The 5 Best Places to Eat in Elie, Fife | Coffee, Delis & Restaurants
The best places to eat in Elie, Fife. Our handpicked guide to the best Elie restaurants includes a waterfront seafood bistro, luxe deli, and cosy cafe.
Elie is a charming seaside town, nestled along the coast of Fife. Most famous for its pristine beaches, this tiny town is also home to a handful of incredible places to eat. In fact, Elie’s restaurants and other wonderful places to eat are well worth a trip on their own.
From an upscale waterfront bistro to family-friendly lunch spots, there are wonderful foodie finds to explore. Plus, local ingredients reign supreme, and you’ll find the freshest Fife produce at many Elie restaurants.
So, whether you’re just passing through the East Neuk or are planning a full weekend in Elie, the local foodie scene is well worth exploring. Here’s my take on the best Elie restaurants, cafes, delis, and takeaways.
At a Glance: Elie’s best Eats
The Ship Inn
Elie Deli
Pavilion Cafe
Barnett’s Bakery
Mirador Cafe
Fife Foodie tip
Elie is within easy reach of its East Neuk neighbours, and you’ll find a scattering of excellent seafood restaurants and cosy cafes in these coastal villages.
So if you’re looking for a wider choice, we recommend: The Dory Bistro (Pittenweem), The Southgate (Crail), The Dreel Tavern and The Cellar (Anstruther), Baern, East Pier Smokehouse, and The Giddy Gannet (St Monans), The Crusoe (Lower Largo) and Kinneuchar Inn (inland at Kilconquhar).
The best places to eat in Elie, Fife
1. The Ship Inn
Located right on the waterfront, the Ship Inn serves a varied and delicious menu, with a big focus on seafood. This is the main (actually, only) Elie restaurant, and absolutely one of my favourite places to eat in all of Fife.
Whilst fish is definitely the star, the menu also features a delicious range of dishes like halloumi with pickled radish, goat's cheese salad with candied walnuts, classic macaroni cheese, and grass-fed bone marrow with crispy shallots.
The setting is relaxed, with a lively bar downstairs (check out the extensive wine menu) and an upscale restaurant above. Whilst in summer, the outdoor terrace is the best spot in town, with beautiful sea views and delicious BBQs.
Undoubtedly the best restaurant in Elie, the Ship Inn is the perfect spot to indulge in a maritime feast. Highly recommend.
Book your table well in advance here.
2. Elie Deli
Situated directly on Elie High Street, the Elie Deli serves an array of fresh food and savoury options. With an artisan approach and commitment to quality produce, it is a must for anyone seeking a culinary experience in Elie.
A fantastic option for a takeaway lunch or picnic on the beach, their deli counter includes a range of delicious quiches, cheeses, olives, cold cuts, and savoury produce. Plus, there’s delicious pastries, cakes, coffee, and a range of filled baguettes & sandwiches to choose from.
The perfect option for those walking the Fife Coastal Path. Alternatively, the Elie Deli doubles as a local store, allowing you to pick up fresh ingredients to cook at home.
Open daily from 8am to 4pm.
Find it here.
3. Pavilion Café
The Pavilion is a casual, laid-back café tucked away in the grounds of the Elie Golf Club. A traditional, no-frills café, this cosy Elie café is a good spot for lunch or an afternoon treat. The food is simple yet tasty, and the menu features everything from scones to pizzas to seafood.
Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (though I’d recommend as a daytime eatery).
Find it here.
4. Barnett’s Bakery
A Fife institution, you’ll find a Barnett’s Bakery in most of Fife’s coastal villages.
Though most famous for its artisan breads, other popular items include freshly baked cakes, sausage rolls, and traditional pies. And if you’re not into bakery foods, the oatcakes are delicious (pair with cheese from Elie Deli).
Everything is freshly baked, so if you’re looking for a takeaway option in Elie, Barnett’s is a good choice.
Find it here.
5. Mirador Café
Located just outside of Elie, The Mirador Café is great for walkers on the Fife Coastal Path or those attempting the Elie Chain Walk.
Despite being tucked away in a holiday park, the Mirador welcomes non-residents and is a friendly, casual eatery serving a simple menu of sandwiches, paninis, and breakfast rolls.
Find it here.
