The Seafood Ristorante

Someone from this business manages this listing.

1,725 reviews

#2 of 89 Restaurants in St. Andrews$$$$, Italian, Seafood, Scottish

+44 1334 479475+ Add website

Hours

Tue

12:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Wed

12:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Thu

12:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Fri

12:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Sat

12:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

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MICHELIN

What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.5

1,725 reviews

#2 of 89 Restaurants in St. Andrews

Travellers' Choice 2023

MICHELIN

View more on MICHELIN Guide

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Details

Someone from this business manages this listing.

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PRICE RANGE

$45.00 – $179.00

CUISINES

Italian, Seafood, Scottish

Special Diets

Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

meals, features

Location and contact

Bruce Embankment, St. Andrews KY16 9 Scotland

+44 1334 479475

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MICHELIN Guide's Point of View

The simple combination of great quality seafood and commanding bay views is a sure-fire winner at this smart restaurant housed in a striking glass cube...

Read more on MICHELIN Guide

Does this restaurant serve Romagna food?

Yes

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About

The Seafood Ristorante is located in St Andrews most iconic venue with views that will take your breath away. Traditionally an all seafood restaurant but now has the right amount of Italian flair though its dishes to give you an authentic feel while sitting in an spectacular setting.

PRICE RANGE

$45.00 – $179.00

CUISINES

Italian, Seafood, Scottish

Special Diets

Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, After-hours, Drinks

FEATURES

Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Waterfront, Gift Cards Available

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4.5

1,725 reviews

Excellent

1,070

Very good

328

Average

162

Poor

Terrible

billeeedee

Strathkinness387 contributions

Excellent Cuisine..........Shame About the Portion Size

Mar 2020 • couples

The Seafood Ristorante is delightfully furnished and has a stunning location overlooking St Andrews Bay. Parking is problematic, even more so at the time of our visit as half of the nearby car park was out of use and we had to park a 10 minute walk away. We took advantage of an Itison promotion which offered a 3 course lunch for 2 people for £35. The food was perfectly cooked, tasty and well presented. The portion size of the starter and desert was adequate but the main course consisted of 2 pieces of trout no larger than your index finger. We thought the small portion was possibly because we were on a promotion but when we queried it with the head waiter he assured us it was the standard lunch size. Unfortunately we left the restaurant still feeling hungry. We enjoyed a nice bottle of wine which was reasonably priced at £24 and the service throughout the meal was first class. The promotion provided good value for money but, with the small portion sizes, we would have been extremely disappointed paying the full price.

Written March 13, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Eric B

St. Andrews90 contributions

"The Highlight of Dining Out in January"

Jan 2020 • none

We visit this excellent Restaurant several times a year and more often than not in the Winter when they put on incredible offers. We also go on special occasions, but no matter when we go, we always find friendly, attentive staff. We also find the food to be first class, whether we are paying the full a la Carte menu price, or enjoying one of the special offers. We specially enjoy Lunch in the Winter as we have the most stunning outlook over the West Sands and St Andrews Bay. We always ask for a window table and have been lucky most times! The freshly baked bread is scrumptious and one of the few times ( apart from The Ritz! ) when my wife will have bread with a meal! The whipped salted butter complements the warm bread - delicious! Portion sizes on Lunch offers may be modest but they are perfectly acceptable. We sometimes have 2 courses and other times 3. We usually have some excellent Torres Esmeralda Rose which was out of stock in January this time but we had another Rose, a French one which was also good. Wine prices, in general, tend to on the high side, so it pays to choose carefully. The service is very personal and friendly and not stuffy, as you can sometimes find in top restaurants! The Pieraccini family have done a great job since taking this restaurant over and Stefano, at a very young age took it on, along with other commitments. It is our restaurant of choice in St Andrews

Written March 24, 2020

twillardo

Dundee166 contributions

5* VISIT

Feb 2020 • none

Always been a place we have wanted to visit as we have heard good things about this Ristorante, received a Gift Voucher for Christmas and the visit was sorted as a belated Valentines Day, upon arrival it was very busy, however, we were met at the door where we confirmed our reservation and promptly shown to our table, our table would have to be the best seat in the house, a glorious waterfront view. Once seated we were given the Seasonal Set Lunch Menu, not a large menu but enough to be intrigued by the different dishes, we were also given the drinks menu which was pretty impressive and has something for everyone, as the food menu was not overly fussy we were able to order our food quickly, would recommend the Scottish 6 Degrees North Wheat beer which is excellent, for the wine we went for Castel Firmian Sauvignon also excellent. We didn't have long to wait for our food to arrive and was a Starter of Raviolo of Salt Cod Brandade - Arlington white egg yolk, shellfish sauce, followed by a Main of Clash Farm Pork Belly - morcilla, mustard, apple. then finished of with a Dessert of Valrhona Manjari Chocolate Pave - salted caramel, roasted peanuts, praline ice cream. Overall we were definitely not disappointed, the open plan kitchen creates a great vibrant but relaxed atmosphere, from the 1st class service to the food, from the waterfront view to the relaxed dining, it was a great experience and one we will be guaranteed to repeat.

Written February 28, 2020

Jamie H

15 contributions

After much golf clubhouse

Mar 2020 • none

After much golf clubhouse food, most of which you could probably guess, we decided to seek something a little more sophisticated and chose Seafood Ristorante. A glance at the menu immediately tells you that this is an ambitious chef and as your eyes move across the page to the pricing you start to expect something really really special. (This is London plus pricing) I had the pork belly in an Asian broth with langoustine tail and cuttlefish. It was good if a little mean. Main course was going to be Venison but it was not available so I opted for the John Dory. It was nicely cooked but in effect was another starter. The fillet served, to give you an idea, was about the size of a large fish finger and sat with “in-shore” squid and chanterelles. Again the flavours were fine but, along with my fellow diners, we were all left still hungry. After the meal I had a little think about the whole experience, as friends were thoroughly down on the place. All I can say is that at this pricing point seafood Ristorante is blown away by a visit to somewhere like Scott’s of Mayfair, where you can get very, very well fed and looked after within this budget. Obviously, some drive! I can’t say I would be back in a hurry but if any fellow reviewers have a seafood restaurant recommendation in the locality I would be keen to try next time we are up.

Written March 9, 2020

MrPieraccini

Hi Jamie, Very disappointed not to have scored higher in your review. When dining with us you were checked back on with every course and did not express any of the points mentioned above. Your party had ordered starters and mains along with 3 side dishes, one side which was barely touched as you told us you were full and didn't want any dessert, so how can you say you all left hungry? Reading your review, from what I can understand, you enjoyed it there just wasn't enough on your plate? Understandably we are not 'horses for courses' and comparing us to Scotts in Mayfair isn't really a fair comparison as a totally different dining experience. I've lived in London and I can assure you our pricing isn't "London Plus" when compared to similar establishments (even Scotts)... I find it slightly upsetting by having a go at my chef for being ambitious. If there is no ambition involved what is the point of being in the industry? Serve conveyor belts of food with no passion and dedication, that's not what we work for. Serving Scottish seafood isn't exactly cheapest of cuisines, especially in the current economic climate mixed in with bad weather its a real challenge. I understand this isn't your problem and we do appreciate your custom when dining but these are just points to consider when dining in the future Regards, Stefano Pieraccini - Director

Written March 10, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

David C

Longforgan239 contributions

Delightful lunch

Feb 2020 • couples

Our third visit here to the Ristorante. We requested a table by the window and were warmly welcomed upon arrival and quickly shown to a great corner table by the window overlooking the water as the tide came in to give us that luxury cruise feeling. The set menu was simple yet elegant and well balanced and no difficulty in our requests for additional starter and a cheese course. The risotto starter was small but stunning and full of flavour and the trout main was very tasty indeed. The wine list is Italian biased but good and also well balanced and varied. We received a warm friendly service from all the staff and the Reidel glasses set the scene for a delightful wine with our lunch. Great food and stunning set when tide is in especially. Try also their Cicchetti bar at the West Room Edinburgh.

Written March 2, 2020

Becah L

Dundee68 contributions

Disappointed

Feb 2020 • none

Disappointed to only be given the choice of one menu...the expensive one. Then the oysters were not properly prepared and I still had to hack away at most of them. The salt cod baccala was the saltiest I have ever had. Yes, I do know it’s meant to be salty!! The scallops were lovely, but expensive at £18 for 2 scallops!! The spaghetti vongole was tasty, but even too al dente for me and extremely overpriced at £28!! That’s some markup!! But my absolute favourite thing about lunch was watching the chap in the kitchen who was clearly there in some pot washing capacity. He made a delightful show of picking items out from his teeth, examining them before eating them and then going on to restock the clean plates. Hello!?! Be aware of your surroundings. Very disappointed after many years and many previous very enjoyable visits I won’t be back.

Written February 27, 2020

MrPieraccini

HI Becah, Sorry you didn't enjoy your experience with us on this occasion. When your table was checked back on throughout the afternoon nothing was mentioned to any of the staff at any point. It's disappointing that none of the previous visits that you had enjoyed with us a review wasn't written to express your feelings, as you have done here. Regards, Stefano Pieraccini - Director

Written March 4, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Angela1249

30 contributions

Not as great as we had hoped

Jun 2021 • couples

We recently visited The Seafood Ristorante after hearing glowing reviews from my brother and his partner and so had exceptionally high expectations. The FOH staff were very attentive and we couldn’t fault the service at all. We started off with some oysters which were delicious so much so we ended up ordering more. For starter we both opted for the lobster lasagne, however the texture and the dish wasn’t quite what I had expected. It was a lobster and trout mousse which seemed like it had been steamed with a pasta sheet on top and finished off with a bisque. The bisque was delicious and the pasta was al dente however the main part of the dish wasn’t quite to my tasting. Although it wasn’t till after my partner said his had three sheets of pasta so think a few were missing from my dish but these things happen. Regardless I probably left around 50% as it wasn’t quite to my liking. I appreciated that both staff members we engaged with during our starters checked in that everything was ok with my starter and I just mentioned that the texture wasn’t quite to my liking or what I’d expected. The mains on the menu when we dined were fish heavy - there were 3 fish options and it would have been nice for there to have been some shell fish on offer. However, that is just what I favour when it comes to seafood. For main we had the turbot and halibut along with sides of mash and green beans. We both thoroughly enjoyed our main courses and presentation and taste were brilliant. Each main was £34/£36 which is a bit steep however we found the cost for sides £4/£6 to be reasonable. For dessert we opted to share the creme brûlée. While the dessert was nice enough and looked very appealing it wasn’t special/memorable or as good as we had hoped and I wouldn’t rush to order it again. While the food was a bit of a mixed bag we still had a really nice evening. We had a window table and the views were really wonderful. Perhaps we ordered wrong on the night but there were still some really good points. If trip advisor offered half marks 3.5 is probably where we would have scored it but 3 seems too harsh particularly when we were so pleased with the service, oysters and our mains. Lastly, I had made a note on our reservation that it was my partner’s birthday however this went unnoticed which is ok. However, a piped chocolate message on our dessert plate or small gesture would have been a nice touch.

Written June 12, 2021

MrPieraccini

Dear Angela1249, Thank you very much for joining us at Seafood Ristorante and for taking the time to review us. We appreciate any and all feedback as this is what it helps us to improve and exceed our guests expectations. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed our delicious oysters and your mains and that our service was up to your standards.We are however disappointed that the rest of your meal was not the same standard and very saddened to here this regarding your partner’s birthday as it if definitely not how we expect our guests to be feeling after they have left our outlet. We do hope that you can give us the opportunity in the future to deliver the true service and food we pride ourselves on here at Seafood Ristorante. Best wishes, Stefano Pieraccini Owner

Written August 5, 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

CazNosReviews

Ardrossan19 contributions

Amazing Food - Shame About Kitchen Atmosphere

Sep 2020 • couples

We had the loveliest meal with the most beautiful view. The staff were very friendly and so attentive and they made a point of mentioning we were in St Andrews for my partner’s birthday, giving her a really nice chocolate plate and a table with a view. The scallop and ragu starters were lovely. We both had the lobster, I would recommend trying this, it is full of flavour and was so fresh, the Albariño wine was a great accompaniment too. Trifle/sorbet with local strawberries was a nice touch. One downside that prevented 5 stars; the chef had a major go at a staff member in the open plan kitchen directly behind our table, we felt like we were in an episode of a Gordon Ramsay show the foul language and shouting we could hear (we’re no snowflakes - just as well - but it went on a bit and SO loudly). We mentioned it as we were paying the bill and the staff member apologised we’d heard it, we said we were more bothered about how the staff member felt, we were reassured that the staff had a good relationship, sometimes things just get pressured in the kitchen but everyone was happy and loyal to the business. Maybe so but it just didn’t sit right with us and not what we’d usually expect behind us during a £196 meal, the food and service was perfect but this incident left a really bad taste in our mouth.

Written September 24, 2020

Peter D

Glenfarg124 contributions

Received a gift of 3 course

Feb 2020 • none

Received a gift of 3 course meal for 2 and made our first visit to The Seafood Ristorante. We were really impressed with the service and quality. I asked if there was a vegetarian option for the starter and was really impressed as the chef produced a wonderful meal with asparagus, herbs, and poached egg.....superb. Loved all the courses. Restaurant got quite busy after our 12 o’clock start....would recommend booking 1st.

Written February 19, 2020

𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐓Ⓡ

Edinburgh6 contributions

We loved it

Mar 2020 • none

We went for lunchdurong midweek and the restaurant was very busy for March, which was very surprising in this area:; however, we quicklY realised the quality of the food and the service were definitely the reasons behind it. The lunch menu was delicious, with a wonderful pate en croute to start and pumpkin agnolotti to follow. The portions are the perfect balance of size and flavours and the menus I reasonably priced. The staff is wonderful and very professional which keeping it relax. Unlike in other places we visited, we were not rushed out of the door once we finished and we had to ask for the bill, rather than being given it straight after finishing, which was refreshing. That was a lovely touch as you didn’t feel you were only just a number but actually cared for on an individual level. We had read previous reviews before coming bust there was really nothing to worry about once we got there We are now looking at coming mon April or May and we will again write a review after our return

Written March 5, 2020

MrPieraccini

Hi TinAhtTan, Thank you for your lovely review, we as a team really appreciate all of your kind comments. We look forward to welcoming you back in the upcoming months. Best regards, Stefano Pieraccini - Director

Written March 10, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Sarah

Boston1 contribution

Lovely fine dining on the sea

Mar 2020 • none

Excellent variety of seafood dishes that were all wonderful. Portions were sized just right to enjoy a starter, main & desert without feeling too full. The view out over the sea & beaches of St. Andrews is an added bonus!

Written March 4, 2020

berentis

Roslin53 contributions

Excellent restaurant with fantastic views

Aug 2020 • none

We arrived for lunch and were shown to our table at the open window doors looking out to the beaches, as it was a warm day this was very welcome. We felt relaxed and safe throughout our stay and all the waiting staff wore masks. The food at this restaurant is nothing short of outstanding, we’ve eaten here before and although the menu seemed more restricted it did not disappoint, a good wine list added to our lunchtime visit. Staff were friendly and helpful looking after us well. I thoroughly recommend this gem and will be back, wonderful place.

Written August 14, 2020

Tom P

Kirkcaldy5 contributions

not so great

Jul 2021 • none

When we arrived it was difficult to find hand sanitizer we were shown to our table, and I noticed the wine waiters face mask was not covering his nose. He then was less than helpful when our host was unsure what wine to choose. The starters arrived ,I had the lobster the sauce was good but there was little taste of lobster. The mains arrived my halibut was great but lacked quantity ,I looked at the lamb served to three guests was shocking it reminded me of the horrors of the 70s and 80s small portions we had to ask for more potatoes charged for I would have sent it back to the kitchen and ask for some lamb. No one asked if we enjoyed the meal I think the staff new the answer I left angry and hungry wont be back.

Written August 3, 2021

MrPieraccini

Hi Tom, Thank you for taking time to leave your review, it is extremely disappointing and I hope to be able to get you a response which will assist. Primarily on the hand sanitiser, we have a large foot pump as soon as you come in the door and there is also hand sanitisers on every table... We can only apologise if when you arrived one of our serving members of staff's mask was slightly down, this is not practice. Secondly on the food, we appreciate your kind comments and will take onboard constructive criticism but I struggle to take on any board comments about other dishes you did not eat, so with that I am not going to comment back on this. I can only apologise you left angry and hungry as this is not what we want from any guest but we always feel a face to face conversation when dining achieves far more than negative online reviews. However, we understand your points and hopefully we can welcome you back in the future with a much more positive experience. Regards, Stefano Pieraccini - Director

Written August 5, 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

johnhay007

Glasgow35 contributions

Simply The Best

Mar 2020 • none

I have never eaten a fish supper in my life and never eaten a full fish in my life though l do like she’ll fish. My wife talked me int going to the Seafood Ristorante. A wee bit sceptical but l went along. We started of with the freshest mussels l have ever tasted and the sauce was not to overwhelming. We then had the Salt Baked Sea Bream which the young lady removed the bone at the table. I honesty was delighted with it and can honestly say l am now converted to fish. We than had the Apple Tart Tatin - to share and god was the delicious. All washed down with fresh bottled water. Not only the food but all the staff were delightful and were more than willing to pass their excellent knowledge of the food to my wife and me. This is one restaurant l will definitely be back for more.

Written March 7, 2020

MrPieraccini

Hi John, We as a team really appreciate this review, we are very glad we have converted you to fish and look forward to welcoming you back with us in the future. Best regrads, Stefano Pieraccini - Director

Written March 10, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Miranda

Scotland7 contributions

Elegant dining experience but for a dear price

Mar 2022 • couples

I cannot fault the atmosphere, view and service of this establishment, however my husband and I do feel that the high prices could not be fully justified by the rather small portions delivered. I would advise a revision in that area, however the food that was on the plate was delicious and the service faultless. We will come again however perhaps for a more special occasion when we are more willing to spend.

Written March 15, 2022

MrPieraccini

Dear Relax67716878909, Thank you very much for taking the time to write this wonderful review. I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed your dining experience. We will be looking forward to hosting you back soon. Stefano Pieraccini Owner

Written March 17, 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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