St Andrews is perched along the rugged east coast of Scotland, in the Kingdom of Fife. It’s a beautiful town, with centuries of history to discover and breathtaking coastal scenery to enjoy. It’s best known for its golf heritage and being home to the oldest university in Scotland. The town’s location makes it the perfect base to see more of eastern Scotland, with places such as Dundee and Dunfermline just a short drive away, and the countryside of Perthshire within easy reach, too. It’s packed with medieval streets, historic architecture, and pristine beaches, and there are plenty of unique places to eat in St Andrews as well.
It may be small in size, but St Andrews has quite a diverse food scene. Whether you’re looking for a refined fine dining experience, a relaxing cafe with specialty coffee, or you want to enjoy a hearty Scottish meal, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. Having lived in St Andrews for five years, I have to admit I didn’t fully appreciate all the unique places to eat in St Andrews as a student. However, coming back from time to time lets me discover new food spots in St Andrews while enjoying iconic restaurants and pubs that haven’t changed much over the years.
Restaurants in St Andrews
Hams Hame Pub & Grill
If you’re looking for places to eat in St Andrews close to the Old Course, Hams Hame Pub & Grill is one of my favourite options. It’s a beautiful gastropub that’s popular with locals, visitors, and golfers, with a menu centred around classic Scottish comfort food. The interior is very cozy, and there are even some golf memorabilia on display. I’ve been a couple of times and always order their fish and chips. They have plenty of other options, though, like gourmet burgers, Guinness pie, and sandwiches.
It’s not the most budget-friendly place to eat in St Andrews, but it’s not overly expensive either. Hams Hame Pub & Grill is also ideal for a drink after a day of walking around the town or playing a round of golf.
Balgove Larder
Sitting on the outskirts of St Andrews, just a 5-minute drive from the centre, is Balgove Larder. As well as a seasonal steak barn, the venue features a butcher, cafe, and a farm shop, which is great for gifts and locally made souvenirs. Balgove Larder is one of the best places to eat in St Andrews, and despite its reputation, it still feels like a hidden gem, as many visitors don’t venture beyond the town’s historic centre.
For me, The Steak Barn is a must-visit when in St Andrews. If you’re not a big steak eater, they have a few alternatives, such as their tasty loaded burgers. The side dishes are pretty good too, and they have a wide selection of beers and ciders. All of their meat comes directly from their farm, so it’s farm-to-table dining at its finest.
Gidi Grill
Gidi Grill offers something a little different than traditional Scottish food. This quirky restaurant in St Andrews brings West African and Caribbean-inspired cuisine to the town centre – and prices are very reasonable, especially for students. On the menu, you’ll find dishes such as grilled meats, burgers, and stews. There are plenty of fusion dishes to choose from, too, including their delicious Caribbean Rasta Pasta with grilled chicken. The portions here are very generous, so it’s great value for money.
You’ll find Gidi Grill located on North Street, within the Kinnettles Hotel. Its location means it’s the perfect lunch or dinner spot, and its distinctive cuisine makes it stand out among the other places to eat in St Andrews.
Clarets Cafe & Brasserie
For breakfast with a view, it would be hard to beat Clarets Cafe & Brasserie. They’re open throughout the day, but I’d recommend coming for breakfast. All of their dishes are beautifully presented and made using seasonal Scottish ingredients. I ordered the Eggs Benedict, and while it wasn’t the best I’ve ever had, the view over the Old Course made the price worth it for a one-time dining experience. If you’re visiting St Andrews on a budget, there are more reasonably priced cafes in town. The evening meals here are supposed to be very nice, which is something to consider as well.
Mitchell’s
One of the most popular places to eat in St Andrews for locals and visitors is Mitchell’s. It’s located along Market Street and is well known for its breakfast and daytime menu. You’ll find everything from avocado toast to pancakes available for breakfast, and the daytime menu features dishes such as salad bowls and burgers. If you prefer, Mitchell’s is also open in the evening, and it’s a great spot to come for cocktails.
I tried the scrambled eggs with avocado, which are served in a rounded croissant – something that can only be found here. I found it very overpriced considering its size, but I think I just chose wrong. Other dishes that were coming out looked much bigger and worth the price on the menu.
Mitchell’s is one of the most unique places to eat in St Andrews overall, and it has a long-standing connection to local food producers. It’s also located inside a former butcher’s shop, which adds to its charm.
Cafes in St Andrews
Spoiled Life
Spoiled Life is located along Greyfriars Garden, just off Market Street. It’s a unique cafe combined with a shop selling lifestyle products, homeware, and clothing. The coffee shop is popular for its expertly brewed coffee made from locally roasted beans. They also have a nice selection of baked goods, including vegan options. I’m not a coffee drinker, so I ordered an iced matcha latte instead, which definitely needs improvement.
Spoiled Life is a popular go-to for students and locals looking for a quieter coffee spot in town, so it’s worth trying out during your time in St Andrews. The coffee is supposed to be very nice!
SPACE Cafe
If you’re visiting St Andrews and need to work remotely, SPACE Cafe is worth checking out. It’s located on South Street and has quickly become a favourite with students and visitors thanks to its chilled atmosphere and tasty specialty coffee. They have an all-day menu featuring toasties, bagels, homemade soups, and pastries, as well as good-value meal deals.
The cafe occupies the ground floor of student accommodation, with laptop-free seating areas and an enormous outdoor space at the back. For something quick and affordable, SPACE Cafe is a good option.
Taste
Taste has been around for years, and was a very popular coffee spot when I was at university. They’re very well known for their specialty coffee, and they’re one of the only cafes in St Andrews open at 7 am every day. Taste also has a nice selection of pastries and sandwiches to take away, which is ideal if you’re exploring the town on foot or heading out golfing for the day.
There’s minimal seating available inside, and a couple of benches outside, so it’s very much a grab-and-go cafe. If you like the coffee here, you can buy a bag of coffee beans to take home with you as a little souvenir of your time in St Andrews.
Old Union Coffee Shop
One of the best budget-friendly places to eat in St Andrews is the Old Union Coffee Shop. You’ll find it on North Street, right next to the Quad, inside a building that was formerly the Men’s Union. It’s a cafe that’s retained much of the building’s original character, and it’s very cozy in the winter. The menu includes wraps, paninis, hot drinks, pastries, and sandwiches, and every purchase goes towards helping the Students’ Association. Despite its popularity with students, I’d say it’s a hidden gem in St Andrews for visitors.
Black Sheep Coffee
Black Sheep Coffee offers an alternative to the independent cafes in St Andrews, and in my opinion, it’s much better than Costa and Starbucks. It’s located on Market Street and is usually open later than most coffee shops in town, which is why I’ve added it to this list of places to eat in St Andrews. You can order using a touchscreen to make things easier, and they have a nice selection of drinks, light snacks, and pastries available. The interior is quirky too, with murals depicting the golfing heritage of the town.
Palompo’s Espresso Bar
Palompo’s Espresso Bar is one of the newer independent cafes in St Andrews, bringing a taste of Italy to South Street. If you want authentic espresso and cappuccinos alongside homemade cannoli and fresh sandwiches, this is the place to come. You’ll also find Italian pantry products for sale in the cafe, so you can purchase high-quality ingredients to use at home. Palompo’s offers an authentic Italian atmosphere with excellent coffee, providing people with something a little different than the usual cafe scene in St Andrews. It’s a family-run business, too, which is always something worth supporting.
Unique bars in St Andrews
The Saint
One of my favourite bars in St Andrews is The Saint on South Street. Whether you’re looking for cocktails, Scottish whisky, or local beers, it’s a great place to come to relax with friends. They have an extensive drinks menu and high-quality bar food, featuring locally sourced ingredients and Scottish favourites. The Saint sits where the former West Port Bar once operated, and it’s still managed to maintain its traditional pub vibes with a more modern decor. This is also a good bar for watching live sports events.
Jigger Inn
If you’ve ever played golf in St Andrews, you’ll most likely know about the Jigger Inn. This iconic bar in St Andrews overlooks the famous 17th hole of the Old Course. It’s known for its selection of Scottish whiskies and its ale that’s brewed for the inn. If you’re looking for food, the Jigger Inn is also one of the most unique places to eat in St Andrews, with dishes such as steak pie, sandwiches, and burgers available.
The building itself dates back to the mid-19th century, when it served as a lodge for the stationmaster of the St Andrews Links railway station. It was then converted into the pub operating today, and is lovingly referred to as the “19th hole”. It’s a must-visit for golf enthusiasts, but it’s equally nice for a drink – even if you’ve never picked up a club.
T-Squared Social
St Andrews doesn’t have the biggest nightlife scene, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a night out here. T-Squared Social is one of the newest additions to town, occupying the historic New Picture House cinema on North Street. After a major redevelopment, the building now blends the original cinema with a modern bar and dining space. I only went inside for a cocktail, but I have to say that the seating area is very unique, as you can watch sports on the cinema’s big screen from comfortable leather couches.
Visitors can also take advantage of golf simulators (other sports are available, too) and regular cinema experiences. T-Squared Social is co-owned by Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake, so it’s quickly become a hot topic of conversation. I can’t say anything about the food, but the cocktail menu is worth stopping by for.
Other places to eat in St Andrews
The Cheesy Toast Shack
You can’t visit St Andrews without going to The Cheesy Toast Shack. Whenever I come back, I always make time to come here, whether that be for lunch or to take a toastie on the road with me.
It’s located next to East Sands Beach, with a menu focused solely on over-the-top toasties. For the size of the toasties, the prices are very reasonable. I’d recommend the macaroni cheese toastie if you’re feeling very hungry, and they often have seasonal specials to look out for. Beware of the seagulls, though, as they will swoop down at any given moment and steal your toastie right out of your hands. The Cheesy Toast Shack sits right at the top of the list of my favourite places to eat in St Andrews.
Munch
A lot of restaurants in St Andrews can be overpriced, so if you’re looking for a no-frills place to have breakfast, I couldn’t recommend Munch enough. This locally-run takeaway-style spot in St Andrews offers quick service, affordable prices, and freshly made comfort food. The breakfast rolls are a huge highlight, as you can build your own or choose an option from the menu. I opted for the big breakfast roll, which was more than enough to fill me until lunch.
Munch is a very convenient and reliable local food spot for something quick and satisfying while on the go. There are a few spaces inside to sit as well, if you prefer.
Fisher & Donaldson
Fisher & Donaldson is very much an institution in St Andrews and around Fife. This family-run bakery is best known for its iconic fudge doughnuts and other freshly baked goods, including caramel slices and empire biscuits. Alongside the sweet treats are plenty of savoury options like sausage rolls and baked pies. This is one of the most budget-friendly places to eat in St Andrews if you want something quick while exploring the town. I’d recommend grabbing a bacon or sausage roll in the morning, as well as a box of sweet treats to take home.
Jannettas Gelateria
While visiting St Andrews, you shouldn’t miss the chance to grab some gelato from Jannettas Gelateria on South Street. This iconic ice cream shop has been serving customers in St Andrews since 1908, and prices remain reasonable. The menu consists of dozens of flavours of gelato, ranging from classics to creative seasonal options and Scottish favourites, such as tablet.
If the weather is nice, you can expect a very long queue throughout the day. I always like to take my gelato into the grounds of St Andrews Cathedral to enjoy the serene setting of one of the town’s most iconic landmarks.
Tailend
Since St Andrews is a coastal town in Scotland, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to eat fresh seafood here. Tailend is one of the most popular places to eat in St Andrews for fish and chips, with indoor seating available as well as takeaway options. The fish suppers are great value for money and big enough to share. However, if you want something other than fish and chips, there are options like seafood platters, grilled fish, and mussels available.
It’s nice to sit on a bench overlooking the sea if you’ve chosen something to take away, but the seagulls are a nightmare. Chances are you’ll be swooped down upon before you’ve taken your first bite. You can always try, though!
Where to stay in St Andrews
There’s a wide range of places to stay in St Andrews, including luxury hotels, locally-run B&Bs, and modern self-catered apartments. On my recent trip to St Andrews, I stayed at Westview House, which is a stunning 3-bedroom, fully equipped apartment just a few minutes’ walk from South Street. This apartment is ideal for small groups, as you can split the cost of the rental to lower your overall expenses.
If you’re looking for a B&B in St Andrews, I’d recommend Cameron House, which provides traditional Scottish hospitality in a quieter part of town, with spacious rooms and a fantastic breakfast. Alternatively, world-famous hotels like Rusacks St Andrews, the Old Course Hotel, and Rufflets St Andrews are excellent options if you don’t have a set budget. Or, you can try boutique options such as Kinettles Hotel & Spa or Seaton House.
Is St Andrews worth visiting?
St Andrews is always worth visiting, regardless of the time of the year. It offers visitors a rich mix of coastal scenery, history, and culture that make it one of the top places to visit in Scotland. It’s a great town to base yourself for exploring nearby destinations like Dundee, and it’s a haven for golf enthusiasts. But what really elevates a visit is the food scene. There are many unique places to eat in St Andrews, catering to all types of preferences and budgets. This means that St Andrews is as much a foodie destination as it is for outdoorsy types and history lovers.
If you have any questions about visiting St Andrews, places to eat in St Andrews, or where to stay in town, please get in touch. You can reach out through the contact form or via email. And don’t forget to follow my travels on Instagram and TikTok, where you’ll come across even more helpful travel tips and ideas about where to visit next.
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