Discover the 9 Spots to Have the Best Fish and Chips in Edinburgh

Perfectly seasoned and fried potato chips paired with succulent fish that is crunchy outside and melting inside compose one of the UK’s favourite dishes. Fish and chips are a signature dish across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland—and a must-try if you ever visit.

In the quest to discover the finest fish and chips, Edinburgh emerges as a city that embraces this quintessentially British dish and elevates it to an art form. Renowned for its rich history and vibrant culture, Edinburgh also boasts a diverse and thriving food scene in which fish and chips are special.

Over the years, a plethora of diners, bars, pubs, and restaurants have specialised in mastering the lovable fish and chips in Edinburgh. They have kept the dish going strong as one of the most iconic, nationally loved meals.

Great fish and chips will complete your visiting experience no matter where you’re visiting in Scotland. However, there’s nothing like having fish and chips in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital.

In this article, we delve into the history of how fish and chips became one of the most adored dishes in the UK and how it has become an international symbol of the nation. Join us as we explore the wonderful city of Edinburgh and showcase 9 of the best fish and chips spots you must try during your visit.

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The Origins of Fish and Chips in the United Kingdom

The tale of fish and chips begins with a blend of cultural influences and culinary innovation. Historically, the introduction of fried fish into British cuisine is credited to Jewish immigrants from Portugal and Spain around the 15th century. They brought with them a method of frying fish in a light flour coating, known as ‘Pescado Frito’. Notably, Joseph Malin, a Jewish immigrant, is celebrated for opening one of the first recognisable fish and chips shops in London.

Interestingly, the concept of combining fried fish with chips predates the arrival of these culinary traditions by over fifty years. Initially, fried fish and chips were served separately and could have been paired at any earlier time. However, it wasn’t until the late 19th century that fish and chips became a staple meal among the UK’s working class. By the dawn of the 20th century, the number of fish and chips shops had exploded to more than 35,000 across the UK, underscoring the dish’s soaring popularity.

Despite a decline in numbers due to stricter government regulations, fish and chips have endured as a beloved British classic. To commemorate this, the first Friday of June each year is celebrated as National Fish and Chips Day. Launched in 2015, this day honours the fishing industry and the diligent fishermen who supply the fresh catch that makes up this iconic dish.

A longstanding tradition in the UK is the consumption of fish and chips on Fridays. This practice, often observed in schools and other institutions, is thought to stem from Roman Catholic customs of abstaining from meat on Fridays, opting instead for fish.

Traditionally, fish and chips were served wrapped in newspaper, adding an element of charm and nostalgia to the dining experience. In more recent times, for health and safety reasons, plain paper has replaced newspaper. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, when the craving strikes, heading to the nearest ‘chippy’—a colloquial term for a fish and chips shop—promises a delightful taste of British heritage.

The Key Secrets to Great Fish and Chips

Fish and chips might appear simple, but achieving perfection in this beloved British dish is all about mastering the details. The key to crispy yet fluffy chips and perfectly cooked fish lies in a few well-guarded secrets that turn a good dish into a great one.

Perfecting the Chips

Achieving the ideal texture for chips—crispy on the outside and soft inside—is a craft in itself. The choice of potato and the frying technique play crucial roles. Maris Piper or King Edward potatoes are often chosen for their fluffy texture and excellent frying qualities.

The Art of Fish Batter

The real star of the show is the fish, specifically how it’s battered. A standout batter often involves beer or stout, which not only adds a subtle flavour but also introduces a lightness to the batter that water alone cannot achieve. The alcohol in the beer evaporates quickly in the fryer, creating a crisp and airy coating.

While many chippies keep their choice of beer a secret, the impact of using a high-quality ale or stout is undeniable. For those who prefer not to use beer, substituting it with sparkling water can also inject a similar lightness, though you might want to enhance the batter with additional seasonings to boost the flavour.

Seasoning the Fish

Beyond the batter, seasoning the fish itself is a game-changer. While traditional recipes might simply coat the fish in batter, adding spices directly to the fillet before battering can elevate the flavour. This technique was highlighted in The Big Family Cooking Showdown, where a contestant’s decision to season the fish pre-batter was praised for adding an unexpected and delightful twist to the flavour profile.

Culinary Tips

For the batter, a simple mix of flour, baking soda, and a dash of vinegar creates the base. The vinegar helps to aerate the batter, ensuring it remains light and crisp. When combined with a quality beer, this mixture enhances the fish’s natural flavours, complementing the fresh, oceanic taste with a rich, yeasty backdrop.

In conclusion, while fish and chips might seem straightforward, the devil is truly in the details. From the type of potato to the choice of beer in the batter, each element contributes to creating a dish that is both deeply satisfying and quintessentially British. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, these tips can help you bring a bit of culinary magic to this classic dish.

Local Ingredients Used in Edinburgh’s Fish and Chips

Edinburgh’s fish and chips flourish on the freshness of local ingredients. With fish sourced from the nearby North Sea and potatoes grown in the fertile fields of Lothian, each dish reflects the rich culinary heritage of Scotland. Local chefs enhance these traditional flavours by incorporating unique Scottish elements like whisky-infused batter, setting Edinburgh’s version apart from others across the UK.

Edinburgh’s Pride in Local Produce

In Edinburgh, the secret to outstanding fish and chips lies in the freshness and quality of local ingredients. The fish, often sourced directly from the North Sea, includes popular choices like haddock and cod. These species are known for their flaky texture and mild flavour, making them ideal for the classic beer batter. Potatoes, another cornerstone of this dish, are typically harvested from local farms around Lothian, ensuring that the chips have just the right amount of sweetness and firmness to achieve a perfect golden crisp.

Local chefs often infuse a touch of Scottish tradition by incorporating seaweed or whisky into the batter, adding unique flavours that you won’t find elsewhere. This not only enhances the taste but also boosts the appeal to both locals and tourists seeking an authentic Scottish culinary experience.

Comparison: Edinburgh vs. Other Cities in Fish and Chip Quality

Edinburgh’s approach to fish and chips focuses on the purity and quality of local produce, contrasting sharply with other UK cities that might favour heavier batters or additional flavours. Here, the dish is perfected with a light, crisp batter and minimalistic seasoning to highlight the fresh fish and crisp chips, establishing a benchmark for excellence in one of the UK’s favourite dishes.

How Edinburgh Stands Out

Fish and chips might be a staple across the UK, but Edinburgh’s version stands out for its dedication to local sourcing and culinary finesse. Unlike London, where the dish might often come with a side of mushy peas, Edinburgh’s fish and chips are frequently served with a side of tartare sauce or a sprinkle of malt vinegar, emphasising the natural flavours of the fish and chips.

Contrasting Cooking Styles

In comparison to cities like London or Manchester, where the fish batter can be denser due to the use of different flours or additives, Edinburgh sticks to a lighter batter, letting the quality of the fish shine through. This approach not only differentiates Edinburgh’s fish and chips from those found in other cities but also aligns with Scotland’s broader gastronomic ethos that prioritises the natural quality and simplicity of ingredients.

A Benchmark for Quality

Moreover, Edinburgh’s culinary scene often sees a blend of traditional methods and innovative approaches, setting a benchmark in fish and chips quality. The city’s chefs frequently experiment with batter recipes and frying techniques, striving to create a perfect balance between crispy and tender that is hard to replicate.

By focusing on these aspects, Edinburgh not only preserves the heritage of fish and chips but also elevates it, making a visit to one of its many famed chippies a must for any culinary enthusiast. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the difference in taste, texture, and quality is palpable, marking Edinburgh’s fish and chips as truly exceptional within the UK.

Where to Find the Best Fish and Chips in Edinburgh

Now that we’ve excited you with this utterly delicious meal, here are 9 places to have fish and chips in Edinburgh. We promise you, it’s so good you’ll be licking your fingers!

1. The Fish Market

The fish market in Newhaven is the most recommended place to get the best fish and chips in Edinburgh. If you think about it, the Fish Market has the freshest fish in town; it comes from the sea and right over to you. How could there be a more perfect place?!

The market was established through a partnership between Welch Fishmongers and Ondine, one of the area’s best seafood restaurants.

Opening Times: Every day from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm

2. Doctors

A few steps away from Edinburgh University is Doctors. The name gives away the restaurant’s strong relationship with the Medical College at the EU and the Old Royal Infirmary, which used to stand across the way.

Doctors indeed serves a hearty and soul-filling dish of fish and chips; it’s one of the top places travel guides recommend when asked where to eat fish and chips in Edinburgh. This restaurant is also a bar, with plenty of beverage options in addition to the local cuisine.

Opening Times: Sunday to Thursday, 11:00 am to 11:00 pm; Friday and Saturday, 12:00 pm to 11:59 pm

3. Bertie’s Restaurant & Bar

Bertie’s might be one of the top fish and chips shops in Edinburgh, but the restaurant stands out with its gluten-free options while keeping the food quality on point. Additionally, you can choose whether you like your fish battered or breaded.

Bertie’s Restaurant & Bar is spacious and welcoming, but it fills up quickly. If you want to stop in for fish and chips, arrive early or call ahead!

Opening Times: Monday-Friday, 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm; Sunday, 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm

4. The World’s End

The Flodden Wall, which forms the exterior walls of this restaurant, is part of a historic 16th-century wall that once protected the people of Edinburgh from the outside world. The name of this restaurant comes from the people’s belief that beyond that wall, life belonged to other species.

Back to the present, though, The World’s End is known for providing great vegan and gluten-free options, but most importantly, one of the city’s tastiest fish and chips.

Opening Times: Monday-Friday, 11:00 am to 1:00 am, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am to 1:00 am

5. The Piper’s Rest Public House

This cosy chippy will leave a good and comforting impression on you, and you will want to come visit again. With many authentic dishes on the menu, The Piper’s Rest Public House is easily one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh. The fish and chips are heavenly; the best part is that the portions are generous for a reasonable price.

So, if you’d like a homey experience, stop by and listen to some bagpipes while you eat. The Piper’s Rest Public House is the perfect place to experience Scottish culture.

Opening Times: Every day, 10:00 am to 12:00 am

6. The Balerno Inn Restaurant

With your choice of sitting outside in a fragrant garden or right at the bar inside, The Balerno Inn Restaurant offers guests a unique atmosphere to enjoy their fish and chips. After you’ve enjoyed one of the UK’s most favourite dishes, check out their other menus!

Opening Times: Sunday-Thursday, 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm; Friday and Saturday, 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm

7. Bijou

Whether you dine in, get a takeaway, or order your food to be delivered home, Bijou will bring you a delightful platter of fish and chips. While the restaurant was not originally a chippy, their battered haddock and skinny chips are known to be outstanding.

Opening Times: Every day except Tuesday, 10:00 am to 8:30 pm

8. The Shore

The Shore specialises in serving some of the best seafood in Edinburgh. Anyone in the UK can tell you that you can’t do seafood well unless you master fish and chips as well. With this in mind, The Shore will surely provide guests with a delicious meal of fish and chips.

Guests can enjoy the restaurant’s quirky atmosphere as they dine, socialise, and absorb the Scottish culture around them. This classic British restaurant also offers a wide selection of drinks and other menu items.

Opening Times: Monday- Saturday, 12:00 pm to 1:00 am; Sunday, 12:30 pm to 1:00 am

9. The Abbey Bar

Our last selection on the list of best places for fish and chips in Edinburgh is The Abbey Bar. This pub promises guests a fantastic culinary experience with its beer-battered haddock and chips.

As we mentioned earlier, the batter is one of the keys to a great plate of fish and chips. More specifically, the beer or stout is used in the batter. At The Abbey Bar, you will notice the unique flavours that beer adds to the fish compared to batters that use bicarbonate of soda.

Opening Times: Every day, 9:00 am to 10:00 pm

The Reputation of Fish and Chips Around the World

The humble dish of fish and chips, a staple of UK cuisine, has transcended beyond the shores of the United Kingdom to become a globally recognised symbol of the culinary traditions of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Fish and chips were first introduced around the world by British emigration and the expansion of the British Empire. As British expatriates and soldiers travelled and settled around the world, they took their culinary preferences with them, introducing fish and chips to different continents and cultures.

In the modern day, fish and chips maintain their popularity and reputation around the world thanks to their inclusion in British media. British films, television shows, and literature commonly feature the dish, introducing it to a global audience and piquing viewers’ interest.

In the USA, many people were introduced to fish and chips by the Derry Girls character Fionnula, who owns the local chippy in the show. The dish has since become a standard menu item at restaurants serving fish and seafood, from fast food to gourmet restaurants.

In Commonwealth countries, such as Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, fish and chips have become particularly popular. These nations have preserved the traditional British way of serving fish and chips and infused local flavours and ingredients to add their spin to the classic dish.

Although fish and chips are less popular in other countries around the world, they are still recognised as one of the most iconic dishes from the UK. From the panko-crusted versions in Japan to the spice-laden variations in India, global adaptations of fish and chips reflect local tastes and ingredients while retaining the dish’s fundamental characteristics.

Fish and Chips in Edinburgh is a Staple Meal for Locals and Tourists

The quest for Edinburgh’s best fish and chips is a journey through a rich tapestry of culinary craftsmanship and tradition. From the classic, no-frills charm of Bijou to the modern, sustainable approach of The Fishmarket, each restaurant and pub offers a unique experience that goes beyond taste.

The variety and quality found in the fish and chips reflect not only the city’s commitment to preserving this beloved British tradition but also its ability to innovate and adapt to contemporary tastes and ethical considerations.

The defining qualities of Edinburgh’s best fish and chips lie in the attention to detail, the quality of ingredients, and the passion of those who prepare it. These restaurants and bars do more than just serve a dish; they offer a piece of Edinburgh’s culinary soul, a taste of history, and a window into Scottish culture.

We hope you enjoyed our article on where to find Edinburgh’s best fish and chips! If you’ve never had traditional fish and chips, we hope these recommendations will make your experience memorable! If you have any more suggestions, or we missed your favourite chippy, let us know in the comments below!