Al Fresco Seafood: Four Must-Visit Stops on Your Scottish Road Trip
There’s something undeniably magical about eating fresh seafood with a salt-tinged breeze on your face and the wild beauty of Scotland as your backdrop. The experience is a moment that captures the very essence of coastal travel. Scotland’s west and east coasts are dotted with small, passionate seafood outposts that serve up the freshest catches, often just hours from sea to plate. For those winding their way through the country on a scenic road trip, these four open-air seafood spots offer unforgettable taste and place in equal measure.
1. The Lobster Shop, Johnshaven – The Northeast’s Hidden Gem
Tucked away in the historic fishing village of Johnshaven, The Lobster Shop is a true east coast treasure. Perched beside the harbour, this eatery is run by the McBay family, who have supplied fresh Scottish seafood for over 75 years. Their philosophy is simple: serve what’s caught, and serve it well.
The menu is a seasonal celebration of local seafood with a focus on lobster and crab, featuring lobster rolls, katsu crab rolls, lobster toastie, crab cakes alongside fresh seafood platters. Everything is prepared with care but without fuss—letting the quality of the seafood speak for itself. Take your food to one of the wooden picnic benches and settle in as the sun slants across the old harbour walls, fishing boats rocking quietly in the tide.
The Lobster Shop, Johnshaven: Photo Credit: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
While in Johnshaven, explore the rugged beach for sea glass and driftwood. For those lingering in the area, the nearby town of Stonehaven offers the dramatic cliffside ruins of Dunnottar Castle—one of the most photogenic historical sites in Scotland.
Johnshaven Harbour. Photo Credit: Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam
2. The Creel Seafood Bar, Isle of Mull – Hebridean Simplicity
Reaching The Creel Seafood Bar requires a little more effort—but the journey is all part of the charm. Located on the edge of Fionnphort, a tiny village at the southwestern tip of the Isle of Mull, The Creel serves its seafood fresh from the surrounding waters, with a view that rivals anything on the continent. From your outdoor perch, you can gaze across the turquoise strait to the sacred Isle of Iona.
Many plump for the classic fish and chips, however lobster, langoustines, scallops all freshly off the boat can provide you with a meal worthy of any fine dining room—only here, you're seated beside the sea, wind tousling your hair, with oyster catchers calling in the distance.
Al Fresco Dining at the Creel Seafood Bar: Photo Credit: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Steamed Mussels at the Creel Seafood Bar: Photo Credit: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Fionnphort itself is small, but don't rush away. Catch the ferry next door to the bar to Iona for a wander through its abbey and white-sand beaches, or take a wildlife cruise from the harbour to spot seals and sea eagles. Mull is also a haven for walkers, with trails ranging from the dramatic cliffs at Carsaig to the lush hills around Loch na Keal.
Fionnphort on the Isle of Mull: Photo Credit: Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam
3. The Lobster Shack, North Berwick – East Lothian’s Coastal Cool
Just a short train ride or drive from Edinburgh, North Berwick has grown into a chic coastal escape for city dwellers and travellers alike. Among its many charms is The Lobster Shack, a seasonal open-air counter that sits right on the harbour wall, serving local shellfish with an unbeatable view of Bass Rock.
The star of the menu is, unsurprisingly, the whole grilled lobster—cooked to smoky perfection and best enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon and a glass of crisp white wine from the adjoining outdoor bar. There's also dressed crab, breaded haddock tacos, and seafood chowder on offer, all served with crusty bread and a side of sea breeze.
The iconic Lobster Shack at the North Berwick harbour: Photo Credit: Visit Scotland / Grant Paterson
Fresh Lobster at the Lobster Shack: Photo Credit: Visit Scotland / Luigi Di Pasquale
North Berwick is the kind of place where you could happily spend a weekend. Walk up Berwick Law for panoramic views, explore the Scottish Seabird Centre, or take a boat tour out to the islands. Boutique shops and cosy cafés dot the high street, while golden beaches stretch for miles to either side of the town.
The uninhabited Bass Rock viewed from North Berwick: Visit Scotland / Kenny Lam
4. Oban Seafood Hut – The Gateway to the Isles
Oban has long been known as the "Seafood Capital of Scotland," and for good reason. The town is a vibrant hub for ferries heading out to the Hebrides, and its harbour is always alive with activity. Tucked beside the busy ferry terminal is The Oban Seafood Hut—a low-key, high-quality outdoor eatery where the catch of the day is grilled, steamed or fried before your eyes.
Expect dishes like grilled scallops with garlic and herb butter, lobster thermidor, and creamy seafood macaroni, all served in compostable boxes to enjoy on benches by the water. The views across the bay to the Isle of Kerrera add a touch of wild romance, especially when the clouds shift and the Hebridean light does its magic.
Oban Seafood Hut: Photo Credit: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Fresh Langoustines at the Oban Seafood Hut: Photo Credit: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Oban itself is well worth staying a night or two. Climb up to McCaig’s Tower for a sweeping view over the town and out to the islands, or visit the Oban Distillery for a dram of its coastal single malt. Day trips to Mull, Lismore, and even Staffa (with its legendary Fingal’s Cave) are easily arranged, making Oban both a destination and a launchpad.
A View of Oban from McCaig’s Tower: Photo Credit: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Final Thoughts
Scotland’s al fresco seafood scene isn’t about white tablecloths or fine dining rituals—it’s about freshness, simplicity, and the joy of eating with the sea in your ears and salt in the air. Each of these spots offers a unique glimpse into coastal life, from the windswept charm of Johnshaven to the island stillness of Fionnphort.
So pack the car, trace a route along the shore, and follow your appetite. These four seafood stops offer more than just great meals—they’re vivid, unforgettable experiences that capture the true flavour of Scotland’s coast.