The Scottish seaside village home to two of the country's top fish and chip shops

Daily Record

16-05-2025

The chippies have earned rave reviews from critics and customers alike.
Scotland's many seaside towns and villages are a great place to head when the temperature warms up. They all have something unique to offer, but if it is good fish and chips you are after then one place stands above the rest.
Anstruther is a coastal village in Fife, around an hour and a half out of Edinburgh by car. The fishing village, which is situated in the East Neuk of Fife along the Fife Coastal Path, is home to a population of around 4,000 people.
‌
A popular destination among day-trippers and holidaymakers alike, top sights in Anstruther include its historic harbour and the Scottish Fisheries Museum. The village is also just a short distance from a number of fabulous sandy beaches.
‌
What Anstruther is arguably most famous for, however, is its world-class fish and chip shops. Two chippies in particular have earned acclaim from both critics and visitors.
The Anstruther Fish Bar is tucked along Anstruther's scenic harbour-front and is a family-owned business that serves up fish suppers that customers often eat at the picturesque seating area opposite the shop.
Only four people in the world are said to know the secret recipe for the restaurant and takeaway's renowned light and crispy batter.
The eatery has a huge and varied menu that includes everything from Scottish haddock deep fried in batter to lemon sole in breadcrumbs. It also offers pizzas and burgers, and even home-made curry.
The Anstruther Fish Bar has won many awards throughout the years. It has been named Seafish Fish and Chip Shop of the Year, Takeaway of the Year and more.
‌
As we previously reported, the Anstruther Fish Bar was also praised by a top online reviewer as "perfect". Danny Malin from the YouTube channel Rate My Takeaway, who reviews takeaways all across the UK, described the food at the chippy as "full of flavour" and "absolutely fantastic".
It isn't just critics that the Anstruther Fish Bar is popular with. The takeaway currently has an average rating of 4.5 out of five based on 7,218 reviews on Google.
‌
One happy customer shared: "Food was delicious, so fresh and not greasy. Smoked fishcakes were very nice too.
"I've cream conveniently placed for a cheeky wee scoop on departure. Only downside is a queue and a long wait but the taste is worth it."
Another positive review reads: "Always the best fish and chips In beautiful surroundings. From first bite to last, they are simply the best."
‌
Elsewhere, Anstruther is also home to The Wee Chippy takeaway. The family-owned business prides itself on its fresh produce, with its local seafood supplier "delivering fish second to none" according to The Wee Chippy website.
The takeaway fries to order in vegetable oil utilising a "tried and tested method". As a result, the takeaway's batter is known by visitors for being light and crispy.
‌
The Wee Chippy's takeaway menu includes classics such as battered or breaded haddock suppers, fishcakes, and wholetail scampi. It also offers a gluten and dairy-free menu.
Similar to the Anstruther Fish Bar, it has been recognised with a range of awards. The eatery has received prizes from The Food Awards Scotland, The Scottish Takeaway Awards, and the Scottish Fish and Chip Awards.
Also like The Anstruther Fish Bar, The Wee Chippy has an overall score of 4.5 out of five on Google. It has received 1,627 reviews from customers.
‌
One posted: "Heard great things about here and was very excited to try it. After a 10 to 15 minute wait I wasn't disappointed.
"Easily up there with the best fish supper I've tasted. Chips were spot on, batter not too hard or soft and the fish very fresh and tasty. Can't recommend enough."
Another echoed: "Other chippies may be available, but this one came recommended by locals and did not disappoint. We had a fish cake supper and a haggis supper. Freshly cooked, beautifully flavoured, not greasy, and great value."