10 Best Restaurants in Inverness

Fig & Thistle is a popular restaurant known for its modern take on traditional Scottish recipes. Located on Stephen’s Brae Street (just behind the Eastgate Shopping Center), this restaurant is just a short walk from most of the city centre's main attractions 

Chefs at Fig & Thistle have a commitment to using quality local produce and love to show off these ingredients through daily rotating specials. Popular dishes include chicken liver pate, broiled goat cheese with fig and onion, seared prime Scottish sirloin steak with mushrooms in a whiskey and peppercorn cream sauce, and Highland venison and haggis burger.

Rocpool sits at the corner of the Ness Bridge and Ness Walk, just south of St Mary's Roman Catholic Church. Here, you can expect a sophisticated dining experience with dishes packed with fresh flavors.

Stop by early in the evening to take advantage of its 2-course menu. Expect dishes like smoked ham and yellow split pea soup or Shetland cod with chermoula crust. Highlights on their a-la-carte menu include a Scotch fillet of beef carpaccio with crispy artichokes and the loin of Speyside venison. If you plan to visit during peak hours, make sure to book a reservation on Rocpool's website at least 1 day in advance.

The Mustard Seed Restaurant is a cozy restaurant housed inside a former church. Situated between the Ness Bridge and Greig Street Bridge along Bank Street, this restaurant has beautiful views of the river. It's also within walking distance of notable landmarks like the Inverness Castle and The Victorian Market.

The Mustard Seed has a beautiful terrace with high ceilings integrated with modern finishes. Locals often come here to enjoy its impressive ambience and menu. Some highlights include teriyaki-glazed Scottish salmon, broiled fillets of lemon sole, and deep-fried breaded Clava brie.

Café one is a down-to-earth restaurant that serves fresh Scottish ingredients from local farms including their own farm, Holly House on the Black Island. Located just a few steps from the Inverness Castle on Castle Street, this café is a great place to enjoy a delicious meal during a busy day of sightseeing.

In addition to standout dishes like the Holly House Highlander burger, angus ribeye steak, and hand cut chips, Café one has an extensive vegan menu and plenty of dishes for vegetarian diners. Make sure to save room for dessert because their Belgium chocolate and salted caramel tart with fresh honeycomb is a fan favorite.

Castle Tavern is a traditional Scottish pub known for its extensive menu of classic bar dishes and lively beer garden. Located at the corner of View Place and Culduthel Road, it is about a 5-minute walk south of the Inverness Castle and close to many Inverness hotels and shops.

Since this restaurant specializes in traditional pub recipes, some of its most popular dishes include haggis bon bons, chicken lollipops, BBQ chicken pizza, macaroni and cheese, and North Sea haddock and chips. Make sure to arrive early on sunny days if you’d like to get a table in the beer garden.

Number 27 is a welcoming bar and restaurant with a large menu of classic Scottish dishes and an extensive beverages list. Located next to a live music venue, it's a popular spot for a delicious meal before your night out on the town.

Menu highlights include beer-battered fish and chips, slow-cooked braised lamb rump, and Highland chicken with Parma ham. Number 27's impressive wine list features quality imported wines and spirits from across the globe. Reservations are recommended during peak dining hours.

Aspendos is a beautiful restaurant known for its colorful Turkish and Mediterranean dishes. Located 2 blocks from The Victorian Market just around the corner from the busy Church Street, this restaurant is easy to walk to from just about anywhere in the city centre.

Dishes are prepared using traditional cooking methods, giving each meal a truly authentic flavor. We highly recommend ordering off its tapas or group menu to try a variety of dishes. Classics like hummus, saksuka, broiled lamb, and stuffed eggplant are part of the main menu. Make sure to try Aspendos's famous baklava for dessert.

River House is a chic seafood restaurant at the corner of Huntly Street and Greig Street. This intimate restaurant boasts beautiful views of the River Ness and the city beyond.

It serves some of the freshest fish and shellfish in Inverness. From anchovies and smoked mackerel to pan-seared Shetland scallops and fish stew, the menu is designed to pair fresh ingredients from the land with the sea. Every afternoon, River House hosts a popular oyster hour, where you can enjoy freshly shucked oysters at discounted prices. Due to its small size and high demand, reservations are recommended. Seating times are limited to 2 hours per table.

Mangrove is a charming Indian restaurant that pairs fresh Scottish produce with the spices and flavors of India. You can find it on Academy Street, just a few steps from the Inverness bus station. Thanks to its great location, the restaurant attracts those in transit to and from Inverness.

Its menu features familiar Indian dishes, and you can tailor each option according to your spice tolerance. Popular dishes include chicken tikka masala and biryani. Almost everyone orders freshly baked naan bread with their meal. The restaurant is BYOB, with wine and beer only for a small corkage fee per person.

The Kitchen Restaurant is a traditional British eatery with a modern environment and imaginative dishes. Located along the west bank of the River Ness near the Ness Bridge, it has great views of the Inverness Castle. 

Get there early to take advantage of its 2-course early evening menu or 2-course lunch menu. For a special night, book a table for later in the evening and enjoy traditional Scottish cuisine paired with a glass of wine. As The Kitchen Restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in the neighbourhood, it's a good idea to book a table in advance.