Courtyard Bistro in Dumfries & Galloway

Really disappointing. Firstly the menu on the website is very different from the menu we ended up being given. The room is freezing so we ended up ordering a cup of tea with the meal just to try and warm us up. The starter took around half an hour to be served which may be normal is some places but we were one of three tables. I ordered the hummus starter that came with crunchy veg. The hummus had no flavour and after a few mouthfuls I tried to just eat the veg sticks but they were a bit sad looking and didn’t look fresh. The cucumber was really soggy and the carrots looked dull and old. My boyfriend had the prawns and said they had no flavour. For the main course I had the lasagne but I could hardly eat any of it. It was tasteless and mainly tasted like butter/grease. The pasta turned to mush in my mouth and it was soaking with grease. I only managed a few mouthfuls because you could see the grease floating in it. The accompanying salad was browning and not fresh. My boyfriend had the carbonara and said it too was tasteless and had pools of grease in the sauce. I will say that the waitresses were really friendly and gave great service which is the reason I’ve given two stars.

Three course meal included on first night, good choice from set menu three courses including bottle of wine portions were huge however what made this restaurant even better was james who i assume was the head waiter he is the jewel in the crown runs this place like clockwork and a lovely man we returned the second night as the food wad so good

We ate here as we didn't want to walk all the way into town after a 'hard' day's sightseeing. Quite a nice restaurant, although very basic in table settings - no linens, thick white crockery and cheap-looking cutlery and glassware. However, the service was very good from our waitress. The food was also good, we both enjoyed our meals - the steak was certainly properly cooked as I requested it. However, presentation was definitely "caff" style, just plonked on the plate. Could be so much more with little effort.

Try the fish its great , wonderful service too I was in a hurry and I suppose that awkward customer but the staff were so accommodating and I loved the fish and chips

Excellent bistro with ambiance. Good menu and quality food served with a smile. Excellent wine list at reasonable prices. Recommended

Had both Breakfast and Dinner here during our stay at the Best Western Station Hotel. The bistro is located in the hotel. The food was very good and the service was even better. We were pleasantly surprised by this place and would recommend if staying here.

We were staying at a B&B across the road so chose this for convenience. Really bonus lovely staff and most enjoyable food very reasonably priced. Thus we went back the following evening. Loved it

Had a delicious meal - salmon, sautéed potatoes with vege; followed by warm banana loaf. V tasty indeed. Staff friendly. Area spotless.

Ideally located near the railway station beneath the Hotel. Has a beer garden which, with the weather we had was more than welcome. Food and service where above average.

Booked in here ahead of visiting the Garden for Cosmic Speculation just north of Dumfries. We'd originally been booked into Casa Mia but we discovered it was too far away from our B&B to walk, so switched to here. The bistro is in in the basement of the Station Hotel. On first sight it looks a bit tired, as if perhaps it had been set up in the seventies and not touched since. Despite it being a Saturday night on a bank holiday weekend, it wasn't busy at all and there wasn't much buzz. There was some rap type music playing, probably not what you want to hear when eating and certainly not as loud as it was. On the positive side, however, the waiter was very polite, pleasant and helpful. The menu was what you might call traditional Scottish with a few twists. It felt a bit old fashioned and featured a lot of traditional ingredients like butter and potatoes. There was also a reasonable wine list. I had the smoked haddock fishcake - nice but not particularly special, followed by the chicken with the pine nuts and spinach in the sauce. This was good, especially the sauce, but they had gone over the top with the Lyonnaise potatoes which I could not finish - this is unusual as I am someone who loves potatoes. We all finished with the Creme Brulee, which was nice and cracky on the top but a bit runny underneath. It tasted good, though, despite that. So overall, not bad. Reasonable food for the price, if a bit old fashioned. The decor and design kind of reflected the food. All fine but could probably do with bringing a bit more up to date.

the first night i had deep fried king prawn followed by a succulent sirloin steak Next night i had the Christmas menu prawn cocktail followed by melt in the mouth roast beef with all the trimmings then individual Christmas pudding washed down with a veyry palletable shiraz

The food was excellent and varied selection was on offer in the menu. What I did appreciate was the fact that our food was served on hot plates, which you do not always get in other establishments.

Stayed at the Station hotel and ate each night at this restuarant. The staff were lovely, so cheerful, especially Marion one of the waiting staff we had at Breakfast time and evening. Always a big smile and efficient. The food was lovely and the hot breakfast was freshly cooked, unlike some hotels we have stayed in.

We used the Courtyard Bistro for our breakfast and evening meals while staying at the Station Hotel. On all occasions the staff were attentive and welcoming. The food was very good for both breakfast and dinner. The haggis served was equal to any haggis I have eaten and I recommend it, both in the morning and the evening. I tried the Highland Chicken, and it was very tasty. Eat here...you will love it.

We had thought to go to Casa Mia, but were exhausted from 7 miles of walking, so asked the Station Hotel if they had a spare table. They did, although on a Sunday they serve in the lounge, not the Bistro. Everything exuded quality. Serious service, well prepared and presented dishes, many based on fresh local ingredients. Crisp linen, the dignity of the well preserved Victorian hotel...an excellent dining experience I thought to hold them to the 1910 offer of a week's full board and a first-class return from Glasgow for £4, but thought better of it. But still not bad value for a birthday dinner for my wife. Thoroughly recommended

We were the only guests in the bistro. It seemed closed at first sight. The sandwiches were good. The salad with fish was Ok. The couches could use a touch up.

Went along early Saturday evening,on a recommendation from our Guest house owner, and was pleasantly surprised, good size restaurant, as we were the first to arrive, we had our pick of tables, so needless to say service was first class, the gentleman on duty that night was friendly and professional, and the food was absolutely delicious, and reasonably priced.

When I think of Station Hotels I immediately form a minds-eye-picture of a tired Victorian pile that has seen better days, serves Brown Windsor soup in vast, echoing dining-rooms and smells of boiled cabbage.

When I think of Station Hotels I immediately form a minds-eye-picture of a tired Victorian pile that has seen better days, serves Brown Windsor soup in vast, echoing dining-rooms and smells of boiled cabbage.Not so the Courtyard Bistro in The Station Hotel in Dumfries!Here you will find excellent, imaginative food served in intimate surroundings by staff who really care and go out of their way to ensure your well-being and satisfaction.I, together with various friends, have eaten here on many occasions and not once has the experience been less than entirely satisfactory.It is without hesitation or reserve that I would recommend give the Courtyard Bistro a try - You may be surprised but you won't be disappointed.

Estábamos buscando una comida rápida cerca de nuestro ser y estar y vio este práctico Bistro cerca de la estación de tren de Dumfries. Es ideal para nosotros. Era un sábado noche, y aunque había varios clientes no estaba demasiado lleno. La comida era de primera clase y a un precio razonable. El servicio era rápido y amable. Iremos de nuevo.

Had dinner at this bistro which is part of the Station hotel. The menu has the usual suspects, however there...

We had a lovely meal on our first night in Dumfries this visit. We both got the Highland Chicken stuffed with haggis and it was lovely, the whisky sauce was beautiful. The price was roughly £16 per head, we did not have starters or desert as was late in evening. They had a good wine list, but we don't drink, wine so it was a bear and water. It was a Saturday night and quiet, service was good.

We had an amazing 3 course meal each washed down with wine. Staff are very pleasant and not constantly asking you "if everything is ok". You don't need to here as the fresh local food is cooked and served with loving care. I consider this restaurant very cheap for the quality of food. One the best meals I've had anywhere for quite a while. Local support this place - its great.

Attached to the Station hotel, this bistro provides excellent meals with a good wine list. Some standard pub dishes but the more eclectic main courses are worth considering. Cullen's Skink is (in spite of the name) a very good seafood soup. The Galloway lamb chops were cooked to perfection and the Highland chicken was very filling. Staff efficient and very promptly rectified a minor discrepancy in our order.

Good atmosphere and service.Spacious dining room, tasty food well presented and served. We had both breakfast and dinner here both meals were excellent.

This is my opinion for the night we ate there. Four of us ate in the Bistro which was very enjoyable. Stayed overnight on business in this hotel with some colleagues and ate in the Bistro at night. We all enjoyed the food and there was a good atmosphere about the place. I felt the cheeseboard was a bit overpriced at just under £8.00 for 3 small pieces of cheese and some biscuits but other than that no issues.

Saw the offer 'Every Night is Steak Night' and decided to give it a try.What we had was the best sirloin steak we have had for many many years and at an unbelievably reasonable price. We took the offer which was steak, chunky chips and salsa. Really good and cooked exactly to our liking. service was top class too. Bravo.

This is the restaurant of the Station Hotel and is hidden away in the basement. There's a pretty decent range to choose from and the restaurant prides itself with the use of locally sourced ingredients. First night back in Scotland I decided to have the haggis neaps and tatties. This was well cooked although I did find the haggis to be a little bland.

Bistro in basement, modern and atmospheric.Good menu choice, reasonable prices, orders taken until 9pm weekdays.Only a few more notes walk from guest house and railway station.

Whilst staying overnight in the Best Western Hotel my wife and I opted for evening meal, bed and breakfast. It was quite busy but the staff were attentive and quite friendly. The food choice was very good and the quality was superb, my steak pie was filled with chunks of beef and was the best pie I have had in a long while and the chips and veg were also very tasty. My wife had salmon teriyaki, rice and vegetables which she said was full of flavour and absolutely delicious. We would recommend both the hotel and the bistro.

I was staying in the hotel attached and ate here on the evening.The staff were very attentive and quick at serving . The food was very nice. I went for the butterfly chicken and even though I am fussy with veg nothing was too much hassle for them to get me which is a nice touch.Plenty of choices as well which is always good. Locally sourced food as well which was a nice touch.Nice setting and a nice atmosphere. Would come back.

A M A Z I N G!!!! Locally sourced high quality produce, superb value for money and well worth a visit. I can guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Although the restaurant wasn't busy when we dined, disappointingly I had an issue with my meal being cold, which was rectified without fuss and apologies offered, but meant my husband ate his before my replacement was served - not a nice experience. However, breakfast the next morning was good quality and well executed, so I'd give the kitchen another chance.

Good food, lots of choice, plenty to eat, friendly staff happy to help you/ Iced water on table. Soup home made and delicious.

On Monday night I was searching for a restaurant in Dumfries. It seems that all were closed with exception to The Courtyard Bistro. The atmosphere inside is not necessarily overwhelming, but the menu is quite varied. I ordered a steak and asked it to be rare, but what I got was well past medium. It was a pity, because the meat seemed of good quality. The green salad was a bit limp. The staff was friendly and the service was good.

This restaurant in the basement of the Best western hotel offers friendly service, a varied and reasonably priced menu and pleasant surroundings.

As a regular visitor to Dumfries from London, we have been eating in the Courtyard Bistro for six or seven years, and always had a really enjoyable meal, bordering on fine dining standards for Dumfries. Last night we took two family members who had never eaten in the Courtyard before, and unfortunately, kitchen standards do not seem to be what they used to be.Out of a party of five, two steaks were ordered, I was shocked by the size of steak and the portion size of the sides for the £20 which was charged, and unfortunately one which was ordered medium was almost cremated. The steak was taken back without a fuss and the replacement steak looked very well cooked, but everyone else had finished eating by the time it was replaced.All in all what used to be a very nice dining experience is now hampered by a very unclear and overpriced menu. On various times we have visited I have thought it was unfortunate the restaurant was not busier, they may be trying to attract more diners making the menu wider appeal, but unfortunately don't think it is working.

Was a little bit unsure whether to eat at the hotel, but we decided to try it and was not disappointed. Food was really good and plenty of it. Price mid range

It was here I fell in love with Cullen Skink. Cullen Skink where have you been all my life, I never imagined potato soup with fish could be so delicious. The draft beer was also very tasty. Service was friendly and efficient. Even the other diners were friendly, a father, his son and the grandson were there for a car show and we all had a jolly conversation

We ate dinner here yesterday evening. The waitresses were both friendly and helpful but the food took a long time to arrive. When it did arrive it was ok but more of a pub grub standard than the price would imply. There was a good choice on the menu and the eating area is pleasant but I think net time I'd go elsewhere.

Great choice and high quality produce, I really enjoyed my breakfasts here. In particular, I asked for poached eggs and they were cooked perfectly. The staff were friendly and welcoming and it is easy to access from the Station hotel where I was staying.

on a wednesday night there there was only about 3 places to eat afte 7pmthis was the second worst food was eatable but did not resemble what we ordered my caesar salad with chicken had only 3 ingredients chicken lettuce leaves and half cooked bread cubes when i asked the waitress what happened to the rest of the ingredients like olives,bacon,anchovies and egg she did not even know that they were supposed to be in there,my wifes chargrilled vegetarian dish was served in a cold salad with only the capsicum char grilled .surely they can do better than this KFC would have been better

I'm not usually a fan of hotel restaurants - the Bistro is in a Best Western hotel - but this was an exception.The menu is extensive, the surroundings pleasant and the service efficient and friendly.

We were residents in the hotel so made use of the Bistro. There are three options for food and it was a little confusing initially. Perhaps it was because the weather had changed, but I was very cold in the restaurant and i felt it lacked the warmth and character of the hotel. We had the early bird menu which was good value - best part was the chocolate brownie with warm chocolate sauce and ice cream LOVELY

I pulled this bistro out of the GPS, so I didn't have any information about this place. We had lunch in the bar which except for Terry, the server/bartender was empty when we arrived. We chatted with Terry about our holiday and where we were going from there. Very nice chat with him. More people arrived shortly after we arrived.Lunch was pretty ordinary, potato and leek soup with a sirloin sandwich. I was disappointed with the soup but hubby enjoyed it. The sandwich was very good and flavorful.

They serve food in the bar on Sundays and in the Bistro the rest of the week - both were nice. The food was good & well presented on both occasions.

The service was excellent, the wine was good, but the food was just a bit 'ordinary' for such a nice setting.

went for early bird meal with my friend . we were only ones in restaurant until we had nearly finished meal then guests from hotel arrived . was value for money with friendly prompt service come on people in dumfries there are more places to eat other than little italy !!!

We had the early bird menu available from 5:30Had the steak on ciabattia,chips and salad, followed by creme brulee. Nice food and lovely and clean environment.

Have been going there on and off over the past 20 years or so and went back this week for the first time in a while with my family. Consistently very good and value for money. Has pub food as well as a great value table d'hote and a la carte menu's. Service is always very good and waiter very helpful. Good wine list also but given usually very quiet the atmosphere could be better. Overall though this place is a hidden gem in Dumfries town centre.

Had a very pleasant meal here while on business trip. Very good service. Wide choice o f menu and cooked fresh. Would recommend to anyone.

We got to try some traditional Scottish dishes (Tatties, neeps and haggies)and had a wonderful meal in a relaxing atmosphere

We have ate here twice now when we have travelled to Dumfries, the food is always freshly made, well home made really and the salad garnish is always nicely prepared even going that bit further with a sliced grape, its touches like that, that make this place stand out, My wife has told me to mention the homemade cakes. If we visit this is were we eat at lunch time.

We stayed in the Best Western Station Hotel for three nights. Having had a nice long leisurely 6 hour journey with stops, we decided we just wanted a walk around the area, before staying 'home' for dinner on the first night. Dinner at the hotel is served in the Courtyard Bistro, a basement area of the building. This is nice, but lack of windows to see out of makes it a little disappointing, as there is glass, but that is frosted, basically because it's a basement, but does make it a tad claustrophobic. The decor is very pleasing and typical of a bistro, but with no 'proper' dining room operating in the hotel, it's maybe not to everyone's taste, as the only dining place in the hotel. There is a Table D'hote menu as well as the A la Carte one, and the two provide a surprisingly good choice for a 'station' hotel. We stuck to the set menu on the first night, but be warned, depending on what you choose, it isn't actually that much of a bargain, as it is possible to have choices from the A la Carte menu which cost no more than the set menu! The service was very good, and the food was really 'trying to be good'. We both had Scampi as a starter, and that was an unusual starter, and very nice, with a lovely 'chef made' Tartare Sauce. Venison as a main course was the choice of both of us too. Mine was dreadfully tough, yet the other piece was okay. The raspberry sauce was way too sweet for the venison - a bit of tartness is required with game, even if it is fruity. The accompanying parsnip chips were dripping in oil - seems likely they were deep fried rather than roasted. Tempura Cauliflower was a nice change. I had the most delicious butterscotch sauce with my Banana Fritters and Ice Cream for dessert - definitely a superb Sticky Toffee Sauce and the best I've tasted. The other dessert was much appreciated too. I just think that sometimes, the commendable efforts of chefs to attempt a very wide range of proper restaurant food doesn't always work 100%.Our breakfast in another section of the basement adjacent to the bistro the next morning was great too, and very friendly and attentive service was evident again. As someone did mention in another review, the area by the bistro when you come out of the lift is the corridor to the kitchen, and initially you do think you've stumbled on an area out of bounds to guests, so that spoils the ambience a little.A cold night on our second night, and my husband's cough being worse when we walked around outside saw us decide on the Bistro again for dinner - not really what our dining plan had been when we were having three nights in Dumfries, as there are plenty eating places to choose from, but we thought there was a good choice on the A la Carte menu to suffice another dinner there under the circustances. To start I chose Tempura King Prawns and my husband had Chef's Pate - both delicious, (but there is a sting in the tail later). For main course I chose Highland Chicken and the other choice was a Lamb Tagine - both very good indeed. The waiter was supposed to ask what kind of potatoes I wanted, and I called him over to say I'd have chips. Small boiled potatoes in their skins arrived, and I accepted them - my theory being that the chips might have been as oily as the Parsnip chips the night before. No room for desserts that night.I won't go into the details, but a very naughty king prawn seemed not to agree with me, and I was very unwell for the next 24 hours. When my husband had to breakfast alone there was genuine concern from the staff, and a lovely wrapped plate of toast - all I could face - sent up to my room. Very disappointing, but I wouldn't hold the chef or hotel responsible, as I do seem to have a love/hate relationship with prawns - on occasion. Only on occasion, which is very annoying,as I adore them, and continually give them another go. Perhaps the short time cooking Tempura requires was partly the reason, but the Tempura King Prawns had been delicious....at the time!Anyway, lost a good bit of a day for sightseeing, courtesy of the naughty prawn and didn't really eat for 24 hours, which is annoying when you've just got 4 days break, but was very touched by the lovely blonde haired waitress's concern when I did manage down for breakfast of a glass of water and toast the following day. They are all very attentive staff, and even the gentleman who had been on the hotel reception desk was roped in to serve on the Saturday night, as well as being barman, and they were all keen to please and gave commendable service. I must give a special mention to the lovely young male waiter who insisted on saying 'Good Evening' or Good Morning' each time he approached our table, as he had a very lovely personality. On the whole, this Bistro is offering a very good range of food, and the service is super, and it truly is a bistro type setting, so no complaints there. Worth noting that on a Sunday the Bistro appears not to be open, and food is served in the Loung of the Hotel.

Friendly, welcoming and well priced. This small restaurant, as part of the Best Western Station HOtel is well worth a visit. Probably one of the best in Dumfries.

My husband and I decided to eat out, not interested in the pub food places so chose to eat out here, it being a Best Western so chances of it being up to our expectations we thought were quite good. I'm sitting writing this review and feeling very sick, it's the worst meal I have ever had in my life. The garlic mushrooms and the slice of bread they came with was saturated in butter, the mushrooms were tastless and very disappointing. My husband had king prawns in batter, not the healthiest looking,certainly not in crispy batter, but edible he said. I chose lamb tagine for a main course which tasted like soap, can't say it was any better than that. I think the most disgusting meal I have ever tasted in my life. My husband had steak pie, the meat he said was tender and tasty but the pastry was soggy. The service by the waiters was faultless, we chose to say how disappointed we were with the food, we would pay the bill in full but we would never go back. During our visit it appeared that the restaurant was empty and only accommodated by residents, not a good sign when the locals don't fill it up. Sorry to report this, I'm not a complainer but I couldn't recommend this place to my worst enemy.

I live locally and sometimes you dont value whats on your doorstep. This is an excellent bistro where the service is quiet and efficient and the food is a treat.

Stayed at a Hotel across the road, and had an evening meal. We had'nt booked, but were fitted in, even though they seemed almost full!A good choice of food, with steaks, Morrocan tagine, fish of varying types, and home made pie. All very good, and will return when I revisit Dumfries.

Excellent food and reasonably priced. Service first class and friendly.

Nothing - we were just there the once and it seemed a very nice restaurant, open from 5.30pm.

lovely restaurant. We have never been disappointed eating there. Lovely unobtrusive music playing in the background. Really friendly staff. Wish more people would frequent this Bistro.

Cold basement room! Too much choice for number of visitors. Expect frozen food microwaved. Fish and chips was ok - what can go wrong! You can normally rely on breakfast in Scottish hotels but this was a bit disappointing. Bacon had been lying around drying out. Haggis burgers tasted weird. (I am from Edinburgh and a great fan of good haggis. This wasnt)

We've eaten here countless times over the last 5 years and have always found the food, and staff, excellent. The Bistro is a little gem.