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.

Fish and chips – they are an institution wherever you go in the United Kingdom, but particularly in Scotland. Scotland has an international reputation for high-quality fish, and a fish supper is a good way to taste it. Here are our top picks:

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 fish bar prides itself on serving fresh fish of the highest quality.

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 given a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award in 2020 and was a runner-up in the award for Best Fish & Chip Restaurant in the UK.

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.

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.

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.

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, it is just steps from the sea, with panoramic views of the local islands. You can enjoy delicious, freshly cooked fish, as well as seafood platters, homemade desserts and meat dishes.

Homemade and ethically sourced, the Real Food Café was a 2020 winner at the National Fish & Chip Awards. Made with local ingredients chosen for a low 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.

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.

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.

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.

Popular with visitors to St Andrews and Dundee, Tailend has two 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.

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.

A taste of the seaside arrives with this upscale fish and chip shop, which has a great reputation among Edinburgh locals. Alongside the classic fish supper, the restaurant features a huge array of local seafood, including oysters, langoustines, mussels, and salmon.

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.

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

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 has a band of loyal customers that grows every day.

Delivering freshly cooked hot takeaway food, The Cabin looks over the local harbour and is known for its great service and high-quality, classic fish and chips.

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 such a popular spot in the local area.

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 parents’ fish and chip shop.

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 plenty of choice – and it’s all sustainable and fresh.

One of the most iconic institutions across the Shetland Isles, Frankie’s can be found in the rural community of Brae at the heart of Shetland’s 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