Café Portrait has been beautifully refurbished, blending contemporary elegance with enhanced comfort. Sleek new furnishings, improved acoustics, and a thoughtfully redesigned servery create a seamless and swift dining experience. Our dedicated coffee and cake counter offers the perfect sweet indulgence, while the main counter tempts with an ever-changing selection of homemade soups, vibrant salads, artisanal sandwiches, and daily specials.
For those seeking a more leisurely dining experience, The Nook - our intimate table-service restaurant - invites you to slow down and savour a delicious brunch or lunch in relaxed surroundings.
Our updated menu celebrates simple, seasonal flavours, from lighter bites such as a comforting Spring Vegetable Broth with poached egg and crusty roll, or Polenta Chips with chilli jam, to vibrant small plates like Tender Stem Broccoli with toasted almonds and lemon yoghurt.
For brunch, enjoy dishes such as Spiced Courgette Fritters with raita-style yoghurt, or Scottish Smoked Salmon served on toasted sourdough with watercress and cream cheese. At lunchtime, heartier options include Pan-fried West Coast Haddock with new potatoes and lemon butter, Roasted Chicken Supreme with peas and broad beans, or Ricotta & Parmesan Gnudi with cherry tomato and basil.
Round off your visit with something sweet, from a comforting Apple Pie & Custard to a delicate Edinburgh Gin & Vanilla Panna Cotta, or choose from a tempting selection at our cake counter.
Perfectly placed in the city centre, The Nook is an ideal stop for brunch, a relaxed lunch after exploring the galleries, or simply popping in for something delicious.
Use the button on the right to book your table at The Nook.
Please see the sample menu link to the right.
Treat friends and loved ones to the perfect gift – monetary vouchers that can be enjoyed at any of the National Galleries Scotland café spaces, including Café Portrait & The Nook.
Easy to order online, vouchers are delivered instantly by email with a personalised message – a thoughtful surprise and a delicious treat for anyone’s inbox!
Set within the stunning Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Café Portrait offers a stylish and versatile setting for evening events, receptions, and private dining. Its warm, contemporary atmosphere pairs beautifully with the gallery’s historic surroundings. Adjacent to the café, The Nook provides an intimate space ideal for smaller gatherings, celebrations, or corporate events - a hidden gem in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town.
National Gallery Scotland: Portrait, 1 Queen Street
Edinburgh
EH2 1JD
Right this way, to see all the gifts and experiences available at this venue, and much more.
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Celebrate the season with menus bursting with the fresh flavours of summer. From vibrant vegetables and fragrant herbs to freshly caught seafood, seasonal berries and exceptional meats, each dish is thoughtfully crafted to showcase the very best ingredients at their peak.
Available across our venues, discover bright, seasonal flavours, creative cooking and memorable dining experiences throughout the summer months.
