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    Clamshell

    3.5 (41 reviews)
    InexpensiveFast Food, Fish & Chips
    Closed 11:00 am - 1:00 AM (Next day)

    Clamshell Photos

    CLAMSHELL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids

    Recommended Reviews - Clamshell

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    Outside
    Michelle R.

    DEEP FRIED MARS BAR! We were told that it was a must try item in Scotland and that places that sells fish n chips will probably have it. ClamShell sold Fish and Chips and yes, Mars Bars as well. It is a tiny take away place with 3 counter stools inside, and 3 tiny tables outside. I ordered the deep fried candy and it was like 2 pounds I believe. It was cheap. The candy took about 3 minutes and I was handed a hot as lava deep fried bar on a paper. I had to ask for a napkin. I wanted to cut my candy in 1/2 so I had to ask for a knife. I know, I am such a demanding customer. I thought it was overly sweet but Stephen like it. Not the most chatty of places, and they don't put out stuff so you have to ask. I want to give them 4-stars but since they could not seem to be bothered by a silly American tourist, its a solid 3 star: they served me, and that's about it.

    Trina D.

    They fry everything here. And I do mean everything. You can get fried fish & chips, haggis, pickles, ribs, and candy bars here. We went to the Clamshell right at 11 am but they weren't open yet. The guy told us to come back at 11:30 am. So we walked down the Royal Mile. We ran into some friends so we decided to go to the pub for lunch. Afterwards, we came back for deep fried Mars bars at the Clamshell. Sure I can get deep fried Snickers at home, but apparently Scottish folk invented deep fried Mars bars in 1995. A group of us decided to go buy some. At £2.50 each, it was a small price to pay for warm gooey goodness. There was a line when we went and the guy behind the counter was frantically trying to get the lunch rush orders out. He was a little like the Soup Nazi with his yelling. We ordered 6 fried Mars bars and paid right before they came out of the fryer. Only 2 of 7 people were in line for these since our group decided not to overwhelm the shop but a long line of hungry people started to form behind us. Once our bars were wrapped to go, we marched outside with our spoils. Unwrapped, the bars are coated in a crispy fried batter and they are warm, melty, and chocolatey inside. I shared mine with a friend and it was a delicious treat. I wouldn't eat a whole one and still refuse to do so. It was a novelty and it was cool to eat while in Scotland.

    Delicious!
    Torterry C.

    My hubby and I were wandering around the city and wanted to try out some local fast food. We saw this place offers Fish & Chips, so we decided to come in and try some dishes out. I read thought most the dishes on the menu, which most part of them were seafood. And the price was great as well. I ordered the seafood basket, so I could try different seafood. My hubby ordered the Fish & Chips from them. The food actually tasted really good, much better than we expected. I really like it. both of the ordered we made. We were siting the table they set outside and enjoyed the nice meal, quite nice. I could look around this cultural city. Since when we were there at almost winter, it was a bit cold. Although this place isn't so big and usually get busy quite quickly, this is great place for some fast snacks. Just take away if the place were too full.

    Em C.

    Clam Shell, cloistered up between posh Scottish eating establishments and continental cafes, is a good old fashioned chip shop to satisfy your fast food cravings. As far as food quality goes it's a higher standard of takeaway, and a winner in the fast food arena. Specialising in massive pizzas and succulent chippy chips, Clam Shell was always the first port of call when I visited Edinburgh as a kid. I have many fond memories of sitting out in the rain, munching my way through a soggy paper bag full of the best chips I've ever tasted. Big, fat chips drowning in brown sauce suddenly made the weather a lot more bearable. Years later, it's barely changed and still offers speedy service and yummy fish suppers. The piping hot chips from Clam are a great way to warm yourself up on a drizzly day. This place shouldn't be overlooked in favour of the surrounding fancier options because as far as chips go, they are top class.

    Gibson A.

    I first encountered Clamshell when returning home after a long night out on the Cowgate. I saw two guys eating out of the plastic boxes associated with chippies. I asked them where they got them from and they directed me to Clamshell, assuring me it was the best chip shop in Edinburgh. I was sceptical but too hungry to challenge it. I ordered a sauasage supper, devoured it all the way home and whole-heartedly agreed that it was the best chippy in Edinburgh. I have since been back in a more sober disposition and I still think it makes some of the best chips I've tasted. Being on the Royal Mile, however, it is quite expensive with battered sauasage and haggis suppers costing around £3-4 and fish suppers being over £5. It is worth it though as the service is great and the quality is truly amazing.

    King rib (left) and deep fried haggis (right). The deep fried Mars bar was messy, and went straight into my mouth.
    Angeline P.

    Oh god! What else can you say about a place that offers you so much fried food, so late at night? I came here at the request of a few people we met at the bar, who basically insisted that we couldn't leave Scotland without having deep fried haggis. Being a lover of haggis, I complied. But deep fried haggis wasn't all Clamshell had to offer. The King Rib (the Scottish equivalent of the McRib, but without the sauce, and HUGE), a deep fried Mars bar, and that's actually just the tip of the iceberg. This is really good drunk food, and will probably shave a few years off your life. But it's worth a try at least once. Bonus points: They serve Irn Bru, which is banned in the United States for containing ponceau, a chemical I used in lab for protein staining. It's like liquid Pixie Stix!

    Mars bar done.
    Maz N.

    Fried food - yes please! When people come along to visit I make sure we pass clamshell, not just for the classic mars bar or other chocolate bar covered in batter but for everything else deep fried! I love the fact you can share a whole selection of deep fried food while on the mile from pizza to haggis and even a burger. It always seems to be busy but the staff are efficient and calm and friendly as well. It gets the job done and deep fried food always tastes delicious! The prices are good, especially for the mile so I would recommend you pass by and grab one of everything!

    Fish n' Chips Irn Bru
    Dave W.

    Oh man, thank you Clamshell for being up late to feed a hungry tourist who hadn't eaten since breakfast. Awesome fish n' chips, slaw and an Irn Bru which was recommended by the friendly staff. I did stop by a few evenings later for a meat pie which was great too. Many thanks and highly recommended. Irn Bru will get you through!

    The Deep Fried Mars Bar

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    10 years ago

    Disgusting. Absolutely the worst cheeseburger I've ever had. Not kidding. I've had microwaved frozen food that tasted better.

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    12 years ago

    I got fish and chips and its tasteless rubber that's been sitting under a heating lamp for what tastes like hours.

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    18 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Definitely did not meet 4-star expectations. Doner roll and chips were average to subpar...

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    12 years ago

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    16 years ago

    very nice fish and ships !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    Page 1 of 2

    Clamshell Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - Clamshell

    I was there in 1992 and the portions were overly generous and the brown sauce was delicious.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    City Restaurant - Curry Sauce

    City Restaurant

    3.9(75 reviews)
    0.3 miNewington
    ££

    While my mother and I were in Edinburgh earlier this year, we were getting hungry walking around…read morethe city and we stumbled across this restaurant. We walk in and were seated upstairs, which gave us a great view of the busy street next to the restaurant. I ordered the fish and chips, a glass of scotch, and the sticky toffee pudding.......all were awesome. The hostess and waitress were really nice and accommodating. The food came out hot and fresh. Overall, it was a great experience and I wouldn't definitely eat here again.

    Conveniently located near many Edinburgh Festival Fringe venues. Perfect for traditional British…read morefood that isn't too fancy. Seems to be able to give you a quick turnaround, if you're in a rush. Battered Fish & Chips - Haddock: A classic and seems to be their specialty. Big flaky fish and nice fluffy batter. Lots of thick crispy chips. Plus mushy peas, if you're into that kind of thing. Only issue is that sometimes they neglect to give you tartare sauce. Breaded Fish & Chips - Haddock: Maybe even better than the battered fish. The panko on top of the batter gives it a nice hearty crunch. Perhaps not traditional, but I'm a fan. Fish Cakes: The two crispy cakes are a much smaller portion than the regular fish. However, they definitely bursting with more flavor from the smoked fish and all the nice herbs. Could work if you split this and a regular fish & chips with someone. Curry Sauce: Took a few reminders to my waitress, but finally got my side sauce. A good helping. Kinda closer to Japanese curry than an Indian curry. Dipping the fries in this is purely amazing, much nicer than malt vinegar. Eton Mess: Save room for dessert! The pairing of smooth Scottish ice cream against crunchy airy meringue is perfect. Plus the raspberry sauce and whipped cream. A great way to end the meal on a sweet note.

    Photos
    City Restaurant - Mural at the side of the restaurant

    Mural at the side of the restaurant

    City Restaurant - Fish Cakes

    Fish Cakes

    City Restaurant - Battered Fish & Chips - Haddock

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    Battered Fish & Chips - Haddock

    Clamshell - hotdogs - Updated August 2026

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