A popular Aberdeenshire restaurant once visited by King Charles has been named one of the best places to eat in the world, bettering eateries in European dining hot spots.
Luxury magazine Conde Nast Traveller ranked The Fish Shop in Ballater alongside just 28 other fabulous dining experiences on the planet, including the best in France, Italy and the USA, in their 2024 Hot List.
The panel of expert judges hailed it a “beautifully designed seafood restaurant” having opened just last year, and it was given Royal approval when it was visited by King Charles and Queen Camilla.
It even got a royal return when Queen Elizabeth turned up a few months later to officially open the restaurant, much to the delight of staff, writes the Scottish Daily Express.
But rather than serving up traditional fish suppers, it serves up sustainability-focused seafood all sourced from its very own fishmonger right next door in Ballater, near Balmoral Castle.
It comes from the team behind the eclectic Fife Arms hotel in nearby Braemar, frequently voted one of the best the UK and the world and is run by husband-and-wife team Marcus and Jasmine Sherry.
The Conde Nast Traveller judges said: “Despite its name, Fish Shop is not a classic British chippy but a smart, double-use venue is the sister property of Scotland’s slickest hotel, the Fife Arms, which is located just 25 minutes away.
“The menu is local and seasonal but might include Cape Wrath oysters in Champagne tempura or Shetland mussels with East Coast cured nduja.”
Dishes include Monkfish tail with cauliflower, pine nuts and sorrel and for meat-lovers there’s Highland beef tartare with smoked oyster mayonnaise.
The restaurant also recently featured in the MICHELIN Guide who said: “Fabulous produce, much of it Scottish, powers a menu that offers a good choice of ways to enjoy your seafood, from a whole undressed crab and natural oysters to fritto misto and lobster taglierini.
“As always with the best seafood restaurants, keep an eye on the specials board for more fresh delights.”
