Review: Guido’s Proper Fish & Chips, a chippy in Leith

Guido’s Proper Fish & Chips sits on Great Junction Street in Leith, offering a traditional takeaway counter alongside a sit-in dining room. The venue bridges the gap between a classic neighbourhood chippy and a seated diner, operating Wednesday to Sunday from 16:00 until midnight.

The dining room operates on a structured wait-to-be-seated policy, keeping counter foot traffic clearly separated from the tables at the back. It carries the lively, unvarnished ambience of Leith, where local families, neighbourhood regulars, and kids on push scooters roll past while orders are placed at the fryers. Service remains calm and patient, with front-of-house staff managing the evening turnover without missing a beat.

The Chippy Suppers and Burgers

Fresh haddock forms the menu’s core, arriving in crisp batter alongside generous portions of proper thick-cut house chips. Diners wanting a sit-in supper get angel cut or standard haddock on ceramic plates with homemade tartare sauce, lemon, and a side salad, avoiding the greasiness that often plagues casual fryers. The jumbo sausage supper holds up with crisp, golden batter, proving a more satisfying traditional choice than the denser smoked sausage.

Beyond standard suppers, the kitchen turns out chicken pakora alongside a dedicated burger menu. The Blue Cheese Please burger serves melted blue Stilton on a beef patty, while the Hot and Chilli burger brings serious heat with sliced jalapeños and sriracha. Those dining with younger family members will find straightforward chicken breast nuggets, while the wider board covers stone-baked Italian pizzas, pasta dishes, and breaded scampi.

Things to do in Leith

Great Junction Street places visitors right between the bustle of Leith Walk and the scenic waterfront at the Shore. A short walk leads down to the Water of Leith walkway, ideal for an evening stroll past converted warehouses and independent galleries. For shopping, Leith Walk and the nearby Ocean Terminal complex provide local independent record stores, bakeries, and retail outlets.

Transport connections are straightforward, with Lothian Buses routes running along Great Junction Street and the Edinburgh Trams stopping at The Angel, connecting directly to Edinburgh Waverley. If you are travelling from further afield via Trainline or looking to explore the Lothians by car, check Booking.com for local Leith guest houses and boutique apartments. Those planning a relaxed night in can also find takeaway options across the district through Just Eat and Deliveroo.

Overall

Guido’s delivers an unpretentious, dependable fish supper with the comfort of proper table service on Great Junction Street. It captures the authentic hum of Leith without charging boutique waterfront prices.