North Berwick punches well above its weight when it comes to food, and any visit should begin at the harbour, where the smell of the sea sets the tone beautifully. The town's most celebrated tradition is its fish and chips — grab a portion from Giacopazzi's, a family institution that's been serving the East Lothian coast for generations. Crisp batter, fresh haddock, and a proper salty breeze off the Firth of Forth: it's the kind of meal that doesn't need improving.

Beyond the harbour classics, North Berwick has quietly developed a food scene that reflects the extraordinary larder surrounding it. East Lothian's fertile farmland supplies some of Scotland's finest seasonal produce — look for local strawberries and asparagus in summer at the weekly market, alongside artisan cheeses and honey from nearby farms. The Nether Abbey Hotel and The Rocketeer both do Scottish comfort food with genuine ambition, turning local lamb, langoustines, and root vegetables into dishes worth lingering over.

For something more casual, the town's independent cafés reward slow mornings. Steampunk Coffee has become a pilgrimage stop for serious coffee drinkers, with a menu that changes to reflect the best seasonal bakes. Paired with a window seat and a view of the volcanic Bass Rock rising from the grey-blue firth, even a simple scone and a flat white starts to feel like something special. North Berwick eats with quiet confidence and very good ingredients.