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Hours
Sun
9:00 - 17:00
Mon
8:30 - 17:00
Tue
8:30 - 17:00
Wed
8:30 - 17:00
Thu
8:30 - 17:00
Fri
8:30 - 17:00
Sat
8:30 - 17:00
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.0
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
PRICE RANGE
£5.00 – £12.00
CUISINES
Cafe, Scottish
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Is this a British restaurant?
Details
About
Independently owned coffee shop and award winning bistro providing locally sourced produce and freshly baked cakes daily
PRICE RANGE
£5.00 – £12.00
CUISINES
Cafe, Scottish
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
FEATURES
Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Cash Only, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Gift Cards Available
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4.0
462 reviews
Excellent
270
Very good
100
Average
38
Poor
28
Terrible
26
Plattydix
West Calder384 contributions
Sept 2020 • couples
Stopped by for lunch today . Hubby had egg sandwich which was large for a £5 I had the small sweet potato salad with feta which was nice but I was disappointed they had no soup today which the menu outside said they had it . Coffee was lovely but the tiny bottle of coke was extortionate at £2.40 ..just being honest .
Staff were nice we ordered food on our phones scanning qr code etc which is the new way forward although I did notice the staff have older people a menu who couldn't use their phones which was good .
Overall nice lunch cakes looked good too .
Written 16 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lynnbo
10 contributions
Aug 2021 • friends
Had been looking forward to brunch here after getting a recommendation from a trusted friend. They must have been having a bad day. They asked that we order by using the QR code via our phones to see the menu and pay. It took ages to get connected to the poor Internet connection and it kept dropping making seeing the menu and paying a complete pain. My friend had finished her scone and my tea was cold before my thoroughly unimpressive brunch arrived. For the £8.95 price I would have expected a bit more care and frankly more hollandaise than salad dressing. They did bring extra hollandaise when asked but by then we both were regretting coming in at all. The staff didn't seem to particularly care and it was all very lackadaisical.
Written 10 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grant P
Hi, I appreciate the review and I’m sorry to hear that you didn’t enjoy your visit. We introduced QR codes to adhere to government guidelines and in the main it has worked well and customers have been satisfied and sympathetic to its use, but I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy ordering through it. We are looking at phasing it out over the coming weeks as restrictions continue to relax. I’m also sorry that you didn’t enjoy your eggs Macbeth. We aim for friendly and responsive customer service at all times so I will take your views on board.
Written 11 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Craig
2 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
I travelled from England to play golf in St Andrews but couldn't leave without visiting The Cottage Kitchen. Again, having visited on previous occasions, The Cottage Kitchen never disappoints and spoils you with its fabulous offerings. Firstly, the coffee... well quite simply it is the best flat white that I have ever tasted. Nothing more or less needs to be said there. The service and hospitality is great. All staff members were very welcoming and extremely accommodating (including the Owner who was kind enough to come to our table for a lovely conversation and to ensure we were being well taken care of). That was very refreshing to experience. It does however have to be said that the hospitality was exceeded by only that of the top quality food on offer. The food was so fresh and professionally presented. An option available to cater for everyone. The main dishes on offer at The Cottage Kitchen resemble that of a high end restaurant. My only disappointment was not having the time (or the appetite by that point) to sample them all, however, I will most certainly be back.
The very best in St Andrews! Would recommend to all.
Written 2 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
707grantp
Thanks so much for such a detailed and positive review. It was really great seeing you and your family back at The Cottage Kitchen and looking forward to seeing you all again soon. Bring your appetite next time. Take care.
Written 3 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rachel2612C
1 contribution
Sept 2021 • couples
We were in for breakfast this morning, waited 30 minutes before asking how long our breakfast would be- there was no issue we were just going to order more drinks if it was going to be a while longer. The waitress was very abrupt and defensive saying this was the normal time to wait!
We had our breakfast then the same waitress passed, after we said ‘excuse me’ to ask for the bill, she put both her hands up in a stop motion and told us to wait a minute! She was very abrupt and we were astounded at her rudeness towards us as customers. We are locals too, not a holiday maker they won’t return.
After 5 minutes of being ignored I asked another waitress for the bill and told her what had happened to us- she apologised and said that behaviour was not acceptable. Shame as all the other girls were lovely. However, this girls mannerisms need perfecting.
Written 19 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grant P
Hi Rachel, I’m really sorry to read your review. We have been very very busy lately and with the current staff shortages in the industry some of my staff are running on empty. That being said, it’s no excuse for bad customer service and I apologise for your experience. That particular member of staff has moved on and I really hope it doesn’t put you off returning in the future. Thanks for your review and apologies again.
Written 22 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TravellingFam1111
St. Andrews7 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
Visited with my partner and two kids for breakfast. Seen at the door by the waitress and shown to our table and explained about the QR code for ordering. Easy to order through the app and the food and drinks came quickly to the table. Eggs Benedict were perfect as usual and the other 3 orders were cooked to perfection. Can’t fault anything staff very professional and made sure they were following all regulations and keeping people save. Challenging times for all restaurants but more than happy to come back again (been many times before but first time after lockdown). PS come with a good appetite as lovely big portions!
Written 5 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
707grantp
Hi guys, we really appreciate you taking the time to review us and I’m delighted you enjoyed the food and our new ordering system. Hope to see you again soon.
Written 20 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
laurz441
Edinburgh3 contributions
May 2021 • family
This was my first visit since they have re-opened and the new menu was 100% worth the wait!
As a vegetarian, I was genuinely amazed by the wide range of delicious vegetarian/vegan options to choose from. We had the roasted veg and pesto ciabatta and the shrimp Po’Boy.
The food tasted great and the portion sizes were perfect( especially if you are someone who has a big stomach like me!) I was excited to see my favourite mac and cheese on as a side too.
The service from staff was welcoming and warm; from being greeted at the door with a smile to the time we left- everybody was perfectly attentive and we felt very well looked after. Not much more you could ask for really!
Would(and have done already) recommend to all my friends and family and to anyone out and about in St Andrews looking for a nice place to eat. We will be back next time for the sliders!
Written 18 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grant P
I’m really delighted that you enjoyed your experience and thanks so much for such a detailed review. We’re delighted to be back open and trading again, reviews like this make it all worth it. Thank you!
Written 11 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
laurz441
Edinburgh3 contributions
Aug 2020 • friends
I have visited a couple of times before but this was my first time back at the Cottage Kitchen since lockdown. The staff have obviously worked hard to create a ‘Corona safe’ environment, whilst also maintaining its relaxed, friendly atmosphere(not an easy job to do and one not done nearly as well by other establishments visited recently!) Ordering through the app was easy and the food came in good time and was as delicious as I had remembered(the main reason for our return). Will definitely be back again- I am still to try the afternoon tea which I have heard great things about! Would 100% recommend to anyone visiting St Andrews.
Written 16 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
707grantp
Thanks so much for taking the time to review your experience. I’m really pleased you appreciated all the covid measures we’ve put in place and that you enjoyed the food. See you again soon
Written 20 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hannah S
Rugby3 contributions
Aug 2021 • family
This is an absolute gem of a place in St Andrews! We were given a table outside which is a lovely courtyard, and dog-friendly is a bonus! We had our two children so they both ordered macaroni cheese, and we ordered the Shrimp Po’Boy and Steak Philly sandwiches which were both amazing - the prawns were juicy and the pickled slaw was so good!! I didn’t think I’d manage to eat the side of sweet potato fries I’d ordered after seeing the size of our mains but they were so crispy and perfectly cooked, they got demolished too! The kids macaroni portion was really good and the garlic bread was homemade and lovely.
Service was top notch, very friendly welcoming team and even little touches like having plastic cups for the kids to use is really good. A really pleasant, relaxed atmosphere, could’ve easily sat there all afternoon! Can’t wait to go back again and try the other options on the menu because the choices are great, it was hard to pick just one! Thank you to The Cottage Kitchen!
Written 28 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
trinni31
Bathgate185 contributions
Jun 2022 • couples
Hubby waited outside just a the sign said to do, nobody appeared after a reasonable time waiting. Hubby popped in only to be told to go outside again and wait. Not a nice way of handling customers.
Sat in the little courtyard outside nothing particularly special about it but the weather was good so seemed like the best option.
We waited a while then I realised there was a sign in the doorway stating order at the counter. Felt silly as we thought it was table service. Hubby went to order inside at the till only to be told it is table service.
He sat back down and a girl arrived swiftly, noticed the table we were at was a mess so she cleared it apologised but didn't wipe it (covid times not great). We didn't touch the table.
Ordered a flat white extra hot, a latte and a toasted scone. Coffee arrived after a little wait, the extra hot coffee wasn't extra hot but we let it go.
No teaspoons and no sweetners offered, asked another table for their sugar and Hubby went inside for a teaspoon. Used hand sanitiser.
Scone arrived not cut so clearly not toasted. It was warmish so cut it but cold inside which meant butter would not melt. Asked a member of staff if any chance of warming it so the butter would melt, she asked did I want a fresh one and stated no nothing wrong with it just not warm inside.
After both finishing our coffee the scone arrived and it was a new one and exactly the same situation as the first, warmed not toasted as not halfed.
I attempted to tell the guy who brought it as he realised I had no butter or jam that there was confusion, he didn't listen and headed back in to get butter and jam. We decided to leave and took the scone to toast and have it correctly at home. The guy arrived back with butter and jam looked confused but not interested really. Paid, nobody asked if everything OK so just left.
We've been here a few times before and it wasn't like this. Seemed lots of staff but not managing things well and if you sit outside be prepared to be forgotten about as staff come in attend to one table don't check any other tables and scurry back.
Written 5 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grant P
Hi Trinni,
Thanks for your review and I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy your experience with us last Friday. I’ve investigated your review thoroughly and I’ve spoken with my staff that worked that day and who served you and there are a lot of discrepancies between both versions of events, which is often the case when things like this happen. Normally the truth lies in the middle somewhere so I won’t pour over every aspect of your review because I don’t think there is anything to be gained from that but I will address a few things that I think need cleared up.
Firstly, the issue with the dirty table was caused because your party moved tables to sit in the sun after being seated on a clean table that was available under a parasol without notifying anyone. I can’t imagine for one second that the staff member in question that cleaned the table you moved to didn’t spray your table. She was one of the driving forces behind all of our covid measures and is meticulous when it comes to sanitising so I don’t accept that.
On the scone issues, we gave you a new scone because you’d halved the one you were originally given and buttered it and it would have melted under our grill. My staff didn’t appreciate that you wanted chef to butter the scone otherwise these requests would have been fulfilled. The heated vs toasted debate seems a silly one to get into so I’ll leave that one there. You are obviously very particular about how you like your scone served so apologies if we got that wrong and didn’t understand your requirements.
The issue about not knowing whether we are table service or order at the counter is a strange one. We moved to table service when we re-opened after the first lockdown 2 years ago. When we seat customers we give them menus and explain that someone will be back to take their order shortly. Apologies if you and your husband misunderstood these instructions.
My staff also asked you on several occasions if everything had been ok and no feedback was forthcoming. I always find it a shame when this happens and tripadvisor is used in this manner instead of dealing with matters at the time. A sad indictment of the times we live in.
In summary, I think your review is unkind, inaccurate and disingenuous. In particular your comments about our courtyard being ‘nothing special’ and the title of your review ‘needs better management’. I love our courtyard and I think it’s very special. I’m also really happy and proud of my staff including my management team. Jubilee weekend was extremely busy for us and I’m so proud how my team handled it.
I’ve read your other reviews, and I find it interesting you left an almost identical review for our friends over at Bibi’s which is also an excellent cafe. Normally I try to encourage unhappy customers to come back and give us another chance but I won’t be doing that on this occasion.
Once again, thanks for taking the time to review us and all the best.
Written 10 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GTPrice
St. Andrews33 contributions
Jun 2022 • family
Insider tip: one can rent the Cottage Kitchen for a private dinner. We had the place to ourselves for family and friends to celebrate graduation. We decided to serve family-style, kids at one end of the L-shaped table and the parents at the other, and the meal was perfect. All the benefits of a delicious, home-cooked meal without the fuss and clean up. We could play our own music, bring in our own beer and wine, and relax while platters of fresh food filled the table. We applauded when the Pavlova arrived, then a bit of dancing. Coffee is not included, yet we were able to add that at the end to complete a memorable gathering. Thank you Grant for organizing and Liam for managing the long table.
Written 2 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kolphi
31 contributions
Aug 2022 • family
The Cottage Kitchen has always been our cafe of choice when visiting St Andrews but sadly on our last two visits we have been disappointed with the food and service.
The "Crispy tofu marinated in garlic, lemongrass and coriander, with red onion, pickled carrot & radish, cucumber and garlic aioli served on a Fisher & Donaldson’s oatie bloomer with a salad garnish" turned out to be 6 tiny bits of soft, flavourless tofu in a plain white sub with a smear of grated carrot, 3 slices of cucumber and some squirty mayonnaise. The waiting staff seemed uninterested when we pointed out the differences between the menu description and what we received. We were hoping the shortcomings on this visit were just a blip but disappointingly our subsequent visit was mediocre with bland food and average service.
Sadly we are now on the look out for our new 'go to cafe' in St Andrews.
Written 24 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grant P
Hi Kolphi, I’ve sent you a message regarding this review. You can also contact me on Grant@cottkitch.co.uk. I’d like to fully investigate what happened here and I look forward to hearing from you.
Written 28 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MaryLargs_Scotland
7 contributions
Aug 2022 • none
We had coffee and scones, cake here on Saturday. A family of four were in front of me when looking for a table. They were told they were full. I said there were tables in the courtyard. The girl they had spoken to said the kitchen was busy and they didn’t want bad reviews for long waits. So I left as well. On our way out, two tables outside became available. When asked, they reluctantly said we could sit there. The girls were very negative towards us but the young lad who actually brought our coffees was extremely pleasant and helpful. Perhaps inviting people to take empty seats but with a word of warning that there may be a wait would be a more inviting way to do it. I wouldn’t have thought any business could afford to turn away paying customers in this day and age.
Written 8 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna
Glasgow3 contributions
Nov 2022 • none
Recent visit to Cottage Kitchen delivered in every aspect as always. Excellent food, service and welcoming staff. I had the macaroni cheese and whilst it was delicious, the portion was so big, I was forced to leave some. My son and husband had the sausage roll and it was well presented and according to them delicious, it certainly looked it. My sons girlfriend is vegan and she was very pleased with her lunch. The reason we return time and time again, is that we prefer food cooked from scratch and not pre bought and reheated and Cottage Kitchen ticks all the boxes.
Written 24 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
simplymo
14 contributions
Jul 2022 • none
Have visited this cafe a couple of times in the past and was always very satisfied but it seems to have lost it's way somewhere along the line. We ordered soups and sausage roll and waited for over half an hour to be served our food. We then had to ask for cutlery and get our own water. Although the food was lovely the chaotic service would not entice a return visit.
Other customers left whilst we were there due to either not being served or waiting to long for food. A lady next to us also had to complain as her food was cold in the middle. Even though there was about 5 staff on duty it appeared to be dis-organised don't know if this was due to lack of training or poor management.
Written 12 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Douglas M
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • none
My wife and I visited the cottage kitchen for brunch. We used the new Covid system via the QR code on our phones to view the menu, select our scrambled eggs and smoked salmon and pay for it. It worked perfectly. So much so we ordered a second round of tea and coffee. Unfortunately a couple of days later I realised that I had left my reading glasses on our table in the cafe. I phoned the cafe and the owner confirmed that they had my glasses and would pop them in the post as I was now home in Paisley. They arrived safely the next day. Great personal service.
Written 19 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
707grantp
Hi Douglas, thanks so much for your review and I’m glad you got your glasses back ok. Hopefully see you the next time you’re through this way.
Written 20 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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