Crab & Lobster Fish Shack : A Seafood Feast in South Queensferry
Craving a fish supper that’s worth a wee wander out of town? Then point your tastebuds towards The Crab and Lobster Fish Shack in South Queensferry, a proper hidden gem that’s absolutely worth the 30-minute drive from Edinburgh city centre.
Tucked just inside Ferrymuir Retail Park, The Crab and Lobster Fish Shack is bringing seriously tasty waves to South Queensferry and it’s got all the swagger you'd expect from the Coghill clan, joining the ranks of Jack O’Bryans in Dunfermline. If you're craving a classic fish supper with a side of wow-factor, this place doesn’t just deliver, it deep-fries, grills, and drizzles it in buttery brilliance.
This spot dishes up straight-talking, no-nonsense seafood that’s all about flavour and freshness. We’re talking soft shell crabs, buttery lobster suppers, seared scallops and cullen skink so good it’ll have you checking the opening hours before you’ve finished your spoonful.
While it’s not perched on the shoreline or flashing postcard views, the food more than makes up for it. It’s got that casual, seaside restaurant feel, the kind where paper napkins meet punchy seasoning and the only thing formal is how seriously good the cooking is.
If you’re visiting the capital for the day, or you’re a local looking to treat yourself, this is one detour that delivers. Go hungry and go early.
In true Scottish fashion, you’ll find ‘fish suppers’ on the menu - haddock, sausage, lobster and soft-shell crab suppers, served up battered or breaded, and always with a glorious dollop of mushy peas (the unsung hero of any plate). But this isn’t your run-of-the-mill ‘chippie’ either.
The menu’s been elevated with flair, think oysters and caviar, if you're feeling fancy, or crab nachos for when comfort meets crustacean. Kick things off with West Coast mussels, BBQ charred squid, or dive into the Seafood Surfboard to share: a bounty of smoked fish, tempura oysters, prawn marie rose, crab mayo, bread and olives. It’s basically a treasure chest on a plate.
Not a seafood fan? No dramas! There’s a juicy sirloin steak on offer, and for wee ones under 12, a bucket of chicken keeps the tantrums at bay while the adults go full shellfish mode.
If you’re up for full-on indulgence, order the Taste of the Sea to Share - lobster, crab, day-boat fish, grilled prawns, shellfish broth, chips and aioli for £55 per person. It’s generous, flavour-packed and guaranteed to make your trip out of town feel like a proper coastal feast.
Setting the Scene: Where Coastal Charm Meets Catch-of-the-Day Cool
Step inside and you’re instantly transported to a land of nautical nostalgia meets modern chippie chic. The decor leans full throttle into its seafood soul, with big cushy booths upholstered in ocean blues, perfect for stretching out post-surfboard sharing platter.
White shutters line the walls, giving that breezy beach hut feeling, while a cheeky splash of neon signage keeps things fun and fresh, like your haddock, but with attitude. There’s an open kitchen tucked along one side, so you can watch the chefs flipping, frying and plating like seasoned captains steering the ship. It’s buzzy, it's casual, and it smells delicious.
Whether you're perched solo with a crab roll or gathering your crew for a Taste of the Sea spread, the ambience does exactly what it says on the tin, it’s laid-back coastal diner with just enough swagger.
Starters That Hit Like a Sea Breeze on a Sunny Day
We kicked things off in proper seaside style with two absolute classics that deserve fanfare and perhaps a little seafood-themed slow clap.
King Prawn Scampi with Marie Rose and Honey was nothing short of sensational: each bite wrapped in a golden, crunchy armour that gave way to sweet, succulent prawn meat. And that drizzle of honey? A genius touch, bringing out the richness of the Marie Rose without overpowering the delicate seafood underneath.
Then came the Shack Prawn Cocktail, and this one didn’t mess about. No sad limp lettuce pretending to bulk it out, this was a generous mound of king prawns heaped high, bathed luxuriously in that sweet, velvety Marie Rose sauce that clings just right to every mouthful. Refreshing, indulgent, and very easy to polish off.
All in all, an opening duo that set the tone perfectly - retro charm with elevated execution. If this was just the warm-up, we knew the mains were about to sail in strong.
A warm sourdough loaf paired with seaweed butter added just the right touch of shoreline charm, perfect for mopping up every last drizzle of honey and Marie Rose from the seafood starters.
The Mains: Big Portions, Big Flavour, Big Grins
For the main event, we stayed firmly anchored in classic territory and it didn’t disappoint. First up: a battered haddock supper, the size of a small whale (and yes, they do a Jumbo version if you’re feeling especially brave). The crispy golden batter crackled perfectly under the fork, revealing tender flakes of white haddock that practically tumbled off in juicy, steamy chunks. Tartare sauce on the side added that punch of tang to keep every bite singing.
Then came the Half Lobster Thermidor, which brought serious indulgence to the table. Served in its own shell, this beauty was generously packed with sweet, luscious lobster meat, swaddled in thermidor sauce and finished with melted cheese. Rich, satisfying, and surprisingly plentiful.
Both came with chunky chips -fat and fluffy, and a portion of marrow-soft mushy peas that added just the right touch of comfort-food nostalgia. Altogether, it was the sort of dinner that leaves you happily stuffed and utterly smug about your ordering choices.
Dessert & Details: Sweet Finish and Savvy Tips
Though we were well and truly stuffed, there’s always room for sticky toffee pudding. A generous slab, sticky and date rich, arrived with a swirl of soft serve vanilla ice cream that melted just enough to mingle with the toffee. It was pure comfort in dessert form, a warm, gooey finale to a sensational meal.
The staff? Friendly, young, quick, and good at keeping the good vibes flowing. The place is spacious, with plenty of booths and tables, and it was already starting to bustle not long after we arrived so if you fancy a relaxed seat and time to savour, be sure to plan ahead.
Pro tip: They close daily between 3:45pm and 5:00pm, so avoid rocking up mid-afternoon unless you fancy a wander while you wait. Booking ahead is wise especially if you’re aiming for prime-time fish and chips and a cheeky pudding to seal the deal.
After a feast fit for coastal royalty; plump prawns, golden haddock, indulgent lobster, and pudding that deserves its own postcode, it’s safe to say this seaside-inspired spot delivers big on flavour, atmosphere, and portion size. Stepping out of the city for a bite like this is more than just dinner, it’s an experience, a reset, and a proper reward for those willing to go the extra mile. Whether you’re chasing the crunch of legendary chips or the creamy bliss of Thermidor sauce, this place proves that a wee detour from Edinburgh is absolutely worth it! Throw in a cold drink and a comfy booth, and you’ve got a perfect recipe for seafood satisfaction and a heart full of smug foodie joy.
THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT THE CRAB AND LOBSTER FISH SHACK
They do have gluten free options on their menu including for the batter
They do not have vegetarian or vegan options
They have a large free car park
They are disabled accessible with the entrance on street level and the restaurant is too
Opening times - they close between 3:45pm and 5pm daily!
The Crab and Lobster Fish Shack, 7 Ferrymuir, South Queensferry, EH30 9QZ www.thecrabandlobsterfishshack.com
My Spoon Award : Gold Spoon 9/10
I was invited by Crab and Lobster Fish Shack to review their menu. Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.
TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.
Adele is a writer, reviewer and judge living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events), is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food, Scottish Bakers, Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards. Should you wish to work with, invite or collaborate with TartanSpoon, please email tartanspoon@yahoo.co.uk
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