The Best Fish and Chips in Edinburgh

Café Piccante isn’t your average chippy. With a large glitterball, a late-night drinks licence and a DJ on Friday and Saturday nights, this fish and chip shop is bound to entertain. Fear not, though: the food here lives up to the funky interiors. From scampi, to haddock, cod and everything in between, all the fish is cooked to perfection. The chips are always piping hot and there’s plenty to go around. Why not add beans, cheese, gravy or for the more adventurous among us, jalapenos and pineapple! Meal-deals are available and the prices are more than reasonable. Staff are super friendly and are always up for a chat. For the liveliest fish and chips the city has to offer, look no further.

Located at Newhaven and overlooking the sea, The Fishmarket is one of the most picturesque destinations to bag yourself some fish and chips in the city. One food critic described his meal here as ‘seafood cookery of the finest order’ – and we can see why. Beyond the usual suspects (haddock; cod) you’ll find grilled Newhaven lobster, which comes accompanied with garlic butter, fresh-off-the-boat monkfish, and even mussels Mariniere. Their homemade tartare sauce – studded with tiny capers – leaves something to behold and if you’re not in the mood for fish, sumptuous veggie options are on offer too. Prices are high, but reflect the precise, delicate cookery and the quality of the produce.

Former winner of the Edinburgh Evening News Chip Shop of the Year award, Eatalia is one of the city’s most popular destinations for fish and chips. With a focus on fresh ingredients and local produce, the food here is second to none. Though rather unassuming from the outside, we promise you won’t be disappointed. Try them out for yourself and thank us later! The pizzas are really good too, so if you’re in the mood for something besides fish, Eatalia have your back. Located in trendy Leith, this chippy is the perfect destination to grab something to eat before you set off to explore the surrounding area.

No guide for the best fish and chips in Edinburgh can be made without reference to L’Alba D’Oro. With multiple awards to their name and an extensive and carefully curated menu, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this chippy gets such glowing reviews. Using only fresh haddock and high-quality potatoes, customers from all over the world have come to visit for a taste of their trademark fish and chips. Alongside more traditional fare sit less-conventional options, like their hot and spicy prawns, salt and pepper squid, as well as some pretty special vegetarian dishes. With most plates coming in under £7 and a friendly, welcoming staff to boot, you won’t want to miss out.

Before undergoing a major refurbishment this year, Saltwater was previously known as Globetrotter – or the Globie to locals. It’s probably the city’s most authentic fish and chip shop having been going for more than 50 years! There’s always a bit of a queue outside, but don’t let this put you off: the food is well worth the wait. Never greasy, their lightly battered fish manages to be both fresh and deeply satisfying. If you’re not in the mood for fish, Saltwater also offer up other Scottish classics – including haggis, black pudding and steak pies. For a true taste of Edinburgh, there’s nowhere better.