10 unmissable moments at the Edinburgh Seafood Festival at St James Quarter, March 31-April 2

Set sail for St James Quarter from March 31 to April 2, for the mouth-watering Edinburgh Seafood Festival packed with must-see cooking demos, fun events, celebrity chefs and more
From sushi-making to oyster shuckingFrom sushi-making to oyster shucking
From sushi-making to oyster shucking

The catch of the day is back in Edinburgh for the second year running, as St James Quarter hosts the fabulous Edinburgh Seafood Festival this Spring.

We’ve put together 10 magical moments for anyone who loves their grub, the splendours of the ocean and an Edinburgh festival with added flavour.

Cooking up a storm

Get your diary ready for the three-day Edinburgh Seafood Festival at St James QuarterGet your diary ready for the three-day Edinburgh Seafood Festival at St James Quarter
Get your diary ready for the three-day Edinburgh Seafood Festival at St James Quarter

Some of the top chefs from St James Quarter and beyond will be dazzling diners and visitors with their culinary craft throughout the festival. Visit the Edinburgh Seafood Market on Register Square or the Seafood Stage on Level 1 to be inspired by the best in the business through fun-filled and imaginative cooking demos, enjoy a taste of what’s on offer and buy some tasty ingredients to try at home.

Say cheers to award-winning gin

And who wouldn’t want to raise a glass flavoured with botanicals sources from Mother Nature herself? The Isle of Harris Gin team will be offering the chance to sample the award-winning gin flavoured with sugar kelp, gathered sustainably by hand from Scottish sea lochs.

Net yourself some street food

Dive in to Scotland’s greatest catch of the day at the Edinburgh Seafood Festival at St James QuarterDive in to Scotland’s greatest catch of the day at the Edinburgh Seafood Festival at St James Quarter
Dive in to Scotland’s greatest catch of the day at the Edinburgh Seafood Festival at St James Quarter

Get ready to be tempted by the magnificent street food on offer. How about a seafood pizza, tapas with a taste of the ocean or poke bowls simply packed with flavour – which one will be your favourite? Visit every day and you can try them all!

Masterchef moments

Scotland’s National Chef and Masterchef winner Gary McLean will be giving live cooking demonstrations in the Miele kitchen, answering your questions and signing copies of his book, Scotland’s Kitchen, as he shares his tips on preparing mussels, langoustines and more that will delight every time.

Live Oyster Shucking

Think oysters are tricky? Watch The Oysterman show you how it’s done with his live demonstration. He will also be sharing top tips on how to serve up a platter of tantalising crustaceans.

Sushi sessions

Maki and Ramen founder Teddy Lee is in town to show you how to roll with it, and create your very own sushi splendours. It’s a masterclass not to be missed.

Indulge with a decadent duo

On Saturday, April 1, Bonnie & Wild are hosting an Oyster and Champagne bar – treat yourself to this combination of fizz and flavour that’ll put the sparkle into your weekend.

A world of wonder

Enjoy fine Scottish seafood with a Mediterranean twist, thanks to The Real Greek, who take the Scottish classic fish and chips and give it a makeover, with fresh salt cod, taramasalata and chips.

Or maybe you prefer something bite-sized? How about a special Bross Bagel packed with fish and chips – it’s a seafood festival special treat.

And don’t miss the Oyster Happy Hour and mussels three ways from Duck & Waffle, steamed, moules frites and chowder.

All the way from Bangkok

The Ka Pao team are just back from Chiang Mai and Bangkok, and have brought a full seafood specials menu to St James Quarter to celebrate. They’ll bring the tastes, smells and sights of Asia to Edinburgh.

Foodie fun

With plenty of local entertainment on offer, including live music and face painting for the tiddlers, expect fishy fun by the trawler-full from Friday, March 31 to Sunday, April 2 at St James Quarter, the foodie festival that’s right on your doorstep.

Don’t miss a moment

With many St James Quarter food and drink destinations either transforming their menu for the festival or adding on some seafood extras, this weekend is a must for foodies and seafood lovers.

Download the St James Quarter app for the latest information on the festival, or visit stjamesquarter.com/event/edinburgh-seafood-festival-2023