Best restaurants in Musselburgh
Situated just five miles west of Seton Sands, Musselburgh is Edinburgh’s seaside village within a city. Locals love its pretty harbour and sandy bay and golf enthusiasts flock to its celebrated links course, which some claim is the world’s oldest.
With its own unique character and history, Musselburgh offers a picturesque day out and has loads of great restaurants. We’ve selected some of the very best, giving you everything from Nepalese to Italian cuisine.
Italian
Crolla’s Italian Kitchen
Owner Joe Crolla and father and son team Giuseppe and Adriano Amato are from just outside Rome and have relocated to Edinburgh to provide traditional, authentic Italian cuisine by the banks of the river Esk. With its stately setting and classy menu, Crolla’s is a real treat, with a great selection of pizzas and meat dishes. The seafood pasta is especially popular, and the tiramisu described as “light and fluffy”. Prices are a little steep, but the food and service are both impeccable!
Dal Patino
Situated on the High Street, Dal Patino is one of the prettiest restaurants on this list, both inside and out. Owner Nino hails from the Lazio region of Italy and his varied menu runs from unusual pizzas such as his panino ripieno, with roasted pork belly and grilled peppers, to spaghetti with sea bass.
It’s worth leaving room for the creamy homemade pannacotta too, served with mixed berries. A cosy and rustic vibe, friendly, knowledgeable service and a good Italian wine adds to the charm.
Indian / Nepalese
Gurkha Bar and Restaurant
The renowned fighting force of the Nepalese Gurkhas have long been associated with Scottish soldiers. Musselburgh’s Indian/Nepalese restaurant commemorates these proud warriors in its name and website.
The restaurant’s extensive menu includes Indian, Nepalese, and Tibetan classics, and they are happy to cater to groups or couples. Curries can be spiced to taste, and the lamb in particular is recommended. Don’t forget to try a Nepalese tea at the end of your meal.
South American
Parilla Bueno Ayres
Steak lovers will love Parilla Bueno Ayres, which won a Restaurant guru Best Steak House award in 2022, as well as being a finalist in that year’s Scottish Food Awards. Situated on Musselburgh’s High Street, Parilla offers fine dining with an Argentine twist.
The house speciality is a mouth-watering 35-day aged steak espetada, a skewered, chargrilled steak with pepper and onions. Fillet, ribeye and sirloin are all present and correct too. Vegetarians can enjoy a wild mushroom risotto with truffle oil or a blue cheese, olive, and toasted walnut salad.
Book early as it’s a popular draw for celebrations and boasts many regular customers.
Scottish, British, European
East Coast
Given Musselburgh's seaside location, it makes sense to try the local seafood, and East Coast is an excellent venue to sample locally caught fish and chips. Another member of the Crolla family, Carlo, owns and runs East Coast, and its sister takeaway, and the family has been serving the local catch in Musselburgh since 1974.
The harbour bowl is an appetite satisfying sampler of the catch of the day, calamari, prawns, and fries. Lobster thermidor and scallops rate highly with customers, as does the Cullen skink (smoked haddock soup with potatoes). Their fish and chips won a Good Food Gold Seal Award in 2023.
Campaign Room Bistro at Carberry Tower
If you fancy dining in a stately home, visit the Carberry Tower Bistro by the golf course, and look out for roe deer and pheasants on the lawns. The oldest part of the estate dates to the fifteenth century, and it’s now a luxury hotel boasting a popular bistro and champagne terrace.
Given its exemplary location, the compact lunch and dinner menus are reasonably priced, with a mix of Scottish and European offerings including sirloin steak and lamb stroganoff. Vegetarian and vegan offerings are a little slight, but the ambience is the main draw, with afternoon teas popular on the terrace on warm days.
Ship Inn Bar and Bistro
If a pub lunch is more your style than fine dining in castles, the Ship Inn might be just the ticket. Newly refurbished, the pub has been serving locals since 1824, and its Bistro restaurant offers a clever twist on pub classics, such as n’duja crusted cod and smashed beef and bone marrow burger.
For vegans and people with food intolerances, the Ship Inn is a godsend, with many gluten-free and plant-based alternatives on separate menus. As well as the local ales, you can sample gins alongside your meal, including from several Edinburgh distilleries.
A friendly welcome is assured (including dogs in the front bar), and the food is a cut above standard pub fare, at decent prices.
Steakhouse
Cuddie Brae Pub & Grill
A short drive along Newcraighall Road, the Cuddie Brae is a local favourite. It’s a Greene King pub, which means you’ll get value for money and grilled classics including chargrilled rack of ribs, salmon fillet and 28-day matured steaks of varying sizes and cuts.
The Cuddie Brae does a popular Sunday roast too, as well as brunch from 9am every weekend. Service scores as well as you might hope from a local pub, but you’d be advised to book on weekends, as it can get busy. There are plenty of outdoor tables for sunny Scottish days, and it’s dog-friendly too.
Thai
Lanna Thai
A compact but inviting eatery, the Lanna Thai is another local’s favourite noted both for its takeaway and sit-in service. Regulars recommend the duck red curry and coconut rice, beef stir fry and hot and sour soup with king prawns.
Lanna Thai scores high for authenticity in its food, even with customers who’ve travelled in Thailand. It’s also much more affordable than similar city centre restaurants.
Start planning your Great British break
Related Posts
18 of the Best Beaches in Scotland
Things to do in Musselburgh
Things to do in Edinburgh
Best restaurants in Edinburgh
Important information
Brand new holiday homes from £34,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom ABI New Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 19 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Church Farm, Cala Gran, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Seashore, Seaview and Thornwick Bay.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
New holiday homes from £33,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom Willerby Ellerton Extra holiday and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £33,995 and will remain at this price until all available stock is sold.
The holiday home price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at Berwick, Burnham-on-Sea, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hafan y Mor, Kent Coast, Lakeland, Marton Mere, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Reighton Sands, Seton Sands and Weymouth Bay.
Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024, price is available at Blue Dolphin, Combe Haven, Caister, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Golden Sands, Greenacres, Haggerston Castle, Skegness, The Orchards, Quay West and Wild Duck only until the stock has been sold. Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
New holiday homes from £29,995 – reduced from £33,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom Willerby Ellerton Extra holiday and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £29,995 until 31 August 2024 at which point it will revert to £33,995. At Far Grange the holiday home price point is reduced from £33,995 and will revert to this price on 31 August 2024.
The holiday home price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at – Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Greenacres, Haggerston Castle, The Orchards, Quay West, and Wild Duck
Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,995
Holiday home price is based on a Bronze Grade pre-owned holiday home 6 years or older and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Cala Gran, Church Farm, Cardigan View, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Orchards, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Riviere Sands, Seashore, Seaview, Skegness and Thornwick Bay.
Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence.
Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Free 2024 site fees when you buy a Haven holiday home
Offer is applicable to new customer purchases made through Haven from 19 April 2024, completing by 31 December 2024.
Offer excludes part-exchanges or private sales. Available on new & pre-owned holiday homes at the following selected parks only: Kent Coast, Burnham-on-Sea, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Hopton, Orchards, Skegness and Wild Duck.
A credit equivalent to the value of your site fees due during the 2024 season will be applied to your account balance on completion of your purchase for use against your running costs e.g. utilities, after-sale add-ons e.g storage boxes or site fees. It cannot be applied to your purchase or refunded in cash.
Subject to availability and status. Deposit required. Access to your holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. Full site fees will be payable for subsequent years.
Images are shown for representational purposes.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.