Bertie's Proper Fish and Chips (Edinburgh, UK)

Bertie's Proper Fish and Chips is a great place to experience some traditional Scottish fare just off Edinburgh's Royal Mile.

By: Alisha Trenalone

If you're vacationing in the UK, chances are at some point you'll want to have a meal of fish and chips (fries). It's pretty standard fare in Britain, and can be a delicious treat after hours of sightseeing or traveling.

In Edinburgh, Scotland, one great option for fish and chips just off the Royal Mile is Bertie's Proper Fish and Chips. It's a newcomer in amongst all the other great eateries and tourist stops in this part of the city. Here's what to know!

Getting There

Bertie's is located on Victoria Street. If you've spent any time at all browsing pictures of Edinburgh, you'll have seen this street. It's the one with the multi-story buildings with brightly colored facades, curving around a steep hill.

Victoria Street is one of many ways of getting up to Castlehill and the Royal Mile, with plenty of shops and restaurants lining the way.

There's no missing the huge arched doorway and brightly lit sign leading to the restaurant. Enter and climb the stairs up and around to the dining area.

Once you're inside, you might find yourself climbing even more stairs to the balcony level dining area, which was where we were seated.

Bertie's has a lively feel and can be a bit on the loud side between music and conversations, but we were seated in an uncrowded area upstairs, which was a little less hectic.

On the Menu at Bertie's Proper Fish + Chips

Bertie's doesn't only have fish, but it's definitely the centerpiece of their menu. I ordered the battered haddock, and it was amazing. I would call it comfort food for sure.

Gluten-free breading is available.

Don't want your fish fried? They also offer baked fish, with either lemon and herbs, or Cajun-style.

Or, you could go for the vegan "fish," which is deep-fried eggplant.

Aside from the fish and chips experience, you could also try a different Scottish specialty: haggis. It's rich in flavor and similar to sausage, but tends to divide people into those who love and those who loathe.

You can also take the opportunity to have a Scottish beer or whiskey with your meal.

I enjoyed Bertie's so much that I've been there twice on separate visits to Edinburgh, and the fish did not disappoint either time!

See the online menu for current pricing.

Other Edinburgh Food + Drink to Try

Some of other great places within easy walking distance of Bertie's include Mary's Milk Bar (ice cream!), L'etoile Salon de Tea, Made in Italy Pizzeria, and the Beehive Inn (a pub).

All of these are gathered around or just off the Grassmarket, below the castle!