We’ve scoured Scotland to find these seven best restaurants that will truly deliver. For a belated birthday, anniversary or just because, book in to one of these seven spots for a memorable meal, and with most also offering superlatively stylish rooms on site, take the chance to stay overnight.
1. Fife Arms, Cairngorms
Mar Rd, Braemar, Ballater, AB35 5YN
The Clunie Dining Room, named after the River Clunie that runs past the property, is the star-turn at the Fife Arms, with wood-fire cooking and seasonal Scottish produce. Also a five-star boutique hotel, bedrooms here are uniquely designed and richly decked out with a true taste of Scotland. Each of the 46 rooms tells a story of Braemar in the Cairngorms National Park — this is a Scottish Highland retreat you won’t want to miss.
2. Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire
Auchterarder, Perthshire, Scotland PH3 1NF
Acquired in 2015 by Ennismore, the stable that also owns the Hoxton hotels, Gleneagles is a destination unto itself. Self-identifying as a ‘glorious playground’, the hotel has a fresh new look, albeit no less glamorous, luxurious or grand than before. There are plenty of dining options to choose from — try the two-Michelin starred Andrew Fairlie or The Birnam Brasserie for a menu of Mediterranean classics. There are 205 beautiful bedrooms, and 28 luxury suites.
3. The Peat Inn, near St Andrews
Near St Andrews, Fife, Scotland KY15 5LH
Come here for modern Scottish dining at its best; a restaurant with rooms in St Andrews, where the décor is fresh and contemporary, and there are eight beautiful suites to check into. The Michelin stared restaurant uses seasonal ingredients to guide the menu, and it’s also great value, with a 3-course sample menu for £65. Fricassée of sweetbreads and chicken with smoked onion cream, or orzo risotto with fresh peas, confit pork cheek and wild garlic? Yes, please.
4. The Glass Barn at Isle of Mull Cheese, Isle of Mull
Sgriob-ruadh Farm, Tobermory, Isle of Mull PA75 6QD
If you’re a fan of local produce and really, who isn’t, this is the place to bookmark. The Glass Barn is a farm shop and café that sells home produce, including, of course, the cheese made on-site, Island pork from the farm’s pigs, home-made jams and preserves and Island Bakery biscuits, to name a few. Packed with plants, a vine planted 26-years ago weaves its way around the building’s wooden frame. Cakes are all baked on-site too, and the coffee is from local roasters Hinba Coffee. If you want to linger, this is a beautiful spot from which to explore the island; the holiday cottages on site sleep between two and six people. There’s even an indoor heated swimming pool.
5. Inver, on the shores of Loch Fyne
Cairndow, PA27 8BU
Small and characterful, Inver restaurant sits on the shore of Loch Fyne, on Scotland’s west coast. Lunch and dinner menus feature simply prepared fresh seafood alongside native meat and game. The menu is a contemporary take on traditional and long-forgotten Scottish dishes brought up to date, and with a cosy bar to boot, come in good time to enjoy a pre-dinner craft ale or glass of natural wine. With luxury bothies on site, you can stay a while, too.
6. The Gardener’s Cottage, Edinburgh
Royal Terrace Gardens, London Road, Edinburgh
In a charming building dating from 1836 that was formerly, you’ve guessed it, the cottage of the gardener, you’ll get a sense of the menu before you even step through the door — vegetable patches line either side of the gravel path out front. The food here is simple but beautifully assembled British fare, in an understated and charming setting. There’s no accommodation on site, but there's no shortage of options in the city beyond.
7. Kinloch Lodge Hotel & Restaurant, Isle of Skye
Blackwaterfoot, Isle of Arran KA27 8ET
This family run hotel and restaurant sits on the north-west coast of Scotland, on the beautiful Isle of Skye. Family run, it’s a luxury stay but without the airs or graces. There’s a commitment to sustainability that goes beyond the menu, and you’ll find a real focus on flavour too, with plenty of variety. Try the delicate consommé with langoustine or experience the Kinloch s’mores around the campfire. Book into the hotel to experience this destination to the full, and make sure to snaffle a room with a sea view whilst you’re at it.
Shop a set of new suitcases ahead of your trip.
Next on the blog, six of the best places in Lanzarote to appreciate the work of César Manrique.