Scotland’s restaurants are often big on hospitality and there’s no better example than The Gordon Arms in Yarrow Valley near Selkirk. Owners Bryn and Oxana Jones ensure that they look after their local folk, as well as delivering food with a contemporary Scottish accent. Meanwhile, in Melrose, Provender also plays a pivotal role in the community, backing up its offer with a seamless blend of Scottish/Gallic bistronomy. Not surprisingly, Edinburgh has an excellent track record when it comes to exceptional local eateries, with high-flyers such as The Palmerston and L’Escargot Bleu still pulling in the votes. However, we’ve been drawn to several other venues, notably Leftfield on Barclay Terrace – a cracking seafood specialist that sets out its stall as a neighbourhood bistro that hums with vitality and chatter. This year’s top billing in Scotland, however, goes to Fin & Grape in Edinburgh’s Bruntsfield district; here is another fish restaurant performing as a bistro, but we feel this place has the edge on its competitors by virtue of its flawlessly executed cooking. There’s even a broody little wine bar in the basement.
Best Local Restaurant: Scotland
Fin & Grape
Bruntsfield, Edinburgh
A genuine local, well away from the city’s tourist trail. With nothing more than a small, bright room, a dozen or so tables, a basement wine bar, it’s quite startling how good everything is.
We had no hesitation in giving this fine neighbourhood bistro our regional award: we found it genuinely appreciated, a real asset to the area. There are plenty of restaurants in Edinburgh serving plates of Scottish seafood, but Fin & Grape stands head and shoulders above many better known, and more expensive, options in the city centre. And the wine list complements the dishes but could stand on its own as a drinking experience.
A Good Food Guide reader said:
'The passion is felt throughout the building from the moment you enter, and the menu is always consistent with a riot of colour and flavour you would be hard pushed to find anywhere else.'
Owner Stuart Smith said of the award:
'We were absolutely delighted and very surprised to receive the news! A huge thank you to all the staff at the restaurant for all their hard work every day, without which this would not have been possible. Thanks also to our loyal customers for their continued support. We look forward to celebrating this with you soon.’
Read the Fin & Grape Good Food Guide review
Best Local Restaurants in Scotland 2024
Congratulations to all the restaurants in Scotland that have made it onto our list of Britain's 100 Best Local Restaurants 2024. Explore the tiles below to discover who made the list and to read their full reviews in The Good Food Guide.
