The Best Seafood in Scotland 2025 (East Coast)
This post covers the best of Scottish seafood, from the freshest scallops to traditional fish and chips at the seaside.
I have included over 15 restaurants, fish and chip shops and fresh fishmongers across the east coast of Scotland. The East coast of Scotland has a rich heritage of fishing and even today the coastline is sprinkled with hidden gems.
I have also linked my google map locations list here.
East Coast Scotland
Anstruther Fish Bar
This place is often at the top of foodie list and it is for good reason.
Situated along the Fife Coast and found next to the harbour is Anstruther Fish Bar. The town is pronounced “Ains-ter” for those not local to the area.
Get there at opening, very popular (especially in the summer). This family owned place serve freshly cooked fish. Try the lemon sole in their famous batter. On a busy summer’s day, Anstruther Fish Bar and Restaurant can serve up to 40 stone of haddock – that’s around 1200 fish suppers!
The Bay Fish and Chips, Stonehaven.
The Bay in Stonehaven is very popular in the local area and can be found along Beach Road, there is no outdoor seating but the beachfront is directly across from the shop.
The Bay has been recommended in Lonely Planet's "Ultimate Eat List". Famed for their crispy bread light battered haddock, alongside some homemade tartar sauce. They also have an app where you can pre-order.
Orocco Pier Hotel, South Queensferry
Arguably offering one of the best views across the Firth of Forth and the iconic rail bridge, this South Queensferry restaurant and cafe offers excellent sharing platters, light lunches and fish of the day.
Their evening menu offers pan seared scallops with black puddings and colcannon mash. Pre-booking is recommended, especially at the weekends.
The Lobster Pot, Blackness
Located in the small village of Blackness (40 minutes form Edinburgh).
The Lobster Pot is the perfect place to enjoy lunch after your visit to the nearby Blackness castle. As you would imagine from their namesake they offer fresh lobster on the menu - including the classic lobster thermidor, or try their version of "surf n turf" with an 8oz ribeye steak and grilled 1/2 lobster.
Last orders on Monday and Tuesday are 6pm for food.
Tailend Restaurant, St Andrews.
The Tailend fish mongers and restaurant are a family run business (four generations back) located in the heart of St. Andrews.
On their menu you'll find seasonal seafood, including locally caught cod, halibut and lemon sole. I would recommend this place for lunch whilst exploring St. Andrews. They offer half fillet portion sizes and they have a £10 and under lunch menu - available Monday to Friday.
Cromars Fish and Chips, St Andrews
Located in the town centre of St. Andrews on Union Street, this classic fish and chip shop offer freshly made meals. The restaurant and takeaway is dog friendly and is a great place to enjoy with kids too.
My go-to here is the Scottish scampi and chips, however they also have smoked haddock from Peterhead on the menu. Their classic battered haddock with chips will set you back £13.50.
Arbroath Fisheries, Arbroath
Considered a Scottish delicacy, the world famous Arbroath smokies are smoked haddock on the bone and are a protected food item here in Scotland.
Arbroath fisheries (in my opinion) is the best place to enjoy them - legally to be called an Arbroath smokie, they need to be produced within a five miles radius of the fishing town centre. The Arbroath fisheries food shop can be found on Seagate (close to the harbour) and also sell the smokies in a pate form, or in a home made cullen skink.
If you are a foodie then I highly recommend a visit to this town for some of the best smoked fish!
The Silver Darling, Aberdeen
Situated in the former Customs House historic building at the mouth of Aberdeen Harbour is the Silver Darling.
This recently decorated restaurant has an extensive seafood menu including Cullen Skink soup, Shetland mussels and fresh oysters. Try the pan seared scallops served with green pea purée, prosciutto crumb & kombu oil.
If you visit during daylight hours keep an eye out for dolphins in the bay.
Moonfish Cafe, Aberdeen
This stylish and modern restaurant found in the city centre of Aberdeen is next to the granite 12th century Kirk of St. Nicholas and is a ten minute walk from the train station.
The Michelin recommended Moonfish Cafe run by head chef and Masterchef finalist Brian Mcleish serves up a seasonal and modern menu. Indulge in their Shetland mussels served with a massaman curry or some wild seabass with black pudding and chickpeas. This restaurant is always highly praised and consistent and if you are visiting Aberdeen then make a reservation.
Moray and Banffshire Coast
Fochabers Fish Bar
Located in the small village of Fochabers, in between Inverness and Aberdeen, the Fochabers Fish bar has consistently made it to the top of the best fish and chip shops in Scotland. If you are visiting during the summer or if you happen to visit when the village has their Traditional folk music festival, Speyfest then make sure you pop in.
Portknockie Fish & Chips
Situated on the Moray Coast, the Portknockie Fish & Chips offer fresh and local haddock suppers. Go all out and treat yourself to their "posh haddock supper" which includes battered haddock, chips, mushy peas and 2 pickled onions. A chippy staple! They also offer senior/half portion sizes.
Grab your takeaway and head down to the Bow Fiddle Rock for great coastal views.
Cullen Bay Hotel
The small town of Cullen in the North East of Scotland is home to the beloved anf famous, Cullen Skink soup.
The chowder-like soup is made from smoked haddock, onions and potatoes. It is a such a warming dish and at the Cullen Bay you will also enjoy great views across the sea and town.
Their Cullen Skink is served with oatcakes on the side and would be a hearty lunch portion.
Alternatively you can enjoy their Haddock Mornay, which is stuffed with prawns, served in a rich creamy cheese sauce.
They are open for both lunch and dinner and to non residents.
Cluny Fish Ltd, Buckie
Cluny Fish shop on the coast in the fishing town of Buckie in the North East of Scotland offers a great selection of fresh and locally caught fish.
The family run smokehouse sell smoked salmon, fresh scallops, haddock and spring onion fishcakes and many other fresh fish in store. Another highlight and regional item to try is their Cullen skink pies filled with smoked haddock. The staff are friendly and offer great advice for recipes or preparation.
Seafield Arms, Whitehills
The Seafield Arms in Whitehills, near Banff is a 1700's historic building that serves seasonal and locally soured food and drink.
Their menu offers a selection of seafood including their Cullen Skink - made from "Jocky’s of Macduff Smoked Haddock". Or why not try their "Jimmy Buchan’s Amity Whole Tail Scampi". If you want a real treat, check out their Block menu that offers seafood sharing boards, loaded with Locally landed lobster, locally landed crab, Atlantic chilli shrimp, scallop mornay, oysters, mussels, crab bisque, baby boil potatoes and vegetables.
Their seafood menu is very local and I think that is a testament to their quality of ingredients. Pre booking recommended, especially at the weekends.
Peterhead Fish Market
Peterhead is the UK's biggest fishing port, and its fish market is one of the largest in Europe. You can take a guided tour of the market, of course it is an early start...Tour guides are Peter Bruce (Skipper of Budding Rose PD428) and Peter Duncan (Head of Fishing at Peterhead Port).
The tours take place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6:45am and are free to attend but you MUST book a slot as there is limited space available.
The tour will give you an insight into how to market operates, the types of fish landed in Peterhead and where the fish goes from there. Refreshments will be served and the tour will also include a trip to visit the Lifeboats.
Although the event is free to attend, donations are welcome in aid of Peterhead RNLI. To book a slot on one of the tours, call Peter Bruce on 07880 860 450 or email peter.bruce418@btinternet.com
Knowes Hotel, Macduff
The Knowes hotel in Macduff offers views across the Moray firth and has a great seafood menu.
The hotel also has seven rooms for accommodation and their afternoon tea and Sunday roast are exceptionally popular in the area. They serve lunch, dinner and offer private dining options. Their menu includes baked crispy langoustine, sesame prawn toast, sweet potato & chilli puree.
Or on their brunch menu they have a lighter option of breaded "Sole in a Roll" with homemade tartare sauce.
Downie George Fish Shop, Whitehills
Well loved in the North east coast of Scotland, Downies of Whitehills offer an in store and online shop.
They have been in business for over 110 years. Their fresh fish, frozen fish, bakery products and famed Cullen Skink can be purchased 6 days a week from their shop. They have a good selection of fresh fish from cod, haddock and sole and also some herring coated in Scottish oatmeal.
