. We chanced on Cafe Marlayne and were overjoyed that they could fit us in. The decor and menu were just what we looking for. The reality was even better than we had hoped for. My salmon starter with sorrel sauce was simple but delicious. The duck that followed was beautifully cooked and well-complimented by the cherries. We also loved the pinot noir wine served with the meal. Unusually for us we had desserts and then some additional drinks. There was such attention to detail - and customer service was exemplary. This is a gorgeous restaurant which deserves to do very well - we would certainly return next time we are in Edinburgh.

Absolute gem of a place. Wonderful food, great value and incredibly courteous service. Will definitely return.

ate at Cafe Marlayne on Christmas Day, wonderful service, excellent food and the atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed. I had artichoke soup followed by grilled bream and new potatoes and greens, finished with chocolate torte and cream. Also cups of nice strong coffee. All the staff were very attentive and charming and the hostess made our group feel most welcome and special. What more could you want ?

My French BF found this little bistro/ cafe and it is a gem for the price vs. value you get. We booked the table on the same day. We had the 2 course lunch for 18.90GBP and every penny was worth. First, the roasted peach with whipped ricotta was simple but super delicious (so enjoyable!!!) while the main dish was fish - which was great as well! Maybe I wish it had been served somewhat hotter. The customer service was delightful and overall we had a great and satisfying experience!!! Highly recommend!!!

A friend of mine Nilo brought me here for my birthday, the food and atmosphere was lovely.