Derya's Cafe in Highland

While I was browsing on Google maps - this shouldn't be an excuse, but this is the situation, we can only travel like this - I saw by chance the Turkish restaurant in Thurso, Scotland... The name Derya... Actually, this may have brought me the thought at first, but the evil eye bead.... I was happy. For no reason and I wanted to write something. All the best.

Good food and beautiful scenery 

Friendly service with great food

A very wonderful restaurant that serves very delicious Turkish meals. It is considered to be of the utmost cleanliness and care for visitors and the workers here are extremely courteous. The dish I am most keen on ordering here is the menemen, which we call (shakshuka) in the western region of Saudi Arabia. The place is charming and on the Scottish North Sea, and I highly recommend it.

Nice food, pleasant staff, easy parking, prices very good nice views, and BEST CAKES EVER.😏

Incredible seaview great selection of interesting food Staff so friendly polite and efficient you can even get wonderful selection of local ice creams

Got 3 ham and cheese toasties for lunch here today. They were okay - skimpy on the ham and cheese and pretty dry. They weren’t anything great, but not anything I’d typically leave a review about. We ate lunch by the sea, and then stepped back inside to use to the toilets that are located immediately as you walk in. As I left the restroom, a man immediately came up from behind me surprising me with “Can I help you”? His tone wasn’t friendly or warm; it was accusatory. I told him “No thanks, I just was using the restroom”; to which he replied with irritation “These aren’t public” and motioned to the bathroom doors. I felt awkward being confronted, and told him that we had just eaten lunch there. He then backed off and said “Oh, okay…” and walked back into the cafe. No apology, just confronted me and then he walked off. A couple things. That man had clearly been waiting for me to come outside the restroom to say something to me, because he wasn’t standing there when I had walked in a minute before. Secondly - the quickest way to start off an interaction on the wrong foot with a woman is by unexpectedly coming up from behind and startling her. The whole thing was just uncomfortable and a bad experience. What good did it do to confront me AFTER I had used the restroom and was literally a foot away from the exit? Nothing, obviously, aside from intending to tell me off. That man hadn’t been working when we had been inside, so he had to have known he might be confronting someone who had been a customer, but he just didn’t care. (Even then, is it REALLY that big of a deal if someone uses the toilet anyway?!) Bottom line - that man made me wish I hadn’t given my business here. Typically Scottish people are extremely generous and kind, and I usually feel great about contributing to their shops and restaurants. I wish I had known this man was the opposite — I would have given my money to a different restaurant (and most likely would have had better food as well).

The falafel burger was extremely dry, even the yogurt sauce didn't taste anything interesting and couldn't help it, the fries were unseasoned but drowned in thin, watery salad dressing. We had to sit outside because of the dogs, which is ok. The only thing left to do was ask for water for the two of them. Because of the wind the food was extremely cold. A windbreak would be advisable. We were there years ago and were very disappointed. It also appears that the owner has changed.

We didn’t know quite what to expect, but it was very good. Coming from Texas, it tasted a bit like a burger from a Mexican food restaurant. The salad on the side was very good too. We all received burgers and all enjoyed them greatly. Nine tables inside and a four out under the porch. Eight two seater tables and one for seater table set up. A selection of desserts available. Others in restaurant were ordering coffees and seemed to enjoy them. View of the water. Parking nearby. Return visits: The burgers continue to be outstanding. Our party had a Mocha and a Vanilla Oat Milk Latte and both were good. We also had take-out. I do not think the salad comes normally with the take-out, you may need to request for it to be included. I requested it on the side in separate container so it didn’t make chips or burger damp. Ice cream was good. Others in restaurant ordered the breakfasts and seemed to enjoy as well.

Tasteless. Toastie was like eating a piece of cardboard, no garnish. Breakfast wasn’t much better, most of it was left on the plate. Won’t be going back.

Amazing food and service! Get the kofte you will not be disappointed, great selection of ice creams also! Great view of the beach as well!

Found Derya’s by chance whilst visiting Thurso. The view from the cafe is great and the staff were friendly and welcoming. My toastie was delicious as was the strawberry cake. Would definitely recommend.

Awful, cutting back to save money. Called in for a flat white and hot chocolate. Got 2 cups of hot milk with the merest taste of coffee and chocolate.

The bulgur salad was amazing. The chicken burger was so so. Coffee was ok. Owner very friendly

Friendly Staff Great view of the Bay

Friendly staff, quick service and delicious breakfast

Tasty wee latte for takeaway with a picturesque view ✨

Lovely location quite a good choice on menu and very nice staff

Was trying to find somewhere to have a drink and something to eat in Thurso, by pure chance we came across this cafe overlooking the beach in Thurso. What a great find, clean, tidy and the staff were very welcoming. Food was delicious, good portions and reasonably priced. Highly recommended.

We discovered Derya’s Cafe last year. We have been going back weekly ever since. Derya is passionate about food. From her food menu to her bakery goods and coffee she does her absolute best. The Turkish influence on the menu is a welcome addition to the diverse food offerings of Thurso. We have never had a bad meal here. As with all restaurants in the post Covid economy we must bring our patience as everyone is dealing with staff issues. And Derya’s is worth a short wait. Derya and her cafe are an asset to our community. Helpful tip to visitors… if arriving by car or caravan do not park in front of the cafe. Ha. You are just blocking yours and everyone else’s wonderful sea view.

Pleasant seafront cafe with a good choice of food and drinks.

Friendliest room. Amazing location on Thurso Beach. The best! From Menemen to the cheesecake. Great coffee drinks, Turkish tea. Daily baked goods by Derya and ice cream. Tables inside and out. Then walk it off down the esplanade. From Inverness to Applecross - What a find !

Lovely coffee and huge slices of delicious cake!!!

What a wonderful find. A warm welcome and wonderful homemade food which is attractively served. Great service and lovely ice cream too. Not the usual seaside fare at all but so much better.

Lovely cafe with spectacular view of the beach. Friendly staff and a good range of food from salads to pannini and much else.

Nice little cafe on the promenade

Great cafe lovely home made soup. Lovely staff I would definitely re- visit again

Visited whilst on holiday. The salad was lovely, tasty and fresh. Fantastic selection of sweet treats for afters. Friendly staff and a nice environment by the sea. Overall very satisfied!

Great little cafe, good prices, great food and friendly staff - all with a great view of the bay - would recommend

First visit but will not be last.Excellent friendly service and good food.

Excellent cakes and I like the coffee. Not had a meal there yet so can't comment on that.

Excelent how often is this Cafe open during the week

Friendly staff and nice tea and cakes! Lovely location by the seafront.

Excellent scone and cup of tea in a lovely clean, friendly cafe!

Delicious food & good service. Excellent location

Tasty Turkish food, and great sea views, even when the weather closes in it feels cosy. Would definitely recommend going here!

Poor place to eat, food not great far too expensive, would definitely not return, or recommend.

Right on the beach wall, small coffee shop with cakes and soup and breakfast. Toilets with baby changing, seats about 30 inside and 12 outside. Also takeaways.

Best frindlyist place to eat in Thurso. The food is amazing. The staff make you feel very very happy and comfortable

Lovely experience with good food and great service

Very friendly staff and lovely food.

Lovely Cafe clean with a good selection of lunch fayre and great views out front of Thurso beach

Very friendly staff, good food and a great view! Really enjoyed it :)

Very very nice, the view over the bay is breathtaking (or almost parking is not prohibited, too bad)

Nice enough inside and out. Weren't taking card payments and had to walk to bank for cash. Got full breakfast at a reasonable price but quality could have been better. Cracking place to sit outside though with lovely views across to Orkney and Dunnet Head.

A great little spot for a coffee and snack. We got to sit outside with great views of the bay. Easy parking and not too busy. Staff were really friendly too.

We called in for an ice cream, which we sat outside to eat, at one of the picnic-style tables. It was delicious! And what a stunning view, overlooking Thurso bay. It sounds like we need to go back to sample the breakfast next time!

Gorgeous coffee, really hit the spot on a cold day. Derya's brings a splash of colour to an otherwise grey town

Had the Turkish breakfast, very tasty and a nice change from the usual fry up. Great views, great food, great service. Dropped a star for being a wee bit pricey. Would certainly go back.

By the sea. Good coffee and cakes. Other foods available. But only cash is accepted!!! Pay attention no notice about cash payment only. Have cash with you. Friendly service

Lovely little cafe, enjoyed my falafel salad and coffee. Small menu but really enjoyable.

Lovely views over Thurso beach whilst enjoying a simple lunch. Basic chicken burger in brioche bun came with loads of chips as did the spicy kofte. Friendly service in a no frills cafe.

Friendly and great service, great coffee and absolute killer of a biscoff cheesecake!

Great cafe to stop at for lunch with a beautiful view of the sea

Stopped by for a coffee and stayed for lunch. Staff very friendly and helpful and service delightful. Lemon drizzle cake excellent my wife tells me.

Lovely casual cafe overlooking the beach

Great cakes on offer at good prices!

Just popped in for a cup odmf tea and a warm on a misty morning. The food looked nice but it was too early for lunch. Nice people.

Lovely staff great coffee sits next to beach

The most expensive panini/baked potato combo I have ever seen. Luckily I had a walk to the cashpoint and back to recover from the shock of the bill. Nothing wrong with the food except the price. Lovely position next to the beach, just a shame it's so overpriced.

Having just had a coffee and food with my wife. We arrive to a nicely positioned cafe with easy parking and a sea view. However the fun stops there. Prices are very high when we just wanted a sandwich and coffee. After ordering food during COVID I am told that it is cash only even though cards are pretty 21st century. Walked into town to get cash, finally paid and then received the biggest flat white I have ever had. However it was really a latte and has been watered down with too much milk. Food was average and our side salad was drenched in water and so made our toasties soggy. Then forgot to bring our cake to the table with no apology. Overall very disappointed and cannot recommend this place.

Menu nothing like what is advertised on their website. Chicken burger unedable, there was more oil on the chips than potatoe. Toasted sandwich was fine but overall disappointing

Best coffee on the north coast! Very friendly staff, you won't be disappointed. Don't miss out on the opportunity of sitting outside this cafe having a lovely meal and coffee on a sunny day in front of the beach or snuggle up inside on a cold one :)

Amazing Turkish food, friendly efficient staff, great prices, would really recommend!!

Beautiful surroundings, great food and friendly staff.

Would of been helpful if you told your customers you don't take card before they order. Had to leave and go to the bank. For the price of a panini had 2 order aide salad separately and coleslaw separate. Won't be rushing back. Very over priced. £7 for chicken nuggets and chips no salad or anything.

They're breakfast Is the best i have had in along time

We had a lovely time here Nice small cafe with lovely food friendly service. And the home made cheesecake is so good I highly recommend it. Also has an amazing view of thurso beach. If you are passing by pop in

Great little cafe. Fantastic service from pleasant staff. Delicious treats

Great place to go when the sun is out and grab a coffee.

This is a lovely little cafe to go for a hot drink and chat I've still yet to try out there food

Lovely couple own the cafe, great view and tasty Turkish tea

Great food, friendly staff and a fantastic view (ample parking outside on the street).

Had the Turkish breakfast, really enjoyed it. Had the baclava for afters, best I have ever tasted and I've had a few. Service was very good.

Really good food and lovely staff, well worth a visit, thank you.

Really nice food. Polite service. We got in before it got busy, lucky we booked ahead. We will be back as a family.

My friend had peanut butter brownies on they were lovely

Nice to be able to enjoy a hot coffee on the front

We came to Thurso from Edinburgh, frankly not just because of a dinner, but to see the most northern point of Britain island and north horizont, which is really unforgettable for southerners like us. Guided by curiosity and misled by mostly positive Google reviews, we have planned to have a dinner in Pavilion, hoping to taste a “Scottish nord sea”, but unfortunately, the restaurant was closed during working hours. And we were not the only ones who kissed the door. There was an older couple who actually called a restaurant and they answered that cheff will arrive in two hours... We didn’t stay to check. We left and had fish & chips instead of a dinner. What to say?!?

Absolutely superb food and great service. Would highly recommend

I had a fantastic meal at the Pavilion on the seafront. 3 course meal with two diet cokes and I couldn't be happier. If I visit again, I will be sure to stop by. (Guy who helped the chef with downloading YouTube songs on his laptop.)

Called the evening before to make a reservation, reservation was confirmed. When we arrived for dinner the restaurant was closed - no warning on the phone, no cancellation by phone. We were left without dinner, in an area that already only has a limited number of restaurants. So if you definitely want dinner, make a reservation somewhere else.

Excellent food and a very characteristic place

Great food, great service and great view.

Lovely little place on the waterfront. Recommend booking as was fully booked on a Tuesday night. I had the cod which was lovely, other in the group had the breaded haddock which was also highly recommended. The scallops as a starter were also delicious.

Restaurant serves ok homely food - a bit more re attention to details would make this a really good restaurant. Small and right by the beach.

Wonderful meal and service. If you like fish then come here.

Full the first evening, we reserved for the next day. When we arrived they refused to serve us claiming there was a kitchen problem so they could close.

We had an all day excursion so we made a reservation for 8:45 p.m. When we arrived they made up a problem not to take us. Unacceptable, they would have had better time not taking a reservation

The fish portion was very manageable, which means that without a starter you won't really feel full. For £19 The waiter was hectic and very loud. Tastes very good, still 👎

Location superb, food imaginative and well presented. Difficult to better in Thurso. Oh dear... went the following evening and asked for bread before my meal. I was presented with two slices of supermarket thin sliced brown cut into dainty triangles and 4 little wraps of butter. Meal was still good though... but please!

Excellent food and service at reasonable prices.

I've been here a few times and the atmosphere is lovely, with a nice seaside vibe. The service is good, staff are very attentive and friendly. At my most recent visit I ordered a steak, and the piece of meat itself was wonderfully tender and good quality, though there was a slightly disappointing lack of seasoning - the steak didn't have much flavour nor was it very well seared on the outside. Everyone else I dined with seemed to really enjoy their meals though, notably all fish dishes. The Pavilion specialises in seafood, which is fitting given that it's by the sea, and it shows in the cooking. The fish dishes from what my companions told me, were all delicious and well cooked, so the slight letdown of the steak may be chalked up to more of a focus on seafood within the restaurant. The desserts were all lovely - I had a coconut cake which was very nice and ended things on a good note. I'd definitely eat here again, but may opt for fish in the future to ensure a more flavourful experience.

Fantastic place to eat staff amazing food amazing glad I found it

Great food which I really enjoyed.

Great food, great atmosphere and service

Really fresh seafood excellently cooked. Friendly staff and good atmosphere. If my plate had not been cold I would have given them 5 stars!

Really nice little Restaurant wir superb swordfish.

Very fine food and good service

very fresh seafood, good service, great view of the ocean. a little richer for my taste, very good. My order was salmon with crow fish, marie rose sauce.