Barry Fish
62 Shore
Justifiably lauded and welcomed since its arrival on the Shore in 2025, Barry Bryson’s calm and stylishly designed space presents an unapologetically fish-forward menu, with house-smoked eel or local crab flan among smaller sharing plates. At dinner, try lobster agnolotti in a smooth bisque-like brown butter sauce with the pleasing zip of pickled fennel.  

Fin & Grape
19 Colinton Road
An unpretentious Southside neighbourhood bistro serving a relatively compact main menu. There are carefully crafted fish dishes to share along with a daily market special, and some exceptional wines. The bar menu tilts to Mediterranean tinned fish choices along with nibbles and sides. 

Fishers
1 Shore
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 the 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 offers dressed crab, lobster thermidor and whole roast trout as well as sharing seafood platters or paella.

White Horse Oyster & Seafood Bar
266 Canongate
A compelling option in the city centre that works for cocktails and fresh oysters, a combo meal of small plates or splashing out on a hot shellfish platter. It’s a venerable historic spot but the décor is simple and sleek, with dishes to match: think buttermilk cod, hake ceviche, crab Scotch egg.

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.