Dolphin Cafe in Aberdeenshire

The Dolphin has been on site at West Pier on Peterhead Harbour for three decades, serving favourites including fish and chips using product landed at the harbour. Burgers, jacket potato and pies are among the regular offerings along with pineapple and banana fritters. The baked tattie was great, by the way. But there was a surprise on the menu on the day we visited. I asked what the soup of the day was and the answer: "Mince and tattie soup." Shocked but interested. I had to try it. Take a bow, Pauline, it was great, wee chunks of meat and packed with vegetables. Five-a-day not a problem. Fancied a sticky toffee pudding but was told to resist as we were heading for dinner in a local hotel that night.

The choice of fish & chips will satisfy anyone. The faire was very good. It’s a local family spot so expect kids and some chaos. But don’t expect a cold beer. No liquor license due to its proximity to the harbor and is next door to the Port Authority Office.

I have a friend over from Ireland and was recommended to try this cafe while visiting Peterhead, on arriving the parking is difficult to get but possibly due to boats unloading at same time, staff was polite and was quickly given menu and order taken which was good, the order was a Double haddock which is just a block fillet of haddock not two and a Skate both with chips and tea for two which came straight away along with the bill but told not to pay until finished, when the meals came straight away I seen that the chips were reheated or re fried as a fryer myself so told the assistant who replied no they are new potatoes I didn’t want to make a scene so told her I didn’t want them but a portion of onion rings instead which came quickly but I’m afraid I ate less than half my skate which was small before going to the toilet to be sick never touched the onion rings i was very disappointed for taking my visitor from Ireland so won’t be calling again and telling the person who recommended it how disappointing our visit was, before we left I took peticular notice that the chips that had been served after my comment were fresh, I paid the account on leaving without even being asked if we had enjoyed the meal!! Just the bank card reader put in front of me so I won’t be hurrying back sadly.

Yum! Staff and food are five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ we loved this place. Freshest fish I’ve had for a long time. Would absolutely recommend!

The freshest fish I've tasted in a long time, it actually tasted of the sea. It's surprising how often fish tastes of nothing but the batter. This batter was light and complemented the haddock beautifully.

Fabulous! Absolutely delicious food and friendly service from the staff. Both me and my partner will be back very soon!!

Yum! Fish and chips were spot on. Lovely food. Fresh and local. Went here with my partner and both thoroughly enjoyed our meals.

I have spent many years searching for the best fish and chips up and down the country from Cornwall to John o Groats and I can say that hands down this was the best fish supper I have had in years. Getting the fish fresh off the boat straight from the North Sea really makes a difference. I very nearly ordered a second portion. Next time my boat is in I am coming here. Amazing. Gosh was firm, flakey and sweet the batter was crispy and ridged none of that smooth rubbish you get. It’s going to be hard to better it.

Nice fish but greasy batter. Very disappointed with frozen chips. Waitress not the happiest. Overpriced for quality of food. Overall disappointing.

Delicious, lightly battered double haddock portion with chips and beans. Perfect, everything about every element hit the spot 👌 can't wait to go back. It's down on the harbour and we went on a Sunday afternoon after visiting the prison museum. There were several trawlers docked with the engines running, we were told our fish was bought from one of the local trawlermen/companies which is what I wanted. The girls working in the cafe were very helpful and friendly. I changed my order after ordering slightly and it was no trouble. Great customer service to match the great food and location.

Closes at 8pm. Sat down and ordered food just before 7pm. Food came out about 10 mins later. Finished our food (which was absolutely lovely) Was waiting for waitress to come over to see if we wanted dessert but she didn’t, so I went to the counter to order. This was at 7.40pm. Was told that we couldnt order dessert at they close at 8pm. So if you want to order food about half hour before they close, don’t bother. In my experience if a restaurant closes at 8pm, you can order food until that time. Must be different in Scotland

Fantastic food! We had Cod, Chips and peas, excellent food. Would recommend to anyone to visit for a meal.

Been awhile since visiting but heard new management so four of us went for a meal. Fish was lovely and crisp and served hot. Great service and friendly helpful staff. Look forward to returning.

Have not visited for quite a while but last night 8 of the family went for a meal. The whole place has been refurbished and looked really nice. Meal was hot, well cooked and staff were great

Stayed for 2 hours after being made so welcome. Lovely staff,beautiful food. Thankyou for your hospitality.

Straightforward, pleasant dockside café, with good views of the harbour and friendly, efficient staff. Haddock, chips peas, onion rings, bread and butter and a pot of tea. Perfect on a freezing cold night and very reasonably priced. I’d go again for sure.

Went here for a traditional Fish Tea after being at the football Peterhead v Dunfermline. Lovely meal, fish nice and light, not greasy and bread and butter on the side. Staff friendly and helpful and the locals friendly and chatty.

We went here at the weekend and wasn’t overly happy with the meals we had ,we ordered a mixed seafood platter and a double filleted haddock and chips and beans both meals were served on cold plates which meant the baked beans were stone cold and I had 2 fish bone’s from my double filleted haddock the portion size of the chips was very small too It’s a shame it wasn’t better.

My favourite cafe in Peterhead. Great lovely/tasty fish `n chips. Friendly efficient service at a good/fair price. Recommended.

Beautiful fish and well presented, very good price for the food and drinks. Very clean and tidy and a good selection of food

We came to Peterhead looking for some good fish and chips whilst staying in Aberdeen and we found this place online, it's hidden away a little bit but we found it and came in here and had a sit down meal. Probably the best fish and chips we've both ever had.

This place is a real gem...the location looking out at the port, the cleanliness of the cafe and the friendliness of the staff is fantastic. The food was just brilliant, so, much so we also took a take out for our tea later on...Louise who served us was absolutely lovely what a lovely lovely girl..

I had read about the Dolphin and was determined to visit when we had a recent holiday in Aberdeen. The restaurant is easy to find, and also has a takeaway available. We chose to eat inside and have hot drinks with our food. We both...

From the outside this place didn't look much, but it was so worth trying it out. It is clean. There's an extensive menu. The food was fresh & tasty. We were able to sit outside on the harbour with our dogs, on the picnic benches.

Love this place. Highly recommended. Lovely fish and chips. Also you can eat in or take away. Reasonable prices too.

Nice friendly place to have a meal of a fresh fish that will not cost a fortune. Scampi are the best though.

Stumbled across the Dolphin Cafe while stopping at Peterhead during a waking holiday. I lived near Peterhead in the mid 90’s and our fish and chips stop was always Zanres. Great location next to the harbour and the food was excellent! I had the Cullne...

We just had the tastiest and freshest fish i have had since leaving the fishing industry, just a perfect treat!! Crispy batter, beautifully fresh North Sea Haddock and staff we amazing. Thank you and will see you again soon!

Been here may times, always Friendly Staff, pleasant cosy environment, amazing food, never had a complaint in all the 10 years ive been using the Dolphin. The fresh fish is to die for, and the portions and huge, you never leave hungry!! If you want...

2nd time in this cafe and the fish and chips are amazing (& the seafood platter) In a great location with seating at the window giving a view of the harbour We will be back the next we are in the area Friendly staff &...

Fantastic fish and chips, served piping hot, places spotlessly clean, large airy restaurant and friendly helpful staff. What a gem.

Regular visitor to this place. Staff are great, I always have haddock and chips, the fish is always pure white throughout, and as fresh as it gets. Cooked with a batter that melts in the mouth. Wouldn’t go anywhere else for a fish supper. It’s...

Best fash (fish) in the town for sitting in or takeaway, although there are any bad fish suppers in town. Only thing is it closes quite early as it is open for breakfast for the workers in and around the harbour and isn’t open at...

Best chips I’ve tried in awhile. A definite hidden gem tucked away by the harbour in Peterhead. Staff were very friendly, even when training a new starter the lad still had time to talk and have a laugh.

What can I say, this place serves the best fish and chips anywhere in Scotland. The batter is lovely,fresh and crispy. The fish is sofy,flaky and melts in your mouth. The fish supper is served with mushy peas and buttered bread. We each,had 1.5 of...

Fish & Chips at its best straight from the sea and straight to your plate which is - a large glass one shaped as a fish, yes you can taste the difference with its lean, flaky meat. I also had steeped peas as a side...

The staff in the Dolphin Cafe are amazing they couldn’t have done enough to help when we were there. The fish we ordered was first class. Shame they don’t advertise this place more. We had been to Zanres in the town before but this place...

We had low expectations, but this was place exceeded them. Most fish and chips places in the Aberdeen area don’t have much seating. The haddock was fresh and the cod was wonderful. The real bonus was that it was VERY reasonably price. The three of us has full lunches and the bill was about 18 pounds. We were very happy.

We have only tried the fresh fish from the harbour, haddock and chips - it's excellent. It can be busy at lunchtimes with harbour workers and other general workers,we will definitely go back

Came with a large party of family which seemed to send them into a panic .tables and floor were very dirty and no one came to clear them . Staff were unfriendly and were quite grubby in appearance as aprons were dirty . Food was ok but nothing special. Never been back since

Portion size good chips nice and fresh Fish to die for the interior pleasing to the eye helpful and happy staff and very reasonable prices for good food

Before the Dolphin closed we said we would not return as the batter was so soggy, so this was our first visit since it re opened, Now the old fish market has gone the place we used to park is closed so no where to,park. The interior is so much better than before but sadly once again was served with soggy batter, Used to be so busy but now nearly deserted. Am not surprised

Right where do I start been using the dolphin for years now I work on a dive vessel north sea every time were in Peterhead I go for my fantastic fish super but this time food still fantastic but I was totally and utterly discusted with way the staff was treated it was shocking the girls actually looked like they were going to burst into tears even a taxi driver come in and told him to calm down not even a man management course could help that man nothing but a bully so I'll take my money else where in future such a shame but it needs to said.

Went for a takeaway three fish supper, mushy peas ended up with two fish suppers, one fish and NO peas whatsoever, worst fish supper I have had in ages, everything was swimming in grease, batter was so soggy as were the chips, total waste of money, will not be back

Excellent fish and chips that even opens early in the morning! If there is a negative side it closes shortly after super-time.

We were advised to go here of the fish and chips The food was very good and good value Staff were friendly The actual venue is basic cafe style but worth it for the good food

Very good lunch, friendly staff and excellent value for money, small haddock very fresh and cullen skink tasty

The Dolphin is reputed to be top notch for fish and chips. On this occasion, it certainly wasn’t. The fish in battered haddock was nicely cooked, but the batter mushy inside and a rather unattractive greyish brown colour. I don’t think the frying oil had been hot enough. The chips had been lying round for a while and were distictly soggy. The only accompaniment available was processed (marrow fat) peas. Overall, a disappointment.

Ordered the jumbo haddock - £8.00 to share!! Omg it was massive! Was tasty, batter crisp and chips tasty! Well worth a visit, the blonde haired waiter was pleasant and chatty too. Well worth a visit :-)

Il miglior fish & chips che abbia mai mangiato!

We visited here not long ago, and couldn't fault it at all. You will not find better fish and chips suppers if you tries. Absolutely delish. Also very good prices too..

Best sit in fish tea . Love being able to choose portion size and fish with crumbs or batter. Service very good,excellent cuppa and plenty of it served in t pot.

We come back to the northeast once a year and make a point of visiting the Dolphin Cafe for our fix of fish and chips. This time the girl who took our order didn't ask if we wanted peas or beans. The fish and chips arrived without either and when I complained was told that customers usually ask and we hadn't. The menu states one or other is included so her job to ask. She did then bring some mushy peas. My brother also asked for bread which hadn't been brought. The fish was excellent but the chips weren't. My husband loves chips and he left nearly all of his. We were a bit after the usual lunchtime so got the already cooked chips that had been sitting around for a while.I think this is our last visit unless we read that standards have improved. Sad as it used to be one of the highlights of our trip north.

Visited here with my in laws and my good lady. This great wee cafe generally serves the harbour workers, fishermen and those in the know. However it is well worth a wee visit if you are looking for no nonsense food at a reasonable price.

Unfortunately this place leaves a lot to be desired now. Can't believe how it has gone from a decent chippy to awful. Cheap bread with disgusting margarine. No option for mushy peas processed only. Shame as it used to be a good place to eat.

When you first walk in it reminds you of school canteens, however the food is fresh and plenty, the fish was cooked to perfection and not greasy at all, the service was really cheerful . Would I go back again? Absolutely

Just been for the last time. new staff and price up four pounds. Batter was lousy and nothing like it used to be. Was hot and tea fine but will now stick to The Waverly. So sad when u think how fine it used to...

We had a really late lunch here today and I enjoyed one of the best fish and chips I've ever...

Went for lunch with my daughter while visiting & the fish was great I had a medium size portion & it was more than enough, down at the harbour it feeds the fishing crews as well as the hungry folk of Peterhead it's a plain building , but don't let that put you off , the foods bang on. Will definitely go again.

We went last week to the dolphin with family who were visiting. Been a bout 3 or 4 years since we went I imagine. Last time it was lovely, this time sadly not as good. The fish was ok, smaller than last time, the chips were a bit hard, two of our party wanted gravy instead of peas but they couldn't do that they had to order gravy or curry sauce as an extra, they were not mushy peas like last time they were marrowfat. The menu lists fish, chips, peas or another alternative I think but also bread and butter. We waited and waited but in the end had to go an ask for the bread and butter, we were then asked how many we wanted and when we said enough for the whole group they seem surprised! it was bread and some horrible yellow marge actually not butter. I asked for coke and got a can with no glass offered and condiments, gravy curry sauce were served in a plastic pot. The place is spotless and nicely decorated but service and food ahve gone down hill since we were last there. Perhaps give it a miss from now on.

Can't believe the amount of food you get for your money. Great quality and really fresh fish, best fish and chips I've had!!

Well welcomed, we ordered medium haddock with chips, also lasagna, and it was very good! Fresh fish from the harbour.The location from TripAdvisor is not very precise, it doesn't show exactly the position...Very good fish and chips for a good price!

Visited the Dolphin as it had been a good few years and decided to give it a try. The food and service was fine. It is a good place if you want quick no frills cafe restaurant.The fish was nice and tasty. Its is probably the best sit down for fish and chips at a good cost.There are other good takeaways in town that may be better but these are all preference. It's main hours are built around the local fish market so closes early 7pm. If you fancy a fish supper give it a try.

Had not been for a while and found a building site all around but still open as usual. ordered our usual fish and chips, beans, bread and tea. Quick and friendly service and was piping hot. The pensioner meals now just on a Monday but every day. No complaints and well fed.

The fish was white and nice tasting, the batter was rubbish and the chips were hard, when I told them about batter and chips they said oh well sorry, nothing taken off the bill.

If you want to sit down & get the freshist fish in town then this is the place to go. Freindly staff and good food what more do you want?

Tried the dolphin cafe for a change after a recommendation from a co-worker. Our food was cooked fresh as we waited, nice polite staff & clean premises, food was nice but slightly more expensive than other local restaurants

Enjoyed our visit. Fish was well cooked and of course,fresh!Premises were clean and basic but would definitely be back for more.

We often go to Dolpin cafe for our fresh Fish and chips. You can not get any fresher fish than there as its right next to the fishing boats and fish market at the harbour. Never had any bad experience xx

Lovely fish as always! ! Nae a place to take granny for her posh birthday as a cafe really but can't get better fish!!

I love how the Dolphin Cafe has various sizes of portions , for people who cannot eat a lot , to bigger portions if you are very hungry . The best fish and chips in town .

I ordered Cullen Skink and a hamburger.The soup arrived cold. I sent it back...it was now hot, but watery with little to no fish...it was just a runny cream soup.My hamburger was served with hard dry reheated fries, which were inedible.The bun was dry and stale. The meat was nothing to shout about and the lone peice of lettuce was old and wilted.My husband had the fish cakes...which were at least edible yet he did not find much evidence of fish in the cakes...but 95% potato. So actually they were potatoes cakes! NOT FISH CAKES! But, when two people go out to eat...they would both like to enjoy the experience...AND HAVE SOMETHING DECENT TO EAT FOR THEIR MONEY!IF THE FOOD IS NOT WHAT THE MENUDESCRIBES TO CHARGE GOOD MONEY FOR IT IS T H E F T!The waitress seemed to understand that the food was inedible...so I did not pay for what I couldn't eat. But, there was no apology. And, I now need to get lunch elsewhere.

Always get a good meal here. Cannot fault it at all. :) I always opt for fish supper, whereas hubby has chicken fillets. In here at least once a month.

Absolutely divine fish and chips, eat in or take away. Light batter, the freshest of fish and good chips.

I stopped here for lunch whilst in Peterhead the fish was as fresh as you can get it the chips seemed a bit old not sure if they were fresh but cooked in old oil or what but need improving but everything else is very good

Had not been for a while so decided to treat ourselves to a fish supper with beans, bread and a pot of teaGreat value and very tasty

Been several times and always enjoy my visits to the Dolphin Cafe!! Where else can you sit down and get a large haddock and chips, a large fishcake and chips (both with sides) and two soft drinks and get change from £15 ?? The fish is always fresh (it probably couldn't be any freshed considering its location (next door to the Peterhead Fish Market) and the the fish is always cooked to perfection (i like crispy batter !!)There are always daily fish specials and usually special deals for OAP's and kids. If your looking for a decent fish supper in Peterhead then this place is it. My only grumble is that it isn't open later..... : (

good food & good pricing! only place in peterhead you can go and sit in & have a fresh fish but its lovely!

I eat here at least once a month, the fish comes from the market next door. Although it is still a good meal the quality has significantly decreased over the past 6 months. The 'Jumbo' has gotten smaller and the portion of chips reduced. Service is ok, but if you are eating in you take a seat and can often be forgotten about. This used to be the first place i would take colleagues from out of town as the portions were enormous and you were treated like royalty, however this is no longer the case.I will try this a few more times and see if it gets any better, failing that I will have to find a new place to eat.

We were going anyway but heard from a friend that they were offering half price second meal. Not so as it was Dolphin in Macduff!!As usual thoroughly enjoyed our fish and chips with beans, bread and plenty of tea. Fast service and helpful staff.

Love this place. Always go when I'm in town for a fish tea. Freshest fish its possible to get, chips, peas and bread & butter. Table service, and take away available. It's popular with the locals, and that's a good sign !

For the past two months have popped into the Dolphin Café for my jumbo fish and chips. Each time I have experienced lovely cooked fish, but last Saturday I popped in and the fish was over cooked. In fact some of the batter was crispy burnt and as such the fish inside was dry.How they had the nerve to serve this was beyond me, in fact most of the batter served to thers look very over cooked.They have now lost my custom

Have not been for a while but with wife away decided to go down for my tea. Lovely fish with crisp batter and beans and lots of tea in pot. Went early so quiet and served very fast. Friendly staff too

I was there for the first time and would never go back. Some of my family told me that it was good but I totally disagree as it was the most disgusting meal I have ever had.

Popped in today for a takeaway fish supper, I ordered a jumbo fish supper £7.75. What I got was half a haddock fillet with another smaller than half haddock thrown in. That's 3/4 of a whole haddock which would be a jumbo. This restaurant gets its fish straight from the market so has little costs to pay as it is part of the market building. This is just greed to be serving such small portions when you have paid to get a large fish. Any other town in Scotland and you would get what you would consider a jumbo fish not 2 little bits of fish. The biggest white fish port in Europe and you get ripped off. This never used to be like this, the new owners should be ashamed.

Found this by accident down by the harbour. Had great fish and chips. Very friendly service. Layout quite sparse but right next to the harbour and bright and spacious. Great lunch if you are hungry.

Nice cafe down by Peterhead harbour with good food. Fresh fish daily, good portion sizes and well priced. Was nice to see a couple of seals in the harbour from the window as well.

Decided to go at the last minute for supper. The tables and chairs are typical cafe fixed to the floor type which can be a little cramped. They were very clean though as was the whole cafe area.We all bought the medium fish suppers with tea and bread and butter. Everyone enjoyed it and I left thinking I'll be going back again.

Always get nice fresh fish. Portions of beans/peas could be a bit more in proportion to the fish and chips looks poor! Staff need to be a bit more friendly when customers come into the cafe, when serving.

Couldn't be bothered cooking so a friend recommended we try the Dolphin. Good fish , fresh and well cooked, chips were a bit of a let down but as we re not big chip lovers this wasn't a problem. We also had Knickerbocker Glories and it was being whisked back to childhood. All in all a good meal and resonably priced

We went to the Dolphin at 6PM as a fine quiet time tomo and no problem with parkingThe service was fast and friendly and for once no east Europeans. Meal was tasty and hot Monday is a good time as special price for two

After a dissappointed last visit ,we returned again to find it back to the way it was,helpful staff and fresh fish at a very reasonable price.

My husband found this little cafe a few years ago when on holiday and it's the best ever! Local place right by the fish market and harbor so how do you get fresher fish than this? It's a must go when in the area!

The don't cool their food they use left over and reheat them in the micro wave... The staff are not that friendly... Either

Where else would we go for my Peterhead Fishermans birthday supper the Dolphin of course he was chuffed and so were my mam and Dad from Lonmay x

Lovely food and great service, extremely good value, lovely fresh fish straight from the market,you cant get any fresher,.Lovely fresh Scottish fish at its best

Been here many times before and always been satisfied,but after this visit dissappointed,chips had a burnt taste to them ,normally get bread and butter with meal,none this time,hopefully next visit will be back to the normal standard

Nice chips. I was disappointed with the fish though. It is quite nice but can't compete with Whitby fish and chips I'm afraid.

Six of us went to The Dolphin for a meal and and various dishes all of which were fine and tasty. Service was fast as it was quiet and staff very friendly and helpfulEnjoyed the traditional fish supper

Best fish supper in the town very fresh, we'll cooked and good prices. Staff very attentive and cafe very clean.