Best restaurants in St Andrews
There is no doubt about it, Fife is a delicious destination for all you foodies out there. Famous for its picturesque fishing villages and farmland as far as the eye can see, Fife’s fertile land is lined by over 100 miles of coast and is becoming quite the hub for culinary greatness.
To help you make the best choices when it comes to dining during your visit, below you will find some of our favourite spots that need to be featured on your ‘to do’ list.
ST ANDREWS
18 at The Rusacks
Pilmour Links, St. Andrews, KY16 9JQ
01334 466899
18 at The Rusacks is a roof top restaurant and bar. Serving the very best seasonal and locally sourced Scottish beef, seafood and game with probably the best views in St Andrews, directly over the first tee of The Old. Great photo opportunities on the fantastic roof terrace. It is quite pricey but worth it for the quality of the food and experience. Advisable to book.
Lupos
119 North Street, KY16 9AD, 01334 475950
Championing Italian cuisine made with the best Scottish ingredients, this Tuscan styled restaurant is truly stunning. With the starry oval ceiling and cosy fireplace in the cocktail den, accompanied by exquisite food, you’re in for a treat at Lupos.
Forgan’s
110 Market Street, KY16 9PB, 01334 466973
A hidden gem situated just off Market Street, Forgan’s is the perfect spot to enjoy some of the best local produce in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. They have something on every day of the week, including wine tasting evenings, duck shepherd’s pie night and their famous Hoolie, where you can Ceilidh dance the night away.
The Peat Inn
Collier Row, Peat Inn, KY15 5LH
01334 840206
Gourmet dining for true foodies, right here in Fife. Peacefully situated within a Hamlet 6 miles from St Andrews named specifically after the Inn, The Peat Inn is one of Scotland’s most enchanting restaurants dedicated to the enjoyment of outstanding food and wine. Having held a Michelin star for eleven consecutive years, you can guarantee an exquisite culinary experience. The restaurant compromises of 3 dining areas, creating an intimate setting for a divine dining experience.
The Cheesy Toast Shack
07551 073143
Too much cheese? No such thing! Think your average cheese toasty on steroids. The choices are endless and equally as delicious, to name a few; camembert and mushroom, red Leicester and chorizo, Swiss cheese and beef pastrami, and, most famously, macaroni cheese. You will certainly be stuck for choice but the carb and cheese overload is totally worth it! Located at East Sands (if the weather is bad, the shack may be closed!)
Jannettas Gelateria
31 South Street, KY16 9QR
01334 473285
If you are a lover of all things sweet, Jannettas will be right up your street. Established in 1904 and still run to this day by family, they are most definitely the gelato experts voted the best ice cream shop in Scotland. The queues all day everyday come rain or shine says it all, you simply cannot visit St Andrews and not get a Jannettas ice cream. With flavors beyond your imagination you will not be disappointed. If ice cream isn’t your thing, they have a variety of deserts including waffles, pancakes and tray bakes.
Cromars
1 Union Street, KY16 9PQ
01334 475555
Yet another award winning local (there’s a common theme here!), Cromar’s was voted the best fish and chip shop in Scotland in 2016 and 2018. Enjoy Scotland’s favorite dish created by the very best, using locally sourced produce with fish caught daily from the East Coast. There is the option to sit in or take away, only recommended if you are willing to share with the flock of seagulls congregating by the front door.
The Balgove Larder
Strathtyrum Farm, KY16 9SF
01334 898145
Browse the farm shop, relax in the café or enjoy an evening in the steak barn, Balgove Larder has it all! Situated on the outskirts of the town centre, the concept was created on the love of all things Scottish fare, with everything you can eat or buy grown or raised within just a few miles from the farm. Throughout the summer months they have the famous ‘night market’, a great place to unwind with live music, crafts and the very best of Scottish food and drink. When the festive season approaches they have a Christmas themed night market, perfect for a spot of last minute Christmas shopping!
Seafood Ristorante
Bruce Embankment, KY16 9AB
01334 479475
Voted Scottish restaurant of the year for 2019, the Seafood Ristorante is a haven for seafood lovers. With its unrivalled location on the seafront and panoramic views over West Sands, you will not be disappointed. They offer an exceptional dining experience, with all their produce supplied and caught fresh daily to create delightful dishes with an Italian twist.
Rogue
209 South Street, St. Andrews KY16 9EF
01334 470354
Using the very best locally sourced produce to create a beautiful mix of dry aged beef and seafood within a classic cocktail bar setting. At the back of the restaurant they have their own gin still which is where they create their contemporary Felons Gin.
Tailend Restaurant
130 Market Street, KY16 9PD
01334 474070
Yet another award winning seafood restaurant St Andrews boasts. Not just your average take away ‘chippy’, The Tailend restaurant offers casual dining as well as event nights including champagne and lobster evening. If you don’t fancy sitting in they do have a take away service so you can enjoy your famous fish, chips and mushy peas whilst exploring this fantastic town.
The Bridge at The Rusacks
Pilmour Links, St. Andrews, KY16 9JQ
01334 466899
Seasonal menus take inspiration from Italy, Spain and southern France. Enjoy charming, authentic dishes alongside views of Swilcan Bridge and the Old Course. A family-friendly dining experience.
Dune
80 North Street, St Andrews, KY16 9AH
01738 718387
Brought to you by Chef Dean Banks, a more relaxed cocktail bar setting serving wonderful and unique bar food, like an octopus hot dog or oysters. Chef Dean Banks also has Haar, a fine dining experience on Golf Place.
Maisha
5 College Street, St Andrews, KY16 9AA
01334 476666
In our opinion, the best Indian restaurant in St Andrews. King Prawn Biriyani is a taste sensation! A wide and varied menu that will have you coming back for more.
CRAIL
Crail Harbour Gallery and Tearoom
Shoregate, KY10 3SU
01333 451896
A truly delightful spot sat along the cobbled street that tumbles down to the harbour with views over the North Sea to the Isle of May. Created in the cellar of St Adrians, this quaint tearoom still maintains many original features, creating an especially interesting and atmospheric place to enjoy a coffee, cake or sandwich.
Opening hours: Every day 10:30am – 5pm
The Lobster Shack
34 Shoregate, KY10 3SU
01333 450476
Probably the simplest eatery in the East Neuk is the Lobster Shack. Established in 1974, this quaint shack overlooks one of the most photographed harbours in the UK, serving the freshest produce caught from the water at your very feet. You can even peer in and choose the lobster you’d liked cooked to order. This really is a shack! – seating is outdoors only.
Opening hours: Every day 12pm – 4pm, CLOSED Mon
ST MONANS
16 West End
St Monans, KY10 2BX
01333 730327
This charming little restaurant is nestled along the Fife’s picturesque coastal path in the village of St Monans. Awarded 2AA rosettes, 16 West End provides a sophisticated dining experience in a cosy, classy setting. Enjoy the mesmerizing views across the Firth and hills of North Berwick, whether that be from inside or on the outside terrace. You can relax and unwind in their characteristic bar with a snug fireplace and enjoy a few (or more!) beverages off their award winning wine list.
East Pier
East Shore, St Monans, KY10 2AR
01333 405030
Serving an array of delicious, freshly caught seafood, East Pier is perched on the edge of St Monans harbour with uninterrupted sea views. Do not let its façade deceive you, this eatery is just simply outstanding and completely unpretentious. As an added bonus you can enjoy a beer on the pier, with the bar opening up in the evenings during the summer months.
Bowhouse
Bowhouse, St Monans, KY10 2DB
01333 720200
The East Neuk of Fife produces some of the best raw ingredients from land and sea. Set within the countryside between Elie and St Monans, Bowhouse is the where all of these elements come together to unite small growers and producers with restaurants and shoppers. The centre is home to many of the best local food and drink businesses, as well as hosting multiple foodie markets throughout the year where you can sample, buy and learn about all the Fife food market has to offer.
ANSTRUTHER
Anstruther Fish Bar
42 – 4 Shore Street, KY10 3AX
01333 310518
Previously voted best fish and chip shop in the UK and take away of the year 2019, the Anstruther fish bar is situated on the harbour front of Anstruther and is particularly popular with tourists. They offer take away fish and chips which can be consumed inside the restaurant or in the outdoor seating area (on sunnier days!) overlooking the Firth of Forth where the local fisherman land with their catch. Please note, there is always a long queue!
The Ship Inn
The Toft, KY9 1DT
01333 330246
Famous for its outstanding views and fantastic location, The Ship Inn overlooks Elie beach and is the only pub in the world to have a cricket team with a pitch on the beach. At the heart of the Inn is its bar, accompanied by an open fire and wood burning stoves it provides the perfect escape from the unpredictable Scottish weather. The same menu is on offer throughout The Ship Inn, serving delicious, hearty pub style food inspired by local produce. Dogs are welcome in the bar and downstairs restaurant where water, treats and cosy beds are provided, making this the perfect spot for all members of the family to enjoy. Take a seat in their beer garden and watch a game of beach cricket with a drink in hand and dog in tow – what more could you need?!