Fabulous views, splendid beaches and plenty of delicious food spots.
With sweeping views across the Firth of Forth, this varied part of Fife brings together some of the Kingdom’s largest towns alongside much-loved coastal locations such as Burntisland, Kinghorn, Leven and Lower Largo. It’s an area where seaside walks, heritage attractions and good food sit comfortably side by side.
Food lovers visiting this area may come across farmers’ and artisan markets in Kirkcaldy, which run at points throughout the year and offer an opportunity to meet local producers and sample a changing mix of food and drink. These sit alongside a network of farm shops, delis and independent food businesses across the area, making it easy to discover local meat, baking, preserves and seasonal produce as part of a wider food trail, rather than a fixed itinerary.
Kirkcaldy is also home to a growing cultural scene, including the beautifully restored Adam Smith Theatre, which reopened following a major refurbishment in 2023 and celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2025. The theatre also has a welcoming café on site, making it an easy stop for coffee or lunch before or after a show. Nearby, visitors can explore the renowned collections at Kirkcaldy Galleries before heading out to discover more of the town’s cafés and eateries.
A short drive inland brings you to Glenrothes, where modern food and drink businesses sit alongside green spaces and walking routes. The town is home to Modern Standard Coffee, whose roastery produces carefully sourced and roasted coffee enjoyed in cafés across Fife and beyond. Glenrothes is also where Nakey Bakey is based, producing award-winning allergen free granola that can be found in local farm shops and delis throughout the area.
Back on the coast, Burntisland offers a relaxed seaside atmosphere with sandy beaches and coastal paths, complemented by a strong independent food scene. Cafe Verde and The Olive Tree Cafe are popular stops for coffee and lunch, while 114 Winebar & Kitchen serves coffee and lunch during the day and offers a relaxed place to linger into the evening with dinner and a glass of wine. Just along the coast in nearby Aberdour, P & P Deli is well worth a short detour for deli produce and picnic supplies, making it easy to build food stops into a coastal walk or day by the sea.
Further along the trail, Lundin Links enjoys open views across its famous golf links to the Firth of Forth, with The Old Manor Hotel offering a striking coastal setting. Nearby Leven and the surrounding countryside are also well served by farm shops, including Wellsgreen Farm Shop, a popular stop for local produce, deli items and seasonal treats.
The area is rich in history as well as food. Visitors can build up an appetite exploring the atmospheric Wemyss Caves, the ruins of Ravenscraig Castle, or by wandering through the picturesque coastal village of Lower Largo — the birthplace of sailor Alexander Selkirk, whose adventures inspired Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe.
Dining options range from relaxed cafés to more formal settings, including the Orangery at Balbirnie House and the ever-popular Blacketyside Farm Shop, known for its seasonal vegetables, soft fruit, café and family-friendly facilities. Together, they help make this part of Fife a rewarding destination for anyone keen to explore food, culture and coastline in one journey.
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