Stirling is home to some outstanding cafés that keep customers coming back time and time again. Some of them have been serving their loyal customers for years.
If you are looking for ways to enjoy Stirling like a true local, then keep reading because nobody knows Stirling’s independent coffee shop scene better than us!
Cisco's Café
Cisco’s is a family-owned business, and when you walk in the door you are treated as part of the family. Anthony, the owner, and his amazing staff are ready bright and early to ensure your day is off to a great start.
The café opens from 7 am- 2:30 pm Monday to Saturday making it the perfect place to grab a quick coffee before work or venture out for a lunchtime soup and sandwich. Cisco’s has a bar-style table for you to drink your espresso or sit outside and enjoy the weather.
Cisco’s is constantly packed and why wouldn’t it be with classic soups, sandwiches, shortbreads, cakes and more? It is truly a can’t-miss local experience.
The café is located at 70 Port St, Stirling FK8 2LJ which is conveniently positioned close to car parks, local bus stops and local shopping.
Victoria's Coffee Shop
Victoria’s Coffee Shop has been open for customers in Stirling for the last 23 years! When you pass by the shop front you are sure to always see a busy atmosphere. Families sitting down for breakfast or friends catching up with tea and a scone, you see it all at Victoria’s.
Eggs, bacon, black pudding, potato scones, beans, and veggies; this relaxed café is a fantastic location to get your traditional Scottish fry-up. The freshly baked muffins and scones are light and fluffy and the perfect accompaniment to your teas and coffees. Warm your spirits with a bowl of lentil soup, it’s always a crowd favourite.
Victoria’s Coffee Shop is not shy to bring traditional Scottish cuisine to its menu. Next time you’re in, why not give haggis nachos a try? Or how about the haggis baked potato? You can try these options by grabbing a seat Monday-Saturday between 9 am-5 pm at 15 King St, Stirling FK8 1DN.
Tolbooth Café
The Tolbooth has long stood as an influential part of life within Stirling. While its past is rather dark, being the old prison and all, today it is alive with culture. Hosting a range of musical performances, art gallery exhibitions, dances, and workshops, the Tolbooth is always action-packed.
If you want to experience frequenting a café like a local, then be sure to add the Tolbooth Café to your list; especially on a Saturday afternoon.
Every Saturday, the Tolbooth Café hosts Café Concerts where local musicians or poets perform at 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm. Did we mention that they are free? That’s right, free entertainment while you enjoy your lunch or a cup of tea and coffee. To learn more about the performers, follow the Tolbooth on Facebook and the Tolbooth Instagram.
While the concerts are free, seating is based on a first-come basis. So head over a little earlier to make sure you get a chair. Don’t be afraid to grab an open seat next to someone new. You never know what stories you can share. The café has a selection of sandwiches and wraps, quiche, and soups. Ask the helpful staff about the daily specials. You won’t be disappointed.
After your mid-day concert head up to the exhibition that is on or venture to the very top and get some picturesque viewpoints of Stirling. The Tolbooth is just below the castle at Jail Wynd, Stirling FK8 1DE
Caffe Pompei
Spend your day relaxing and eating in a Southern Italian style with Caffe Pompei. Located at 55 King St, Stirling FK8 1DR you will often see patrons enjoying the outdoor seats under the shadow of the Athenaeum or gathered around the tables inside.
Caffe Pompei is a family-owned and operated café that opened in 2019. Since then owners Mario and Connie; along with their daughters, have been bringing the Italian café experience to Stirling.
Indulge in a cannoli or a filled croissant with your cup of coffee. The lemon-filled cannoli are so refreshing and the chocolate ones are a chocolate lover’s dream. Coffee and pastries are great for an on-the-go treat but we urge you to take the time to sit and enjoy the cosy atmosphere with a delicious lunch.
When you’re looking for a local experience, grab warm pasta, paninis, and calzones that hit the spot any time. The menu at Caffe Pompei also caters to vegetarians with options such as roasted peppers with vegan smoked cheese.
You can follow along with the daily specials by following Caffe Pompei’s Facebook page. The café is open Monday-Saturday from 9 am- 5 pm and Sunday 10 am- 4 pm.
The Smith Art Gallery and Museum Café
Buzzing with art, culture and of course coffee, the Smith Museum Café is a lively place to stop for a cake and coffee. Or perhaps even catching up with friends for brunch.
The Smith Art Gallery and Museum was founded in 1874 and has been one of the culture hubs in Stirling. Filled with contemporary art, historical artefacts, and interactive exhibitions the museum is fun for all ages. Did we mention that admission is free?
After browsing through the collection, grab a seat in the café. The café, and gallery are open from Wednesday-Saturday from 10 am- 4 pm and Sunday 10 am- 3:30 pm.
Browse through the cake displays for some homemade Victoria sponge, caramel shortbread, scones and more.
You can sit at an intimate table for two or gather around with friends. If you’re looking to grab a meal, the café offers a range of breakfast rolls, porridge, and pancakes. For lunch, a variety of closed or open sandwiches, quiche, and soups; all with a veggie option. For an extra special day, visit for an afternoon tea.
Visit the Smith Art Gallery and Museum and Café at 40 Albert Pl, Stirling FK8 2RQ. After your visit, adventure to the King’s Knot or stroll along the scenic Back Walk to the Stirling Castle. Learn more about upcoming talks and new exhibitions by following The Smith Museum’s Facebook page.
We hope you enjoy visiting Stirling cafés like a local. You can find out more about Stirling coffee shops and restaurants using the Independent Stirling Business Directory.
Leave a comment about your favourite local café experience.
