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Where to Find the 12 Best Cafes in Inverness
Raise your hand if you can’t function without a delicious cup of coffee! Whether it’s hot or iced, sweet or black, spiced with pumpkin or earthy with matcha, I’m all about hanging out at cafes and trying their latest creations.
Whether I’m catching up with friends or getting some work done, cafes hold a special place in my heart. I can’t go a week without stopping by at least one. Over time, I’ve made it my mission to visit the best cafes in Inverness, and I’ve found some real gems.
So, if you’re looking to go cafe hopping in Inverness, you’re in the right place! Below is my list of personal favorites you MUST visit in the city!
The Mustard Seed Café
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Address: 16 Fraser St
Contact Information: 01463 220220 or [email protected]
Operating Hours: Daily: 12-2:30pm; 5-9:30pm
Price Range: £20–40 per person
Menu Highlights: Bramble Panna Cotta, Chocolate and Caramel Tart
The Mustard Seed Café is renowned for its exceptional dishes, making it a top choice for celebrating special occasions.
In addition to its menu, it’s also celebrated for its fantastic selection of locally roasted coffee, which pairs perfectly with their homemade cakes.
Housed in a beautifully converted church, The Mustard Seed boasts an intimate ambiance, ideal for a relaxing and leisurely stop.
Pro Tip: They’re frequently fully booked, so it’s best to plan ahead and reserve a table well in advance, especially for special occasions.
Cafe Artysans
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Address: 7 Strothers Ln
Contact Information: 01463 729793
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday: 8am – 4pm (Kitchen closes at 3pm)
Price Range: £10-20 per person
Menu Highlights: Cappuccino, Scottish Breakfast, Lemon and Blueberry Sponge, and Savoury Brioche French Toast
Café Artysans is famous for supporting local suppliers like Biagiotti of Beauly, Hastie and Dyce Butchers, and Williamson Foodservice, just to name a few.
Their menu is packed with a great mix of hearty breakfasts, light bites, and tasty lunch options, all made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Plus, they’ve got plenty of vegan and gluten-free choices, so there’s something for everyone.
Pro Tip: If you’re bringing your dog, be sure that they’re on their best behavior and kept on a lead.
Inverness Coffee Roasting Company
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Address: 15 Chapel St
Contact Information: 01463 242555
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 9am – 2pm
Price Range: £1-10 per person
Menu Highlights: Highland Roast, Good Morning Blend, Papua New Guinea Lamari, and Ipanema Estate
What we love most about this independent mom and pop artisan roastery and café is that they roast their beans right on-site, guaranteeing every cup is fresh and bursting with flavor.
Whether you’re savoring a bold espresso or indulging in a creamy latte, one thing’s for sure—the quality and flavor of the beans always take center stage.
For those who enjoy exploring new tastes, their seasonal blends and single-origin options are definitely worth a try, especially with their snacks and pastries.
Pro Tip: If you want to bring the experience home, they also sell their freshly roasted beans, so you can brew your own perfect cup whenever you like.
Coffee Affair
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Address: 24 Church St
Contact Information: 01463 709629 or [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 8:15am – 5:30pm
- Sunday: 8am – 5pm
Price Range: £1-10 per person
Menu Highlights: Iced Latte, Flat White, Cappuccino, Croissant, Scottish Eggs Benedict, and Toffee Cake
Coffee Affair is the go-to café for anyone craving Italian-inspired coffee. Their skilled baristas craft every cup using a traditional Italian espresso machine and premium Italian roasted beans.
This ensures that each coffee experience that is intensely aromatic, full-bodied, and features the signature chocolatey aftertaste Italian coffee is renowned for.
Whether you’re after a light snack to accompany your morning coffee or a satisfying brunch, Coffee Affair has you covered. Their menu boasts a variety of delicious options, including open sandwiches, freshly baked baguettes, homemade soups, crisp salads, and indulgent cakes.
Pro Tip: Try pairing your coffee with one of their freshly baked cakes—it’s the perfect combo to really experience the full flavor of their coffee!
Cafe Ness by the Cathedral
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Contact Information: 01463 231875
Operating Hours: Daily: 9am – 4pm
Price Range: £1-10 per person
Menu Highlights: Carrot Cake, Lentil Soup, Cappuccino, and Flat White
Nestled behind the picturesque Inverness Cathedral, Café Ness is a delightful spot that exudes charm and warmth.
Known for its homemade treats baked fresh in-house, the café offers everything from indulgent cakes to comforting soups and light sandwiches, all crafted with care.
Perfect for catching up with friends or hosting a quick meeting, Café Ness takes pride in supporting local suppliers to ensure every dish and drink is made with the finest quality ingredients.
Pro Tip: If you have dietary preferences, they also provide gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.
Café de Paulo
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Address: Arcade 7, 9 Queensgate
Contact Information: 01463 418053 or [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Friday: 8:30am – 4pm
- Saturday: 8:30am – 5pm
Price Range: £10-20 per person
Menu Highlights: Goat Cheese Panini, Scottish Rolls, and Veggie Jacket Haggis Potatoes
Café de Paulo at the Victorian Market is a Parisian gem nestled in the heart of Inverness. A local favorite, it’s known for its delicious paninis, expertly brewed coffee, and relaxing ambiance.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a leisurely break, this café offers great value for money.
The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it the perfect spot to unwind, while their freshly prepared food, from savory paninis to homemade scones, will leave you coming back for more.
Pro Tip: Café de Paulo tends to get busy during lunchtime, so if you prefer a quieter experience, it’s best to avoid the peak hours and visit a bit earlier or later to ensure you get a seat.
Milk Bar
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Address: 8 Market Arcade
Contact Information: N/A
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 8am – 4pm
Price Range: £8-15 per person
Menu Highlights: Turmeric Latte, Triple Chocolate Hot Chocolate, Flat White, Brioche Bun, and Cinnamon & Raisin Bun
Milk Bar is known for its perfectly smooth and creamy drinks, which keep customers coming back for more.
Whether you’re exploring something unique like a Turmeric Latte or sticking with a classic Flat White, you’ll taste the difference in every sip.
But it’s not just the coffee that stands out—don’t miss their homemade ice cream! Made with milk from local cows, it’s the perfect treat, whether you’re craving a refreshing sorbet or indulging in a rich, creamy ice cream.
Pro Tip: Try their signature milkshakes alongside a scoop of their homemade ice cream. It’s the perfect combo to experience the best of what Milk Bar has to offer.
Charlie’s Cafe
Address: Margaret St
Contact Information: 01463 233498
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 6:30am – 7pm
- Sunday: 9am – 6pm
Price Range: £1-10 per person
Menu Highlights: Scottish Full Breakfast, Omelette, and Charlie’s Cafe All Day Breakfast
Opened in 1952, Charlie’s Cafe is a beloved old-fashioned spot that has been a go-to for locals and visitors alike, known for its all-day breakfasts, frothy coffee, and comforting homemade dishes.
Passed down through generations, Charlie’s Cafe continues to serve up hearty portions of classic favorites at prices that won’t break the bank, keeping its reputation strong as a cherished staple in Inverness.
Pro Tip: You can’t miss Charlie’s Cafe—it’s conveniently located right next to the Stagecoach station, making it the perfect spot for a pit stop.
XOKO Bakehouse and Cantina
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Address: 13 Bridge St
Contact Information: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 7am – 5pm
Price Range: £10-20 per person
Menu Highlights: Oat Milk Latte, Smoked Salmon with Scrambled Eggs on Sourdough, and Grilled Croissant with Bacon and Cheese
Don’t overlook this hidden gem! XOKO Bakehouse and Cantina is a local favorite, known for their artisanal baked goods made from scratch with Normandy butter and organic flour.
And the coffee? It’s a must-try! Sourced from smallholders in Colombia’s Huila region, it’s rich with notes of chocolate, caramel, and cherry—and proudly Rainforest Alliance certified
Pro Tip: XOKO Bakehouse and Cantina stands out as one of the few cafes in Inverness that open as early as 7 AM, making it a perfect choice for a quick breakfast before work or an early meeting.
Blend
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Address: 9 Drummond St
Contact Information: 07975 025271 or [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:15am – 4pm
Price Range: £1-10 per person
Menu Highlights: Nacho Bagel, Belgium Waffles With Cinnamon Apples Caramel & Cream, Cappuccino, and Vegan Raspberry & Coconut Cake
What we love about Blend is their ever-changing menu, always keeping things fresh and exciting with seasonal ingredients, festive flavors, and something new to try every visit.
They’re also accommodating to dietary preferences, offering plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. Plus, you can take a bit of Blend home with you by grabbing some of their teas or coffees from the small deli section.
Pro Tip: Be sure to ask the staff for some board games if you want to spice up your brunch with friends.
Culture
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Address: 11 Chapel St
Contact Information: 07513 882932
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday: 9am – 3pm
- Saturday: 9am – 3:30pm
Price Range: £10-20 per person
Menu Highlights: Chai Latte with Coconut Milk, Brie & Cashew Dill Cream Cheese, and Iced Vanilla Matcha
If you’re vegan or just love plant-based cuisine, Culture is a must-visit. This vibrant all-vegan café serves up healthy, delicious dishes that are sure to satisfy.
Don’t be put off by the “vegan” label—Culture offers generous portions, from hearty soups to filling breakfast burritos that will keep you full and happy.
And here’s a fun fact: Culture is the Highlands’ only plant-based cheese counter, featuring a range of vegan cheeses from Left Coast Culture, ideal for sandwiches, toasties, and platters.
Pro Tip: Culture is a popular place so you may need to wait a bit to secure a table, especially during peak hours.
Perk Coffee + Doughnuts
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Address: 36 Church St
Contact Information: 07492 913698
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 8am – 3pm
- Sunday: 9am – 3pm
Price Range: £1-10 per person
Menu Highlights: Gimme S’more, Loaded Hot Chocolate, Flat White, and Cheese & Onion Toastie
Perk Coffee + Doughnuts offers premium barista coffee, hand-crafted doughnuts, and tasty pastries right in the heart of Inverness.
It’s the perfect pick-me-up, especially on a rainy day. With its expertly crafted offerings, Perk has become a local favorite and a must-visit spot for tourists.
Something cool about this cozy café by day is that it transforms into an espresso martini bar by night. Be sure to swing by again after a hearty brunch!
Pro Tip: If you’re torn between options, go for their mixed box of 6 – the perfect way to sample a little bit of everything!