Located in the south-east of the Kingdom of Fife, this Scottish coastal town offers a range of international cuisine. From innovative Japanese sushi to authentic meze and hearty British classics, here are the top places to enjoy a meal in Kirkcaldy.
This award-winning contemporary restaurant has been part of the town’s culinary scene for three decades. Chic, yet relaxed, Café Continental’s varied menu, superb colourful cocktails and sunny outdoor terrace make it an evergreen hit with locals. Mains include pub favourites such as haddock and chips, pizza and steak burgers, alongside more sophisticated dishes like monkfish medallions and breast of duck.
Offering large portions of hearty Italian cuisine, Pane E Vino is a great choice for anything from a family gathering to a romantic dinner. Child-friendly, with plenty of space, the large and traditional-style trattoria can accommodate a range of parties. You’ll find all your favourites on the menu, as well as charcoal-grilled dishes – and the seafood is a particular highlight. There are a number of parking spaces right outside, making it ultra-convenient for town-centre dining.
Boasting a superb harbourside location on Kirkcaldy’s wharf, the Waterfront Restaurant is the go-to choice for an upmarket yet affordable dining experience. Chef (and owner) Tom Pratt serves up cuisine created from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Special diets are carefully catered for, with innovative and exciting options. Order everything from game to seafood, to pasta and steak. In its twentieth year, the restaurant has a history of glowing reviews and recently received a TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award.
This small, family-run establishment on the High Street made the first-ever sushi with haggis, an event that was televised. It’s not only for lovers of raw fish – there’s an extensive vegan menu, as well as a huge selection of other Japanese dishes and great-value bento boxes. It’s the perfect spot for trying new things and sharing meals, with varied platters ensuring you don’t have to choose just one thing. Price-wise, it’s directly comparable to other similar eateries further afield. The venue is accessible, has a BYOB policy and some of the finest sushi masters in Fife.
Enjoy an authentic taste of Turkey at this town centre barbecue and meze bar. Marinated and chargrilled meats, casseroles, kebabs and small plates are served alongside unusual Turkish drinks like chilli-infused turnip water. Younger appetites are catered for with a dedicated kids’ menu. EDA operates a BYOB policy on alcohol (there’s a corner shop at the end of the High Street if you haven’t come prepared). Traditional recipes and a warm welcome await at this bijou Mediterranean restaurant.
Managed and run by the Martone family, you’re guaranteed a true Neapolitan feast here. Luca Martone arrived in Scotland from a small Italian town close to Naples, aged 13, working his way up in the restaurant trade before establishing La Gondola in 2001. The pizza and calzone are highlights, but there’s also an extensive range of mains, salads, pasta, risotto and antipasti. For an extra special treat, order the kebab of chargrilled whole king prawns drizzled with garlic, lemon, butter and white wine. It’s a light and airy contemporary restaurant, with a cheery, vibrant ambience.