Scotland’s best “cheap restaurants” have been named by Michelin-starred chefs. As we previously reported, the 2025 Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland was revealed on Monday night.
The top fine-dining restaurants across the country were awarded, with Edinburgh restaurants Lyla and Avery receiving their first Michelin stars. However, some of the top chefs in the UK have recommended a selection of more affordable options.
Speaking to Sky, a number of cooks who have been recognised in the Michelin Guide have shared their top picks for high-quality affordable restaurants in Scotland.
In Edinburgh, chef-owner at The Kitchin Tom Kitchin recommended The Fishmarket. The chef praised the coastal seafood restaurant for its fish and chips in particular, while it also serves up a range of other dishes such as lobster, langoustines, sea bass, and scallops.
Kitchin commented: “I really enjoy The Fishmarket, down by the Newhaven harbour in Edinburgh. They offer classic fish and chips, done incredibly well, which you can either enjoy in the restaurant or to take away.”
Over in Glasgow, two different eateries were singled out by a Michelin-starred chef. Eusebi Deli and Crabshakk Botanics both earned praise from Stephen McLaughlin, who is the head chef at two-starred Restaurant Andrew Fairlie in Gleneagles.
Eusebi Deli is an Italian venue that serves up breakfast, brunch, and dinner with a focus on carefully sourced produce. McLaughlin noted the “influences from every market” founder and owner Giovanna Eusebi has visited around the world.
As the name suggests, Crabshakk Botanics is a fish restaurant that showcases Scottish seafood and local suppliers. McLaughlin applauded its fish and chips, but said his favourite dishes are “the clams cooked in olive oil and garlic, the whitebait and aioli, or the moules mariniere”.
Xoko Bake House and Coffee Bar in Inverness and The Manchurian in Dundee were also highlighted as top “cheap restaurants” in Scotland. Xoko serves up a range of artisanal sourdoughs and pastries, and was praised by David Smith of The Dipping Lugger as “fabulous”, while Chinese restaurant The Manchurian earned acclaim from chef-owner of Killiecrankie House Tom Tsappis for its “wide selection of authentic dim sum.”
Elsewhere, The Seafood Shack is a seasonal catering trailer in Ullapool with a daily changing menu depending what catch is in. Smith in particular recommended its local shellfish and haddock wrap.
Over in Dunkeld is wine shop and bar Redwood Wines, which offers a weekly changing menu of unique takes on wine bar classics. Tom Tsappis lavished praise upon its roast beef sandwich and charcuterie.
Meanwhile, House of Bruar Fish and Chips in Pitagowan is situated in the upmarket House of Bruar outlet. Tsappis described it as affordable and high-quality.
Finally, the Isle of Harris Brewery in Leverburgh is home to a restaurant and deli that cooks up a casual lunch and dinner menu. McLaughlin applauded its local produce and no-fuss pub classics.
Scotland’s top “cheap restaurants” according to Michelin chefs
- The Fishmarket, Edinburgh
- The Seafood Shack, Ullapool
- Xoko Bake House and Coffee Bar, Inverness
- Redwood Wines, Dunkeld
- House of Bruar Fish and Chips, Pitagowan
- The Manchurian, Dundee
- Isle of Harris Brewery, Leverburgh
- Eusebi Deli, Glasgow
- Crabshakk Botanics, Glasgow