It’s been a struggle to pick 10 favourite eating places in Inverness, as I could easily have suggested another 10.  Admittedly a couple are just outside Inverness but well worth the journey and clearly we are spoilt for choice.  I’ve lived here for over a decade, so I’ve had time to do extensive research into compiling 10 favourite eating places in Inverness.  The 10 mentioned here cover a range of styles, cuisine and budget.

Make a Reservation

I strongly recommend you make a dinner reservation before you get here if you’re staying here in the summer months.  All the eating places below get very busy and if you have a favourite then book ahead.  There are many more eating options than just the ones listed below.  Each one listed below has a link to the business’ website but also many are listed on Open Table.

1. Rocpool Restaurant

It remains my favourite of all since it never disappoints.  It’s a modern Inverness brasserie on the banks of the River Ness with a lively atmosphere, exceptional food and attentive service.  Reservations are recommended, so you won’t miss out.

2. Dores Inn

10 miles outside Inverness on the banks of Loch Ness, the setting for this delightful pub is stunning.  Whatever time of year you go the scenery is wonderful.  This traditional inn with slate floor and wood-burning stove is comfortable and welcoming and the choice of local food and drink is extensive. Macaroni cheese is a favourite.

3. Mustard Seed

A very well-known Inverness restaurant with a lively atmosphere.  The building on the riverside was originally a church and then a book shop and has been transformed into a modern restaurant serving a European menu with Highland influences and in-season ingredients.

4. The Kitchen

Another excellent restaurant, it is set in a modern glass fronted building on the riverside.   It has a brasserie style and includes a pasta and pizza section.

5. The Black Isle Bar

My favourite pub in Inverness.  This is a welcoming bar with big tables for groups to sit and a friendly atmosphere.  They serve craft beer and organic wines.  The beer includes stock from their own Black Isle Brewery.  They have a simple menu which is mainly wood-fired pizzas with many local ingredients.

6. Girvans Restaurant and Patisserie

An old-fashioned cafe style restaurant in the heart of the city centre.  Sometimes there is a queue to get a table in Girvans at peak times but it’s not for long and it’s worth the wait.  It has an extensive menu offering good value and it’s open all day.  Perfect for a coffee and a strawberry tart while you take a break from retail therapy.

7. The Fig and Thistle

In a central location next door to Girvans, this is a really friendly restaurant serving excellent lunches and dinners and includes traditional Scottish fayre.

8. Cafe One

This is a modern, exciting restaurant situated opposite Inverness castle.  They specialise in serving interesting menus with local ingredients, including food sourced from their own farm.

9. The Walrus and Corkscrew

A small, friendly wine bar in the town centre. The wine list is extensive. Along with the wine they serve delicious platters of locally sourced charcouterie, cheese and bread. In the summer months there are tables outside but it is still advisable to book as it’s very popular.

10. An Talla by Loch Ness

About 4 miles outside Inverness, this new addition to the list is on the banks of the Caledonian Canal. It is the starting and finishing point of many of the Jacobite Cruise boat trips on Loch Ness, and includes a ticket office for the boat trips and a lovely gift shop.  This cafe is open daily 9 to 5 and it’s a great spot for breakfast or lunch.

Inverness Accommodation

You’ll need a great place to stay whilst you enjoy my favourite Inverness restaurants, so here is my Inverness b&b. Find out why you should stay at Bannerman Bed and Breakfast and how to enjoy a trip to Inverness in this child free accommodation.