Rockpool Cafe in Moray

Called in to sample the Cullen Skink after seeing it featured on a YouTube video (Steve Marsh). I have to say we were not disappointed, it was delicious! The cafe was busy, but we were fortunate to be seated without a wait. Booking is recommended at busy times. The whole menu looked fabulous, I could have spent a week or more having lunch in there each day. Sadly, it was just a flying visit. We will certainly visit again when we are in the area.

What a lovely surprise !!! It was amazing food, staff and atmosphere!!! Definitely be back .

Reserve a table or you will have to wait!!! Food was good. Price normal. Friendly people working there. Small business.

Good choice of food, well cooked and served and reasonably priced generous portions. Small but with warm welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommend but probably best to book ahead in tourist season.

Rockpool in Cullen is consistently good. We have visited here pretty much since it’s opening and have enjoyed every single meal we’ve eaten here. It does get busy so booking is advised - and for those people who walk in hoping to get a table even when they see empty ones please understand that means that there are people due to arrive there. We always book ahead for lunch because we want to be assured of a table and we have never been disappointed with the quality of food. Tacos are amazing as is the Cullen Skink, fish and chips and the burgers. Servers are always polite & friendly despite being very busy.

Great little popular Cafe. Not Dog Friendly but do amazing take aways. We sat at a bench near buy to have out Cullen Skink. Came with nice piece of bread and lots of fish and potatoes. Very very nice.

Doesn't allow dogs despite all hardwood flooring. Wasn't busy, missed out on our custom.

Amazing! The food here is just bang on, wowsers, cafe done right in every way - can't praise this place enough, just delicious!!

What a lovely little cafe situated in the coastal town of Cullen, Buckie. The staff were lovely and the food was delicious. An affordable option for travellers.

Amazing place. Great coffee and great staff who gave us perfect service. Well worth stopping by.

Had lunch with family. I had the Cullen Skink which was delicious. Everyone enjoyed their meal. Will return.

I'd disagree with the recent reviews - we found the staff responsive to phone calls to place booking, and as a small place there is naturally a lag as some tables are cleared before the next booking comes in so not unusual to see less than 100% occupancy during such times). I also heard the staff politely turning down walk in customers without any hint of being dismissive or rude. And why was it overrun...because the food is truly wonderful and is rightly renowned for the trademark Cullen Skink... but there is more beyond - I'd recommend their Croque Monsieur too. But if you are thinking of going I'd urge you to book ahead!

Visited this lovely cafe today unfortunately too late for a meal (our fault) but we had lovely coffee instead. The homebakes looked amazing. We were served by Shauna, Linda and Iona who were front of house and Emma and Rosie were in the kitchen. The girls were all very nice, friendly, helpful and polite. Cafe was lovely and clean too. Would highly recommend 😊

My family and I were on holiday in Cullen recently and wished to try the famous Cullen Skink. When we asked for a table the waitress said there was only a 2 seater table available however the cafe was half empty so I don’t understand why we couldn’t have used a table until their reservations we coming in. As we were all starving one of us took the only table and the rest of us ordered take away. Whilst we waited for the take away the staff kept making faces at each other as if we were in the way as they moved around the cafe. We then waited nearly 25 minutes for Cullen Skink which we could see only needed taken out of a pot with a ladle. Our family member who ate at the table was finished and left whilst we were still waiting. At no point did the staff talk to us or apologise for the wait. We then had to say if it wasn’t ready within a few more mins we had to leave as were travelling else where. They finally brought out the food, didn’t apologise and hardly spoke to us. I found the attitude of the staff very rude and shocking as everywhere else in Cullen we had been the locals were super friendly and seemed happy to welcome us. It seemed they only cared about the people eating in. Disappointed is an under statement.

Delicious cold salmon sandwiches, good espresso and a huge bottle of plain water at no charge! Plus friendly service!

Tried to pre book no reply on phone tired instagram no reply called in 2 tables with people on every other had reserved on spoke to a girl on the till who just kept saying no to any tables at anytime we tried our best rockpool cafe left feeling underwhelmed and a little angry we are now in 2024 and you should be able to communicate with a business not in this case only place we had a problem with on our week trip in the area that tells me something

Cafe half empty at half past 1. Asked for table for 1... Cue tutting, huffing and 'I can't possibly fit you in... There should be space in about half an hour'.... OK then, forget it, I'll take my money elsewhere. Sorry you're too busy with half a cafe of customers.

We didnt actually go in to the cafe, just walked passed it. It looked great and the menu looked fantastic also.

Stopped here for breakfast yesterday and glad I came early as it was very busy. I recommend you Reserve a table I was lucky to get a seat. Probably one of if not the best breakfast I've had in this area although there was no beans or mushrooms with the breakfast. Good facilities toilets, WiFi, parking and access etc. Ideally located in the center of the village. Staff were amazing, very attentive and the lady who served me never seemed to stop serving from the second I came in the door. I had a full Scottish breakfast with a pot of tea a glass of iron brew and a fruit scone. £19 in total perhaps a little on the high end but very enjoyable. It's also worth mentioning that if you arrive at around 15:30 the kitchen is closed and you will no longer be able to get anything from the kitchen

Yet again another fabulous meal at the Rockpool. It’s by far the best eatery around and never fails to impress. The Cullen Skink was delicious, even for me and I’m not a big fish fan but it was so creamy and tasty. Cannot wait to return.

On our holiday from Bury St Edmunds, and stayed at Portkockie. We wanted to try the Cullen Skink, and the Rockpool cafe was highly recommended by a local so we decided to try it here. Wow! It was the best soup ever! A generous size also, which was quite filling. I would recommended pre-booking as it does get very busy though, but it's well worth it. Friendly staff, and the cafe was nice and clean with good seating. 5 stars 🌟

Wir waren hier und sind noch immer verzückt von dem schönen Café direkt am Dorfplatz gelegen. Leider immer sehr voll. Wir nahmen uns einen Iced Latte mit und setzten uns gegenüber in den Millenium Garten mit schönem Ausblick über den Dorfplatz. Sehr freundliche Bedienung. Kommen gerne wieder!

Busy little cafe offering excellent food. We went twice while holiday. The first time was so my youngest could try Cullen Skink in Cullen. The soup did not disappoint being lovely and creamy with nice chunks of fish and slightly smokey flavour; the brown bread it came with was lovely too. The Rockpool burger was great as was the pulled pork bipimap. One of our number went for the salmon and creme cheese sandwich which was well-filled and delicious. I really recommend you order a side of fries as they are as near to perfect as you can get. Service was cheery and friendly even though the staff were obviously very busy. We'll definitely be back.

The Cullen Skink was delicious on its home territory, as were the fish and chips that our daughters had. The home made cakes were very good as well.

Delicious fish and chips,,Cullen skink and cakes! Very friendly staff and a wonderful selection food. Would definitely come again :)

Excellent food, service and setting. Highly recommend making a reservation. Ordered the Cullen skink and fish and chips. The Cullen skink was delicious and full of fish! The slice of fish was the best I have ever had, moist inside and crisp outside. Portions are generous.

My wife an I went for lunch had the seafood plater which was superb and the service was excellent

Firstly, this “cafe” is in Cullen, not Buckie. It’s a wee restaurant but very popular in the summer months. Essential to book. Countless potential patrons were turned away. Next available table was at 1430h. We arrived 10 minutes early but were politely asked to leave. Worked out wonderfully. Was able to buy the birthday girl “Sheldon the Shrimp” from the shop opposite. But our table was available at the appointed time of 1230h! Up some steps but this location offers a bit more privacy and you can observe the goings-on. Table 7 drew my attention. Coffee-like marks in various places on the surface; these would have offended Hercule Poirot, the famous Belgian sleuth. Were they permanent? “Mais non!” I removed a “soupçon” so staff need to exert more ‘elbow grease’ to realise a pristine pine surface again. But wonderful food, save for the birthday girl who chose Cullen Skink and a tuna sandwich. Nothing wrong with it, but too much of the same taste, she said, about the soup and too much carbohydrate in the sandwich - not enough protein. I agree about the sandwich but I advised her to take the fish’n’chps. She should listen to Granda. My Thai prawn salad was heavenly; the peanuts delivered separately. Forgetfulness or terrified of an allergic response? And Mum had the fish’n’chips, Deliciously crispy batter! Daughter looking on enviously! Prints for sale around the eatery. Gents toilet has a low ceiling so very tall males beware; I still ascribe to the science of human biology. And scrumptious cakes available too. Excellent dining experience for Mum and Granda. Daughter managed triple Biscoff ice cream at Portsoy later!

Perfect espresso, delicious lunch of smoked salmon with salmon pate, beetroot and capers on sourdough toast. Came back an hour later for the chocolate amaretti slice which didn't disappoint.

Thai prawns were fantastic and espresso great too. A little bit too loud with all the tiles and glass echoing though.

We had lunch for 4 people. Two had the Cullen skink, a large portion with plenty of haddock. One had a BLT roll which was very large and one had a salad which was very well prepared. Overall we were very pleased with our meal and the service.

Visited for light lunch at weekend and returned for a larger lunch today. Very busy but food and service was faultless. We ordered prawn salad and the fish platter. Had coffee and lovely cake too.

We finally got to try the Cullen Skink at the Rockpool Cafe and wow was it good. I must also say that everyone working there was so nice and we really enjoyed eating there too. The bowl of Cullen Skink is quite filling but my wife and I shared a smoked salmon with cream cheese sandwich. We were not hungry when we left. I will definitely eat here again the next time I am in Cullen.

Lovely leaf tea, carrot cake moist and tasty, as was the coffee and walnut cake. Friendly service and reasonable prices.

Unfortunately they sold out the last portion of Cullen Skink which I wished to taste and took away( that’s okay if they would not have any left , but the girl said she must ask around who’s sitting in, if they order first, they can’t give me the last portions… fair enough if you don’t have any. But telling me you still have then you need to check with the customers in place, that’s everything but fair play… so as an experienced servant and kitchen person, I would strongly recommend in future if you want customer to return and support your local shop, try to be more professional and sensible when serving food, otherwise reviews like mine will arise and spread through this platform…

I give this cafe a four because they had sold out of Cullen skunk our reason for going there. Instead we had belted Galloway burgers. They were tasty although a little dry. Very popular little cafe with pleasant staff.

Went here for tea and cake. Staff are lovely and the Bakewell cake was 👌

We had the full Scottish breakfast and the ingredients were beautifully cooked. The portion size was spot on and we will be back and recommend it 🥰

Stopped for a bacon and egg roll and a coffee - both were just outstanding. 10/10. Well done the waitresses btw, who were busy as soon as the doors opened.

We go here everytime we visit Scotland. You can't find better skink than here! Definitely a must have if you are in the area! I do suggest making a booking ahead of time though as it can be difficult to get a table. -Hannah Montana, USA

Very helpful and friendly. Two tasty bowls of Cullen Skink and hunts of bread

Lovely lunch … lovely atmosphere Service was great Food was amazing ! Defo recommend and will be back again soon Nice to see !

Brilliant - great service (very friendly young girl) - fresh food/sandwiches, well made and presented and good value for money. Coffee was also very nice. Nice artwork on the walls.

Popped into the Rockpool café for breakfast while staying in Cullen. The cafe is bright and welcoming. The staff were friendly and attentive. I had the vegetarian breakfast which included vegan lorne sausage, which was absolutely delicious. My husband had the full Scottish which he also said was really nice. Big breakfast 2 x eggs, 2 x tattie scones, 1 x sausage, 1 x lorne sausage, mushrooms, fried tomato, beans and toast. They are very popular with many tables already reserved at 10am when they opened. There was a constant stream of locals who come in to get their morning coffee and takeaway breakfast - always a good sign I would say?

Very good. We had a later lunch and the food was lovely. The place was busy but they offered a call back for when a table came available. Plenty to wander around while we waited.

Fantastic fish tacos and Cullen Skink...obviously!! I highly recommend this spot. I would recommend making a reservation as it gets busy.

Always very busy, nice enough food but quite an expensive wee place

Stood for nearly 10 minutes being totally ignored. The atmosphere was chaotic and made us feel very unwelcome. Left and went to the Sea field Hotel and had an amazing meal.

Great lunch, we had not booked but no problem getting 4 of us in. 3 of us enjoyed Cullen Skink , for me the best we have had I would recommend . Friendly atmosphere and knowledgeable staff . Just the perfect place to go after a beech walk .

Had soup then tea and cake. Soup a bit salty for my taste but was ok. Tea and cake lovely. Felt it was a overpriced. Staff were friendly but initially not very welcoming

Consistently good food served by friendly staff. We’ve come here since it opened and have never had a bad meal. I struggle to order between the firecracker tacos, avocado salad and Cullen Skink. All delicious!!! I used to order the shrimp tacos and would really love to see them back on the menu - maybe we could be offered shrimp or chicken? Often take away a delicious home bake. We recommend this place to our holiday cottage guests and have had great feedback from everyone.

Vegetarian & vegan lunch options were slim, so went for a portion of chips (the best so far!) and the house salad. I would have preferred more choice. P.s. My omnivorous friend enjoyed a very tasteful bowl of Cullen Skink (the best so far!).

In the past, I have recommended Rockpool as the best cafe in the region for interesting and creative vegetarian and vegan food. What a disappointment I had yesterday when I went in with my husband, intending to get something nice to take away for a walk along the coast. The only vegan option was a soup (not exactly handy for taking for a walk), and one vegetarian option in addition, which was a cheese and pickle sandwich (boring, and I could make that in 30 seconds myself). We left without ordering anything, and hugely disappointed. We always used to get lunch here when visiting for walks but won't bother anymore - you can take the "vegan and vegetarian friendly" off of your description.

Lovely coffee and cake. Fitted us in although close to closing. We were really looking for a dog friendly cafe but managed to get parked in the square directly outside where we could easily see our car.

My husband and i popped in past the Rockpool for breakfast on a drizzly February day. We were met with a warm welcome and had a delicious cooked breakfast (the black pudding from a local supplier was particularly lovely). Will be back again for sure.

Food was good. Service from (I think) owner was a little terrifying. Shame because the younger two were very friendly and the food good. She might have been having a bad day but we won’t be going back to check.

Been here a good many times only complaint is getting a seat by the door, every time someone comes in or goes out the cold wind comes in the door . Food always excellent Cullen skink the best around staff always friendly and attentive . Plenty parking booking recommended

Stopped off here on a miserable day and was amazed to get a seat as it's usually busy. We had a seat near the door but asked to be moved upstairs as heat rises and it was cold by the door. Service was nice and friendly and our fish and chips arrived quite quickly. Lovely tartare sauce and mayo ( not from packets) didn't come with the meal but came when we asked for them. Fish was a good size and cooked well. Chips tasty too. Don't really see the point of serving it on paper as we got a pot of mushy peas which I wanted to eat off the plate and not paper. This was only a small personal observation. Otherwise the meal was very nice.

This is our go to place most weeks, either for coffee and cake or for a fabulous lunch. the quality of the food is truly amazing. the best in the area. lovely friendly staff that always go the extra mile. we love going there.

Lovely cafe, 100% recommend the staff were lovely as was the food

Great service, really friendly, lovely place to go. Food was lovely. Recommend booking.

Great food,great friendly service,best cullan skink ever.

Family of four staying locally in Buckie. Had visited Cullen yesterday - what a beautiful place. Looking for somewhere to eat lunch today in the torrential rain and our son remembered the Rockpool Cafe. What a discovery! Had Cullen Skink for the first time, served by the chef himself! Was fantastic, as was the service and ambience. Would highly recommend if you're staying in Cullen or passing through. What a gem of a place! Debs, Dave, Alfie and Charlie

Stopped here for a coffee with my husband and cousin, whom we were visiting. The cheese scones were apparently very nice and I was impressed there were gluten free cake options and one gluten and dairy free option, a Bakewell cake, which was delicious. I also purchased an unusual picture, which was made from cut pebbles and cut glass....not something one sees in Kent very often. I'll definitely return in the summer when we're up.

Good breakfast roll. Bacon roll with black pudding had three slices of both in it, too much! Coffee good.

Un buen lugar donde probar la famosa Cullen skink en el pueblo donde nació. Estaba buenísima. La cafetería es muy linda. El personal nos costó un poco entenderlos porque su inglés era un poco difícil de entender😅, pero al final pudimos entendernos. A parte de la sopa, el sándwich con salmón ahumado también estaba espectacular. Precio razonable.

On a du attendre une heure qu'il y ait de la place (pensez à réserver !) mais ça vallait vraiment le coup, tout était excellent ! La Cullen Skink Soup était bien garnie, les portions généreuses, la Banoffee Tart était excellente, et le service souriant et agréable. Que demander de plus ?

Small venue but very nice, good selection of cakes.

We had the best fish and chips. The fish was lovely and crisp and the chips were nice and chunky.

At long last managed to visit The Rockpool and not in the least disappointed. Delicious full breakfast plus vegetarian option and scrambled eggs with smoked salmon. Hope it won't be too long before another visit.

My hubby & I had seen good reviews for Rockpool & decided to call in for a late lunch. It was very busy (2.40pm on a Friday) but we were lucky to get a table that had just been vacated. Friendly staff that work super hard & provide a smiling service! Our food arrived quickly despite how busy they were & it didn't disappoint. I had Cullen Skink which was delicious & hubby had the burger which he said was extremely tasty. The coffee was good too! We were tempted to have something sweet after, as their selection of sweet treats looked fabulous, but we were just too full! I'd definitely recommend Rockpool!!!!!

Best place to get lunch in the Cullen area hands down. Amazing food and great service, booking is strongly recommended as they get very busy. Some great local crafts for sale too. It's a must visit every time we come back to the area.

This is the second time I’ve visited the rock pool cafe and the food is always delicious. Friendly atmosphere and quick service.. the butternut squash, coconut chili soup was delicious with their prawn Marie rose sandwich and their fruit scones are delicious! Highly recommend this place. You need to book a table in advance as their so busy so phone ahead a day before!..

Great little place, food was really nice and will be back again.

Buzzing venue on the edge of the square. Managed to squeeze us in for a coffee and cake between bookings.

I have coeliac disease and often have to miss out on local food when travelling. I was so delighted to happen across the Rockpool Café. The staff were absolutely brilliant, and I was so pleased to be able to safely try the delicious Cullen Skink along with some gluten free bread. I also took a couple of tasty gluten free cakes away for later. I would definitely recommend a visit!

Went here for lunch. Food was excellent – not what you’d normally expect from a café, it was more like fine dining. Cosy, friendly place with excellent service. Good coffee too.

I'd heard this was the best place to try Cullen Skink in Cullen. Despite being very busy with a lot of reservations, they squeezed me in. The Skink was superb! Plenty of variety on the menu, and I followed with a healthy and filling "Buddha Bowl". Staff attentive and polite. All round first class.

Went here for lunch. Food was excellent – not what you’d normally expect from a café, it was more like fine dining. Cosy, friendly place with excellent service. Good coffee too.

We came for the Cullen Skink, unfortunately we had arrived to late in the day and they had just ran out. The food we did see bring served looked so good that we decided to stay and we were not disappointed. We had the Prawn Tacos and the Smoked Fish Platter and both dishes where great. Compliments to the chef! They also sell good coffee which we took away and delicious looking cakes which we are looking forward to trying later. The staff where friendly and accommodating despite us turning up when they where clearly very busy. Thanks

We spent our wedding anniversary in the area and went for lunch at the Rockpool Café. The food was excellent; the Rockpool Burger was probably the best burger I’ve ever had, and the Cullen Skink was in a class of its own too. Of course, Cullen is the home of its eponymous soup, but that doesn’t mean it’s always good. If you want the real deal, I’d highly recommend the Rockpool Cafe. It gets very busy, so best to book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Excellent friendly staff and beautiful cafe in the amazing little seaside town of Cullen. Food was delicious. Very busy which is a good sign….

Very Friendly, lovely coffee. Highlight was the Tiffin, delicious 😋

Our waitress was so nice ! She even tried to talk to us in French, our native language. The food was delicious ! We ate Cullen skink and a katsu chicken salad. You definitely should give it a try (I also advise you to try the first one if you've never, it's so good !) 10/10

Best Cullen skink I ever had. Best poke bowl since I moved to Scotland. Never gotten this excited over a bowl of soup before, but cullen skink doesn't deserve to be called soup, it's a whole meal in a bowl, in my case in a mug. Super delicious and I'll fight whoever says otherwise.

Very busy, book if you can, very good Cullen skink

Nice wee cafe. Friendly service. Ordered one plate to share; it was served on two plates and presented as well as I expect they'd do normally.

Food was great when we eventually got a table. To be fair, it was really busy when we arrived, and it took time to clear and set the tables. Food was great and the big baps are great, I probably didn't need to order a full cooked. I would eat here again 👍

I am a local so I have eaten in this cafe before.I will however not be returning! Whilst the food is always satisfactory you first have to run the gauntlet of rude,stroppy and miserable staff.My friend and I are over sixty both retired professionals not that it matters but we are not used to being barked at and very embarrassed.I don’t think I will be visiting again,time for a boycott.They need to remember that if they have no customers they have no business.

We ordered rockpool burger, bbq chicken burger a generous slice of chocolate brownie with a tea and a flat white for a takeaway. Great called for money and totally delicious. Just a 15 minute wait for a freshly cooked lunch. The burgers were melt in the mouth and the brownie was rich and gooey. The staff were very pleasant and attentive. I will definitely visit again.

Can't fault this cafe at all. Well worth a visit if only for the Cullen skink!!!

Our 1st time there and it's a shame we go home on Saturday or we would have been back but there is always next year.....the open club sandwich was very nice indeed

Very busy cafe, book ahead if possible. Friendly and engaging waiting staff. Great menu catering for all tastes including vegan/vegetarian. We both enjoyed sandwiches, bread so soft, fresh and flavoursome & imaginative fillings. I enjoyed a slice of vegan blueberry and lemon loaf which was outstanding. A must do if visiting Cullen.

Not the best service from girl when first arrived pointed to table where waitress sat at lunch so we waited sat at table once she finished, did not wipe table, I had baguette meant toasted was still white, the bacon had all the fat left I'd to take ages cut off and dressing on salad awful, my grandson so much mayonnaise on his open sandwich the bread was soaked he cudnt eat it, my daughters soup at least good, expect better for amount charged but will put it down to fact they were busy shame was disappointed!!

Very nice breakfast and friendly staff!

Good vegan cakes and good coffee, friendly staff, tables cleaned after each guest, easy parking just opposite

The best Cullen Skink imaginable, go for this alone, the lovely surroundings and friendly staff just make the cafe more perfect.

They have a really great menu, everything sounds appealing! There is a big selection of cakes to pick from for pudding. Best to book in advance as it can get busy. I really enjoyed my meal and would highly recommend as a nice place for...

It looked great but ended up just being good.

Looked like a cosy place and the food looked nice, unfortunately we came just a bit too late for them to still be serving hot food which is what we wanted. So we didn't actually eat here but I'd love to go back again because it looked really good and it was a cosy place with very friendly staff and in a little village in such a gorgeous location by the sea.