cote du nord in Highland

This was my second visit to CDN now in the new location of Mey Hotel (a very nice small and friendly hotel nicely renovated) the meal and wine flight were outstanding every innovative serving a great pleasure - some excellent ingredients surprisingly presented to a very high standard / best meal in Scotland on our three week tour of seafood restaurants !!!!

Wow. Where to begin. We had been told that we would never had a culinary experience like it. Absolutely. From the sublime surroundings of Kirtomy, the welcome when we arrived, the nicely served gins all the way through to the "finale", it was outstanding. Chris obviously has a passion for what he does - and he does it so well. His eye for detail is second to none and the combination of tastes served outstanding. Awesome.

Menù degustazione che cambia con la stagione e la disponibilità di materie prime. Una sorpresa ad ogni piatto. Tecniche di cucina e abbinamenti entusiasmanti. Materie prime locali sapientemente scelte dallo chef. Cameriera molto simpatica. Vini (abbiamo scelto l’abbinamento) buonissimi. Un’esperienza ad ogni portata.

Sometimes it is nice to throw caution to the wind and let an expert, creative, magician of a chef take you on a journey. Chef Chris and his team were efficient, friendly, just attentive enough, and not stuffy. Around ten well portioned courses of some tasty bites in sometimes incredibly innovative presentations. Not every bite was perfect but enough of the courses were so toe curling good it didn’t matter. A lot of thought went into the meal and my family thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Ich kann mich den vielen Gästen hier nur anschließen. Das Menu Cote du nord - war Poesie und ein Kunstwerk von Gestaltung und Geschmack. Danke Chris. Nehmt Euch 3-4h Zeit.

Remote and sublime. Inspiring creative and delicious. I could go on and on. Firstly the canapés x3. The stunning venison on French toast, I could’ve eaten 10. Roast chicken lollipop-a crunchy delight. The salmon cornet topped with caviar, so good. The whole event progressed at perfect pace with sea food creations presented on the most amazing plates and dishes to enhance to origins of the food. It was all delicious. some outstanding dishes would be the turbot with lemon, venison French toast canapé & the blackberry palette cleanser(so packed with flavour) the gorse syrup, incredible. The lamb sequence-stunning. The finale was perfect with a little bit of theatre, and the jelly with crispy coating was so clever. There was an incredible amount of care and work put into this menu and an evening we will never forget. Extremely well priced and a reasonably priced wine flight too. If you are in the area and fancy some amazing food you would not be disappointed to spend an evening here. It really is very special. I 100% would come here again.

Yesterday, I lunched at this amazing, incredible and unique spot. I could not fault it, and every morsel, every mouthful, was sublime. Well done to Chris, Tim and Kortoni for the incredible experience. I salute you!

Wow! What amazing food this place served up! Each dish was so perfectly paired. Its hard to choose a favourite one! There were just 3 tables with 6 people in due to covid regs and the menu had been slightly reduced so we could be finished in time for 10!!! Did not disappoint! Would recommend to anyone in this area!

We had a wonderful meal here last night - our first restaurant meal since the start of the pandemic and all precautions were in place, but not intrusive. The food was seriously good - beautiful flavours, super fresh local produce, surprise courses and presented wonderfully. As other guests have said, it really was up there among the best meals we’ve had. Chris the chef was serving and introducing all the courses too - we don’t know how he did it!

A brilliant meal at Cort Du Nord. Amazing flavour combinations, with locally sourced ingredients, served on local pottery and plates. A great eating experience.

5 Stars Thank you to Doctor Chris and your team. We had a truly fabulous evening with you , and thoroughly enjoyed your amazing cooking. I selected the vegetarian menu with wine tasting, Craig’s menu was also amazing.Even the design of the plates were fabulous. A Michelin star would not be out of place. We will recommend you without any hesitation. Craig and Annie Loftus

Un paesino sperduto di poche anime nel nord della Scozia battuto dal vento e il medico del villaggio con l'hobby della cucina sono il mix perfetto di questo incredibile locale. Già è diifficile arrivarci, non ci sono indicazioni e il paesino non c'è quasi sulla mappa...ma appena si entra si è proiettati in questa atmosfera surreale di alta cucina. Mi ricorda quasi "Il pranzo di Babette", un susseguirsi di portate, una più incredibile dell'altra, sempre di alto livello, dove il pesce freschissimo la fa da padrone ma non mancano anche carne e formaggio. Esperienza veramente indimenticabile, oltretutto con un fantastico rapporto qualità/ prezzo (35 sterline per 5 portate). Essendoci solo 10 coperti, è indispensabile prenotare.

Juste incroyable... imaginez un village de quelques âmes, un passionné, une « maison » de 10 places ... un lieu à priori improbable , au milieu de « presque » nulle part et pourtant , un lieu qui vous marquera plus que positivement ! Décor simple mais cosy , service agréable et détendu .... et une cuisine inventive , recherchée, savoureuse, une présentation bluffante . Une vraie petite folie à vous offrir si vous êtes fan de gastronomie. La qualité des vins pourrait être améliorée, mais la perfection n’étant pas de ce monde ... Bref , si vous êtes adeptes de fine cuisine, si vous êtes gastronome(s), sachez que ce lieu unique présente en ses assiettes des mets dignes de certains étoilés.Le reste n’est que question de point de vue , et de goût. Bravo !

We had the five course menu. The best pork belly dish I had ever tasted. Great home made bread, Highland brie tart, nettle soup, and cheese cake dessert and great service. Very excellent indeed.

I would give Côte du Nord 10 stars if that were possible ! We ate there in late June, and had as wonderful an experience as we had hoped: there was seating for only 8, and 6 of us were there for dinner - the selections for the evening – the “menu” - was written on a chalkboard hanging on the wall, each course was quite simply excellent, the accompanying wine choices were perfection, the service impeccable – a joy to participate in !! We will most definitely be back again as soon as we can !

This was, without a doubt, the most delicious and unique dining experience of our lives. Chris, the town physician, has learned to turn his bent toward art into delicate, one or two bite savory or sweet confections in a tasting menu that defies description. If you are going to be on the North Coast, do not miss this opportunity. You will need to book well in advance as space is limited in his beautiful setting.

We thought this might be our last visit to Sutherland ....age,distance from home,geriatric dog.......but are planning a return with our family who need to see and know the all round experience of an evening at Kirtomy.Wonderful food for the eyes and the stomach in a pared down and perfect setting.Thank you everyone.

We visited on a 2 week trip to the area and were blown away by the place. We visit lots of michelin restaurants with tasing menus and I think they'd be hard pushed to beat this place. The food was AMAZING, beautifully presented and delicious. The wine flight was fabulous with some of my favourite wines which you don't always see. The host was great and I'll definitely visit again and have told everyone about it !!!

Living in West Sussex we could hardly be further away, but the 700 mile trip to the North Coast is worth it for Cote du Nord alone.

A truly superb selection of food prepared with passion by our host the lovely Dr Chris. Every course was a delight for the eyes and the taste buds.

Chris and his kitchen companion cooked us a delicious lunch consisting of a selection of amazing canapes followed by four more outstanding courses. Everything was fabulous. Amazing fresh flavours and use of local produce, including homegrown herbs. Highlights include a palette cleansing cocoa butter and herb truffle, blackcurrant and chamomile savoury meringues, a crab tian and a chocolate marquise for desert. His wife who served us was a delight to talk to. As well as set lunches and dinners they also serve soups, sandwiches and cakes at lunch.

If you are in the area and want a truly amazing culinary experience look no further than Cote du Nord, it is something you will remember for a long time. We discovered it whilst holidaying in Kirtomy a number of years ago. We now go up once a year for the experiience. The food is extraordinary, incredibly inventive and tastes like nothing you will have experienced. Try it ... you won’t regret it!

Chris the owner is not a full time chef but the courses he serves (too many to detail here) were exquisite. They really are a true labour of love. The "restaurant" (I believe it is Chris's lounge) only seats 10 and so booking is essential. Definitely not to be missed.

We only found out about this place as we were travelling round the Route 500, so sadly we couldnt get a dinner reservation this time around. But we stopped in for lunch as we were keen to visit. What a gem! And the lovely doctor and his wife were kind enough to give us a glimpse of the dinner menu by serving up a few amuse bouches before out lunch. They were divine!

Cote du Nord is a fantastic fine dining restaurant in the far North of Scotland. It’s worth a detour or a trip up here purely to be able to visit it - we will definitely be doing that in future. If you are doing the NC500 it’s on the way.

An absolutely amazing meal served up by Chris and his team in relaxed surroundings, showcasing locally sourced ingredients wherever possible, even down to making their own breads. A must visit destination on the north coast of Scotland.

This restaurant is absolutely unbelievable. We didn't know what to expect but we were blown away by how great it was. Chris and his daughter are so welcoming and the food and wine was outstanding! Chris clearly has phenomenal passion and skills when it comes to cooking. We will definitely be back and I would recommend anyone who is travelling to that part of Scotland to visit Cote du Nord. You will NOT be disappointed.

Wasn't sure what to expect when I first heard about this restaurant which catered for 6-8 covers, three nights a week. We were amazed and delighted. The environment was most pleasant, sufficient space between each table to allow private conversation but also offering the feeling of eating in the dining room of a friend. We were made to feel very welcome by Dr Chris and his daughter who is the waitress. The food was absolutely delicious. I won't go into detail so as not to spoil the surprise, but you won't be disappointed whether vegetarian, pescetarian or carnivore. Excellent choice of wines available as well as pre dinner drinks. I would highly recommend visiting this restaurant

We read about this small unique restaurant and reserved about two months in advance.

This was my second visit to Cote Du Nord with my sister in law, unfortunately we couldn't get in when I wanted to last year as Dr Chris was on call. The evening is an experience of fine food, fine wine and an exceptional performance of service, normally by Dr Chris's family members.

Three hour experience of wonderful food and even the plates were amazing.

And it is an experience! The meal is a series of very small but amazingly tasty courses all beautifully presented. At the start you begin to slightly worry that you will leave hungry but weirdly after all the mini courses you feel full...but not too full for a coffee and gorgeous chocolate.

Chris es el médico local y su hobby es cocinar. Su casa es un pequeño croft unos kilómetros de Bettyhill en el medio de la nada. Un par de noches durante los meses de verano la preparan una comida absolutamente increíble para 10 huéspedes. Todo el mundo llega a 7. 30:00 con suerte, ya no hay señales en la carretera. Tienes una mesa del tamaño de su grupo. Teníamos nueve campos en el menú degustación y cada campo era impresionante, y se sirve en los más hermosos hechas especialmente platos una fiesta para los ojos, paladar y sentidos y era comparable, si no mejor que cualquier menú degustación de los muchos que hemos disfrutado en Edimburgo. Su pasión brillaba cada campo y no tenemos idea de cómo esta comida era producida a partir de una minúscula cocina tan lejos al norte y tan aislado. Obviamente tienes que reservar y no permite 4 horas! Ese fue nuestro único inconveniente ya que era un poco largo, pero dado el menú complicado no estoy seguro de que podría haber sido más rápido. Recomiendo

Fuimos con mi cuñada, que había hecho algunas de las placas. Esta fue una comida muy especial. La comida ha sido preparada con enorme Previsiã³n con todo de origen local, de la grúa a la crema de avellanas de hielo preciosa.

Estamos alojados cerca de Durness durante una semana en una cabaña y antes de nuestro viaje había leído sobre Cote du Nord y la buena reputación que tenía para la comida. Pero estábamos a 45 millas de distancia, las carreteras son de una sola vía en algunos lugares y uno de nosotros sin necesidad de conducir. . . . . Podíamos ser molestado para hacer el esfuerzo?

Reservar con antelación - solo asiento 8 - era muy crecido presentación - excelente sabores y texturas y su Cote du Rhone por el dinero era simplemente magnífico - tomar dinero en efectivo porque no aceptan de plástico! Estaba reservado para una familia tratan y estuvo a la altura de las expectativas y podíamos wlak sus como estaba cerca de la casa que alquilamos en Kirtomy.

Nos encanta este restaurante sólo wee, irs lo malo es que ningún otro lugar puede cerrar después. El menú de degustación y vinos siempre son sublimes, y toda la noche es una experiencia maravillosa. Esta fue nuestra cuarta visita, y sin duda regresaremos. Combine usted visita con una estancia en landings salmón para un maravilloso regalo.

This was the second time I have been to Cote du Nord. On this occasion I took my parents almost one year after my first visit. All of the dishes with accompanying wines were superb. The atmosphere created by Chris and Tine is very relaxed and I would recommend that anyone travelling near to this remote hamlet on the north coast of Scotland go out of their way to dine here.

As I said earlier - interesting that this kind food is served in this place. We started with really unusal and fantastic gin&tonics - spices etc.Most of the food was really god - I think though that some of the servings was more experimental than taste - but overall well worth the money. The GP- chef was sometimes a little stressed - only one thing - watch out for his wife! I believe the ordinary servant went ill - and the wife have a bad temper, but it's absolutely worth a visit

Great meal packed with expertise and great ideas. A totally different dining experience with 10 small courses. Try it is you're ever close by, but book early, they are amazingly popular.

This was one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. It was a long awaited visit in celebration of a special birthday. It was well worth the wait. Every aspect of our evening at Cote du Nord was enchanting - from the journey along the single track winding road to the restaurant and its breathtaking scenery, to the warm welcome and excellent hospitality, and then the mouth watering delicacies and expertly chosen wines we were presented with. We could have stayed all night! The food was out of this world. When I initially saw the menu there were some ingredients I would not normally choose to have, but I must say I enjoyed every single morsel. It was all cooked to perfection and really showcased the locally sourced ingredients. My favourites were the cod and the cranachan. It is definitely worth going for the matching wines with each course as they really do complement the food and add to the whole tasting experience. We felt the restaurant offered excellent value for money compared to other of its calibre and with only a small number of diners the service was impeccable. If you are booking a taxi I would recommend allowing four hours from start to finish - it really is worth savouring the experience! I can't wait to visit again!

This restaurant only has 9 covers so booking is essential. Our wait for a table was 3 weeks to give you an idea of timescales.It costs £49 a head for dinner or £75 a head for dinner and wine. The wine selection although delicious were just samples rather than glasses. If I went again I would probably just buy a couple of bottle of wine instead.That aside the food was fantastic. It’s very Heston Blumenthal style with lots of theatrics and unusual combinations and cooking styles.The service was good but not too over your shoulder which in such a small restaurant can be an easy failing.It was fabulous and I would highly recommend as a treat. Just make sure you have someone to play designated driver as it is very rural.

This is an absolute hidden gem and an experience not to be missed. The ambience is superb. The waitresses knowledgeable and very pleasant. The menu does not (and I do not know how it could) do the food justice. The restaurant itself only caters for 10 people and only one sitting each evening. Not surprising as the whole meal took almost 4 hours..we couldn't believe it as the time passed so quick. You listen to Michelin chefs commenting on flavours and textures? Well, omg you get it all here in abundance. All locally grown or sourced. The chef is the local GP and the restaurant is beautifully decorated. The plates themselves are part of the wonderful experience. The restaurant is only open, I think, 3 days per week and not all year round. I guess this makes it all the more special. I highly recommend this restaurant in the hope that it changes absolutely nothing but the menu occasionally. ❤️

In his book, The Restaurant at the End of the Universe, Douglas Adams introduces us to the idea that “The History of every major Galactic Civilization tends to pass through three distinct and recognizable phases, those of Survival, Inquiry and Sophistication, otherwise known as the How, Why, and Where phases. For instance, the first phase is characterized by the question 'How can we eat?' the second by the question 'Why do we eat?' and the third by the question 'Where shall we have lunch?”I have a feeling that the chef/patron knows about Adams’ civilizational phases, since the website asks another deeply philosophical question: "between the mountains and the rugged windswept north coast in a bleak and sparsely populated landscape… what can there be to eat?" What indeed? Once you’ve driven the length of two countries over two days to the northernmost cliffs of the mainland you are ready to eat at the Cote du Nord. And not before. That drive isn’t just a detail. It’s important. It’s what the Americans would call a process. It’s a buffer. Arduous, preparatory, transitional and liminal. The journey provides the context for what happens next at the Cote du Nord. During the journey you change from one state to another. You start to imagine that nothing is before you, everything is behind. And that nothingness is endless; or seemingly endless. Time stands still, miles take years; then another hour has flown by without notice and still the road winds on before you and ribbons behind you. And you really do start to think you’re never going to make it; and if you do, there’ll be nothing to eat there…. Just when all hope is lost, you arrive at the restaurant at the end of the universe….Traumatised, slightly psychotic, mildly babbling, you sit.The room (blues, greens and blue-greens) instils a sense of calm and of anticipation. It’s a calm sea on a warm day. It’s all peace. After the tumult of travel it’s a welcome relief. It’s the perfect sanctuary and setting for what comes next.The 2016 season menu is styled “a day out on the north coast”.Curtain up at 7.30 with an aperitif of Shetland Gin, seaweed being one of the principal aromatics. Served with more dried seaweed, this gin falls at the savoury end of the scale and created a sense of the salt spray which imbues the margin of this “windswept north coast”. Like a couple of shipwreck survivors we let the precious liquid across our cracked lips and drink deep to slake our thirst. But a voice calls beware; drink too much saltwater and madness will surely follow. We vowed that after a rehydrating prosecco and not counting this salty chota peg, we’d have no more than a bottle, bottle and a half max each, no matter what the Siren sings….Many other reviews let you in on the dishes and legerdemains issuing from this talented and ambitious kitchen, so we were in some ways prepared for the sensations laid before us. We have experienced the highs and lows of tasting menus elsewhere. Yes there are lots of tiny portions, yes the great ones are too small, no they’re not all great, etc… I now take the view that the lows aren’t deal breakers, they’re lacunae; a space to draw breath, to talk about what has been and to look forward to the next stage, knowing that there’ll be another one along after that. Why go all in when you can spread your bets?At The Restaurant at the End of the Universe, there are many more ups than downs. No clunkers, a very high standard of presentation and of taste. And some courses which will live in my mind into my dotage. These are the ones to celebrate, to make the journey worthwhile and to make you feel alive. I know what you’re thinking: Ponce. Life memories from a bit of earth essence and a mushroom? From a fish soup with a bit of chocolate? From a bit of oats, cream and berry? Oh yes. “A Walk in the Woods”, “Rock Pool” and “Cranachan 2016” are all taken to a new level by touches which transform the quotidian to the sublime. Of course, the wine helps.The ten or more courses are all different but they do live up to the billing of “a day out on the north coast”. There’s sea, more sea, spume, salt, there’s hillside, there’s a sense of the highlands terroir, the sea lochs, the peat smoke and the wild herb. The idea of isolated development and making do with what you’ve got. Which in this case just happens to be some first class ingredients, handled with love. A good reflection of our impression of the far north of Scotland. Not everything at the end of the universe is unique. Taken as a whole I was put in mind of La Grenouillere in Montreuil and some of the presentation reminded me of L’Enclume. Maybe a foodie geek might start calling trope but from our vantage point, seated at the end of the universe, we would say parallel evolution, at worst homage. After all, it’s been said that we don’t “have” ideas, ideas have us. And whatever the inspiration, these dishes had a sense of place which had not been borrowed from elsewhere. We chose the paired wines, which all do their job of enhancing the flavours of the dish, of making both plate and wine become more. Most of them are from modest appellations but well chosen, all of them bring something. And jolly good pours, too.I wanted to leave the detail to others; this review is about what we felt. But I can’t leave without one final life memory:With his beef broth shot, Dr Chris also provided me with something of a Big Bang. A warm meaty broth, served in a shot glass, topped with ale foam. Beef and ale. Not rocket science is it? Yet I can still taste this even now, reaching out across the months and the many, many miles which separate us in linear space and time. It’s true; at the end of the universe different laws pertain, so I’m there now, as I type…Thank you and well done Chris and his delightful, naturally warm family. You made it a journey to remember. We arrived hallucinating, we left raving.

My wife and I were lucky enough to be able to book dinner here on a recent trip to the north highlands, and were not disappointed. The restaurant is run by the local GP, who is also the chef, and has a passion for quirky food constructs. Each course as part of this degustation is a work of art in itself, which features sometimes unusual ingredients, combined with artisan produced plates. I will admit that this style of dining is not for everyone, and the table service provided by the owners family can be variable, but this is truly a unique dining experience. So if you are prepared to pay for an experience that is one you will not find elsewhere in this part of the world, then I suggest you seek out Cote du Nord.

The good doctor is a keen and not unskilled cook. He is an avowed enthusiast of the smoking tray, the foam maker and Masterchef-stunning gels. The problem is that his elaborate creations seem to turn out less than the sum of their parts. Our evening there seemed more designed to leave us in awe of the theatrics rather than leaving us satisfied with the food. It is all very well emulating Michelin-style tasting menus if you have made your bones in Michelin starred restaurants; quite another if you just want to show off after your day job is over. Of our eight or nine courses (I honestly forget how many because many were forgettable) around 50 percent were pointless. Example; why serve a single frozen sorrel leaf dusted with icing sugar as a "palate cleanser" when half the diners had scorched their taste buds with an aperitif of seaweed gin? There is also little to be said of interest about a deconstructed prawn cocktail, save that it was made from Lilliputian things in a sauce not dissimilar to that dished up at Berni inns in the 70's. The only meaningful portions - if you can count two mouthfuls as meaningful, which here, believe me, you can - came towards the end with a lukewarm bit of fish followed by a tasty piece of rump steak, marred by the doctor's need to smoke the potatoes served with it. (And I imagine the fish was lukewarm because he is too stretched to serve everything at its proper temperature,)The price with wine for me and my wife came to 130 pounds; if one takes the wines on offer with the food this will rise to 150 pounds for two. In the Scottish Highlands, where good produce abounds and hunger is created by long walks and bracing air, the doctor would do his diners more of a service by not trying to be clever and fill them up with food he clearly can produce as long as the kitchen gadgets are kept under lock and key.

Creative menu of fresh local produce, interesting setting and unique food, one of a kind in such remote area

This incredible restaurant is owned by a practicing physician who is also your chef and is open three days a week as his on-call schedule allows. The menu is an act of artful creativity. I will warn you up front if your food tastes run towards the straight and narrow--meaning that you like to look at the menu and eat familiar foods--then this restaurant is not for you. Dinner included 10 courses over the space four hours. Included among these were Braes of Heather (which had lamb belly on a plate that looks like highland mountains with a green loch); oxtail soup with Guinness foam; sea cheese salmon; a walk in the woods (dehydrated mushrooms, beets, hazelnuts); Rockpool (a soup with a white chocolate seashell) halibut; Cranachan flambé with ice cream, raspberry sorbet, dried and fresh raspberries and other delicious stuff.This is definitely Michelin material at a price well below what would be charged if you weren't in the most remote part of the Scottish mainland.

What an evening to remember, for all the right reasons.The food at this restaurant is cooked by a passionate man.The evening started with a Gin & Tonic, distilled on The Shetland Isles with seaweed, delicious ( my choice, there were other options ) There were 10 courses, all delicious, served on stunning plates, with beautiful wines to match. This was an evening that we will remember for a very long time. I certainly recommend anyone in the area to go IF you can get in. We arranged our entire holiday around it, and we were not disappointed. Thank you Chris and your team.

We visited here on holiday and were totally impressed with this dining experience. From the wonderful slant of the food with local produce, the great ambience of the restaurant, the service and the awesome quality of the food and wines -it is an experience not to be missed if you are in the area. For any Melbournite from Australia who has visited Vue de Monde - this is up there with this restaurant at less than half the price. Would thoroughly recommend to any one who enjoys exceptional quality food with a local bent!

This is a destination restaurant on the remote north coast of Scotland. With only 10 covers and a tasting menu, Chris, the chef-patron is able to create amazing, tasty and elegant dishes. This was not so much of a dinner, more of a show.I cannot fault the food. It was as good as I have tasted anywhere.Now it may be unfair to criticise but there was one aspect of the evening which we felt let things down. The chef's two teenage children are the servers. Unfortunately teenagers have other things they prefer to do on a Friday and Saturday night, rather than help in Dad's restaurant - and it shows. Their service was graceless and unsmiling. If they receive a little training in customer service then this restaurant would be perfect.So 99 out 100 for the food and the creativity.

One of the best restaurant experiences of my life. The kind of passionate, inventive cooking you might expect to see in exclusive, polished surrounds in Edinburgh but here served to you in a family home in the beautiful wilds of the north coast. Delicious, interesting, local food prepared in ways to really surprise you, and with fantastic wine. Can't recommend this place enough - well worth the six hour drive!

Hidden in the farthest reaches of Northern Scotland a little gem of a restaurant exists. Not for those with large appetites (I would have a snack before going if this is your thing), the menu is mostly amuse bouche style with the emphasis on the theatrical, fancy plates have taken over from clown shoes. However, there is a skill level here and a consistency that rivals greater establishments. Worth a visit but don't expect a polished front of house, think keen amateurs. But, oh, the standard of the food is way up there. Possibly even worthy of that overrated Michelin standard?

The meal was phenomenal! We visited last year and absolutely had to go back again this year, and we were not disappointed. Everyone should visit this restaurant once in their life :)

Your host is the local GP who soes this as a hobby. % courses of sheer delight for £35. Mainly seafood langoustines lobsters oysters etc- depends whats available locally.Very quirky but you will love it

A hidden gem in the nooks and crannies of the north coast of Scotland. The Duckham family excel at providing an exceptional culinary experience that is not only pleasing to the taste buds but also provides a thorougly relaxing experience as their service is tailored to the individual customer. Each of the eight courses starting with The beginning, not the end, Scottish broth DIY in the middle and right through to Chaos 2015 at the end stimulated all of the senses with taste, smells and visual appearnce combining effortlessly to make this the best meal I have had in a long time. Book in advance is my advice to ensure you dont miss this treat. Furthermore, it is also very kind on the purse and the wine list not in anyway lacking.

This was a fifth visit for my husband and I, and the first visit for my mum, sister and brother-in-law. I was a bit worried that my brother-in-law, being a mince and tatties sort of man, would find the food on offer either too fancy or not enough. But he absolutely loved it, as did the rest of us. He said it made other local eateries look like transport caffs. So, with his seal of approval, it just goes to show just how fantastic Chris' cooking is. Tina and Esme are the perfect helpers and never intrusive. We have booked to return in September, and can't wait. Definitely recommended.

Chris Duckham and his wife and daughter are the entire staff at this very small restaurant in a terrific and very remote location. It's best to consider this as a place to go for an evening of absolutely top class food experience, rather than a 'meal'. It was over 2 and a half hours of course after course of Blumenthal-esque ideas presented brilliantly. Smoke, flames, magic combinations and delightful surprises, each prepared exceptionally well. The only thing I could't work out was the price. This isn't a £39 meal, it really should be much more.Truly lovely and absolutely unpretentious people serving up the classiest food you can imagine.

This was a special delayed birthday surprise for my wife but it was worth the wait and the drive up from Fife! Like others, I discovered this wonderful place through trip advisor and was impressed with all the comments. Really was a one man amazing performance, Chris is truly absorbed and driven in his commitment to providing a food sensation with all the wonderful flavours, aromas and carefully chosen wines to match. This is not a meal out, it is a experience in intimate surroundings with beautiful food and wines. Should be on everyone's list of things to do before.....well anything really!

Another fabulous night at Cote du Nord last night. The food was exceptional, an extensive wine menu and a good selection of gins. Such a treat to taste all the dishes so well presented by Chris and his friendly staff. Thanks and we will definitely return.Angela & Co

Can hardly find words to describe this 10 'course' meal. Every course was an fantastic combination of sights smells and tastes. So imaginative! The whole evening was a fantastic and memorable experience.

We'd been meaning to visit Chris at his restaurant for many months, finally made it one evening with two of our friends. We chose the meal with wines. The meal was memorable and being lots of small dishes with no choice you try things that ordinarily you might not have and then find it to be delicious. The flavour combinations appear adventurous but delicious - someone knows what they're doing :) The wines were well matched. Each course was a talking point. The restaurant is in the front of the family home. Seating just eight or so people makes for a very intimate dining experience. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening and look forward to return.

While visiting the mother in law in the far, far north of Scotland the most we hoped for in a culinary sense was good, hearty, local produce. Well, at Cot du Nord we got all that but with a huge creative twist.Every course was an event. With most tasting menus you expect one or two courses to be a little lacklustre. I can honestly say that my girlfriend & I found each and every course to be fantastic.I can't recommend this place highly enough.

This had to have been one of the most wonderful, delicious and imaginative meals I have ever had the pleasure of eating. Every course left you excited for the next and we were not disappointed. A truly wonderful experience. A lovely atmosphere and lovely hosts. We will definitely be back ASAP.

was a unique and tremendous gastronomic adventure. 12 courses..! The season's champagne/whisky/honey cocktail was tasty and highly potent. Wines a great change from standard wines. Different foods such as oxtail, celeriac, an egg course! and john dory fish were all new to me.

My husband and I ate here last month after hearing about it from a friend. It was absolutely fantastic, a real treat. It's amazing he does this in his spare time! The dining area is relaxed, and it is small. They seat a maximum of 8, I think. Each dish is presented immaculately and you're given a description of each component of the dish. The food itself is amazing. The food was great, excellent hosting and very good value for money. Will definitely be back and we'll definitely recommend!

I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for not only wonderful food but a unique dining experience too. I've had the luck of trying many fine dining restaurants all over the world and this, by far, was one of my favorite dining experiences. The Chef (a family Doctor by day!) is so enthusiastic about food and creative in his craft. His attention to detail is astounding....from the texture, temperature and presentation of his dishes to the choice of foraged and locally grown ingredients. With all of these elements combined he creates a plethora of interesting and tasty dishes that come out of the kitchen in the most wild and wonderful ways. The presentation, description given and thought gone into each dish makes the experience highly entertaining.

How to describe this unique restaurant? Open only 3 nights a week from April through September, the chef is a practicing family doctor, the dining room seats 8 (one table for 4 and 2 tables for 2) and the setting is above the tiny hamlet of Kirtomy, a mile off the main road to Bettyhill from Thurso ("second on the left after the cattle grid" as the website states).Dr. Chris Duckham, his wife Thina and their son welcome you into their home, and also literally into the kitchen for the first course. Not only is the cuisine unbelievably creative, the dishware is also seductively unique. The "menu" prepared by Chris is unlike any you will see, a literary adventure to stroke your curiosity, and be completely satisfied once your palate savours the 10 different dishes that Chris personally presents. The ingredients are ultra-fresh, combining local plants and herbs with seafood and locally raised animals.The wine list is quite complete and may be consumed by the glass. (This is recommended if you are going to drive home after dark—Thurso is approximately 30 miles distant on the northern coast road peopled by numerous deer, so one must drive slowly and very carefully.)The Côte du Nord is a combination of theatrical presentation and succulent culinary achievement. What a success!Reservations well in advance are a must.

called in today at 12-30 to the recently refurbished hotelsigns clearly welcoming non residents and offering bar snackswhole place locked upbar not openhad to find a workman to get a staff member to tell us it was closed as they had had a busy night the previous eveningPATHETIC

it's definitely not just going out for dinner - a magical, wonderful, tantalising experience - loved every single course and there were quite a few!

This food is a labour of love. We had 8 courses, all totally delicious and unusual. Potato baked in peat ! Surprisingly good . The little cup of shellfish bisque ,part of the canapés ,was one of the best things I've ever had. It was all excellent and I particularly enjoyed the desserts based on Old Pulteney. There are only 3 tables and each course is served and explained by the chef. It's more like a dining club than a restaurant. As we were driving we just had wines by the glass. One couple ordered the wine selection , which has very generous glasses, but they were sleeping in their motor home next door, sensible. The whole experience is worth every penny, we thought for the quality of the food and service it was very good value.

This meal, to celebrate the birthday of one of our group of 4, was outstanding! Everything, from the greeting on our arival, to the truly reasonable bill at our deprture was faultless. Each one of the nominally 8 courses was unique, inovative, and totally delicious! I say nominally 8 courses, because our starter course, as in its self 3 courses. Presented as a 'Seaside Picnic' in an immaculate wicker picnic basket, complete with its own crockery and cutlery, an adventure of exploration as we delved into its contents! I have attached just 3 photos, and I dont intend to say much about the menu items, as a major part of the enjoyment comes from the anticipation of 'what is comming next' and to say too much here will give away some of the surprises! The attention to detail and service by Dr Chris Duckham and his family is beyond compare, and matches the food served.As an aside, I am a regular reader of Trip Advisor reviews, and this is, so far, the only one I have ever seen, where EVERY review, in Every catagory is marked as 100% Excellent, by every single reviewer. In all the others I have read, at least one reviewer has managed to find at least ONE thing to frown upon - here at the Cote Du Nord, NOONE could find ANYTHING to fault, and that is, in my view, totally appropriate!

We recently ate here for the first time to celebrate my husband's birthday, and it most certainly won't be the last! Every single course was scrumptious and innovative. You couldn't wait to experience the next one (and of course the perfectly selected wine to accompany it) - we didn't want it all to end! What a wonderful night we all had. Thank you Chris and Tina for being such charming hosts too :D

I cannot recommend this place highly enough. If you have to travel to get here you will not be disappointed.To start off, we were early. Way too early as I had the time wrong! The family welcomed us anyway and nothing was too much hassle! The whole thing is an experience, you aren't just dining you are getting the full story of everything you are eating. It wasn't too slow or too rushed. It's £35 for a set meal, then you have drinks on top, and it is worth every penny. We have already recommended to friends who are going to go now. I urge you to try this place if you are even remotely nearby! As they only seat 8, reservations are a must.

the Cote Du Nord is a gem of a restaurant in Sutherland Scotland only open in the summer months on 3 days a week but when you experience the meal you will understand why. this was not just a meal but a theatrical experience. The food is sourced locally and is served at your table with extensive explanations of its origins content and how its cooked, even the plates it's served on have a story to tell. there was a fixed menu with a wide choice, the hosts are brilliantand very friendly and the setting is an old school house overlooking the sea. you must book as there are limited covers but you will not be disappointed a truly great experience a real gem

A wonderful meal including all the best bits of Scottish cuisine with local seaweed and flowers and leaves e.g nettle and sorrel and primrose and gorse blossom. The presentation included an inside out egg, an ice platter for local fish, and a smoke filled dome for the dessert which contained all the ingredients for Old Pulteney whiskey. Soup infused at the table and served with haggis foam and lobster bisque served in pipettes. The crockery was very unusual and entirely unique and added to an incredibly good dining experience. Thanks Chris

We booked for a meal here based on earlier reviews and actually arranged our itinerary around it. We were not disappointed and would do the same again.The thirteen course menu has been described elsewhere and to go into detail would diminish the suprise element of the experience. Suffice to say we enjoyed every part of the taste and theatre. (I had reduced my surprise element in advance by mentioning when booking those things I'd prefer not to eat!)There are only eight covers in the restaurant and it is only open at weekends in season so booking is "advisable"! Having said that we were the only customers on a Friday night because there had been a last minute cancellation. This did not detract from our experience.Kirktomy is quite isolated and we had failed to find a local taxi, so with only one of us able to enjoy the wine list, it was a great relief that wine by the glass was available, not something I had expected.We will certainly visit again when we are next in the north and do highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys food prepared and presented with a modern flair.

This restaurant is beyond amazing! 13 wonderful courses followed by coffee and fudge. Each course was fantastic with an explanation on each one and even unique ways of eating some. The crockery itself was even a sight to behold. Heston Blumenthal could possible even take some tips from here. Would travel back to the top of Scotland just to eat here again. Also the meal was sooooo cheap for what was offered. I would have paid double and still not have walked out feeling ripped off.

The 2013 menu is fantastic...Chris and his team looked after us amazingly well and made it a very special evening.I have reviewed this restaurant before and stand by everything I said ...it is still not to be missed if you are in the area.

13 courses!! Every one came with an explanation & every single ingredient was marvellous but when assembled together was superb. We had a wonderful evening in this friendly restaurant, even the crockery was to be admired for it's originality at each course.Do try the Kirtomy Royal & do allow lots of time, we were there 3 hours & there were only 2 of us.

love the food such variety and the service and ambience will be back again, thanks for a nice time. The resturant is set it a lovely place close to the sea and lovely walks right on the doorstep if you want something special please visit

The food is out of this world ....I won't spoil it by telling you the amazing combinations you will eat, but you will probably eat things you have never tried and will love them.There are lots of small courses and they arrive in front of you theatrically. An amazing evening.What ever you do...book and eat here.

My husband and i were staying for a week in Kirtomy and so took the opportunity to have a meal at Cote du Nord....what can i say...fabulous.The quality of the food was excellent, the presentation super, and the hosts - perfect - just teh right balance of attentive without being over-bearing.We had a 10 course taster menu, which was both delicious and imaginative, unbelivable that this meal was served for such a reasonable price.If you get the chance go!

Amazing food; amazing value; amazing all round. Pity it's so far away but we will return - with cash this time!

BRILLIANT. never been anywhere like this place. the warm welcome, the taste of the unusual outstanding 10 course meal, and WOW factor. all i can say is just go.

An evening at this restaurant is nothing short of an adventure. We had such a good time, the food was stunning, a seriously good chef and very attentive service, we could not fault it. What other restaurant would start the evening with homemade bread flavoured with foraged gutweed and home churned butter? And it just got better and better. If you are touring the Highlands you must visit this restaurant.

We live locally and have been to Cote du Nord before, but we had visitors and decided to take them there for a real treat. Wow, the food was like something out of Alice in Wonderland - each and every dish was a taste sensation and exquisitely presented. Chris came out and explained each course in detail, and advised us on which wine to order to best complement the food. As a previous reviewer said, for the soup course, we each got a small mortar and pestle to grind our own spices, through which the soup was then strained (after being infused in the old-fashioned coffee maker). I can't say which course was my favourite - it was usually the one I was tasting at that moment! We spent over 3 hours there, but the time just flew past.Apart from the delicious food, the restaurant is just beautifully decorated and the view is amazing. Our visitors said the meal was the highlight of their trip and are planning to come again. Being from the London area, they couldn't believe how little it cost compared to the equivalent meal there. Can't wait for a special occasion to return for a real treat.

This little restaurant is tucked away in a small village right on the north coast of Scotland, pretty much as far as you can drive before falling off the cliffs into the sea. A warm welcome and beautiful setting awaits and good selection of local drinks (went for the Bru of course). The set menu is a surprise beforehand (although you are asked upon booking for dietary requirements) and is a carefully considered and beautifully presented selection of tasty dishes using local seafood, meats and accompaniments from local traders and foraged from the coast itself. Particular favourites were the concentrated broth with local seaweed bread mentioned in a previous post, a crab truffle and bisque (which took some working out how to eat it) and 'beer beer beer': a jelly, ice cream and caramel dessert flavored with three different local ales. Each course is brought and explained by the chef, giving the chance to discuss sources of food and the wide variety of cooking techniques used.As coffee (a good selection again - though I plumped for heather tea) and petit fours is served, the genial, welcoming and talented host/ chef and his (equally wonderful!) wife come through and everyone gets together for a good chat before leaving for home at midnight with a full menu as souvenir. Here you are getting not just the stunning menu but the overall atmosphere and experience. The price at the end is a nice surprise as it is exceptional value and you would pay ten times this in London and get nowhere near the same experience. I'd recommend to book and eat here if you are even remotely close by - what a revelation!

I could go on and on ... but will just agree with everything Swales1 has said. I have to go back.

This little restaurant with seats only for eight at the most is an absolutely stunning find. The food consisted of a 10 course "taster" menu which included many unusual ingredients and innovative cooking methods which were executed with a great deal of finesse by the chef owner, who along with his wife, served us directly at table. I will never forget the theatre of a broth made with an old-style coffee siphon in front of us while we ground our own spices for it - just fabulous. For the quality of the food, its presentation and a good and extremely inexpensive selection of good wines - this is an absolute must for any keen food enthusiast and any chefs/cooks that are on holiday up there - do try it out - its something not to miss!

This is our favourite restaurant in the UK. We randomly came across it a few years ago and now we try to go at least once a year.The food, the place, the cook... it is a great experience and affordable. I can not recommend it enough. If you love food you will love this place.

Just eight seats at the small but perfectly formed Côte du Nord, so book by phone or email in advance for a Thursday, Friday or Saturday evening. (You'll also need to pay with cash or cheque.) Although the venue is in the house of the local GP, it's a 'proper' restaurant with excellent service and a real sense of occasion.The food is astonishing, using local seafood and other ingredients such as sea lettuce, bog myrtle or sorrel. A sequence of tiny starter dishes is presented, followed by some main courses and desserts; you can opt for the longer or shorter menu.The preparation and cooking is clearly a labour of love, and eating here was definitely one of the best experiences of our holiday in the far North of Scotland.