From picnic provisions, whisky tastings, cosy pubs and fine dining restaurants, to stand out cafes and amazing street food, there really is a huge range of opportunities to enjoy world class food and drink along the whole 117 miles of the path.
The Newport ( Newport to tay, Leuchars to Wormit Bay stretch )
The Newport overlooks the River Tay and with view over to the new V&A and Dundee along to the Tay Bridge, it’s a great place to blow away the cobwebs. Chef, Jamie Scott, is well known for his stint on Masterchef: The Professionals and he started The Newport shortly afterwards.
Apart from its outstanding views and sunset-spotting potential, the restaurant has developed a reputation as a destination restaurant for a fine dining experience with an emphasis on local produce that changes with the seasons.
THE WEE RESTAURANT (LIMEKILNS TO BURNTISLAND)
Living up to its name, this established restaurant is a hidden gem tucked under the iconic Forth Bridge. Right on the coastal path, it’s interesting for walkers to see the point that was used to cross the River Forth for hundreds of years – and see the trains rattling over you on the bridge above. The restaurant serves up great seasonal food and fine wines in an intimate space. Chef Craig Wood has won a number of awards and accolades over the years and the food is not to be forgotten. It’s also convenient for the railway station and East Coast Mainline north to Dundee and Aberdeen or south to Edinburgh and beyond.
THE SHIP INN (BUCKHAVEN TO ELIE STRETCH)
Sitting right on the coastal path, overlooking the stunning sandy beach of Elie Bay, The Ship Inn is known and loved by generations of holiday makers and locals alike. Outdoor seating and a barbeque area has been added to over the years making this particularly popular in warm weather. Inside there’s a cosy, nautical feel with pub food available downstairs by the fire and the restaurant upstairs serving up local seafood, burgers and seasonally changing dishes. As you’d expect in this sociable pub, there’s a great selection of beers, wines and spirits too. Early walkers might also welcome the fact that The Ship Inn serves breakfast rolls from 9.30am too.
CRAIG MILLAR AT NUMBER 16 WEST END (ELIE TO CAMBO SANDS STRETCH)
A restaurant this close to the water is surely the ideal place to try local seafood and with chef proprietor, Craig Millar, you’re in good hands. On fine days, there’s outdoor seating at this St Monans restaurant or relish the views over the Firth of Forth towards North Berwick. The bar features a cosy fireplace and reminders of the traditional fishing heritage of this part of the coast. Lunch and dinner menus are available with a special Land & Sea tasting menu available in the evenings.
PLAYFAIRS RESTAURANT (CAMBO SANDS TO LEUCHARS STRETCH)
This long-established, family-run restaurant in St Andrews is well worth a visit. There’s a focus on Scottish ingredients with haggis, cranachan and game featuring regularly on the reasonably priced menu, alongside a good choice of steaks and other dishes. A children’s menu makes this popular with all ages and for those who’ve truly exhausted themselves on the Coastal Path, Playfair is part of the Ardgowan Hotel so there’s somewhere to sleep it off.
