The Best Fish & Chip Shops in Scotland

Fish and chips – they are an institution wherever you go in the United Kingdom, but particularly in Scotland. Thanks to its international reputation for high-quality fish, there’s nowhere better to get a comforting slice of the country than at a fish and chip shop. Here are our top picks:

FOCHABERS FISH BAR, MORAY

Bestowed with the honour of Scotland’s Number One Fish and Chip Shop, Fochabers Fish Bar is so beloved that people stop by the beautiful town of Fochabers just to sample it. With its enviable location near the east coast of Scotland, this family-run fishery prides itself on serving fresh fish of the highest quality.

Photograph by @theauditgirladventures

QUAYSIDE RESTAURANT & FISH BAR, GOURDON

Get your fish and chips with a stunning view over the Gourdon Harbour and the North Sea, thanks to the award-winning Quayside Restaurant & Fish Bar. Serving fresh fish with seasonal ingredients and produce, the 52-seat restaurant was awarded a Trip Advisor’s Traveller’s Choice crest in 2020 and was a runner-up in the award for Best Fish & Chip Restaurant in the UK.

Photograph by @thyholykendo

THE CHIPPY, PORTREE

One of the Isle of Skye’s most popular fish and chip spots, The Chippy delivers classic and delicious fish across its menu, as well as a selection of pizzas, new for 2021. With such beautiful surroundings to take in, you can find delicious, comforting food from their menus, whatever you select.

Photograph by @carrie_ok

THE BAY, STONEHAVEN

Using only sustainable and locally sourced fish for their menu, The Bay in Stonehaven is a multi-award winning chippy, including winning the UK’s Best Independent Takeaway at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2013. Opening in 2006, the team prides itself on serving great food at even better prices.

Photograph by @juliabryce92

TOBERMORY FISH & CHIP VAN, ISLE OF MULL

Winner of the Les Routiers Award, the Tobermory Fish & Chip Van sells high-quality fish, chips, and scallops all out of a purpose-built, waterfront van. Best enjoyed overlooking the water while sitting on authentic lobster creels, the van was also featured in the Lonely Planet’s guide of top Scottish restaurants in 2018.

Photograph by @emilygoossens

OBAN FISH & CHIP SHOP, ARGYLL

Awarded a Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2018, Oban’s forty-seat Fish and Chip Shop has the honour of being named one of the ‘best fish and chips he’s tasted’ by celebrity chef Rick Stein. Family-run in the centre of Oban, the sea is just steps away with panoramic views of the local islands. You can enjoy delicious, freshly cooked fish, as well as seafood platters, homemade desserts and meat dishes.

Photograph by @anitra_w

THE REAL FOOD CAFÉ, TYNDRUM

Homemade and ethically sourced, the Real Food Café was a 2020 winner at the National Fish & Chip Awards. Always sourcing the best local ingredients with the least impact on the environment, their extensive menu was featured in the Lonely Planet Guide 2019/20 and noted as one of Scotland’s Best Places to Eat in 2018.

ANSTRUTHER FISH BAR, FIFE

Taken over in 2003 by Alison and Robert Smith, the Anstruther fish bar has its roots deep in the fishing traditions of the local area. Using the freshest and highest quality seafood in their menus, the fish bar has been visited by many a famous face and was even listed in the UK Good Food Guide 2014-15.

Photograph by @foodreviewclub

PITTENWEEM FISH & CHIP BAR, FIFE

Traditional fish suppers are top of the menu at this Fife institution, found on the high street of the fishing village of Pittenweem. Regarded by locals as the best fish and chip shop in town, its outstanding menu brings the simple classics to everyone who visits.

Photograph by @frillipmoolog

CROMARS, ST ANDREWS

Opened in 2013, Cromars doesn’t just offer your classic fish and chip menu. Named the Best Fish & Chip Shop in Scotland in 2016 and 2018, its dedicated chefs use local ingredients to make their famous homemade tartar sauce, as well as serving fish suppers made with high quality, fresh catches from the local seas.

Photograph by @yulsuarez

TAILEND, ST ANDREWS, FIFE & DUNDEE

Popular with visitors to St Andrew’s and Dundee, Tailend boasts two different locations with plenty of loyal customers, thanks to their award-winning menu and seafood restaurant. A finalist at the Food Awards Scotland 2019, their restaurant offers both casual and fine dining to all of its visitors – from students to world-class golfers.

GIACOPAZZI’S, EYEMOUTH

Perhaps one of the oldest food businesses in Scotland, Giacopazzi’s initially began as an ice cream shop, thanks to its Italian founder bringing his trade to the beautiful town of Eyemouth in the Scottish Borders. Now, the restaurant is an award-winning staple of the town, famous both for its ice cream and its excellent plate of fish and chips.

THE FISHMARKET, EDINBURGH

A taste of the seaside arrives with this upscale fish and chip shop, which is quickly gaining a great reputation among the Edinburgh locals. Alongside the classic fish supper, the restaurant features a huge array of local seafood, including oysters, langoustines, mussels, and salmon – this is upscale fish and chips like you’ve never had before.

CATCH, GLASGOW

Founded in Glasgow’s fashionable West End, Catch has three different locations across Glasgow. The restaurant touts itself as a ‘posh modern-day neighbourhood fish & chip shop’ – so expect to see lobster and halibut rubbing shoulders with cod and haddock when you stop by.

Photograph by @christopher.bales

THE FISH WORKS, AYRSHIRE

Situated on the promenade of Largs, The Fish Works is a sustainable fish restaurant, serving delicious fish and chips that support the environment and surrounding oceans. With beautiful views of the local islands, the restaurant was also part of the UK Top 10 at the 2018 National Fish & Chip Awards.

Photograph by @chriseatsglasgow

MONSTER FISH & CHIPS CO

Just steps away from the famous Loch Ness, this famous Fort Augustus fish and chip spot serves traditional fish menus with beautiful views over the water. Rated #1 on Tripadvisor, Monster Fish & Chips boasts a band of loyal customers that are growing every day.

THE CABIN, JOHN O'GROATS

Delivering freshly cooked hot takeaway food, The Cabins’ fish and chips are something a local secret thanks to their high quality, classic cooking. With amazing views of the local harbour, the Cabin is renowned for its great service and high-quality fish menu.

DUNKELD FISH BAR, DUNKELD

A local legend, Dunkeld Fish Bar serves award-winning fish and chips from their central location, as well as an extensive menu of burgers, pies and, of course, deep-fried desserts. Everything is cooked to order and fresh – no wonder it’s quickly becoming a must-visit spot in the local area.

Photograph by @dunkeldfishbar

EAST COAST, MUSSELBURGH

Combining a traditional fish and chip shop with a contemporary seafood restaurant, East Coast has been family owned and operated since 1974. Using local and sustainable fish and ingredients, the takeaway delivers delicious fish suppers in the tradition of their fish and chip shop owning parents.

Photograph by @eastcoastmusselburgh

MCLEOD'S FISH AND CHIPS, INVERNESS

Traditional and wholly Scottish, McLeod’s Fish and Chips pride themselves on using locally caught fish in all of their dishes. Named as one of Fry Magazine’s Top 50 Best Takeaways for 2020/21, the menu has something for everyone – and it’s all sustainable and fresh.

FRANKIE’S FISH AND CHIPS, BRAE, SHETLAND

One of the most iconic institutions across the Shetland Isles, Frankie’s can be found in the rural community of Brae and at the heart of Europe’s most extensive fishing grounds. Alongside their award-winning fish and chips, you’ll find a bounty of other seafood, including brown crab, mussels and scallops.

Cover photo by Nick Fewings

The Best Fish and Chip Shops in Scotland