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Exploring 12 Must-Try Restaurants in Inverness

They say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach—and let me tell you, that couldn’t be more true for me. As a foodie, I’ve happily eaten my way though Inverness, one delicious bite at a time. 

I’m not picky either so you’ll definitely catch me at either a fine dining restaurant for a tasting menu or a casual pub for cheap eats to catch up with friends. 

So as a self-proclaimed flavor chaser, I couldn’t embark on this adventure without sharing my most-worthy discoveries with the world! Whatever you’re craving, I’m confident it’s on my list—so dive in and explore!

Fine Dining Restaurants

The Mustard Seed

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Address: 16 Fraser St

Contact Information: 01463 220220

Operating Hours: Daily: 12-2:30pm; 5-9:30pm

Price Range Per Person: £20-40

Menu Highlights: The Mustard Seed Grazing Platter, Deep-Fried Panko Breaded Goat’s Cheese, 28-Day Aged Ribeye Steak, Oven-Baked Honey & Balsamic Fillet of Scottish Salmon, and Pumpkin & Sage Tortelloni

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A beloved Inverness favorite since 1995, The Mustard Seed is a fine dining gem celebrated for its dedication to fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Its menu offers a delightful fusion of Scottish and French cuisine, thoughtfully crafted to showcase the best seasonal flavors. With weekly updates, there’s always something new to tempt your taste buds—yet another reason to keep coming back.

Set in a beautifully converted former church, the restaurant’s double-height ceiling and cozy open log fire create an ambiance that’s both sophisticated and warm.

Pro Tip: If you prefer a specific seating area, such as near the open fire or on the terrace with river views, mention this when making your reservation.

Rocpool Restaurant

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Address: 1 Ness Walk

Contact Information: 01463 717274

Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 12-2:30pm; 5:45-9:45pm

Price Range Per Person: £30-60

Menu Highlights: Arancini with Bolognese Sauce, Scallops with Chorizo, Pan-Fried Sea Bass, and Triple Chocolate Brownie

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Want to know the secret to making great food even better? Pair it with divine wine. Rocpool Restaurant is a fine dining gem celebrated for its inventive dishes that marry Scottish and French influences, perfectly complemented by an extensive wine list.

Recognized by the Michelin Guide, Rocpool is beloved not only for its vibrant, artfully plated dishes that showcase fresh Scottish ingredients with a global twist but also for its breathtaking views of the River Ness. 

With its winning combination of exceptional cuisine and a stunning setting, Rocpool keeps things fresh by updating its menu regularly to celebrate the best of each season.

Pro Tip: Tables tend to fill up quickly, especially during the holidays and peak seasons, so it’s best to secure your reservation early through their website.

Casual Dining & Pub

The Hootananny

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Address: 67 Church St

Contact Information: 01463 233651

Operating Hours: 

  • Sunday to Thursday: 5pm – 1am
  • Friday: 5pm – 3am
  • Saturday: 2pm – 3am

Price Range Per Person: £10-30

Menu Highlights: Beef & Chicken Pie, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Fish & Chips, Butter Squash Risotto, and Sweet Potato Salad

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The Hootananny is just as fun as it sounds. Ideal for a casual night out with friends, this iconic pub has been a staple of Scotland’s grassroots music scene for over two decades.

With live music every night, it’s the perfect spot to soak up the vibrant atmosphere while enjoying hearty pub classics. From good ol’ Fish & Chips to a more refined Butternut Squash Risotto, the menu caters to a range of tastes. While there are vegetarian options available, they’re somewhat limited.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Hootananny offers the perfect mix of lively entertainment and delicious comfort food, making it a go-to for a fun night out in Inverness.

Pro Tip: The Hootananny also offers accommodation at Hoots Hotel, right above the pub. With rooms that have their own unique style, it’s a great option for anyone looking to make their stay in Inverness even more memorable.

Scotch & Rye

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Address: 21 Queensgate

Contact Information: 01463 715374

Operating Hours: Thursday to Tuesday: 11am – 1am

Price Range Per Person: £10-30

Menu Highlights: Sweet Potato Fries, Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce, Lemon Meringue Pie Cocktail, Quesadilla, Philly Cheese Steak, and Apocalypse Burger

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Scotch & Rye captures the spirit of 1920s Chicago’s speakeasy scene, paying tribute to the hard-working, hard-drinking folks of that era.

It’s the ideal spot to indulge in American-style burgers, hot dogs, and comforting home-cooked meals, all perfectly paired with craft beers and award-winning cocktails.

This upscale casual restaurant focuses on high-quality Scottish ingredients, particularly fresh meats and seafood, offering a refined yet relaxed dining experience.

Pro Tip: If you’re bringing your furry friend along, Scotch & Rye has got them covered too! 
You can treat your pet to a Dog Cupcake, Dog Macaron, Bowl Ki9ble, or even a Paw-Star Martini, thanks to their partnership with Ki9ble, offering healthy and natural treats for your pets.

Unique & Upscale Dining

The Kitchen Brasserie

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Address: 15 Huntly St

Contact Information: 01463 259119

Operating Hours: Thursday to Sunday: 12pm – 1:45pm; 5pm – 9pm

Price Range Per Person: £30-40

Menu Highlights: Venison and Potato Fondant, Smoked Salmon Starter, Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder, Roasted Monkfish Tail, and Strawberry Tart

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The Kitchen Brasserie is a family-run gem set in a sleek, three-story building with breathtaking views of the River Ness. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy both the scenery and some seriously good food.

The restaurant takes great pride in putting a modern twist on traditional Scottish cuisine. You can indulge in classic dishes like Cullen Skink, made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and cream, or dig into a perfectly cooked steak, all sourced from local Scottish farms.

And what’s a great meal without a glass of wine to go with it? The Kitchen Brasserie boasts an extensive wine list, featuring carefully selected bottles from around the world that perfectly complement their menu.

Pro Tip: Be sure to ask the staff for wine recommendations—they’re experts and can guide you in selecting the ideal bottle to enhance your meal perfectly.

Encore

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Address: 5 Young St

Contact Information: 01463 729329 or [email protected]

Operating Hours: 

  • Sunday to Thursday: 12pm – 11pm
  • Friday to Saturday: 12pm – 12am

Price Range Per Person: £20-50

Menu Highlights: Fish & Chips, Mousse Au Chocolat, Fresh Scottish Mussels, Sea Bass with Risotto, Feta & Chorizo, and Nessy Tart Cocktail 

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Encore is a vibrant bar and restaurant that seamlessly blends contemporary European and Scottish-inspired cuisine, all crafted with a strong focus on fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients.

The menu evolves with the seasons, showcasing the best produce available, so you can always look forward to discovering new and exciting dishes.

To complement the food, Encore offers an impressive wine list and an array of creative cocktails, perfectly curated to elevate your dining experience.

Pro Tip: Encore does not have on-site parking, but street parking is available nearby. For more convenient options, Rose Street Car Park is about a 10-minute walk, and Church Street Car Park is just 5 minutes away.

Healthy-Eating

Cafe 1

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Address: 75 Castle St

Contact Information: 01463 226200 or [email protected]

Operating Hours: 

  • Monday to Tuesday: 3pm – 9pm
  • Wednesday to Thursday: 12pm – 2:30pm; 5pm – 9pm

Price Range Per Person: £30-70

Menu Highlights: Haddock Tempura, Angus Fillet Steak, Buddha Bowl, and Venison Steak with Black Pudding Mash

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If health-conscious dining is your thing, you’re going to love Cafe 1. Their menu is packed with a variety of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, all made with organic, non-GMO ingredients.

Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast or one of their popular specials, Cafe 1 has you covered for any occasion. It’s the perfect spot for everything from a casual business meeting to enjoying a delicious, wholesome meal.

What makes this family-run gem even more special is its connection to local farms. Cafe 1 sources many ingredients from its own farm, Holly House on the Black Isle, as well as from other nearby farms, ensuring everything is fresh and locally sourced.

Pro Tip: Make sure to try one of their seasonal specials—the menu changes regularly to showcase the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring you get something unique and vibrant with every visit.

Culture Café and Deli

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Address: 11 Chapel St

Contact Information: 07513882932

Operating Hours: Wednesday to Saturday: 9am – 3pm

Price Range Per Person: £10-20

Menu Highlights: Mushroom Sausage Roll & Frittata, Iced Vanilla Matcha, Breakfast Burrito with Cauliflower Side Salad, Sausage Roll, and Harvest Bowl

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Culture Café and Deli is a plant-based café that fuses Scottish and international flavors, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

The menu caters to a variety of dietary preferences, offering plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options—whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast or a sweet treat. 

With its cozy, welcoming atmosphere, it’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal. Plus, the deli section offers a selection of local Scottish products, from cheeses and meats to jams and sauces, making it an ideal place to pick up something special.

Pro Tip: If you’re a fan of their cheeses, you can order them online—but they sell out fast, so be sure to grab yours while you can.

International

Love Dosa

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Address: 6 Mealmarket Cl

Contact Information: 07585 816696

Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday: 5:30pm – 9:30pm

Price Range Per Person: £10-20

Menu Highlights: Paratha, Masala Dosa, Lamb Curry, Coconut Chutney, Porotta, and Masala Dosa

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For an authentic taste of India, head to Love Dosa, a hidden gem tucked away in a charming alley. True to its name, Love Dosa specializes in crispy, thin dosas—fermented rice and lentil crepes filled with a variety of options and served with flavorful chutneys and sambar.

This cozy family-run spot is always buzzing, thanks to its generous portions, perfectly balanced spices, and rich, authentic flavors. The attentive service adds to the experience, making it a must-visit.

What’s even better is that Love Dosa offers vegetarian versions of dishes like biryani, and many options are naturally gluten-free and vegan, so there’s something for everyone.

Pro Tip: Due to the restaurant’s cozy size, tables fill up fast, so it’s a good idea to book ahead via their website to secure your spot.

Shimca Lotus Blossom Eco Café

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Address: 1 Ardconnel Terrace

Contact Information: 07595 895450

Operating Hours: Thursday to Saturday: 12pm – 3pm

Price Range Per Person: £10-20

Menu Highlights: Dumpling, Siu Mai Steamed Pork Dumplings, Prawn Dumplings, and Vegetarian Siu Mai

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If you’re craving authentic home cooked Chinese food, Shimca Lotus Blossom Eco Café is the place to be. This family-run gem delivers genuine Chinese flavors while staying eco-conscious with locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices.

Whether you’re in the mood for classic stir-fries, dim sum, or something bolder like a spicy Szechuan dish, the menu has plenty to satisfy every craving. 

With a welcoming atmosphere and delicious offerings, it’s the perfect spot for a flavorful and memorable meal.

Pro Tip: The menu offers a wide range of options, which can be a bit overwhelming. Don’t hesitate to ask the friendly staff for recommendations or to explain any dishes you’re not familiar with—they’re more than happy to help!

Family-Friendly

Girvans

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Address: 2-4 Stephens St

Contact Information: 01463 711900 or [email protected]

Operating Hours: 

  • Monday to Saturday: 9am – 5pm
  • Sunday: 10am – 5pm

Price Range Per Person: £10-20

Menu Highlights: Full Scottish Breakfast, Steak Pie, Cranberry Sausage Risotto, Strawberry Tarts, and Fish & Chips

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Girvans is a cozy, family-run café that has been a staple of the Inverness dining scene since 1991. Always bustling with activity, it’s a favorite spot for families enjoying brunch, couples on a casual date, or friends catching up over coffee and dessert.

Known for its reasonable prices and generous portions, Girvans offers a no-frills dining experience focused on good food and friendly service. 

The ambiance is warm and spacious, with a simple yet inviting décor that makes you feel right at home. 

Pro Tip: If you’re feeling overwhelmed by their extensive menu, go for one of the specials—they’re called special for a reason!

Urquhart’s Restaurant

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Address: 2 Young St

Contact Information: 01463 233373

Operating Hours: 

  • Wednesday to Thursday: 12pm – 2:30pm;  5:30pm-9pm
  • Friday to Saturday: 12pm – 2:30pm; 5pm-9pm
  • Sunday: 12:30pm – 9pm

Price Range Per Person: £20-30

Menu Highlights: Fish & Chips, Chicken & Haggis with Whisky Sauces, Scottish Smoked Salmon with Prawn Marie Rose, and Homemade Steak Pie

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Lunch Menu / Dinner Menu

If you’re craving a taste of home, Urquhart’s Restaurant will satisfy that longing faster than you can say “Urquhart”!

This family-run gem serves up generous portions of classic Scottish dishes, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It’s the perfect place to dig into traditional favorites like haggis, or enjoy a hearty meal that feels like it was made just for you.

Their diverse menu pairs perfectly with a selection of beers and cocktails, making for a truly enjoyable dining experience from start to finish.

Pro Tip: Since Urquhart’s Restaurant is cozy and popular, it tends to fill up fast. It’s a good idea to ring ahead and book a table to avoid any wait.

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