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Top 3 European King Scallops

Last updated on June 16, 2026
01

Coquille Saint-Jacques des Côtes-d'Armor

4.2 ·

Coquille Saint-Jacques des Côtes-d'Armor are scallops of the pecten maximus species that are sold whole, either fresh or frozen in their shells. They come from the seabed in the Côtes-d'Armor region, famous for its fish products since the 1960s. The scallops are caught in the wintertime, their taste is complex, at the same time sweet and salty and their texture is delicately creamy. When fresh, they are quite firm and have a pleasant smell but when they are out of the shell they will become softer and lose some of their moisture. As they are very versatile in cooking, they can be paired with a wide variety of products such as mushrooms, wine, butter, used in gratins or baked with cheese for a tasty appetizer.

02

Novigradske kapešante (Novigrad scallops)

n/a ·

Novigradske kapešante are traditional scallops originating from Novigrad in Croatia. They're considered one of the tastiest shellfish in the world because they grow in the local marine area where the salty seawater comes into contact with fresh river water. Each year, during the summer months, a local gourmet festival called Kapešante of Novigrad is held in the city to honor this unique scallop, which is usually grilled and sprinkled with black pepper and chopped parsley. It's recommended to try the scallops with Istrian extra-virgin olive oil, as they make a great match.

03

Orkney scallops

n/a ·

Orkney scallops are a type of scallop that comes from the waters around the Orkney Islands, a group of islands located off the northeastern coast of Scotland. These scallops are highly prized for their exceptional quality, flavor, and size, often considered among the best in the world. Orkney scallops are typically harvested from the cold, clear waters surrounding the islands, which contribute to their sweet, delicate flavor and firm texture. The pristine marine environment of the Orkneys, with minimal pollution and strong tidal currents, creates ideal conditions for these scallops to thrive. They are usually available as both hand-dived and dredged scallops. Hand-dived scallops are particularly valued because they are harvested individually by divers, ensuring minimal impact on the marine environment and often resulting in a higher-quality product. Orkney scallops are enjoyed in various culinary preparations, from simple pan-searing to more elaborate dishes.

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About this ranking

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 3 European King Scallops” list until June 16, 2026, 31 ratings were recorded, of which 25 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

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