Edinburgh’s Best Fish & Chips

Fish & Chips – the quintessential British summer food. This popular dish has long-since been a staple here in Scotland but finding the best fish and chips is important as they can vary wildly. Luckily, there are plenty of great places to enjoy the nation’s favourite dish here in Edinburgh.

Keep reading to discover some of our favourite Edinburgh spots for fish & chips – from popular local hangouts to seaside takeaways. Our list is in no particular order!

1. L’Alba D’Oro

L’Alba D’Oro | 7 Henderson Row

This Edinburgh institution first opened its doors in 1975 and has since been a local favourite for over 40 years. And it’s no surprise, as L’Alba D’Oro’s award-winning fish & chips are some of the best in town. They even became the first takeaway in the world to receive a four-star award from The Scottish Tourist Board. This family-run business serves a classic ‘fish supper’ made with a range of fish from pollack and monkfish to sea bass and halibut. They also offer a variety of vegetarian dishes.

2. The Fishmarket

The Fishmarket | 23A Pier Place

This addition to the Edinburgh fish & chips scene is serving some of the freshest in town, caught daily from the waters just a few feet away. Newhaven has been a fishing port for 500 years and the Welch Fishmongers team behind this restaurant are proud of the history and the part they play in it. Their philosophy is keep it simple. Cooked to order, you can choose from a range of fish from lemon sole to haddock. If you’re in the mood for something a little different, try the fish burger with harissa mayo or the oysters with a chilled glass of white wine. Take your meal to go or sit back and relax in their stylish and airy dining room or their outside seating, overlooking the pretty harbour. The Fishmarket has been featured on TV shows and there is always a queue.

3. Pierino’s

Pierino’s | 11 Bernard Street

Pierino’s call themselves the ‘Fish & Chips Pizzeria’ and looking at their menu, it makes perfect sense. This popular Leith takeaway is an Italian family-run business and the ideal place for a group of friends who can’t quite agree on what to eat. They also do a breaded haddock, if you’re not a fan of battered fish, and their homemade mushy peas are the perfect accompaniment. Reasonably priced meal-deals also make this a great place for a low-key meal.

4. Bertie’s

Bertie’s | 9 Victoria Street

Welcome aboard the fish & chip shop on Victoria Street! Since opening last year, Bertie’s has been a huge hit with both tourists and locals alike. They claim to serve “proper” fish & chips as well as a range of dishes with a contemporary twist. In 2020, Bertie’s was shortlisted for the National Fish & Chip Awards and with a dining room big enough for 300 people and all-day service, a fish supper is never off the table! Their fun and fresh interiors also make this a great place to pair a casual meal with a special occasion.

5. The Old Chain Pier

The Old Chain Pier | 32 Trinity Crescent

Enjoy supper by the sea this summer at The Old Chain Pier in Newhaven. You’ll find some fantastic food & drink at this characterful pub just a short bus ride from the city centre. As well as the traditional fish & chips, seafood can be enjoyed in abundance here with items like grilled queen scallops, Shetland mussels, smoked haddock fishcakes, and their ‘catch of the day’ on the menu. There’s also regular live music and breezy sea views to be enjoyed. It’s the perfect spot for fish & chips on a sunny summer’s eve!

6. St Andrew’s Takeaway

St Andrews Takeaway | 280-284 Portobello High St

Head east to Portobello and you can enjoy your fish supper right on the beach! St Andrew’s Takeaway is a Portobello institution and won the award for Edinburgh’s Best Fish & Chips in 2018. They offer a wide range of takeaway food as well as the classic fish supper. So grab your catch and head down to the waters’ edge for a relaxing meal by the seaside!

7. East Coast

East Coast | 171 – 173 N High St, Musselburgh

Last but not least is East Coast. This restaurant and takeaway has been voted the best fish and chips in the UK in 2024. East Coast is owned by the Crolla family, who have been famously serving fish here since 1974. Recently refurbished and home to both a modern fish & chip shop as well as a new seafood restaurant, this is a Musselburgh gem. Take your fish to go and enjoy it by the harbour around the corner or dine in their modern and stylish restaurant, with some incredible flavours well worth the short trip out of town. We rate the fish and chips here.

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