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Best restaurants in Inverness

In the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is a part of the world where you'll find some of the most beautiful natural landscapes, medieval ruins and gorgeous little towns. Whilst this city is wonderful for those who love exploring the great British outdoors, it’s also a great spot for dining. Some of Inverness’ best restaurants serve North American food, Scottish cuisine, Thai, Italian, seafood, and afternoon tea, and so there is something for everyone in this Scottish city. If you’re hunting for your next favourite spot to dine out, get scrolling through our list of the best restaurants in Inverness.

Updated on 08 May 2024

Inverness has its own international airport, and so it is placed as a great location to explore when it comes to seeing all that the Scottish Highlands has to offer. You can enjoy the stunning wildlife, trees, plants, and even the delicious shellfish that will be served in some restaurants in Inverness, freshly caught that day. Inverness is compact enough that most of it can be travelled on foot, or by public transport, so getting around some of the best restaurants in and around the city is easy enough.

Perhaps some of the most loveable things about Inverness’ best restaurants are the range of dining options. You can find many pubs and restaurants that offer all day dining, a great deal that open just for dinner and late night dining, along with lunch, and special Sunday roast openings. You'll be able to choose from restaurants that are cool and quirky, cosy, dark and moody, and those that are more glamorous and lively. There are a great range of restaurants across various price points, too, so you’ll be able to find something suitable within your budget.

The Kitchen Restaurant

The Kitchen Restaurant

15 Huntly Street, City Centre, IV3 5PR

Modern fare, chic interiors and castle views, what more could a humble foodie wish for? A heated terrace perhaps. Well, The Kitchen Restaurant has that covered too, along with riverside views and a great lunch menu.

Under £30
Scottish
British
Cafe 1 Inverness

Cafe 1 Inverness

75 Castle Street, Inverness, Highlands & Islands, IV2 3EA

Supplied by its very own farm and bolstered by connections with top Highland suppliers, Cafe 1 offers honest-to-goodness fresh food. It’s a friendly spot, with on-trend informal interiors suited to quick-stop lunches and casual midweek dinners.

£30 - £49
Scottish
Steak
Fig & Thistle Bistro

Fig & Thistle Bistro

4a-6 Stephens Brae, Inverness, Highlands & Islands, IV2 3JN

Don’t be fooled by the unassuming high street frontage of this little bistro, The Fig & Thistle is a bastion of quality dining and adventurous Scottish fare. It's a cosy neighbourhood restaurant perfect for satisfying lunches and date-night dinners.

£30 - £49
Scottish
The Mustard Seed Restaurant

The Mustard Seed Restaurant

16 Fraser Street, City Centre, IV1 1DW

Located within a renovated church, The Mustard Seed Restaurant is one of Inverness’ most treasured restaurants. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, simple but modern Scottish menu and exceptional daily specials board - it’s well worth a visit.

Under £30
Scottish
Vegetarian
British
The Castle Tavern

The Castle Tavern

1 View Place, Inverness, Highlands & Islands, IV2 4SA

Proving the validity of traditional pub fare, at The Castle Tavern you can anticipate superb views of Inverness Castle, an ever-changing selection of real ales, pies, and a generous helping of haggis.

£30 - £49
Scottish
Gastropub
Scotch & Rye

Scotch & Rye

21 Queensgate, Inverness, Highlands & Islands, IV1 1DF

Conveniently located on Queensgate, Scotch & Rye offers a unique blend of industrial prohibition charm and steampunk style, providing a galvanising setting for an evening of craft beers, vintage cocktails and comfort food with an American tilt.

Under £30
Pizza
Burgers
Bars
Eight On The River

Eight On The River

Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, Inverness, IV3 5NG

Set within the Inverness Palace Hotel, Eight on the River is a relaxed but timeless dining lounge that blends contemporary character and old-world feel. Guests can anticipate elegant dishes composed with local Scottish produce and exceptional techniques.

£30 - £49
Scottish
British
Rocpool

Rocpool

1 Ness Walk , Inverness, Highlands & Islands, IV3 5NE

Located on the River Ness in the city centre, Rocpool is a family-run Michelin Guide restaurant with a well-earned local following. It’s an on-trend restaurant with a Mediterranean-leaning menu showcasing vibrant flavour paired with cosmopolitan atmosphere.

£30 - £49
Scottish
British
Prime

Prime

4-6 Ness Walk, Inverness, Highlands & Islands, IV3 5NE

The team at Prime has carefully selected the best ingredients from the Highlands and Islands, expertly matching them with top-notch bottles to enhance every dish. Field to fork and grape to glass, what more could we want?

£30 - £49
Steak
British
Fish
River House

River House

1 Greig Street, Inverness, Highlands & Islands, IV3 5PT

Serving seafood and fish dishes within earshot of the flowing river, River House is a small but locally revered restaurant known for its clean and elegant cooking and dedicated oyster menu.

£50 - £79
Scottish
Fish
Contrast Brasserie

Contrast Brasserie

Contrast Brasserie 20 Ness Bank, Inverness, Highlands & Islands, IV2 4SF

Staying close to its Scottish roots, Contrast Brasserie prides itself on its local produce. Expect hand-dived scallops, juicy Shetland mussels, and a menu of polished land dishes showcasing the best that the Highlands have to offer.

£50 - £79
Scottish
British

Apart from the urban areas in Scotland, there’s a wealth of country pubs, restaurants, hotels and even manor houses with views over impressive hills and wide lochs - so we’ve made sure to include some of those too. But if you are planning a tour of Scotland’s cities, why not take a look at our ultimate list of restaurants in Aberdeen, or take a trip to the capital for brunch in Edinburgh? And if you’re looking for something a little more exclusive, have a peek at our list of options for private dining in Glasgow to make the occasion truly special.

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