For any food lover, travel is one of the best ways to experience new flavours in unforgettable new surroundings and a tasting tour of the British Isles would not be complete without seafood in Scotland.
Scottish catches are shipped around the world for their top quality but there is no better place to sample them than on the shores from which they are caught. To experience them for yourself, it’s worth knowing how easy it is to reach Scotland with P&O’s regular crossings to Cairnryan from Larne.
Once you’ve reached these historic highlands it’s time to hit the open road in search of succulent seafood and bringing your car on board with P&O Ferries is simple thanks to our simple car pass booking system.
Oysters in Oban
The first stop on our culinary tour is Oban, a town known as the Seafood Capital of Scotland. Whether you’re looking for indoor fine dining or quaint pubs serving local delicacies, Oban has plenty to offer any foodie.
At the Waterfront Fishouse on the town’s South Pier, you’ll find oysters freshly caught from nearby Loch Crehan. This local produce is served with beetroot piccalilli or for a twist you can have them deep-fried with seaweed mayonnaise.
For Oban seafood served al fresco, there’s nowhere better than Green Shack on CalMac Pier. As an institution for over thirty years, every takeaway platter at this stand is prepared in front of you and once you’ve got your fresh fish, you can enjoy it with stunning views over Oban Harbour.
Driving from Cairnryan to Oban takes a little over four hours via the A77 and A82 and sets you on course for a great foodie trip.
Loch Fyne Oysters
Our next destination is situated on the banks of the stunning Loch Fyne. Oysters from this natural spot are the only dining experience in the UK to grow their own catches onsite in a nursery. This painstaking process takes two to three years of careful tending by their team before they are served up to visitors.
You can reach Loch Fyne from Oban in just over an hour via the A819 and A85. If you’re feeling adventurous, nearby Beinn Ime is a stunning mountain with three walking routes you can choose from based on how difficult a hike you fancy.
Seafood in Skye
A tour of the superb selection of seafood on the Isle of Skye should include The Three Chimneys Restaurant and Pub which also includes five-star accommodation. The Wall Street Journal named this as one of their five greatest restaurants in the world so prepare yourself for a true fine dining experience. Local fishermen have been providing their incredible produce for the last 30 years so this restaurant is a local institution in every sense.
Once you’ve had three courses of some of the best three-course cuisine in Scotland, the Oyster Shed Farm Shop offers an experience of the best eating with no frills. This stripped-back Isle of Skye seafood spot catch their oysters in the nearby waters of Loch Harport and at the Shack, you’ll learn how to open them expertly with a seasoned farmer. You can also sample mussels, crab, smoked salmon and more; the Shed Farm Shop is also ideally positioned for whiskey lovers as it’s just a minute’s walk from the renowned Talisker Distillery!
Driving onwards by car from Loch Fyne to Skye takes just over four hours via the A82 and A87 so you can be there within half a day.
Fabulous Seafood in Fife
Continuing on our seafood trail of Scotland, the next stop is the fabulous Fife’s Dory Bistro and Gallery. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, this unique dining spot combines a regular display of the work of local artists and the owner himself. You can also purchase any artwork that takes your fancy for an unusual souvenir from your seafood tour.
Our next recommendation for succulent seafood in Fife is Reilly Shellfish. In the seaside town of Crail, this shack is also known as the Lobster Hut so you can guess which catch they’re known for. Along with their famous lobster rolls we’d suggest trying some local shellfish; as one of Fife’s best spots for seafood Reilly’s has incredible fresh produce. They also offer takeaway so feel free to perch on Crail Harbour once you’ve got your food and enjoy the views of local fishermen hard at work.
Driving from Skye to Fife takes you to Scotland’s east coast in five hours via the A87 motorway; you might want to pack some snacks and refreshments as you get to see even more of the highlands!
Eating your way through Edinburgh
For big-city culinary experiences, the best of Edinburgh can’t be beaten. When it comes to seafood in Edinburgh, Ondine is a firm favourite among locals and was recently named one of the top five UK seafood restaurants. This award-winning restaurant is just off the Royal Mile and runs a famed Oyster Happy Hour every weekday from 5.30 to 6.30 pm and features five types of oysters to choose from at very affordable prices.
Finally, for a Scottish seafood eating experience that will transport you to the open seas, Ship on the Shore’s incredible interiors are decked out with the look of a cruise ship. If you visit on a day that calls for outdoor dining, you can also eat on their outdoor terrace which has breathtaking views across the Water of Leith River.
The journey from Fife to Edinburgh on your final leg is relatively quick at just over an hour and a half on the A92 motorway.
Ready to book your next foodie adventure? With regular ferry crossings from Larne to Cairnryan exploring Scottish cuisine is simply a matter of deciding what you want to try first!
