Fife, Scottish Restaurant Guide

“Fabulous” and “innovative modern cuisine” have earned an outstanding reputation for this “welcoming and unpretentious” village inn from chef James Ferguson and front of house Alethea Palmer, who worked together at London’s Rochelle Canteen. One reporter hailed it as their “current favourite Scottish restaurant”, while Chitra Ramaswamy of The Times, in her January 2025 rave review, was brought “close to tears” by warm madeleines at the end of a “peerless” meal. Top Menu Tip – “the flatbreads, humble as they may be, are outstanding with a warm garlicky bean purée”.

“Always a must-do when visiting Edinburgh” applaud the many fans of Tom & Michaela Kitchin’s converted warehouse in Leith, which – impressively for a twenty-year-old destination – was the most commented-on restaurant in the Scottish Capital in our annual diners’ poll this year. On occasion, “Tom Kitchen is there and comes out to greet new diners” and a visit is “consistently a treat” down to its “attentive service despite the fully booked restaurant” and “excellent-value-for-money, Michelin-starred food”. That said, its ratings have been higher – they were dragged down this year by a minority who found the experience “overpriced”: the three-course à la carte menu is £130 per person, or there is a ‘Surprise Tasting Menu’ for £165 per person. (Cheapskates go at lunch for three courses for £69 per person). Top Tip – “The menu around game season is unbeatable”.

2022 Review: Just shy of its centenary, and hard at work sprucing up its gardens (designed by the creator of Balmoral’s gardens no less) – an “elegant” country house hotel whose “airy restaurant” combines “super, fresh, beautifully cooked and presented food with professional and friendly service”. The kitchen garden is at the heart of the operation, and there are further dining spaces outdoors.