An Essential Guide to Fish and Chips in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s love for fish and chips runs deep, with historical and cultural meaning. This iconic dish was introduced to Scotland in the late 19th century and became a beloved takeaway staple.

Unlike in England, where cod is common, Edinburgh’s chippies or chip shops traditionally favor haddock, offering a firmer texture and richer flavor. So, I thought I’d give you a quick taste of the top fish and chips spots to include in an Edinburgh food walk.

Our Guides’ Favorite Chippies

We believe that a proper Scottish fish bar is defined by the quality of its batter and the freshness of its North Sea catch. Our team has identified the shops where the haddock is hand-filleted and the chips are double-fried to achieve a perfect golden crunch. We look for those local landmarks that have served their communities with pride for generations. Book a food tour with us to learn more.

Bijou

Photo credit: Bijou

Bijou is a charming bistro on the scenic Leith Links, which is part of the bustling Shore district. This convenient location along with its welcoming ambiance has helped it build a strong reputation for quality, sustainability, and exceptional service.

The fish at Bijou stands out for its light, crispy batter and the chips are hand cut in a way that feels rustic, yet elevated. They also make all their tartar sauce in house, which I think complements the responsibly sourced ingredients they use in all their seafood dishes.

Bijou prioritizes local, ethically sourced ingredients, and their seafood is chosen with a focus on responsible fishing practices. This makes them popular with the locals, and the dining room is relatively small. So, reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

Bijou (£15–30) – 2 Restalrig Rd, Edinburgh EH6 8BN, United Kingdom.

Bertie’s Proper Fish & Chips

Photo credit: Bertie’s Proper Fish & Chips

Bertie’s Proper Fish & Chips on Victoria Street in Edinburgh was short-listed for the title of Best Newcomer in the 2020 National Fish & Chip Awards. They’re committed to sourcing seafood responsibly and using eco-friendly packaging.

They offer fresh-fried, sustainably sourced haddock and chips that are exceptionally crisp. However, I think the secret thing on their menu is the mushy peas, which are perfectly rich and earthy.

Bertie’s tends to be busiest in the evening. If you want to try them without standing in line or feeling rushed, consider visiting during lunch for a quieter experience.

Bertie’s Proper Fish & Chips (£10–20) – 9 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2HE, United Kingdom.

L’Alba D’Oro

L’Alba D’Oro in Edinburgh’s New Town area is close to attractions like the Royal Botanic Garden. As a traditional takeaway fish and chip shop that’s only open in the evening, it’s a great place to grab a quick bite after a walking tour of the area.

Their menu includes haddock and cod options that are freshly fried to order. Yet, what I think sets them apart is their homemade dipping sauces like garlic mayo, spicy mayo, and fresh tartar sauce. I love that it lets you add your own creative twists to a takeaway meal that’s anything but ordinary.

L’Alba D’Oro (£10–20) – 7 Henderson Row, Edinburgh EH3 5DH, United Kingdom.

Go-To Traditional Haddock

We take pride in steering you toward the establishments that honor the classic Edinburgh “chippy sauce”—a unique blend of brown sauce and vinegar. These spots maintain the high standards of Scottish frying, ensuring every fillet is light, flaky, and never greasy. We find that the most authentic experiences are often found in the smaller shops away from the main tourist trails. Book a food tour with us to learn more.

Pierino’s

Photo credit: Pierno’s

Located in the heart of Leith, Pierino’s is a family-run fish and chip shop that has been serving the community for years. It’s just a short walk from Leith Shore and the Royal Yacht Britannia, making it a great place to stop for a bite to eat on a walking tour of the area.

Pierino’s fish and chips uses fresh haddock, which is sourced responsibly and fried to golden perfection to create a light, crispy batter. Their hand-cut chips are double-fried for the perfect crunchy exterior and fluffy soft interior. I also appreciate that their mushy peas are thick, creamy, and full of flavor.

Sustainability is important at Pierino’s, and they make an effort to source their seafood responsibly, using local suppliers whenever possible. Their eco-conscious approach also extends to their packaging, with biodegradable options available for takeaway orders.

Pierino’s (£10–20) – 11 Bernard St, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6PW, United Kingdom.

Mother Hubbard’s

Mother Hubbard’s, a renowned fish and chip restaurant that also offers a wide range of other British classics. You’ll find them in the Ocean Terminal shopping center in Leith where they offer picturesque views of the Royal Yacht Britannia. Making it a great place to enjoy a meal while doing a little shopping.

The menu at Mother Hubbard’s is celebrated for its classic fish and chips, made from 100% premium Icelandic haddock served with golden chips made from British potatoes. They also offer a variety of traditional British dishes, including pies and sausages, which is nice if someone in your group wants something other than fish and chips.

Mother Hubbard’s (£10–20) – Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ, United Kingdom.

What Makes Edinburgh’s Fish and Chips Unique?

Edinburgh’s fish and chips stand out for featuring haddock over cod. This gives the freshly fried fish a firmer texture and sweeter flavor that pairs perfectly with a light, crispy batter.

The batter itself is a point of pride for the Scottish as it’s traditionally made with simple ingredients and fried to golden perfection. This creates a satisfying crunch with every bite. A lot of Edinburgh’s fish and chips shops use double-fried chips, that are thick-cut or hand-cut to make them especially robust. This double-frying method also makes them especially fluffy inside, to maximize the belly-filling power of the meal.

Scottish traditions add even more character in that many fish and chips shops in Edinburgh offer “chippy sauce” which is a tangy mix of brown sauce and vinegar, and other creative dipping sauces. This is different from the malt vinegar you find being used in a lot of other fish and chips shops in the UK.

One of the other interesting twists I appreciate about Edinburgh’s fish and chips shops is that many of them offer mushy peas as a side dish. I find the sweetness and richness really complement the natural flavors of fresh haddock.

Provenance of the Catch in Edinburgh

We find that the most representative Edinburgh fish and chips utilize sustainably caught Atlantic haddock landed at the historic ports of Peterhead or Eyemouth. The cold, nutrient-rich waters of the North Sea provide a firm texture and sweet flavor that is central to our local culinary identity. We believe that supporting shops that can name their specific day-boat or supplier is essential for maintaining the quality of our national dish. Knowing the origin of your fish ensures you are enjoying a meal that is both fresh and ecologically responsible.

Edinburgh’s Chippy Etiquette

We suggest trying your fish with “salt and sauce,” the definitive Edinburgh condiment that separates our chippies from those in the rest of the UK. It is traditional to enjoy your meal wrapped in paper while walking along the historic Leith Shore or through a city park. We find that many locals also order a side of “haggis pakora” or a “pickled onion” to complement the richness of the fried batter. Remember that in traditional Scottish fish bars, your order is usually prepared fresh, so a short wait is a sign of high-quality service.