Sitting on the dock of the Bay ……
The Fishmarket Newhaven
The Setting
If you’re after seafood in Edinburgh that feels both special and down-to-earth, The Fishmarket Newhaven is where I’d send you every time.You step off the Number 16 bus and the sea air hits you. The Fishmarket sits right on the Newhaven harbour, with the old fish market building restored and buzzing. There’s a mix of people-families with kids, couples out for a treat, a few solo diners with a book and a glass of wine. You feel welcome straight away.
Right on the harbour, you get the smell of salt in the air and a proper view of the boats that bring in the day’s catch. It’s a place that feels honest. You walk in and know you’re in for something good, but nothing about it is showy or intimidating. Families, couples, locals, and visitors all feel at home.
With produce fresh out the sea and a view as far as the aye can see ( I’m a poet and I didn’t know it)
The Menu – Fresh and Focused
The blackboard shows what’s landed that day. There’s always haddock and chips, but you’ll spot specials like lobster, oysters, and those famous scallops with nduja. The menu is short, but every dish feels considered.
Scallops with Nduja – A Standout Starter
I always order the scallops. They’re from Mull, hand-dived, and cooked just right-still soft and sweet. The nduja brings a slow heat, not overpowering, just enough to lift the dish. You get a bit of bread to mop up the spicy oil. It’s simple, but you remember it.
Scallops with Nduja – A Standout Starter
Fish and Chips – The Secret’s in the Cooking
Their fish and chips are the reason most people come. The batter is crisp, light, and never greasy. The fish is fresh as you’ll find anywhere. The chips are double-cooked-first blanched, then fried to order-so you get that fluffy inside and golden crunch. The tartare sauce is homemade, sharp and tangy, not the gloopy stuff you get elsewhere. I always squeeze on the lemon, and the portion is generous without being silly.
Wine List and Drinks
The wine list is tight but clever. There’s a Muscadet that works with shellfish, a couple of Sauvignon Blancs, and a soft red for the more adventurous. You’ll also find local beers-Pilot and Stewart-plus a few gins and a negroni if you fancy a cocktail. The staff know their stuff and will happily suggest a pairing.
Crab on Sourdough Toast - Simples
The Owners – Roy and Gary
Roy Brett and Gary Welch are the kind of owners you want running your local. Roy’s background at Ondine means he knows seafood inside out. Gary’s family have been selling fish in Edinburgh for decades. Their partnership shows in the details-how the fish is displayed on ice, the way the staff talk about the food, the sense of pride in the place.
Atmosphere and Service
It’s busy, but never rushed. The staff are friendly, always up for a chat about the menu or the day’s catch. You can eat in or take away, and the view of the harbour is always there, even on a grey day.
Luscious Lobster
Why I Keep Going Back
The food is always fresh and cooked with care.
The atmosphere is relaxed-you never feel hurried.
There’s a real sense of place. You know you’re in Edinburgh, by the sea.
It’s run by people who care about what they do.
