Scotland's coastal waters offer up some of the world's most prized fish and shellfish. From world-class chefs across Scotland, the UK and further afield to those who just know their way around their own kitchen, the demand for Scottish seafood has never been higher.
As a city on the coast, seafarers and their wares have always played a significant role in the history of Edinburgh. The earliest inhabitants of the city made good use of local oyster and mussel beds, a tradition that has endured on the shores of the Firth of Forth for 10,000 years.
As well as the many excellent seafood restaurants in town, many people are turning their hand to preparing seafood at home. In keeping with that spirit, here's our top tips for the best places to buy fresh fish in Edinburgh.
Eddie's Seafood Market
Hong Kong-born Eddie Kwok first opened this Marchmont institution back in 1986 and has steadily built up a trusted reputation as a supplier of the best fish in Edinburgh over the last 20 years. With swordfish, shark, octopus and red snapper all on the menu, Eddie's is the place to go in the capital for your more unusual seafood requirements. Feeling more like a miniature market, the brisk trade at Eddie's means that the fish could not be fresher. Expect queues on Saturday mornings to buy the market's now famous fresh sushi. To top it all, Eddie's is also a purveyor of fresh fish to most of the city's top restaurants.
7 Roseneath Street, Edinburgh, EH9 1JH
George Armstrong Fishmongers
Originally founded by George Armstrong in 1949, this Stockbridge stalwart has changed hands a few times since but the same concern for quality has remained consistent throughout its 60-year history. So preoccupied with quality are the fishmongers at Armstrong's of Stockbridge that they remain in contact with the fishing fleet at sea to make sure they get the best of the landed catch; whether it be lobsters caught in the Firth of Forth or wild turbot. All vessels they use are M.S.C accredited so only fish sourced sustainably will land up on your dinner plate. Smoked fish is one of the specialities of this particular fishmonger, with carefully sourced Scottish smoked salmon, Finnan haddies and so on, all on sale.
80 Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, EH4 1HH
Welch Fishmongers
First started in 1959 and now with three locations throughout the city, Welch Fishmongers are one of the most prolific fishmongers in Edinburgh. Shops in Newington, Newhaven and Leith keep the demand for fresh fish sated across the capital. Brill, cod, haddock, hake, halibut, John Dory, Lemon sole, mackerel, monk fish and plaice are just some of many offerings on ice when you walk in store with just as extensive a list for shellfish and crustaceans.
Newhaven, 23 Pier Place, Edinburgh, EH64LP
Leith, 34 Great Junction Street, Edinburgh, EH6 5LA
Newington, 12 Clerk Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9HX
George Hughes & Son
While chain names like Costa and Sainsbury's slowing gain ground, George Hughes & Son are just one of the local shops still going strong on Bruntfield's vibrant high street. A traditional fishmongers inside and out, Hughes' stand shoulder to shoulder with the city's best and has a loyal clientele in the Bruntfield/Morningside area. While fresh fish is the order of the day, Hughes & Son does a roaring trade online using an ingenious chilling system to ship its market fresh fish, making sure it stays that way by the time it arrives at your door by courier within 24 hours.
197 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4DQ
