The Dory Bistro

Is there anything more nourishing to the soul than fresh fish and seafood cookery? With its prime materials gathered from the day-boats less than 40 metres away from the front door, the Dory Bistro ensures that Pittenweem is amply supplied with evidence of its allure. Ruth Robinson's kitchen teems with local lobsters, crabs and langoustines, as well as locally landed fish – not to mention game from estates in Fife – and there is an art gallery to peruse too while you work up an appetite.

The striking enthusiasm of readers' reports is powerful testimony to the success of the formula. A couple who stuck to the blackboard specials were treated to sweet-cured halibut with radish, salad leaves and garlic bread, before joining forces to tackle a whopping Dover sole in caper butter, served with fennel and romanesco. The menu makes all kinds of classic moves too, from an opening gambit of Cullen skink, garnished with a crisp ball of smoked haddock and salmon keta, to richly sustaining pasta such as tagliatelle replete with clams, mussels and lardons in white wine, garlic and cream.

Visitors also applaud the restaurant's friendly atmosphere, and it's worth saving space for desserts that might be as simple as a gingery spin on rhubarb and custard, or as creatively stunning as layered ice cream of miso and vanilla with miso pearls and a caramel tuile. On-trend varietal whites from Pecorino, Picpoul, Verdejo and Grüner Veltliner furnish plenty of fish-friendly choice.