I tried Scotland's best croissant at popular Edinburgh bakery and I'm already planning a trip back
Patina Bakery's award-winning croissant costs £4
There is nothing quite like a good croissant, but when a bakery has been crowned home to Scotland’s best, expectations are naturally a little higher.
I took myself on a little trip to Patina bakery at Edinburgh Park Central to find out whether its award-winning pastry really lives up to its name.
Travel wise, it couldn’t have been easier.
I hopped on the tram from Leith Walk towards Edinburgh Park Central, before getting off and making the short walk around the corner, following the smell of sweet baked goods.
Inside, Patina has a cosy feel, with plenty of seating if you want to sit in and enjoy the full experience.
However, I was there for one thing and one thing only - the croissant.
The 2026 award-winning croissant costs £4, with jam available for an extra £1.50 and butter for £1.
At that price, it’s more of a treat than an everyday breakfast, so I was hoping that it would be worth it.
I decided against buying any jam and butter as I hoped the croissant would do enough talking on its own - and it did not disappoint.
First impressions were promising. It had a deep golden colour and a beautifully flaky exterior, with delicate layers you could peel back one by one.
Breaking it open revealed a soft, airy centre, giving a lovely contrast to the crisp shell it had on its outside.
The Taste Test
The first bite had a satisfying crunch, followed by a light, soft middle. The buttery flavour came through without making the pastry feel too heavy, and the layers gave it that delicate texture you would expect from a classic French croissant.
I was right in my decision in avoiding any extras as the pastry did all the talking. In fact, I can almost hear it asking me to come back for more.
And there is a reason expectations were so high. Patina recently took home first place at the Scotland’s Best Croissant Competition 2026, beating 16 other entrants from across the country.
The competition was organised by the Edinburgh Butter Company and took place at The Balmoral.
On October 26, entries were judged on their appearance, colour, shape, lamination, texture and flavour.
Patina’s victory was particularly impressive given its progression over the years, having finished third in 2024 before claiming second place in 2025.
It was also the first time an Edinburgh bakery had won the annual competition.
Winner of the competition, Clothilde Vadin, assistant head baker at Patina, said: “We’re really happy with Patina’s progression in the competition, having placed 3rd and 2nd in previous years. That’s all due to our head baker Linda, she really brings the team together and brings that level of excellence every single day.”
Chloe Black, director of The Edinburgh Butter Company, said it was “very well deserved”.
The Verdict
So, does it deserve to be called Scotland's best?
For me, absolutely. While £4 is certainly not the cheapest of the bunch you’ll find in Edinburgh, the quality, flavour and texture made it worthwhile.
My verdict: a 10/10 - and one I’d happily make a tram journey back for.