The Elephant House

The Elephant House is a tourist spot, for sure. If you sit in the window, you will find yourself in at least ten holiday snaps. I dread to think how many photographs exist of me mid-​bite from my short lunch stay in The Elephant House. Because this isn’t just any café; it’s the birthplace of Harry Potter. And people love Harry Potter. Also, there’s loads of elephants dotted around.
For a café with such novelty factor, lunch was pretty good. The panini’s were fresh and tasty and service was friendly and fast. For the cost, I’m sure there were more interesting lunches in the vicinity, but lunch was really enjoyable and filling. — Perfect for our break before we got back to some busking in the centre.
There’s Elephant House memoribilia for sale. Although, I’m not sure if they celebrate elephants or HP, or both. On the gimmick scale, Elephant House ranks highly because it’s torn between its elephant-​adoring roots and its facilitating of the Harry Potter creation.
The ladies’ loos are a really fun place, with literally every surface covered in Harry Potter quotes and fun scrawls. I enjoyed Elephant House this time, but I can’t imagine it’d become a regular haunt of mine. Still, a solid lunch!

I can see why JK picked this sacred spot as a haven for writing the first few books of Harry Potter. Before the fame and stature she brought this place, I would imagine that it would be a serene scene for her to get into character and forget the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh. There is also a great view of the Edinburgh Castle from the window that would provide a beautiful work space before the crowds came.
Food: The beef pie was underwhelming and needed more flavor, but came with a generous portion of mashies for my husband’s empty stomach. The vegetarian chili, on the other hand, was full of flavor and a delicious treat to warm us up before heading out to explore the city. Hot chocolate was a delight and comes with the option of a ton of fun flavors to add, if you desire. They even put a Harry Potter scar design on my foam!
Staff: The hostess was fantastic and friendly and found us a table right away. However, the baristas up front knew nothing about the menu, couldn’t remember all the things we ordered & were slow to serve, which definitely explains the line out the door.
Tourism: Although it was the birthplace of Harry Potter, there is nothing ‘Harry Potter’ about this place aside from the bathroom and one collage of JK Rowling. If you are going there expecting some shrine to HP, you will be disappointed.
Overall, I enjoyed the atmosphere of this place. It was a welcome and warm resting place while touring the city!

Slightly overrated. Usually crowded. Food is average.

This café is known as the birthplace of harry potter since jk rowling wrote part of the books here but honestly nothing else is special about it, the quiche was ok and the brownie my friend had wasnt great. The wifi wasnt working so it was pretty hard to get work done.

The Elephant House es un MUST para cualquier fanático de Harry Potter, Potterhead o simplemente gustoso de la historia. Dicho bar saltó a la fama al conocerse que JK Rowling escribió allí la mayor parte el primer libro de la saga: Harry Potter y la piedra filosofal. Es destacable que el café mantenga su esencia, sigue funcionando tal como lo hacia antes, solo que con algunas referencias (Notas de periódicos, ejemplar de libro firmado por ella). Ademas, el lugar cuenta con crayones que, según la versión oficial son para que «los mas chicos se entretengan», pero al ingresar al baño me lleve la sorpresa de una especie de Santuario Potterico, con miles (creo no exagerar) de mensajes de agradecimiento y quotes, de fans de todo el mundo. Lloré, si.
Por ultimo, y lo que importa realmente, La comida. Funciona como un típico café británico. Muffins, scons, tortas, etc y algunos platos fríos/​calientes.
Si andan por Edimburgo, no dejen de ir. Sean o no fanáticos de la historia es un lindo café, cuidadosamente ambientado y con un ambiente muy calmo.
La única crítica es que, cuando estuve, no funcionaba el wifi.

Hm… what to say.
Well first off, it was very cool to be in a place that acted as a source of inspiration for such a wonderful writer. Personally, I’m not actually a «Potterhead». I more align with the «Twihards». But as a bookworm, I have absolute respect for both the series and the author, and so this spot was a no-​brainer for our itinerary.
In terms of ambience, it’s pretty packed at all hours of the day. We went for dinner, and though we didn’t have to wait to be seated, the seating itself was in close quarters. There were tons of people, and that made for a very loud setting. There’s a lot of Rowling memorabilia on the walls, and the bathrooms are absolutely filled with what I have coined «Potterhead Love Notes». I did not partake in the graffiti, but I can imagine that for a Potter Lover, this would be an awesome experience.
In my opinion, the food was delicious. But there were a couple others in my party that disagreed. Their menu is a little eclectic. I was more expecting… I don’t know, whatever a café in Scotland would normally serve? But as you’ll see with what we ordered, they had foods from many cultures.
I ordered the Tomato Bruschetta, the Soup of the Day which turned out to be Zucchini and Lentil, and the Elephant Treat for a drink. I loved them all. The bruschetta was fresh and refreshing. For any Americans traveling through the area, Scotland has very heavy food, as you might have noticed. So the light snack was really refreshing. The soup was also delicious. Very thick, and tasted almost like a zucchini chili — if that makes sense at all. And the drink was YUM. A perfect hot tottie after walking through the chilly Scottish weather for eight hours.
The Elephant Nachos were ordered as an appetizer to share. If you follow my reviews, you know that I’m originally from Southern California. I mention that because as Californians, we were quite impressed with the nachos. They were amazing. Very simple, but very tasty. And cheesy — which is the best part. And the guacamole was authentic!
The couple of people in my party that didn’t enjoy their meals were the ones that ordered the lasagnas. They all agreed that it was much too cheesy and thick. None of them could finish even half of their portions because of the richness. Perhaps that’s just our American tastes getting in the way, but if you don’t enjoy heavy, rich food, this might not be the best option for you.
Speaking of portions — they’re huge! We definitely over-​ordered. I even tried to order small, but couldn’t finish either of the options.
A Mocha and a Vanilla Latte were also ordered during the visit. Both were delicious, but I liked the latte best.
And finally, the service was decent. Since it was so busy, everyone was a bit preoccupied so there were moments in which we needed things but had no one to ask them for. But other than that, they were attentive when they could be, and that was much appreciated.
Definitely a cool experience. I’m sure this would be an amazing occasion for Harry Potter obsessed fans. I deem this an Edinburgh Must-​Go.
Happy feasting!

Coffee is a 4.5 star
Food was a 3.0 star but very generous portions.
Ambiance is quite loud.
Bathroom is worth a look.

Since I am a huge Harry Potter fan, of course I had to go to this place, even if it was just to take a picture at the door.
I had read some reviews of the café saying that it wasn’t as good as one might expect, so I avoided going there. But one day it was raining a lot and my friend and I wanted a cup of coffee, so we decided to give it a go.
We waited the queue by the counter (where you can buy badges, postcards with elephants and other elephant-​inspired souvenirs), ordered our food and then headed inside to be directed to a table.
The waitress that took my order looked very upset, and it made me feel uncomfortable. I noticed none of the staff was smiling. I understand the place is very busy, but at least they could try to be a bit friendlier. Most people who go to the café are foreign people who maybe aren’t sure of how to pronounce some words, and if the staff is impatient, it makes them feel insecure.
I had a slice of Nutella cake and a mocha, and my friend had tea and a biscuit. I feel we paid too much for what it actually was. Sure, the cake was tasty and the coffee was good, but the portions were too small.
The coolest thing about the place is the bathroom. The walls are completely covered in writing from Harry Potter fans all over the world, thanking J.K. Rowling and quoting bits from the books and movies. I liked that a lot, but I was expecting some more Harry Potter/​Rowling inspired stuff.

As most people, I searched for this coffee shop out of curiosity to see where the whole Harry Potter series started…
It’s not a bad place, but just a regular coffee shop. I was expecting more Harry Potter themed décor or history as I am sure many other visitors also would expect.

Sadly I had to get my food to go but it sure was yummy! I got the haggis and sweet potato sandwich with salad and the only complaint was that some of the lettuce was wilted. But it had a delicious vinegar dressing. Such a unique place in Edinburgh and definitely recommend checking it out. Oh, and now they have a sign clearly stating that you order first and pay, then take a seat. It’s like most cafés :)

Sadly this place will probably stay in business for the foreseeable future riding off its Harry Potter fame. We attempted to come here three different times, twice their card machine was out and they were only taking cash. Third time was supposed to be the charm.
It was incredibly disappointing. The food, service and décor were mediocre at best, and the castle was obscured by trees and poor positioning of tables. This place has so much potential and they aren’t taking advantage of it. There are way to many tables and chairs, making the place feel crowded. I can’t imagine a writer coming here to get much work done. You get the sense the place is all tourists and no locals.

Great food, great atmosphere and yes, even a little Harry Potter in the mix too. They also tend to have good options for gluten free diets, which is a big plus. Personally, I love this place and would definitely recommend! Just be aware of the potential queues of tourists…

…borderline 5star review.
I just read about their issues with cleanliness in a local Edinburgh paper. Also, it has become so intensely commercialized it overwhelms the value of the place.
Be that as it may, I had a wonderful time and I could feel the presence of magic in the place. You can feel almost a calm, soothing vibe which would be perfect for writing. And if you ever got stuck, you just look out the window at the Edinburgh Castle, standing guard over the city.
Beautiful place.

On a list of Top 5 Harry Potter fan things to do in Edinburgh, my friends and I decided to check out The Elephant House, where JK Rowling spent time whilst writing HP.
The food was standard for a café though the portions were not big enough for the money. What disappointed me most was the low level of service; no smile; no wifi in 2015; no flexibility for my friend with vegan options; a feeling of being an inconvenience when placing our order.
Plus the use of the ‘Harry Potter’ label to push cheaply made, overpriced gimmick gifts detracts from what could be genuine charm on account of the elephant theme and views from the back out to the cityscape.

Famed for being the place where J K Rowlings wrote at least part of Harry Potter and that’s about it!
If you are not a fan, all you’ll find is decidedly average lunch café fare and probably the worst pie mash and gravy in Scotland.
As I mentioned above, it’s redeeming quality is the Harry Potter fans — be sure to check out the restrooms

I came here about a year ago but I still remember the great potato and leek soup. The real reason to come here was because I am a BIG Harry Potter fan, but the food actually was NOT so-​so as most reviews point out. I noticed that soups (besides tomato soups) at a café are usually too salty
but this was different. Soup was perfect and the potatoes were mushy at just the right amount. Plus the leeks weren’t stringy. Staff was pretty good as staff goes, and though they weren’t noticeably nice they weren’t noticeably mean either. It is a great café and I hope I’ll be going back!

If you like Costco cakes served with a grumpy frown, this is the place for you. Trading entirely on their tenuous-​at-​best Harry Potter connection, the place is cramped, grubby and over-​priced. The tea was fine, but dry, synthetic cakes were a waste of money. Also, we are in 2015, and they don’t have wifi.
Definitely would not recommend, or return. There are so many other better options around, don’t waste your money on this abomination.

There was no line when we went for lunch today, so we had a very good experience; the place was not crowded either. I ordered the Soup of the Day along with a Mocha, and both we delicious! The ambience is calm and relaxing. Also, the bathroom is also has some interesting Harry Potter ‘art.’

Yes, I know this café is covered in Harry Potter-​ness, but I swear, that’s not why we went in. I mean, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to geek out a bit on whatever Rowling-​inspired nonsense they had inside, but what made us step inside were the drinks and the sweets.
We’re kind of simple like that.
The first thing I noticed about the café was that it was packed. The second was that it was bloody hot in there!
They had two girls working the register and making drinks, but for some reason, the line stalled. Once we got to the front, we placed our orders (chai tea and a brownie for me, large latte and an apricot granola bar for him) and waited while they prepared the drinks.
After paying, we turned towards the dining room and waited to be directed to a table (which I’m guessing they do to stem the tide of people). We were given a booth at the front of the restaurant, which, despite the number of pillows on the bench, was kind of unwelcoming. I think a number of bottoms over the years have smooshed the softness out of the pillows.
Still, it was nice to relax a bit, especially after having just run 10 miles during the Great Edinburgh Run. The drinks were very good, and the sweets hit the spot.
There wasn’t nearly as much Rowling-​inspired nonsense inside as I thought there’d be, but I did manage to find a collage of pictures and such. And apparently the bathroom walls are covered with notes to the author, should she ever go back. I can’t speak to that personally, because I did not go in, but I glimpsed the walls when the door opened, and they definitely were covered in writing. I get my information from the Harry Potter Trail guide.
This is a nice place to while away a few hours in the afternoon, over a nice warm cup and a tasty little treat. Prices seemed to be fair, as well.

Oh that touristy crowd! Little did I know that this is where JK Rowling supposedly birthed HP. In afterthought, I cringe at my naiveness to walk into that obvious tourist trap.
But at least…
Good cappuccinos & lattes were enjoyed with prudent cake.
And…
Lovely is the view, what with that castle and all.
Just these two aforementioned points warrant the 3 stars. And maybe the fact I would reluctantly bring out of town-​ers for the experience at being at one of those listed popular cafes.
But ohh that crowd. ohh the line. OH me, oh my the hectic rush & clatter and «please wait to be seated» AFTER your order rule. With heavy duty bus boys/​servers/​hostesses swooping in to and fro 360, tight elbow space on rickety chairs and being given the hawk eye to finish off and move along.
It should be renamed, Tourist Cafeteria.

Yep, the birthplace of Harry Potter, JK Rowling spent time in this café writing her first HP novel. It overlooks the cemetery in the back, with a view of a prep school which inspired Hogwarts. There is also an old writing desk with a few drawers on the side — apparently if you pop it open, there will be paper and a pen for you to write. Some cool tidbits there, but as famous as this café got, I don’t think the food was good though the space in the back is really nice.
I ordered a mallow delight, which was «hot chocolate with a marshmallow cream». I guess I got that, but for £3.50, it was 3 packs of instant hot chocolate (Cadbury?) and marshmallows and topped with whipped cream. It was £1.50 more expensive than the regular, and incredibly sweet.
I also ordered the coconut blueberry cake, which I thought was dry, and I guess it was my slice probably but it didn’t have any blueberries. I had to ask what it was, since I wasn’t sure if it was a square sheet cake, or a brownie, or a bar. I kept getting the reply «uh it’s coconut and blueberry.». I can read, but is it a cake? A bar?
Anyway I thought my snack was a bit on the expensive side for something that didn’t taste very good. I also felt silly paying 3.50 for packaged hot chocolate — at least put it in a fancy looking can so I think its something a bit nicer!
Maybe the other food is better, but I’m not really inclined to come back here to figure it out!

Gemütliches Café in Edinburgh mit leckeren Burgern. Viele Harry-​Potter-​Touristen und Studenten.

Después de visitar varios restaurantes de la Royal Mile, la verdad es que este me supo a poco. Recomendado en varias guias, puedes ir por la cercanía a toda la zona del Castillo y ROyal Mile, pero para mi gusto nada más.

Un café assez sympa, les prix né sont pas beaucoup plus élevés qu’ailleurs dans Edinbourg, la pizza que j’ai prise était très bonne, le thé impec, et surtout, la vue sur le château et le cimetière de Greyfriars imprenable !

on va à l’elephant house pour oublier le temps qui passé, se réfugier du mauvais temps, ou penser et s’inspirer de l’auteur d’harry potter (ecrit ici!!) tout en degustant des thés, et autres douceurs

Das Elephant House ist ein gemütliches Studentencafé im Uni-​Viertel von Edinburgh. Knarrender Dielenboden, wackelige Stühle und vom hinteren Teil des Cafés aus ein traumhafter Blick auf die Burg. Die heiße Schokolade war wunderbar, der Service sehr freundlich. Mrs Rowling hat Geschmack.

Das Elephant House ist beruehmt weil hier J.K. Rowling wohl an einigen Seiten von Harry Potter gewerkelt hat. Das mag ja stimmen, aber ich finde, dass man einem das nicht direkt auf die Nase binden muss, indem man ein 2 mal 2 Meter grosses Werbeplakat ins Schaufenster haengen muss. Das Café ist immer gut gefuellt, hauptsaechlich mit Touristen. Aber was man dem Laden lassen muss, ist das es nett eingerichtet ist und der Kaffee eine sehr gute Qualitaet aufweist!