Barry Fish
62 Shore
A new and welcome arrival on Leith Shore. In the stylish green-hued restaurant the menu is unapologetically fish-forward, moving from ‘low-tide’ snacks and lunch, through to ‘big snacks’ then dinner. Try lobster agnolotti in a smooth bisque-like brown butter sauce with the pleasing zip of fennel and capers.  

Fin & Grape
19 Colinton Road
A Southside neighbourhood restaurant with a classy wine bar vibe, their relatively compact main menu offers carefully crafted fish dishes to share, along with some exceptional wines. The wine bar menu tilts to Mediterranean ‘tinned fish’ choices along with nibbles and sides. 

Fishers
1 Shore
Set at the base of an old Leith watchtower, Fishers balances special occasion surroundings with laid-back service and precision cooking. Whether it’s a whole lemon sole or just one of the ‘Fishers Favourites’ such as mussels and fries at the bar, this is a restaurant for all seasons. There’s a sister restaurant up town too.

The Fishmarket Newhaven
23a Pier Place
Overlooking a hidden harbour and with Welch Fishmongers next door, this white-and-emerald-tiled diner captures a fresh-from-the-sea essence like nowhere else. Stop in for chowder or grilled langoustines, or join the locals picking up fish and chips to eat outside as the sun sets over the Forth.

The Ship On The Shore
24–26 Shore
The cobbled Leith quay, the salty tavern vibe, sea charts and mirrors on the walls, the chalkboard specials and the groaning platters. The Ship on the Shore does quintessential old-school seafood dining formidably well, its wide-ranging menu offering dressed crab, hand-dived scallops, whole roast trout or seafood paella for two.

White Horse Oyster & Seafood Bar
266 Canongate
A compelling option in the city centre that works for drinks and fresh oysters, a combo meal of small plates or refined treats. The décor is simple and sleek; dishes are similar with buttermilk cod, hake ceviche or crab scotch egg. Go all out with a seafood platter if you’re celebrating (and feeling flush).

Also try... Dulse with its branches on the back streets of Leith and the West End, hot shellfish platters at LeftField and the seafood-oriented, ten-course tasting menu at Lyla. 

This TipList is taken from Eat & Drink 365, our sister mag recommending the best in restaurants, bars, cafés and more across Edinburgh. Want a copy? It’s available online or across all good stockists in Scotland’s capital.