A perfect natural larder, Scotland’s lochs, rivers and seas have provided its inhabitants with some of the best seafood available anywhere in the world.
It’s no surprise then to find that Scotland also has some amazing seafood restaurants, here are six of the best to be found in Edinbrugh:
(2 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1AD)
Picture: Trip Advisor Traveller
It's fair to say that only one name could top our list and that had to be Ondine. Located just off the Royal Mile, this is the one seafood restaurant in the capital you really must visit.
Recognised last year as one of the top five seafood restaurants in the UK, in annual awards run by Seafish, Ondine offers Scottish produce coupled with amazing worldwide flavours; classic fish soup enhanced with North African spices, razor clams with Iberico chorizo and Sicilian lemons or Shetland mussels cooked in an Asian broth of fermented ginger & black bean with freshly shredded coriander.
Chef Proprietor Roy Brett does his utmost to secure only the best produce from around the UK and uses only trusted suppliers meaning menu items like the lobster and oysters are always the freshest and of the highest grade available.
Speaking of oysters, the restaurant's famed Oyster Happy Hour, which runs from 5:30-6:30pm Mon-Fri, offers five varieties of oyster to choose from at just £1 a shuck, unbeatable value.
(1 Shore, Edinburgh EH6 6QW)
The hot seafood platter. Picture: Trip Advisor
We could have included more than one of the Fishers restaurants but as it stands we'll stick with their original (and in our opinion, best) which has served Edinburgh residents delightful seafood dishes for over two decades.
Housed in a 17th Century watchtower, Fishers serves up classic Scottish dishes like Shetland mussels, Anstruther Smoked salmon and the seafood platter.
In summertime, there are few better places to enjoy some mussels while sitting outside on the docks of Leith.
Should you be looking for something a little closer to town then check out their sister restaurant in the city centre on Thistle Street.
(77b George St, Edinburgh EH2 3EE)
Picture: Cadiz Facebook
Offering Scottish seafood with a Mediterranean twist, Cadiz has gathered a loyal following since it opened last year.
Taking its inspiration from Spanish cuisine, Shetland mussels, West Coast langoustines and Mull scallops feature heavily, all with international twists and flavours making it a slightly offering from the other offerings on this list.
The main menu is accompanied by a carefully curated wine list of old and new world wines and a specially created cocktails list.
(24-26 Shore, Edinburgh, EH6 6QN)
Plus you know, their seafood platters are what dreams are made of. Picture: Ship on the Shore
This wonderful little nautical themed restaurant is something of a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds, with an interior that will transport you back to the halcyon days of travel by cruise ship.
With a more sedate atmosphere, the Ship is our pick for brunch (or even breakfast if it takes your fancy) and it's the perfect place to enjoy a quiet meal where the focus is on enjoying the food in front of you and not on the patronage around you.
The shore-front terrace which sits beside the Water of Leith, is not to be missed on a summer's day
Their fresh Scottish seafood is delivered daily from local fishmongers and the menu reflects this with a highly recommended section for Crustacea & Molluscs featuring dishes like Loch Creran Champagne Tempura Batter Oysters and the Ship's famous smokehouse platter.
(112 St Stephen St, Edinburgh EH3 5AD)
Picture: Kilted Lobster
With a focus on seasonality and innovation, the Kilted Lobster's menu changes regularly to reflect what's available at the time of year.
This cosy little Stockbridge restaurant offers some truly fun dishes such as Calamari Fritte with chipotle aioli and the Fillet of Shetland Salmon with crab risotto, though of course we recommend the eponymous Kilted lobster.
Founder Colin Hinds is a massively popular figure and his wealth of experience and passion shine through with every plate.
Plus you know, their seafood platters are what dreams are made of. Picture: Ship on the Shore
