The Best Seafood Restaurants in Scotland

Overlooking the small St Monans harbour, this former pub comes with views of the Firth of Forth, which are accompanied by a selection of carefully prepared fish and shellfish dishes. Sitting on the south side of Fife’s East Neuk, an area renowned for its small fishing villages, the restaurant benefits from the terrific North Sea seafood landed in the local area. Craig Millar is an experienced chef who allows the flavours of the quality produce to shine, with only subtle embellishments used to enhance them.

There is a pleasant unfussiness to both the décor and the food at this seafood restaurant in the West End of Edinburgh’s city centre. The restaurant is on the first floor, with a large, simply furnished wine bar downstairs. The cooking makes the most of the country’s fish and shellfish in dishes that keep the focus on the fresh produce, with a few Asian touches like mirin butter or yuzu and ginger dressing added here and there. Well-versed, efficient service enhances the experience.

Did you know Michelin also recommends hotels? Kimpton Charlotte Square is conveniently located just a short walk away from Dulse.

A bit further inland than most of Scotland’s top seafood restaurants, the aptly named Fish Shop nevertheless showcases an array of top-quality fish and shellfish from Scottish waters. Fortunately, the chefs know the quality of their produce and wisely allow it to do the talking in understated dishes packed full of natural flavours. As with most good seafood restaurants, there’s a blackboard of daily specials that let you make the most of the fresh catch. Adding to the appeal is the wonderful service, which comes with personality and warmth from the team.

It might not be situated in the most accessible part of Scotland, but Chef-Owner Michael Smith has made this former crofter’s cottage a wonderfully inviting destination restaurant. The ‘Skye Fruits de Mer’ tasting menu is a celebration of the finest seafood from around the island’s shores, like the beautifully sweet lobster and succulent prawns which come from the bay the restaurant overlooks. Dishes have a simplicity, but brilliant depth of flavour, that elevates this above most other sea-based offerings.

In the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town sits Roy Brett’s seafood grill. With its horseshoe bar and bright, buzzing space, it’s been a hit with locals and visitors alike since opening in 2009. Featuring plenty of prime fresh seafood, this is a restaurant where the produce does the talking and the cooking stays simple. Look no further for classic dishes like sole meunière and come during ‘Oyster Happy Hour’ for luxury tastes at a lower price tag.

Virgin Hotel Edinburgh, recommended by Michelin, is just a few steps from the restaurant.

This striking glass cube is set just behind the historic Royal and Ancient Clubhouse, which itself sits behind the first tee of the world-famous Old Course in St Andrews. Perched on a hill overlooking the sea, the restaurant provides both stunning bay views and plenty of East Neuk seafood, like fantastic halibut landed in Pittenweem. The friendly team bring a subtle Italian twist to the fresh produce.

The Michelin-recommended Rusacks St Andrews hotel is just a five-minute walk away.

There are small, nautically-themed touches to the décor at this smart, contemporary restaurant in the Glasgow suburb of Hyndland. Modern, neatly presented dishes could include market fish and shellfish left on the bone or in the shell, offering unadulterated versions of the fruits of the sea. The assured cooking provides plenty of effective flavour combinations and the odd international touch. The friendly young team run the place well too.

If you’re staying the night, Michelin recommends Hotel du Vin at One Devonshire Gardens.

The ‘gallery’ part of its name refers to the fact that this charming harbourside spot is decorated with all manner of nautically themed art. Another restaurant found on the East Neuk, The Dory is located in the fishing village of Pittenweem and, given that its harbour provides produce for some other restaurants on this list, it would seem to be a good choice of location for a seafood restaurant. The standard à la carte offers an appealing selection of dishes, but it’s the blackboard specials that provide the really exciting choices, like langoustine and lobster landed just over the road.

As settings go, this takes some beating. The restaurant is situated inside The Pierhouse Hotel on the shores of Loch Linnhe, with spectacular views stretching across the water to the mountains in the distance. The extensive menu ranges from simply grilled fish to large seafood platters for sharing that are sure to create a lasting impression. Uniting all these dishes is the superb produce used and an assured hand in the cooking.