The Shore Leith Edinburgh
A picturesque waterfront dining destination in Leith, renowned for its exceptional seafood and charming atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
The Shore Leith Edinburgh
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque waterfront dining destination in Leith, renowned for its exceptional seafood and charming atmosphere.
"The Shore offers a soft, elegant experience that feels both refined and warmly familiar, with genuinely incredible food."
⚓️ Waterfront Dining
Enjoy fresh seafood with harbor views. Many restaurants offer excellent fish and chips.
🚶♀️ Scenic Strolls
Walk along the Water of Leith for beautiful scenery and a peaceful escape.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Shore Promenade
Leith Waterfront
Stroll along the picturesque waterfront, enjoying views of the harbor and historic buildings.

Seafood Delights
Various restaurants along The Shore
Indulge in fresh, locally sourced seafood, from classic fish and chips to gourmet shellfish platters.

Water of Leith Walkway
Access points near The Shore
Enjoy a peaceful walk along the Water of Leith, a scenic route connecting Leith to Stockbridge.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Leith Vibe
Reservations & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⚓️ Waterfront Dining
Enjoy fresh seafood with harbor views. Many restaurants offer excellent fish and chips.
🚶♀️ Scenic Strolls
Walk along the Water of Leith for beautiful scenery and a peaceful escape.
🍻 Local Pubs
Discover cozy pubs like Teuchters Landing for drinks and good food.
🍽️ Diverse Eateries
Beyond seafood, find cafes and restaurants catering to various tastes.
Tips
from all over the internet
⚓️ Waterfront Dining
Enjoy fresh seafood with harbor views. Many restaurants offer excellent fish and chips.
🚶♀️ Scenic Strolls
Walk along the Water of Leith for beautiful scenery and a peaceful escape.
🍻 Local Pubs
Discover cozy pubs like Teuchters Landing for drinks and good food.
🍽️ Diverse Eateries
Beyond seafood, find cafes and restaurants catering to various tastes.
🚢 Maritime History
Explore plaques and sculptures detailing Leith's shipping past.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Shore for its exceptional seafood, particularly the fresh fish and chips, and the charming waterfront atmosphere. The attentive service and inviting ambiance are frequently highlighted, making it a memorable dining experience. Some diners noted limited lunch options for non-shellfish eaters, but overall, the quality and value are highly regarded.
"After a long walked from Edinburgh castle to the seaside and we found this seafood restaurant and pub.
Service was amazing, food so amazing and big! Staff were superb and after all we love this place and high recommence. Price also good for the food you get."
Areeporn Thonkong
"Right on the port in Leith, The Shore offers a soft, elegant experience that feels both refined and warmly familiar. The wooden interior has a lived-in charm — soft lighting glows gently, and the slightly worn floors creak just enough to remind you this place has stories. Red velvet drapes line the space, parting just enough for servers to slip in and out like actors moving backstage — smooth, confident, and quietly choreographed.
The servers, dressed immaculately in crisp white shirts and black aprons, move with a calm grace — gracious, attentive, and never overbearing. Their warmth reflects true Scottish hospitality, the kind that makes you feel instantly at home.
The food? Genuinely incredible.
I could have stayed for hours, happily lost in the comforting rhythm of the room — and that bowl of mussels. Served steaming in a white wine sauce so rich and fragrant, I genuinely considered drinking it with a straw. Every mouthful was a kind of quiet joy, simple and deeply satisfying.
The daily specials were equally tempting. I tried a seafood linguine in a slightly spiced, tomato-based sauce, brimming with giant prawns and plump mussels — hearty, flavourful, and beautifully cooked.
The space is dimly lit, with a warm green glow from flickering candles and softly shimmering bar lights that dance across the tables. It’s the kind of atmosphere that wraps around you like a favourite blanket.
I dined here on my own and felt completely at ease — unhurried, well looked after, and able to enjoy the moment without distraction. Whether you’re after a peaceful solo dinner or a long, laughter-filled evening with friends or family, The Shore delivers something special."
Pattarapong Chomchan
"The best fish and chips we've eaten in a very long time. Flaky, super fresh Scottish Haddock in crispy golden batter, creamy tartar sauce and a glass of cold picpoul alongside. Friendly, efficient service and well priced. Exactly what we hoped for from waterside Leith!"
Rachel Finlay
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach The Shore in Leith by bus from Edinburgh city center, with routes like the 22 and 16 stopping nearby. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. For a scenic approach, consider walking along the Water of Leith Walkway from Stockbridge.
Limited on-street parking is available in the vicinity of The Shore. It's often easier to use public transport or walk, especially during peak times.
While it's a significant walk, you can indeed walk to The Shore from the city center, or take a bus. The Water of Leith Walkway offers a more pleasant, albeit longer, route.
Exploring Leith is best done on foot to appreciate its unique atmosphere. You can wander along The Shore, explore the Water of Leith Walkway, and discover its many pubs and eateries.
Yes, the Water of Leith Walkway provides a beautiful and tranquil route, especially if you're coming from areas like Stockbridge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Shore itself is a public area, so no tickets are needed to walk around. However, for specific restaurants, especially those with Michelin stars or popular seafood spots, reservations are highly recommended, particularly for dinner.
The Shore area is always accessible as it's a public waterfront. Individual restaurants and pubs will have their own operating hours, which vary. It's best to check the specific venue's hours online.
No, there are no entry fees to access or enjoy the public spaces along The Shore. You only pay for food, drinks, or any specific attractions you choose to visit.
The main promenade along The Shore is generally flat and accessible. However, some older pubs or restaurants might have limited accessibility, so it's advisable to check with individual establishments if needed.
Absolutely! The Shore is a lovely place to stroll, enjoy the views, and soak in the atmosphere without needing to dine at a restaurant. You can also visit pubs for a drink.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Shore is renowned for its seafood. Highly recommended are The Ship On The Shore for its fish and chips and overall experience, and other establishments offering fresh catches. For a more casual bite, consider places like Teuchters Landing.
Yes, The Shore area in Leith is known for having some excellent restaurants, including those with Michelin stars, offering fine dining experiences.
Primarily, you'll find fantastic seafood, from classic fish and chips to oysters and mussels. There are also cafes and other eateries offering diverse options.
While seafood is the focus, many restaurants at The Shore offer vegetarian and sometimes vegan options on their menus. It's always best to check the menu or ask your server.
For more affordable options, look for pubs like Teuchters Landing or cafes offering lighter meals. Fish and chips from a reputable spot can also be a good value.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire waterfront offers great photo opportunities, especially during golden hour. Capture the boats, historic buildings, and the reflections on the water. The Water of Leith Walkway also provides scenic shots.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) offers beautiful light for photography. Evenings can be atmospheric with the lights reflecting on the water.
The picturesque harbor, the historic buildings lining the waterfront, and the boats moored there are all iconic photographic subjects.
Generally, yes, but it's polite to be discreet and avoid disrupting other diners. Some restaurants might have specific policies.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for capturing both wide waterfront scenes and details. A tripod can be helpful for low-light evening shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
❤️ Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring The Shore: A Culinary Journey
Beyond the star seafood, The Shore also boasts a vibrant pub scene. Pubs like Teuchters Landing are frequently recommended for their great beer selection and outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying a sunny afternoon. For those seeking a different vibe, there are also cafes and other eateries offering a variety of cuisines, ensuring there's something to suit every palate and budget. It's advisable to make reservations, especially for popular restaurants, to avoid disappointment.
The Charm of Leith's Waterfront
For those who enjoy a peaceful walk, the Water of Leith Walkway provides a beautiful escape. This scenic path meanders along the river, offering a tranquil contrast to the bustling waterfront and connecting Leith to other charming parts of Edinburgh like Stockbridge. It's a perfect way to experience the natural beauty and quieter side of the neighborhood.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit