10 of the Best Aviemore Cafes & Coffee Shops (2024)
Planning a trip to Aviemore and looking for the perfect coffee spot? My guide to the best Aviemore cafes includes 10 of my favourite cafe and coffee shops, serving everything from a hearty breakfast to a light lunch, and everything in between.
Whether you’re visiting Aviemore for the day or planning a week-long getaway, one thing you’ll absolutely want is an excellent coffee, treat, or delicious lunch.
This charming Highlands town may be small, but it’s home to a variety of cafes and coffee shops.
Finding the best cafe or coffee spot can make or break your day - especially when you need to warm up after a day spent outdoors. Luckily, I’ve spent a month in Aviemore and sampled coffee or lunch in pretty much every cafe around the town - and I have a list of firm favourites.
This is my guide to the best Aviemore cafes, plus a few tips on what to order when you get there.
Best Aviemore Cafes
1. Ryvoan Cafe
Address: Unit 3D, Myrtlefield Business Park, Myrtlefield, Aviemore, PH22 1SD
Despite only opening in late 2023, Ryvoan Cafe is officially one of my favourite Aviemore cafes. It’s just behind the high street, so it’s a great option if you’re in the centre of town.
Inside the loft-style cafe is light and modern, with potted plants and views over the Cairngorm Mountains.
Breakfast is served until 12pm and the hearty homemade granola bowl with Greek yoghurt will most definitely set you up for a day of exploring.
There’re also delicious lunch options like courgette and carrot soup and sourdough toast with feta, smashed avo, and pomegranate. Whilst the menu changes with the seasons, there’s always something unique, fresh, and delicious.
If you have a sweet tooth you’ll be spoilt for choice here - I highly recommend the custard tarts, alongside a top-notch coffee.
2. Explorer Cafe
Address: Unit 1, Retail Park, Santa Claus Drive, Aviemore PH22 1AF
Explorer Cafe is the cosy eatery and coffee shop above outdoor store Tiso, and another of my favourite Aviemore cafes. It’s a beautiful airy space with incredible views over the Cairngorm Mountains.
The menu changes depending on the time of year and is small but satisfying, with a selection of toasties, salads, sandwiches, cakes and drinks.
It’s also the perfect spot for a tasty hot chocolate, packed with marshmallows and cream!
3. Cabin Coffee
Address: Dalraddy Holiday Park, Aviemore, PH22 1QB
Ok, so this option isn’t actually in Aviemore - it’s slightly further away, in the leafy village of Kincraig. But Cabin Coffee is one of the absolute best outdoor cafes near Aviemore, and a must-visit if you’re in the area.
They serve speciality coffee and a small selection of locally baked treats, all from a tiny ‘coffee shop on wheels’. Coffee aficionado and owner Steven makes delicious flat whites, cappuccinos, and all other forms of caffeine goodness from a very cute converted horse-box.
We chose a slab of millionaire’s short bread and gorged on cake & coffee in the toasty yurt next door.
You’ll find Cabin Coffee in the entrance to Dalraddy Holiday Park, around a 10-minute drive from Aviemore - and trust me, it’s absolutely worth the journey.
Or visit as you walk the Speyside Way between Aviemore and Kingussie.
4. The Barn
Address: Rothiemurchus Centre, Aviemore, PH22 1QH
Located in Rothiemurchus, on the road between Aviemore and Cairngorm Mountain, The Barn cafe is one of my favourite places for breakfast. It’s close to Loch An Eilein and the Old Logging Way trail, so it’s a great option if you’ve got plans to visit.
Inside is a beautifully rustic space, filled with fairy lights, wood, and plants, plus it’s dog friendly with outdoor seating for summer.
The breakfast menu (served 9.30am till midday) is small but offers a selection of delicious morning rolls like bacon, lorne sausage, fried eggs, and Quorn alternatives.
If you’re visiting later in the day, lunch is available until 4pm. The menu changes seasonally but expect hearty options like baked potatoes, soup, and burgers.
5. Miele's Gelateria Aviemore
Address: 98 Grampian Rd, Aviemore, PH22 1RH
Miele's is a bright and airy cafe on the high street. In the summer months it’s often packed thanks to their incredible gelato.
But this Aviemore cafe also serves up delicious coffee, plus a range of toasted focaccia sandwiches and homemade soup, so it’s perfect for lunch. Fancy a hot chocolate? Their speciality hot chocolate is also a real highlight on cold winter days.
6. The Coffee Pot
Address: 125 Grampian Rd, Aviemore, PH22 1RL
The Coffee Pot is something of an Aviemore cafe institution and a go-to spot for breakfast in the town. There’s something for everyone here, but a big traditional Scottish fry up is undeniably the star of the show.
Choose from bacon, sausage, black pudding, beans, potato scone, and eggs. There’re brilliant vegetarian alternatives too, and a selection of pancakes and bagels if you want something light.
The decor is simple and rustic, with wooden tables and lots of natural light. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely breakfast, though it can fill up quickly at weekends!
7. Boathouse Café
Address: Glenmore Forest Park, Loch Morlich Watersports, Aviemore, PH22 1QY
One of the best Aviemore cafes in summer, The Boathouse overlooks beautiful Loch Morlich. It’s a rustic lodge style cafe, backed by pine trees, and surrounded by a sandy beach.
The menu is small but offers a simple selection of soup, baguettes, and paninis with a range of fillings. Plus, a selection of drinks and ice creams.
It’s perfectly located for a paddle on, or walk around, Loch Morlich. Highly recommend on a warm and sunny day - the Boathouse Cafe is closed in winter.
8. The Coffee Corner
Address: 85 Grampian Rd, Aviemore, PH22 1RH
If you need a casual, quick bite, then his little cafe in Aviemore is a good option. Based in the centre of town, it gets good reviews for it’s breakfasts, coffee, and light bites.
The morning rolls are perfect if you want something light. Choose from classic fillings like eggs, haggis, black pudding, and potato scones. Toasties here are also highly rated, so it’s a good option for a casual lunch.
9. Cairngorm Cafe
Address: Ski Area, Aviemore, PH22 1RB
Cairngorm Cafe is the go-to spot for walkers and skiers, tucked away inside the Cairngorm Mountain resort. Open every day from 9.30am till 4.30pm, the cafe serves a small but hearty menu of breakfast rolls, sandwiches, soup, paninis, snacks, and burgers.
Famed for it’s roaring fire and ski-chalet decor, if you’re heading into mountains, chances are you’ll start or end your day in this cosy Aviemore cafe. It’s the perfect place to warm up!
Next door you’ll find the mountain railway, so even if you’re not outdoorsy, I recommend taking a ride on the funicular to the viewing platform. It’s an incredible way to experience the mountains without having to deal with the elements! After, stop by the Cairngorm Cafe for a coffee by the fire.
Note: at the time of writing, November 2023, the railway is closed for repairs. Check here to find it when it reopens.
10. Harry Gow
Address: Grampian Rd, Aviemore, PH22 1RL
As a general rule, I tend to avoid chains - but I’m making an exception for newly opened Harry Gow. If you’re in a rush, this small takeaway is perfect. Based on the high street, it serves coffee, pastries, and baked treats to go.
Nearby Aviemore Cafes
These cafes aren’t in Aviemore itself, but are an easy 10-minute drive from town. Each of these cafes and coffee shops, just like Cabin Coffee above, are well worth the journey:
Old Post Office Cafe, Kincraig
Address: 1 Braeriach Rd, Kincraig, PH21 1QA
The Old Post Office Cafe is one of my favourites in the Aviemore area.
Located in the quaint village of Kincraig, this family-run cafe is also part art gallery and inside is colourful and cosy, and the friendly staff welcoming.
There’s a brilliant selection of creative options, all using fresh, local ingredients. Choose from dishes like coronation cauliflower, chickpea, and sultana wraps or Glenfeshie smoked salmon bagels. There’s a fantastic choice of sweet treats too, including homemade donuts with hazelnut chocolate dip.
Visit on a day trip to nearby Uath Lochans, cycle, on your Speyside Way walk between Aviemore and Kingussie.
Nethy House Cafe, Nethy Bridge
Address: Nethy House, Nethy Bridge PH25 3EB
Another of my favourite cafes in the Aviemore area is Nethy House Cafe. It’s a lovely, bright space filled with art and gifts, and a vibrant lively atmosphere.
There’s an extensive menu for breakfast and lunch, plus artisan coffee from Glen Lyon roastery. The sandwich selection is particularly good, with options like goats cheese and roasted peppers, bacon and avocado, and beetroot hummus.
Plus, there’s a whole range of incredibly tempting cakes and pastries to choose from.
It’s often incredibly busy and I recommend booking a table. Also perfect for Speyside Way walkers and cyclists.
Osprey Coffee House, Boat of Garten
Address: Deshar Rd, Boat of Garten, PH24 3BN
Osprey Coffee House in nearby Boat of Garten serve amazing coffee and the best cinnamon buns. It’s a small cafe with a relaxed vibe - I popped in for a cappuccino and treat on my walk along the Speyside Way and the staff were super friendly.
Aviemore Cafes: Wrap Up
I hope this list of Aviemore cafes helps you find a delicious place to eat.
There’re so many wonderful options both in town and nearby - you’ll be spoiled for choice!
My favourite Aviemore cafe in the town centre is Ryvoan Cafe (for lunch or coffee), Explorer Cafe (for hot chocolate), and Coffee Corner (for breakfast).
Also be sure to travel further afield, especially to Cabin Coffee, Nethy House Cafe, and Old Post Office - perfect for easy walks finishing with treats, lunch, and hot drinks.
