Catch 79 Seafood Bistro — Restaurant in Scotland

Where do I begin, I was actually blown away with my experience. It’s hard in the 20km of Elgin/Lossiemouth to find a really good restaurant.

First of all, we were due to arrive 830, and were told kitchen was going to be closed at 845ish. As we work in medical field we ran late and arrived at 910. I totally knew it would be unreasonable for kitchen to be open at this time so we would probably just have a liquid dinner with wine. On arrival, the chef had told us that they kept it open for us as we said we were coming - this is incredible and rare customer service, that you certainly would never get in Glasgow.

The food was outstanding, freshly made bread, beef koftas were delicious and the scallops were so well cooked, and blend well with the strawberry additions. We also opted for a palate cleanser which was a cool addition. For mains, enjoyed surf and turf, delicious fresh lobster with huge grass fed beef. Also opted for the organic salmon, also amazing.

There aren’t many motivations to go back to Elgin/Lossiemouth for cuisine; however I would definitely make the 4 hour drive again to visit.

Hats off to the amazing chef from Switzerland, the most impressive restaurant I have been to in a long time.

EDIT: went 2 more times since then. Had awful experience from pierced waitress, passive aggressive, eye rolling, sarcastic and Karen diner like experience. First visit was heavenly, the other two with her were insufferable. Had to leave before we ordered on the second time. Have probably been to 800 restaurants in the last 3-4 years, love the food here but worst customer...

Party of 5 - 3 adults 2 kids. Waited 15 minutes for drinks. (£4.50 a bottle for Weiser, nothing on tap). After placing the order we waited 30 minutes for the food. One of our party who has been there previously, raved about a complimentary taster of soup served in a shot glass - when he politely enquired where this was after noticing other tables who had arrived later receiving it we were abruptly told "it's served before the food". I ordered the steak (medium) with langoustine tails (£32). Was provided with additional seafood forks and seafood crackers with a hygiene wipe. Steak arrived tepid with what looked like a few pre shelled prawns on top for garnish. Politely asked if the langoustine tails were arriving soon and was told rather abruptly they were on the steak. Slightly miffed as to why I was provided with extra forks and seafood crackers. After finishing the main course (20-25 minutes later) we asked for the dessert menu (for the kids and my wife) which was supplied but with advice that the table is only reserved for 90 minutes. Felt very rushed as though they wanted us out.

Although close to Lossie harbour it's sandwiched in the middle of a housing estate opposite a row of flats. Not exactly an appealing view. Can't imagine the rates being that expensive and I don't understand why the food is priced like the centre of Edinburgh.

Why is this Catch 79 so highly regarded? My guess is the lack of decent places to eat out in Moray. Anywhere that is mediocre is lauded - Catch 79 is a...

Outstanding food, presentation and service! We booked in advance and notified the restaurant of my lactose and soya intolerance. When we arrived, we were seated immediately and I reminded the waitress of my allergies. She was already aware and brought me a list from the chef of everything I could have. We ordered our drinks and then food and then the waitress brought out amuse-bouche. The chef had made a separate one for me! They were delicious 😋 For starters I had scallops, my mum had soup and my partner had kofta. Again, all were outstanding. For mains, my mum chose the seafood platter, whilst my partner and I had monk fish. It came with dauphinoise potatoes but the chef made separate potatoes for me, but I also had the option of pasta. We couldn't fault anything and all agreed that we rated the food in our top 5. For desert (which we wouldn't usually have), I had the spiced apple sorbet, my mum had panacotta and my partner had the chocolate torte. Every mouthful was divine, right down to the lemon verbena micro herbs on top. We had a bottle of wine, 2 lagers, a whisky and 2 double brandys and the bill was less than £190, which is really reasonable given the quality of the food. After the meal, the chef came over to speak to us, which was a lovely personal touch and gave us the opportunity to thank him for going the extra mile to accommodate my dietary requirements. If it wasn't for the fact we live 9hrs away, we would be...