Inside 101 Bakery: Southside Sweet Fix with Rosanna

There’s usually a quiet queue at the door. A few people, hands in pockets, watching trays come out fresh from the kitchen. The sign above the entrance just says 101 Bakery, white on black, no decoration. If you show up late, you might find the shelves already cleared.

Inside, it’s straightforward. A small counter, handwritten labels, the smell of something just baked. The cinnamon buns are often gone first — soft, light, with just enough sweetness. Rosanna came up with the recipe before opening, not knowing it would become the most popular item. Her own favourite is the salted chocolate chip cookie. Chewy, fudgy, slightly crisp at the edges.

Everything feels considered but unforced. No unnecessary design choices, no loud branding — just a focus on getting the food right. Ask Rosanna where she’d take a visiting friend and she’ll give you a full day’s worth of suggestions: gelato at Mary’s Milk Bar, cocktails at Hey Palu, a walk through Dean Village, pizza at Razzo, and jazz on a Sunday evening at Malt and Hops.

The bakery fits into that same kind of day. Honest, dependable, built on good ideas and quiet consistency. It’s the sort of place people return to without needing a reason.

We asked Rosanna to share some of her favourite local spots — and a bit more about what makes 101 Bakery tick.

What’s the most popular sweet treat in the bakery?
“Our cinnamon buns are probably our most popular treat. I developed the recipe before I opened the shop and they are accidentally vegan which makes them super light and fluffy. My absolute favourite however is our salted chocolate chip cookies. To me they are the perfect cookie — chewy, fudgy, salty and sweet.”

Where would you take a friend visiting Edinburgh for the first time?
“The Grassmarket for a gelato at Mary’s Milk Bar, wander up to Hey Palu for a cocktail, lunch at the Palmerston followed by a stroll through Dean Village then down to the Shore. Razzo for pizza at dinner followed by drinks at Nauticus. On Sunday evening, we would listen to jazz at Malt and Hops.”

Must-sees in your neighbourhood?
“Arthur's Seat. The Meadows. Cult Espresso. Noodles and Dumplings.”

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