Where to eat Scottish food in St. Andrews: The Best Restaurants and Bars

February 3, 2020 Weston Hennigan

Reviews on Scottish food in St. Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom. St Andrews (Latin: S. Andrea(s); Scots: Saunt Aundraes; Scottish Gaelic: Cill Rìmhinn) is a town on the east coast of Fife in Scotland, 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Dundee and 30 miles (50 km) northeast of Edinburgh. The town is home to the University of St Andrews, the third oldest university in the English-speaking world and the oldest in Scotland. According to some rankings, it is ranked as the third best university in the United Kingdom, behind Oxbridge. The University is an integral part of the burgh and during term time students make up approximately one third of the town's population. St Andrews has a population of 16,800 (in 2012).
Things to do in St. Andrews

10. Playfair's Restaurant

2 Playfair Terrace North Street, St. Andrews KY16 9HX Scotland European, British, Soups, Scottish Lunch, Dinner Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +44 1334 472970 http://Www.playfairsrestaurant.co.uk
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 976 reviews

Playfair's Restaurant

Playfair's is one of the oldest established restaurants in St Andrews and continues to offer great value for high end casual dining in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. All our food is freshly prepared with ingredients from local independent businesses

Reviewed By Friendlyfifer

Having complained about poor service before, I returned with friends to Playfairs. This time the service was excellent as was the food. We will be back and if the standard is maintained then 5 stars will be awarded. The chef is excellent so I would encourage readers to book a table. Good food beautifully presented at reasonable prices.Dear Friendly Fifer,I am sorry to hear about your past experience of poor service, and I am very happy that upon returning we have been able to turn this around for you. This is a standard we definitely strive to maintain, great food is nothing without great service and vice versa. I am glad to hear that you and your friends enjoyed both your food and your time at our restaurant. Hopefully you can return soon and fully experience our 5 star service.Kind regards,Kane Wilson, Restaurant Supervisor

9. The Criterion

99 South Street, St. Andrews KY16 9QW Scotland Bar, British, Pub, Scottish, International Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks Outdoor Seating, Seating, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Street Parking, Wine and Beer, Digital Payments, Live Music [email protected] +44 1334 474543 http://www.criterionstandrews.co.uk
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4 based on 252 reviews

The Criterion

We are an award winning family run traditional scottish pub in the centre of St Andrews, offering a range of traditional pub favourites made from locally sourced ingredients and have over 170 Malt Whiskies, 70 Gins and 6 Cask Ales. Open and licensed from

Reviewed By witchingsabrina

Not much into bars to be honest but needed a decent hot meal and the place came highly recommended. The bar was so friendly and welcoming. The music played was just how I like it. The food? OMG! I had THE pie. It too was amazing and delicious! It felt like I had just walked into the ‘Cheers’ bar, ‘where everyone knows your name’. I went back the following day for another meal and drink and found the same atmosphere. There’s a bit of me, that now I’m back home wishes it was my local bar but to be honest, if it was you wouldn’t see me out of it!Hi witchingsabrinaGreat name! I honesty don’t think I could have asked for a better review. You have worded exactly how I would hope our customers feel when leaving us. I am truly touched.We work hard to make The Criterion as warm and friendly as possible and it helps we are blessed with the best team of people working with us not to forgetting our wonderful customers new and old.Thank you for making our day with your fantastic review. Come back soon, we will always be your local no matter where you are.Kind regardsHazel

8. Restaurant at The Russell

26 The Scores, St. Andrews KY16 9AS Scotland Bar, European, Scottish, International, British Dinner, Lunch, Late Night Television, Highchairs Available, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Free Wifi +44 1334 473447 http://www.russellhotelstandrews.co.uk/
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 294 reviews

Restaurant at The Russell

Reviewed By Edmund R

After we were shown to out table and given menus to choose from, the waitress came and asked if we would like to move to a table with more room. We didn't move but in retrospect I think it was a mistake and we should have accepted to offer to move. We were in a rather tight space and very close to a table on each side. It was an interesting menu with a Scottish look. The choice is not large but what we chose was enjoyable. I had asparagus as a starter - it comes with asparagus spears and goats cheese sitting in a little soup. Very tasty. For a main course I had a pork dish which was very meaty - which something I like. The black pudding gave it a Scottish twist. Anyone who likes lots vegetables might by a bit disappointed. For a sweet I had the sticky date pudding. It came with rum and raisin ice cream which was very good, but the sticky date pudding itself I found very sweet. In my opinion, the dish needed something sharp for contrast to all the sweet things. Overall, it was a very enjoyable evening.

7. Guardbridge Inn

1 Old St. Andrews Road Guardbridge, St. Andrews KY16 0UD Scotland Bar, British, Pub, Scottish Lunch, Dinner, Brunch Parking Available, Television, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +44 1334 848878 http://Www.guardbridgeinnfife.co.uk
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4 based on 358 reviews

Guardbridge Inn

Family run bar and restaurant, serving home made, locally sourced produce. Car parking facilities available and outdoor seating area. Closed Tuesdays

Reviewed By EdwardoCalipso

The Sunday lunch here is crafted to perfection, and thankfully you are only given one meat choice for the roast - that way you’re focused; and they can deliver the perfect meal. Two thick slices of pink bloody sirloin beef done just right, along with perfect roast potato, medium sized pud, honeyed carrot and magnificent gravy. Everything is nice and clean...the staff cheerful and helpful and adaptable. Impressive meal. Huge thanks.

6. The Seafood Ristorante

Bruce Embankment, St. Andrews KY16 9AB Scotland Italian, Seafood, Scottish Lunch, Dinner, Drinks, Late Night Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, W [email protected] +44 1334 479475 http://www.theSeafoodRistorante.com/
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4 based on 1388 reviews

The Seafood Ristorante

The Seafood Ristorante is located in St Andrews most iconic venue with views that will take your breath away. Traditionally an all seafood restaurant but now has the right amount of Italian flair though its dishes to give you an authentic feel while sitti

Reviewed By S7697RQalanm

Set menu for 16 golfers at the end of our trip. They put us at two tables for 8, but directly beside each other. Fantastic food and presentation of all courses. Staff were very attentive and professional. Location is almost directly beside the Old Course 1st tee. Should Definitely be on the list if you’re visiting.

5. Vine Leaf Restaurant

131 South Street, St. Andrews KY16 9UN Scotland European, British, Scottish Dinner Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +44 1334 477497 http://www.vineleafstandrews.co.uk/
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4 based on 690 reviews

Vine Leaf Restaurant

Reviewed By st_andrews_7

If you can get a table, this is arguably the best in St. Andrews. Book well in advance. Husband and wife team, staff, so obliging and friendly. I have never had a bad meal. Wine list is excellent, just can’t recommend highly enough.

4. The Tavern at Strathkinness

4 High Road St Andrews, Strathkinness, St. Andrews KY16 9RS Scotland Bar, British, Pub, Scottish Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music [email protected] +44 1334 850085 http://www.strathkinnesstavern.co.uk/
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4 based on 503 reviews

The Tavern at Strathkinness

Reviewed By jimmclayuk

Consistently wonderful food, celebrating the best of locally sourced produce and talents of The Tavern chef. This is one of the places our overseas visitors always want to come back to every time they visit us in nearby St. Andrews. Varied menu at an affordable cost, served by friendly local people. Fife at its best.

10 Things to Do in St. Andrews That You Shouldn't Miss

3. The Rav

80 North Street, St. Andrews KY16 9AH Scotland European, Scandinavian, British, Scottish Lunch, Dinner, Drinks Reservations, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Outdoor Seating, Highchairs Available, Wine and Beer, Digital Payments, Free Wifi [email protected] +44 1334 208580 http://www.therav.co.uk/
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5 based on 114 reviews

The Rav

Modern European dining overlooking the iconic St Salvator's Chapel. Local, seasonal produce and signature cocktails served in a skylit, loft-style restaurant in the heart of St Andrews.

Reviewed By FussyMonkey

Fixed price lunch - good value for well-presented, tasty food.No children’s menu or offering - Charlotte arranged for a half portion of fish & chips. Demolished by my son!Beautifully looked after by Charlotte - thank you.

Where to Eat in St. Andrews: The Best Restaurants and Bars

2. Haar

127 North Street, St. Andrews KY16 9AG Scotland Seafood, British, Scottish Lunch, Dinner Reservations, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Full Bar [email protected] +44 1334 473387 https://www.haarrestaurant.com/
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5 based on 191 reviews

Haar

A sensory experience like no other. Haar will play with all your senses as you dine, sight, sound, taste and touch will be engaged to change the way you dine. Haar has the environment in the forefront so we put a paramount on sourcing sustainable products

Reviewed By Adamsmum89

Myself and my husband recently visited for a rare night out and everything was perfect. The service was excellent from start to finish particularly with a lovely guy named Sean, nothing was too much trouble. We opted for the tasting menu as we couldn't decide and it definitely didn't disappoint. The restaurant itself has a great atmosphere and just what we were looking for from our trip. We don't live close by but will be making the effort to visit again (hopefully soon).Dear Adamsmum89,Thank you for your recent review of Haar. I am glad to hear you enjoyed your experience and that Sean provided excellent service. I will certainly pass on your kind comments to him. I hope the next time your in the area we can welcome you again to Haar. Kind regards,RuairiGeneral Manager

Most Popular British food in St. Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom

1. The Grange at St Andrews

Grange Road, St. Andrews KY16 8LJ Scotland European, British, Scottish Lunch, Dinner Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +44 1334 472670 http://www.thegrangeinn.com/
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5 based on 656 reviews

The Grange at St Andrews

The Grange Inn is a lovely 17th Century converted farmhouse. The Restaurant serves modern Scottish cuisine using the freshest of local produce available.

Reviewed By NialO58

We arrived without a reservation at lunchtime, although busy. A good table found for us. An excellent restaurant of quality with an imaginative chef, small but perfectly formed menu and a good wine list. Our food was excellent, service good (but a bit of training would not go amiss). Enjoyable, can highly recommend.

Best European food near St. Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom

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