Scotland's BEST RATED FISH 'N' CHIPS Hole in the Wall! SALVATORE'S

Fish and chips, or more colloquially written as fish 'n' chips, is one of the most iconic dishes in the United Kingdom. Similarly to pizza in the USA, you can find fish and chip shops pretty much everywhere all over the UK and everyone will claim that their local chippy is the best. One thing that I have heard though is that London is not the best place for fish 'n' chips, but rather Northern England and Scotland are where fish 'n' chips reigns supreme.
Our first stop on our UK trip was Edinburgh, Scotland, where Tina and I were visiting a friend of ours. Originally we were going to eat at Bertie's Proper Fish & Chips, which is the most reviewed chippy in Edinburgh if not all of Scotland, but when we saw how touristy the place was we decided to pivot. We instead headed for Salvatore's, which is the best reviewed takeaway style of fish 'n' chips in Edinburgh, if not all of Scotland. It's definitely the best reviewed of the more hole in the wall type spots, as it's not the most fancy looking restaurant and you'll easily walk right by it. Will this fish 'n' chips blow our mind? Or should we have stuck to the well-reviewed tourist joint? Let's find out together!
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Restaurant Deets:
Salvatore's
16 Roseneath St, Edinburgh EH9 1JH

[@venomjojo]

I live in Edinburgh! So glad you avoided Bertie’s and went to a real chippy! Salvatore’s is my local, I live on that street you kept showing 😂

[@jeemoon1626]

A fun fact. Fish from colder waters, like the north, will have fish with more fat content and marbling. That might be why spots up north are more reputable for fish and chips.

[@Sleepysod]

You can have good fish and chips in the south and bad in the north - it isn’t exclusive - and the UK the fish they use are most likely from the same fishing zones, and probably a hell of a lot of it imported from outside UK fishing zone anyway (Iceland, Norwegian Sea) The biggest fish market is in London, but the fish will be coming (mainly) from the same places. Some places like Grimsby in the north will undoubtedly have fresher fish in some shops because they are fishing towns with their own markets. Fish lands and is consumed locally. The reasons why there is a perception of a “difference” between north and south uk in chippies include: louder northern voices - often people who have never visited the south to any great degree, but have regional pride (and I say that as a northerner who has lived in London for many years) - perception come from value for money, slight regional differences in side dishes (mushy peas, beans, curry sauces, fritters etc) and a preference for a different fish (haddock) in north and Scotland rather than cod in the south. The difference in the price stem from increased demand for jobs and property in the south, leading to higher demand and higher living costs. Many chippies in the midlands and north are long established, often family businesses whereas in somewhere like London the turnover of shops and restaurants in a street can be relatively rapid. New staff that aren’t linked to the family business and therefore have no vested interest, cost cutting to ensure financial stability of a business, and a much larger demand for other cuisines in London all mean that when tourists visit they are all too often either paying too much for relatively poor quality versions (usually anything in central london near a tourist attraction) or are paying through their nose through gentrified versions. I also see many KZbin videos where they eat fish and chips in a pub. While they can be good aren’t the same as from a chippy and I don’t think that they can give a real impression of what the food should actually taste like.

[@jeemoon1626]

@@Sleepysod this was very interesting. I live in NYC, so it’s pretty similar here with certain cuisines. I have a close friend from Liverpool, so I somewhat agree with the northern pride aspect lol.

[@rodpanhard]

It's always Haddock in Scotland and usually Cod in England, this makes a difference also.

[@bunnystrasse]

Some people hate your music, but I LOVE IT!!! IT'S YOU!!

[@peyotegardens]

I couldn’t disagree more. I definitely hate it

[@ramencurry6672]

Most normal people wouldn’t really notice it. For those who are bothered by it it’s most likely some form of mental health issues

[@matthewobrien1473]

Your content rules UA, appreciate how you roll bud. Don’t ever change 👊

[@uaeats]

Thank you!

[@fatlungking]

Lmao..that’s my local chippy. Been going there since I was a kid and still do. The area is called Marchmont and I lived there for 20 plus years. So the thumbnail and thought that can’t be my local chippy…..and it was lol. Keep up with vids man..

[@jonathanlu6879]

great video as always! thanks for posting and showing us this spot!

[@slavenandric7643]

Calling that pizza mid is really generous, Edinburgh looks amazing, hope to visit Scotland in the next years.

[@crabapples1995]

It’s pre-made frozen pizza, it’s for deep frying😂

[@TheStrugglingShiba]

So looking forward to a ton of videos from your international series! I've already rewatched so many of your videos, need more!

[@jakerivendelli]

Looks so good! Love your videos. Thanks for making them😊

[@ernestedwards4073]

Awesome thanks for sharing this!

[@Simonsuryakant]

Tbh I dont even know how i find your channel but now I have follow you for a week and I love your content. You seem like such a nice and genuine person :). Big up and keep up the good work, love from Sweden.

[@limoadroi1622]

Great video as always keep up the good work.

[@kevinkvs9746]

Finally someone who does research on an city before turning up and trying all the wrong places 👌🏻 well done man

[@bobprock4960]

We loved our time in Edinburgh and you're correct! The fish and chips back here in the States just don't compare to those in the UK. Hope you have as good a time there as we did!

[@uaeats]

Edinburgh was lovely! Could totally see myself living there. And yes even mediocre fish and chips spots in the UK are way better than 99% of fish and chips back home

[@robbielohman9767]

I always feel better after watching your videos. And with Tina twice as much!

[@8ballcush]

Great video UA, i'm from Newcastle in north east England, so happy your enjoying your tour so far 😀

[@HerrBrutal-bl2fk]

So thrilled to see you in Europe. Most welcome, UA! Rest assured you will do well here. Greetings from Scandinavia!

[@TheErmerm999]

so much respect reviewing a propper chippy, you did well.

[@bigcue3168]

That pizza almost made me put on my "Boycott Sal's" T shirt!!🤣🤣

[@BlackJesus8463]

lol forealz 99% dough

[@bb57365]

Enjoyed seeing Edinburgh. Enjoy your trip. Looking forward to seeing your content.

[@Jason-pt6mp]

Hi UA! Great video as always - I really love watching your reviews. I actually live in London if you would like some recommendations or someone to go to some of the restaurants with!

[@jamesking1952]

Hi UA. Another great video. Welcome to the UK. Fish fried in beer is the main reason the fish fry’s so well & gives it such a great flavour. Enjoy your travels!

[@steveacosta-wq1bi]

Nice!! I can't wait for your upcoming review of Haggis!!

[@uaeats]

I wasn't able to review it but I did try it. It was life changing!

[@philauguste7310]

😂 ​@@uaeats

[@humdumdiggdy]

​@@uaeatsmeaning...?

[@rickycherry9052]

Will go here one day! Thanks UA! You rock.

[@user-vi2uf7vc3j]

That pizza looked terminal

[@ryanmarkley1979]

There's the piano music, love it! Sorry I missed the premiere, but always enjoy the content! Thanks UA 😃

[@ramencurry6672]

I like it too

[@4cornershike51]

Calling that pizza mid is a bit generous lol

[@JSFMD]

deep fried

[@graememackay1718]

Used to get them as a £1 special at school

[@briancolyer8483]

As crazy as it sounds deep fried pizza is great, they are just mass produced generic frozen pizzas but the frying process makes it braw

[@colin4685]

We call it a pizza crunch. We batter and deep fry them. Amazing

[@crabapples1995]

It’s a halved frozen pizza waiting to be battered and fried

[@WaterJake]

Looking forward to more of your trip! Hope you made it to St John's in London 🤞

[@duncanmcarthur7256]

Great to see you in my home country....Have fun...

[@brucereynolds2934]

I want to try the fish and chips. Great review!

[@uaeats]

Thank you!

[@surfboard396]

Hey UA. Glad you found n liked a great place. Looks awesome. You can find plenty of similar buildings like this in Bay Ridge. Safe trip. 👋🏽

[@fishwarrant6355]

Whitby for fish and chips 😊. Love your channel hope you enjoy my beautiful country love from England 🎉😊

[@thepatriotsrage661]

Fantastic!! Having been to Edinburgh in 2018 for a trip, the fish and chips is excellent pretty much wherever you go. I had Haddock and chips at The Pear Tree in Edinburgh, the day after a wedding and it was magical!! Thanks for reminding me of really awesome memories. Edinburgh is so beautiful! The fish and chips looked amazing, glad you enjoyed them!

[@pumpkinpastie]

Good on you for finding a local place ❤

[@daclark0802]

I love your show... everyday!

[@lorifreeman1746]

Ok this looks great and your friend Tina seemed to enjoy it also great video have a great time ❤

[@uaeats]

She did and she usually doesn't like fish and chips

[@patshozo9158]

Great video! Reminds me of my youth travelling the UK. Thanks for not videoing inside where the 50Hz lights don't match the shutter speed of your camera.

[@TheSpartan9670]

Interesting fact for you perhaps: curry sauce is renown more on the west coast with chip shop products. In Edinburgh and fife a sauce ubiquitously named 'chippy sauce' is popular, it's made of vinegar and hp brown sauce and each store has it's own mix.

[@roblynn5871]

Great your in the uk! We have these fish and chip shops all over the county in every town and village please try all the other foods...roast dinner etc think youll be pleasantly surprised. We have great food here from all over the world 🌎. We are very lucky.

[@lozzywalker]

A few London recommendations: 40 Maltby Street, Govindas, Wong Kei, Bar Bruno, Paul Rothe and Son, AmruthaLounge If you have time get a 40 min train from Paddington to Oxford, architecture like you've never seen and a great indoor market called Covered /Market

[@redflamelcd]

I hope your channel continues to grow so we can see you travel the world like mark weins

[@williammillar5466]

I’m originally from Scotland,and there is no better place for fish & chips.Love all your videos.

[@nigel8499]

Great to see you in the UK UA

[@DW-xt7vz]

Love the music - never change the choices you’ve made - your real audience loves the quirks.

[@ramencurry6672]

I like it too

[@vcghana]

Try half way down to London at Whitby. Nice seaside town. Dracula and fish and chips. Haddock not Cod

[@riptos0074]

The further north you go the better it is. Best I ever had was from a local chippy in Peterhead, a small town near Aberdeen. I live south of Glasgow and let me tell you, the difference even then, is night and day!

[@ThatBoyMossed]

Much love from the Bay Area

[@kennethwu115]

I was in Edinburgh last summer for my cousins wedding. We had the deep friend Mars Bar and pizza…exquisite ❤❤❤

[@wufar1973]

This would be a great review of the UK. I plan to do a bucket list trip there. I want to avoid the tourist traps when it comes to dining.

[@mikem4432]

The Judge and Scott RULE!

[@Mat-eq8mk]

My pet hate is fish and chip places that don't put the vinegar on. The dish doesn't work without the vinegar. That's what cuts through all the stodge and fat. You're 100% right.

[@user-ub5tk4hv6r]

Another great video. I especially your reviews of steaks, Philly cheese steaks, and fish and chips because the way you discuss them reveals a deep knowledge based on love and familiarity. I've heard the best fish and chips were from Yorkshire, even though other histories say it was popularized as a cheap food in Victorian London. Of course the quality of the fish is important, but the skill of the frying, and the textures and mouth feel they produce ultimately make the difference. Here in the US we regularly see fish and chips served with tartar sauce but that is thinking of it as if it were just fried whiting or catfish or lake perch here. When I see that I think, come on--I asked for fish and chips!! It's got to be with vinegar, and the fish and the chips (not fries) have to be fried with that in mind. There could easily be a disaster where the crust just melts or completely separates from the fish even before vinegar is applied. Just as bad, a hard, aggressively crunchy crust, potatoes fried to the point the inside shrivels and sticks to a once crunchy but now rubbery exterior, leaving a gummy and porous mess. Personally I love mushy peas, they used to serve them at an Irish pub on the upper west side near me but that was purchased by a Mexican place, which actually serves decent food and even continued to serve the fish and chips for a few months after they took over. For fish and chips, much better you go to a specialty shop, because although the recipe is simple, it's something nobody however talented or educated can really do well without experience.

[@ashleyelson718]

Please try Bleeker burger when your in London. Would love to see how our burgers hold up to the ones you have in the states. Hope you enjoy your trip UA!

[@robertw477]

Ill try you the next time I am in there. Should be in a few months. I see you have a location at Spitalfields. I am always there.

[@steveboone7390]

Local chippies are always gonna be better in the UK for this and looks like you lucked out! That fish looked sound. I live in the South East of England and on the coastal areas like Whitstable and Dover you will still get just as good fish and chips, and also Whitstable is world-renowned for its oysters! Have a great holiday!

[@markroberts8596]

I’m a big fan of you UA, I’m really chuffed you’re here in my country. Are you gonna be in Sheffield on your way to London?

[@markroberts8596]

P.S fish and chips on the east coast, preferably Whitby, are off the chart good. So so fresh, it’ll have been in the sea only hours before it’s enjoyed

[@baseman2002]

Your absolutely right. Fish and chips are different all over the UK and gets better the further north you go from London. In the Midlands we have battered fish and chips which are to die for.

[@cat09tails22]

Love your videos but this background music sounds like those pizzas probably taste lol

[@MrStan0630]

Haddock is fairly popular in New England, but I rarely see it in other parts of the country.

[@uaeats]

It's common in Scotland. In England it's more so cod I believe

[@ramencurry6672]

Haddock sounds good

[@jamesselden5407]

I agree with UA's comment about how cod has a more neutral flavor, however, haddock is considered to be a more premium quality fish than cod and it also commands a higher market price per pound. I personally prefer haddock in fish & chips due to its more firm meat texture and bolder flavor. The meat texture of cod is more crumbly and has no flavor, imo. That's why cod is usually consumed as fish & chips because it needs the deep fried breading to hold the meat together as well as tarter or malt vinegar sauce to give the meal more flavor. If you eat fish & chips with haddock meat, it makes it all the better.

[@Smokey2Mc]

If there's a preference Haddock over Cod everyday. All the best Fish and Chip shops use Haddock in Scotland. Look up videos on Anstruther Fish bar and The Wee Chippy best in the UK.

[@big_drinker1282]

ua you gonna eat a spice bag while youre there? always wanted to try that

[@martinjones7441]

Has Edinburgh changed? I always had salt and sauce with my f&c and loved it

[@gnomevoyeur]

I'm from Australia and we have fish and chips descended from the UK style but it's all a bit different because of local ingredients. When I visited the UK, I really liked some of the sidelight foods that we don't really do here. Scampi is wonderful. It's texturally like prawn or shrimp but tastes more like the much more expensive scallop. A battered sausage is simple but delightful. It's the normal pork sausage fried in batter. We do battered saveloys but I don't think they are as good. I even went to Major's in Wolverhampton to try the "red chips". They are normal chips that are dipped in the fish batter and deep fried. They are every bit as good as they sound.

[@mynameisGail]

Aye , believe me , all fries are called chips in the UK , regardless of whether they're thick or thin. I love chips ( they're my favourite food ) . I live near Edinburgh. Its a beautiful city :)

[@yungberb]

another banger ua 💛

[@danielgarzamusic210]

“Nothin to it but to consume it!

[@iheggis86]

Those pizzas in the display are for “pizza crunch” battered pizza, got to try

[@josephzakrzewski9520]

You have to be the most polite Iggles fan ever.

[@TrainsFerriesFeet]

You'll have to review Haggis whilst in Edinburgh. I had a speck when I was there in 1985.

[@elroyvanderley6460]

Hi UA! When you visit London you should visit the Guinnea Grill, its an amazing London steakhouse!

[@Tom_Cruz]

In general, the fish and chip/pizza place combo are the best place for fish n chips.

[@yaowsers77]

If you go up the stairs between the buildings where you were panning and the lady walked up in the beginning, you'll find Scott's kitchen. Really good breakfast spot! And go up a little more and it's the royal mile. I was in that area in march! I wanted to try Bertie's but I was too full from breakfast! I loved the food at fiddler's arms so much (around the corner in grassmarket) that I had dinner there twice and I was only three for two nights. Mary's milk bar is across the street from it and they have amazing gelato!

[@kelvin3103]

Chip shop chips aren't boiled first. They are soaked in water, then blanched in oil at a low temp and then a high temp for a slight crisp.

[@uaeats]

Ah good to know!

[@M-yz3mm]

👨‍🍳

[@tangcancook597]

When was this filmed?

[@RobbieSwan]

The pizza in salvatores also looks like that because its meant to be deep fried. LOoks about the same in most traditional fish and chips places.

[@nicholaswright7802]

He’s pulling your leg, this was called Fernarndos, i went to school here and we used to get our lunch for £1. 1995-2001 at James Gillespie’s, he definitely didn’t own it then. Glad you liked it though

[@chrislykk]

St. John in London is a fantastic restaurant. You need to get there early without a reservation.

[@garrick43]

Those pizza slices are there for people who want deep fried pizza. The cheese side is submerged in batter and then friend. Sounds disgusting but trust me - you HAVE to try it.

[@willgillies5670]

The biggest difference between American and British fish and chips is the batter, says Chantelle Wright co-owner of wrights fish and chips_ "A typical U.S. pub will serve beer-battered fish," Wright says, “but British batter is so much lighter and crispier. It literally poaches the cod inside of it when you put it into the fryers.” Also tell Tina Chip shops in UK don't use actual vinegar. While it might taste like vinegar, chip shops actually serve something called non-brewed condiment, which is a mixture of water, ethanoic acid and various food colourings and flavourings chosen to make the mixture look and taste like real vinegar

[@stewartlawrence3042]

The pizza you described as mid is deep fried - I think those are frozen then deep fried - fun fact, when Scotland played Italy at football (soccer) the Scotland fans were singing "we're going to deep fry your pizzas" 🤣 - Anyway, the deep fried pizza is awesome with some chippy sauce although is like a gazillion calories. I'm sure you can get it battered too, "Pizza Crunch" if you're really chasing that early 30s heart attack! 😅

[@brandoncarpenter9681]

Great review, malt and vinegar, it’s crazy how Tina liked it lol, it seems like she hates everything about fish and chips normally

[@jonbyrnes4349]

As an Englishman who lived in Canada for 10 years I can testify that Uk fish n chips just cannot be replicated there or in the States . It’s prob a combination of the oils used , the 10-20 + year old fryers and the potatoes used

[@engkev]

I'm listening. Jordan is GOAT

[@YASTravelsEatsWell]

UA: nice off-the-beaten-track stop! Yea, for£7.50 it's a great value😅

[@futureskeletons66669]

Chip shop Curry sauce (unless instant) is the same as a Chinese take-away Curry sauce which is actually Japanese roux-based Curry sauce made with Madras powder. The problem is sometimes they don't understand they have to cook out the Curry powder, so you get this raw Madras Curry powder taste. That aside, quite a lot of the 'Chip shops' in Scotland and Ireland are Italian owned. Often they'd open ice cream parlors with fish and chips, but their business quickly became focused on hot food.

[@kingrodney5143]

Not true what so ever 😂😂😂

[@ayeready6050]

The pizza shown in the glass is just frozen pizzas which are deep fried. Its a cheap option for when you're drunk. That chippy also does fresh pizzas, there's a pizza oven in the wall to the left of the counter bro. I used to go there for lunch when I was at school.

[@uaeats]

Yeah I saw the pizza oven. Good to know they use it for fresh pies. How's the pizza there?

[@ayeready6050]

​@@uaeats It was pretty good but that was about 10 years ago. I haven't been recently. Back then it was £2 for a half pizza and chips at lunchtime. Things have gotten a lot more expensive, especially since COVID so I wouldn't be surprised if quality has suffered because of that. I noticed that in the portion you got as well, back then you would've got a lot more chips and a fish supper would've cost you about £5. I wouldn't be surprised if it cost you about 7 or 8 quid

[@ayeready6050]

​@@uaeats There's a really good chippy in Newhaven (Northern Edinburgh) called the Fishmarket. Its quite far from where you were in the video but its by far the best in Edinburgh. Its right on the dock and its right next to the fishmongers where they get their fish from. Its a bit on the pricey side (about £10) but the portion is huge and the fish is really fresh. They also do fancy stuff like lobster, crab and mussels.

[@Oliver_Brierley]

Fish and chips in New Zealand will blow your mind.

[@Pablo113]

~Love the UA!!!!!!!

[@Demondoink1]

Haha that’s crazy, I lived literally a few minutes away from Salvatores. It’s strange seeing you recording the streets and shops I used to pass by every day. I didn’t ever go there though cos I’m Vegan and doubt I could get anything, but there was a chippy just around the corner that also done Vegan food which I’d frequent. You could get ‘fish’ ‘sausage’ ‘crab cakes’ etc and the mushy peas were very good too. It was a little pricey though, and the prices would seemingly keep rising every few months. It is called #fish for anyone interested. Also you pronounce Edinburgh like Edinb- burra. At least you didn’t call it Edin-burg though like a lot of tourists do 😅

[@coremeasures]

You have to go to Whitby for fish and chips.

[@acharis]

Great video UA. I hope you and Tina are having a great time in Beijing

[@coremeasures]

Stop on the train at York and I will take you both to Whitby.

[@andya9050]

That music is so annoying but I still love you lol :)

[@joenovak6393]

I thought he dump the clown music. An instant 👎.

[@andya9050]

@@joenovak6393 its not dumped … lol … drives me crazy …

[@johnmamo653]

Just got robbed outside of restaurant😢😮

[@Geegeebaba]

13:15 the moment you have no idea whether he likes it or not 😂

[@tonystrades8007]

Hey 👋 UA great video I do have to go let you and Tina know the vinegar used for chip and fish is molt vinegar not regular vinegar here in America to many places used apples sider vinegar so make sure is mult and fun facts if you go to a five guy's they always have mult vinegar for their fries 🍟 😋

[@mistergrendel32]

Malt vinegar

[@tonystrades8007]

Yes I saw it after thanks

[@user-qy9tf2im7f]

That price includes a 20% VAT tax. Actual price 6.3 pounds!

[@uaeats]

Good point!

[@johnchan5090]

I'm pretty sure that chippy used to be called Fernandos when I was younger. You could have tried another popular place called #fish which is only a stones throw away.

[@tomadrianaariannachristian7465]

Great video. Thanks for bring us with you. GOD bless you in JESUS name.

[@stephenbutler463]

as an Englishman, you done a great review UA, well done

[@uaeats]

Thank you!

[@vivianfoster702]

If you love fish and chips, go to Ireland. Best I’ve bee had was in cork. They catch the fish same day and fry it. Super fresh.

[@emazonreviews6269]

Wait!! Is that Mrs UA at 4:06!!!!!!!!!!!!!