Edinburgh boasts a vast array of restaurants, from award-winning venues to hidden gems and everything in between. The diverse culinary scene of Scotland’s capital makes eating out a delight any night of the week. With some of the best seafood restaurants Edinburgh has to offer right on your doorstep, the hardest part is knowing where to choose.
From fresh seafood platters on a spot on the Royal Mile to spicy Vietnamese shellfish rolls in Newington, you’ll find something you love. Whether you’re checking out the sights of Edinburgh, or soaking up history in Old Town, you can find fresh, local seafood cooked to perfection nearby. Sustainable fishing practices help Scotland serve up top-quality seafood, hauled directly out of the ocean and delivered to your plate. At the best seafood restaurants in Edinburgh, you can enjoy seafood dishes that are both delicious and locally sourced.
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The best seafood restaurants in Edinburgh to know about – read on for a guide
For one of the best raw bars in Edinburgh – visit White Horse Oyster & Seafood Bar on The Royal Mile
White Horse Oyster & Seafood Bar specialises in small plates and sharing platters, sourcing shellfish and seafood from boutique suppliers. An ideal spot for a group outing, in a storied venue claimed to be the oldest inn on The Royal Mile. Take in historic surroundings and enjoy some of the best seafood in Edinburgh. Specialties include hot and cold seafood platters and an oyster bar, with three types of freshly shucked oysters to choose from. Oyster happy hour runs every Friday to Sunday from 4 pm until 5 pm. Or choose a selection of delectable small plates, such as smokey charred octopus, smooth hake ceviche, or monkfish satay to get the tastebuds tingling. Whatever you choose, you can be sure the ingredients are prepared to perfection. Accompany your meal with an artisan cocktail, or your choice from the carefully curated wine list, inspired by leading mixologists and sourced from the best vineyards.
For a hot new opening for the summer – don’t miss The Spanish Butcher in New Town
One of the newest venues and best fish restaurants in Edinburgh is The Spanish Butcher. Chic, stylish and serving up a mixture of premium meats and fresh seafood, just opened its doors on May 10th. Be one of the first to experience the brand-new venue. Sister restaurant to Butchershop in Glasgow, menu highlights include both meat, fish and vegetarian options. For seafood lovers, consider starting with gambas pil pil or seared king scallops, before indulging in roasted Shetland monkfish tail with manchego truffle fries. Warm and contemporary surroundings nestled in the heart of New Town, at the epicentre of the city’s nightlife, make The Spanish Butcher looks a new touch of flair to an already vibrant area.
For one of the best tapas and wine bars in Edinburgh – book at The Black Grape on The Royal Mile
The ideal intimate location, The Black Grape takes pride in delivering the finest customer service alongside some of the highest quality dishes from Scotland’s larder. The seasonal menu changes every 12 weeks, focusing on the freshest produce from local suppliers. Dishes such as tuna tartare with miso caramel and crab arancini with seafood bisque are among the top choices – expect bold flavours and internationally-inspired delights. The focus is on small plates, expertly prepared. A carefully selected menu of complementary fine wines makes the ideal accompaniment. Start your experience with an aperitif and finish with a hand-crafted cocktail from the comprehensive list, including smoked banana Manhattans, basil and strawberry spritz and pear sidecars. Your gastronomic experience can be enjoyed to a soundtrack of some funk and soul – sit back and enjoy the music while people-watching on The Royal Mile.
For one of the best sushi restaurants in Edinburgh – try Yamato in central Edinburgh
Expect top quality traditional Japanese fare when you visit Yamato in central Edinburgh. The menu boasts not only wagyu beef, but also a vast selection of freshly caught seafood and shellfish. From tempura to teppan, sushi to specials, simplicity and harmony are the watchwords at Yamato. Expect attention to detail in both the food and the service. As one of the best seafood restaurants Edinburgh has to offer, Yamato boasts a comprehensive menu featuring dishes such as snow crab hand rolls, bluefin tuna nigiri and hand-dived scallop tempura. Or for something even more special, try the dobinmushi with scallops, clams and prawns, or the chargrilled black cod teppanyaki, marinated in saikyo miso. Indulge in some traditional hot sake or plum sake, or kick back with a crisp, cold Japanese beer in refined and intimate surroundings.
For award-winning seafood – try Twenty Princes Street in New Town
Scotland is renowned for having quality seafood. One of the gems Edinburgh’s New Town has to offer is Twenty Princes Street. It combines succulent seafood with grass-fed local meats and vegetarian dishes for a comprehensive menu that has something for everyone. The culinary heritage of Scotland forms the backbone of each carefully prepared dish, using only the highest quality seasonal, local ingredients. Orkney scallops, drunken prawns and salt and pepper monkfish are just a few highlights. Even the drinks menu showcases the best of Scottish fare, with renowned whiskies, local craft beers and Scottish gins. Just as spectacular as the menu are the views – soak up the view of Edinburgh Castle as you dine or take in the wider cityscape as you sip your drink. Refreshing beverages, culinary excellence and breathtaking views all in one package.
For one of the best Scottish restaurants in Edinburgh – try Wildfire in New Town
Wildfire may specialise in Aberdeen Angus beef, but the menu is packed with fresh fish and seafood options. Intimate and family-run, this cosy restaurant is warm and friendly, ideal for a romantic night out. Freshness and quality are emphasised in every dish, using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. The traditional Cullen Skink is rich and creamy, while the West Coast mussels are delivered fresh each day by Sea Mcgee. For something more filling, check out the Wildfire fisherman’s pie, packed with succulent Scottish salmon and smoked, natural haddock. Continue your Scottish themed experience by finishing with a single malt whisky, aged from 10 to 16 years. From a la carte to blackboard specials, whatever you choose at Wildfire, you can be sure you’re experiencing one of the best seafood restaurants in Edinburgh.
For one of the best fish in Edinburgh – visit The Mussel and Steak Bar in Old Town
One of Edinburgh’s longest established seafood restaurants and a hit with the locals, The Mussel and Steak Bar has been named most popular by multiple organizations over the years. Warm and welcoming in the heart of historic Old Town, expect attentive service and fresh food cooked to perfection. This bustling eatery is always busy, testament to the quality of the food. With an outdoor terrace, you’ll find more seating in the summer months. The menu is inspired by restaurant owner Marshall Milne’s twin passions – Scotland and fresh food. The menu changes regularly to reflect the freshest catches, with daily specials alongside firm favourites. Get started with a duo of smoked salmon served with champagne vinegar tartar sauce. Follow up with a delectable seafood linguine or whole seabass, or indulge yourself with a cooked shellfish platter, because there’s no need to settle for just one thing.
For one of Edinburgh’s best Italian restaurants – check out Piccolino in Old Town
Classic Italian cuisine has long been synonymous with top quality ingredients, and dishes from Piccolino do not disappoint. The recipes are direct from Italy, with a plethora of seafood options to choose from, while the ingredients are sourced locally, so you get the best of both worlds. The decor is inspired by Old Italy, with bottles of Italian wine stored on aged barrels, offset by black and white tiles. Seafood lovers can begin their Italian culinary experience with sauteed Scottish mussels in a choice of sauces or king prawns cooked with white wine and chilli. For the main event, try the zuppa di pesce with clams, squid, mussels and prawns, or mixed fresh seafood drizzled with mint and lemon. Or for something more filling, go for the linguine al profumo di mare – mixed seafood tossed with linguine pasta with a touch of chilli and garlic. If you’re in a hurry, the lunch express menu is served from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm on weekdays for a set price of £12.95 for two courses.
For local Scottish produce with a flair – try Hawksmoor in central Edinburgh
If you’re after one of the best seafood restaurants in Edinburgh’s city centre, visit Hawksmoor Edinburgh for the very best in locally sourced produce. Seafood and steaks are the order of the day here, and each is prepared to perfection. Located in a beautiful Grade A listed building, refurbished to celebrate the original features, Hawksmoor also has two private dining rooms for larger parties. The menu focuses on the best Scotland has to offer, with fresh seafood around the coast. The Eyemouth crab on toast with cucumber salad prepares the palate perfectly for what’s to come. Mains include half-native lobster with wild garlic butter and monkfish, grilled over charcoal for a smoky flavour. On the side, indulge in an ultimate steakhouse martini, served with green peppercorn and olive brine. Then finish your night with an espresso scorretto nightcap with rum and cherry flavours.
For one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Edinburgh – head to SEN Vietnamese Dining in Newington
At SEN Vietnamese Dining you can expect to experience the vibrant Vietnamese culture with contemporary cuisine. And as one of the best seafood restaurants in Edinburgh, you know there’s plenty on the menu to satiate seafood fans. Both the restaurant and the menu reflect the colours and flavours of modern Vietnam, with complex dishes cooked to perfection and served in warm and welcoming surroundings. Start with the grilled prawn mousse on sugarcane – a do-it-yourself dish with peanuts, vermicelli, mixed salad and shallots in rice paper. Or try the salt and pepper squid with secret seasoning, followed by crispy seabass in tamarind sauce. Sparkling and still wines, beers, ciders and a selection of whiskies and spirits complement your meal.
These are just a handful of the best seafood restaurants Edinburgh has to offer. As a city with a vibrant culinary scene, the hardest part about going out to eat is choosing where to go from so many fine options. Taste the best of Scottish seafood, with fresh, locally sourced produce. Try the catch of the day, fresh sushi, or seafood pasta alongside cocktails, Scottish whisky or Japanese beer at these excellent restaurants throughout Scotland’s capital.
