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Welcome to Inverness, the picturesque capital of the Highlands. Whether you're passing through the city as part of the NC500, using Inverness as your base for exploring the Scottish Highlands or simply a local looking to get closer to your city's vibrant food scene, this blog is going to help you find the best restaurants in Inverness.
Nestled amidst stunning landscapes and historic charm, this vibrant Scottish city is a must-see but also offers a lot more than just breathtaking views. If you're here, you're undoubtedly seeking to tantalise your taste buds with the best food the Highlands has to offer. And let me tell you, you're in for a treat!
The 15 Best Inverness Restaurants
1. The Rocpool
Address: 1 Ness Walk, Inverness IV3 5NE
Price Range: £££
Kicking off our list with probably the fanciest Inverness restaurant, The Rocpool offers a luxury dining experience in the heart of the city. This top Inverness restaurant boasts an impressive menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and visitors rave about the beef carpaccio, fresh egg pappardelle and loin of Speyside venison in particular. If you've got a special occasion approaching, you can't go wrong with booking a table at The Rocpool for a truly elegant celebration.
2. The Mustard Seed
Address: 16 Fraser St, Inverness IV1 1QY
Price Range: ££
Nestled in a converted church, The Mustard Seed offers a comforting dining experience. With a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, their menu showcases classic Scottish fare with a modern twist. If you want to taste their menu but are on a budget, opt for their lunch menu that offers two courses for only £15.95. On summer days, sit out on the balcony and look out over the majestic River Ness as you tuck into their renowned venison dishes.
3. The Kitchen
Address: 15 Huntly St, Inverness IV3 5PR
Price Range: ££
Our next Inverness restaurant stands out on the River Ness due to its striking modern architecture. The Kitchen offers an affordable set menu (three courses for £40) that boasts modern twists on Scottish favourites like roasted loin of wild Highland venison, and wild North Sea Halibut. And foodies with a sweet tooth won't be let down by their dark chocolate and cherry brownie for dessert.
4. The White House
Address: 20 Huntly St, Inverness IV3 5PR
Price Range: £££
Elegant and refined, The White House offers a fine dining experience like no other. Impeccable service complements their exquisite dishes, which showcase the best of Highland cuisine. Treat yourself to their sumptuous tasting menu for a truly indulgent evening at one of Inverness' best restaurants.
5. Coul House Hotel
Address: Contin, Strathpeffer IV14 9ES
Price Range: £££
Escape to the countryside with our next Inverness restaurant and dine in luxury at Coul House Hotel. Surrounded by picturesque gardens, this charming Inverness restaurant offers a dining experience steeped in elegance. From fresh seafood to tender steaks, their menu caters to every palate. You can choose to have lunch, afternoon tea or dinner and whatever you choose is guaranteed to be a delicious dining experience. They also claim to be very accommodating to special dietary requirements.
6. Bunchrew Hotel
Address: Bunchrew, Inverness IV3 8TA
Price Range: £££
Set on the shores of the Beauly Firth, the restaurant within the Bunchrew House Hotel is a winner of 2 AA Rosettes and boasts stunning views in their romantic, wood-panelled restaurant. Their fine dining menu features a delightful fusion of Scottish and international flavours, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. This fine-dining Inverness restaurant promises an extensive wine list that perfectly complements its menu consisting of scallops with black pudding, smoked haddock risotto and wild mushroom tagliatelle.
7. Hickory
Address: 63 Seabank Rd, Nairn IV12 4HD
Price Range: £££
Admittedly, the next restaurant on our list takes a little outside of Inverness. Perched on the shores of the Moray Firth, the Hickory restaurant within the Golf View Hotel is a restaurant that boasts panoramic views over the shores. as you tuck into their carefully crafted dishes, which showcase the finest Scottish produce. Meat eaters will rejoice at their Spanish Josper Grill steaks, charcoaled over a furnace after being dry-aged for 28 days, and they'll also appreciate the bar classics like burgers, fish and chips and truffled macaroni cheese. On Sunday, diners can tuck into a succulent roast (or the veggie version) from only £24 per person for 2 courses and £30 per person for 3 courses.
8. Foyers Lodge
Address: Foyers, Inverness IV2 6XU
Price Range: ££
Another 'Inverness' restaurant that isn't technically located in Inverness but it's so good we can't not mention it! Tucked away in the tranquil village of Foyers, Foyers Lodge is a Highland hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Their dining room alone is something to marvel at and offers stunning views over Loch Ness from grand bay windows. Their menu features classic Scottish dishes with a creative twist like curried monkfish and braised featherblade, all served in an upmarket environment. Gluten-free and vegan options will also appease those with dietary requirements. Please note that as this restaurant is so popular, you must book in advance and require a £15 deposit.
9. Fig & Thistle Bistro
Address: 6 Stephen's Brae, Inverness IV2 3JN
Price Range: ££
Okay, this Inverness restaurant is actually in the town! Charming and quaint, the Fig & Thistle Bistro offers a cosy retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city and is a great Inverness restaurant for families seeking a crowd-pleasing menu that caters to different tastes. Their menu focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients, with dishes inspired by traditional Scottish recipes but does include a child-friendly menu too which is bound to keep the little ones happy. For the adults, choose from starters like chicken liver pate, haggis bons bons and wild mushroom linguine.
10. Kool Runnings
Address: Church Street, Inverness IV1
Price Range: ££
World's away from the traditional Highland fare, at this Inverness restaurant you can transport yourself to the Caribbean. At Kool Runnings, conveniently located in the city centre, vibrant flavours and lively music await. From jerk chicken, pork belly to spicy curries, their menu is a celebration of Caribbean cuisine at its finest earning it the title of the top-ranked Caribbean restaurant in Inverness. Don't miss the chance to try their refreshing rum punch as you dine with Bob Marley's soothing sounds in the background.
11. The Waterfront
Address: 19 Huntly St, Inverness IV3 5PH
Price Range: £££
With its stunning views of the River Ness, The Waterfront promises great food, great service and great value. Their modern and contemporary Scottish menu features an array of seafood and game dishes, expertly prepared using the freshest local ingredients. For starters, you can't go wrong with the Thai crab cakes or salt and pepper mushrooms. For mains, try the Jacobite Chicken or breast of pheasant filled with black pudding and sausage meat. And for dessert, you can tuck into classics like sticky toffee pudding or try twists on old favourites like Bailey creme brulee.
12. McBains Restaurant by the River
Address: 10 Bank Street, Inverness, IV1 1QY
Price Range: ££
Situated by the picturesque River Ness, McBains serves freshly cooked food to order using locally sourced ingredients like lobster, scallops, halibut, seabass and Highland venison. Diners on a budget will appreciate the very reasonably priced pre-theatre menu, served from Tuesday - Friday 5.30 - 6.30. For only £24.95, you can enjoy two courses and pick from the likes of tempura chicken fillets, prawn cocktails, Moroccan-style beef and fillet of seabass.
13. Encore
Address: 5 Young St, Inverness IV3 5BL
Price Range: £££
Elegant and sophisticated, Encore is an upmarket Inverness restaurant that's sure to impress with its locally sourced menu that promises to offer a taste of the Highlands. Their menu features an eclectic mix of dishes, from succulent steaks, and vegetarian risottos to delicate seafood, all served with flair and finesse. On the rare occasion that the weather's nice, choose to sit outside and sip one of their signature cocktails like a raspberry gin sour or a . On Fridays, you can even enjoy dinner with a live band playing in the background. Why not join in for a dance after your dinner?
14. Urquhart's Restaurant
Address: 16 Church St, Inverness IV1 1EA
Price Range: ££
Tucked away in the heart of the city, Urquhart's Restaurant is a family-run Inverness restaurant that exudes comfort and character. The minute you step inside, you'll be comforted by the homely atmosphere and their hearty menu only elevates this further. Start your dinner with delicious homemade soup with crusty bread or Stornoway black pudding with bacon and poached eggs. Then for your main, tuck into venison sausages with mash or the classic chicken on haggis with a whisky cream sauce. Still hungry? They're selection of homemade desserts changes daily to ensure that your pudding is fresh and delicious.
15. The Rajah
Address: 8 Queensgate, Inverness IV1 1DA
Price Range: ££
Closing our list of the best Inverness restaurants is the Rajah, the longest-established Indian restaurant in the Highlands. At the Rajah, you can taste the rich and vibrant flavours of Indian cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. From fragrant curries to mouth-watering tandoori dishes, their menu promises a culinary journey through the diverse regions of India. With its attentive service, generous portions and authentic flavours, The Rajah is a must-visit for any lover of Indian food. Be sure to try their signature dishes, such as the butter chicken or lamb rogan josh. Whether you're a spice enthusiast or prefer milder flavours, The Rajah has something to suit every palate. Plus, they even have a loyalty card so die-hard Rajah fans can enjoy special discounts on their meal!
Which of These Top Inverness Restaurants Will You Choose?
So there you have it, the 15 best restaurants in Inverness waiting to be explored. Whether you're craving hearty, traditional Scottish food or international flavours, you're sure to find something to satisfy your appetite in this vibrant Highland city. So why wait? Embark on a culinary adventure and discover the gastronomic delights that await you in Inverness!
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