Explorer Cafe in Highland

Visited 3 times in 5 days and probably spent more on coffee than we did on merchandise (and Tiso is an excellent shop by the way). Excellent coffee, lovely cake selection and a truly fantastic full English/Scottish breakfast. Staff were friendly and helpful. View to the Cairngorms outstanding and our doggy companions most welcome.

The staff were very welcoming and lovely. Made such a fuss over my dog. However the food was poor. Ordered a coronation chicken sandwich and thr bread was stale.

Lovely food, relaxed setting. Dog friendly. Yesterday had home made soup and freshly baked scones. Came back again today for the same. Would come back tomorrow if we were staying longer.

Having visited twice before years ago, we dropped in recently for two cups of tea, two smoothies for the kids and a bit of cake. Was taken aback by the price…£28! We were told it was table service but were not offered menus. We would have ordered a bit of lunch otherwise but with those ridiculous prices I’m glad we were saved. The staff were lovely but we won’t be back.

Stood for ages at the sign " please wait to be seated" ( lots of empty tables)as staff ( two) at empty counter avioded eye contact. Got fed up as someone came in past from another direction and was served!! Staff still ignored us standing at the sign after several minutes got fed up and walked away. Won't be back as crossed over to the Ice cream shop over the road and had a great coffee and something to eat.

Stood for ages at the sign " please wait to be seated" ( lots of empty tables)as staff ( two) at empty counter avioded eye contact. Got fed up as someone came in past from another direction and was served!! Staff still ignored us standing at the sign after several minutes got fed up and walked away. Won't be back as crossed over to the Ice cream shop over the road and had a great coffee and something to eat.

Avoid! Used to be great, now rubbish. New management have ruined everything that was good about it. For a similar culinary experience go to Aldi, buy a pack of 5 sugary pancakes, stick them in the microwave until rubbery and charge yourself a tenner. Complete scam.

What a fantastic place, very friendly staff with great food for a great price,. I’ve been travelling to Aviemore for years and this was my first visit, what a find, see you again soon.

Lovely cafe hidden above a hiking shop. They have plenty of vegan options (as well as non-vegan) I adored the vegan haggis jacket potato! The staff were friendly and the service was quick. I would return if I find myself in Aviemore in the future.

Visited here as every other coffee shop was closed or full. Limited cakes left but millionaires shortcake and Ricky road was very nice. Chai latte and ordinary latte were also good. Only drawback were the dogs , big and small . More of them than patrons.

Currently sitting in the cafe having finally received our hot drinks 25 minutes after ordering. We were advised that there would be a "wee wait" which we said was fine. How long can it take to make 3 teas and an americano?! I'd say the cafe was 1/3 full at best - 6 other tables occupied. When I checked in with the staff after 20 minutes of a wait, pointing out the time, I was told "that's what happens when everyone comes at the same time". We were also promised our table would be cleaned as it was filthy but after 25 minutes it was hardly worth mentioning again. Really disappointing experience in one of the few cafes in Aviemore that is open past 4pm. I won't be hurrying back.

I came once a month to aviemore and I lovectoso ,breakfast ,lunch ,dessert and coffe at the end of my days usually 4 to five days in a row, certainly our favourite, until today. Arrive 15 min to 5pm knowingly was alm8st closinvvtome so planned to take my coffe and dessert to go. But the lady in thd counter took 5 min to acknowledge my presence, with a unfriendly face said we are almost close so is just take away... I respond yes perfect with a big smile and asked for one coffe, a hot chocolate and a slice of lemon cake. She said that's not for sale, I ask why seems cut already, she respond I don't have anything to cut it.. I understand equipment need to be cleaned and put away and their shift is over but 10 minutes would be enough time for it. Took her more time to deny the cake than to make one more recurrent customer happy. Very disappointed after years of reat experience visiting tiso care and shop to be ruined by the bad attitud of one of your staff who obviously wasn't happy and customers pay for it.

Arrived for a family catch up of 7 people. Three generations with elderly parents/grandparents. Although big tables are available in restaurant they were occupied by couples. The high stools were obviously not suitable. We therefore took a booth for 4 and pulled 3 chairs over. The padded seats of the booth were ideal for our elderly contingent. Although it wasn't ideal, there was enough space for customers to pass and staff to operate around us. On going to the till to order I was met by what I assume was some kind of supervisor. 'Are you all sitting there?' she said, pointing. 'Yes' I said 'You can't' she said 'It's against our policies.' No smile, no niceness, no solutions! She disappeared to obviously do her important behind the scene tasks and leave me and the lovely lady on the till looking at each other, not quite knowing what to do next. Now, I was in the catering profession for many years, and I don't mind fitting in to the way different establishments work. However, perhaps the initial conversation could have gone along the following lines...... 'Hello, thanks for choosing to come to our restaurant. I see you are a big party. You'll be a bit cramped in that booth. I'm sorry the larger suitable tables are all taken. Let's pull 2 tables together so you can all chat and we can get your order. The 2 ladies who are on the table for 7 are only have a coffee and shouldn't be long. We can move you there once they are finished.' Maybe I'm just old fashioned...... Food and came quickly and was adequate.

Great brunch. Avocado toast, toastie, scone all excellent. Good size portions. Dog friendly too. Nice coffee as well. Spent a week in Aviemore and this was best place for brunch, which we didn’t expect

Took ages to get order taken. Took ages for drinks to arrive, probably an hour overall for coffee and cake and scone (which were good, apart from scone being covered in germs!)! Queue of people waiting to order coughing & sneezing right over uncovered food. When I asked server to cover scone for hygiene reasons they said it was not their job, but did I still want the scone? Strange, because most other plates were covered. Dreadful lack of food preparation standards and supervision. Dogs sitting on chairs at tables, drooling over tables. Yuk! I have no problem with dogs in the café, but they should be on floor. This place has a good reputation, can't see why. It is expensive too.

Dirty tables slow service when place wasn’t busy ignored by waitress when asked to clear wipe down table ! Won’t be back … and coffee burnt ! No skimmed milk!

Great place for coffee and snacks. Quick service, friendly staff and fabulous cakes. Could do with more gluten free items though. Highly recommended.

Used to love coming here for breakfast or lunch, unfortunately the menu has changed significantly and is now just toasties and baked potatoes or breakfast rolls. Quality of the food is fine but poor portion sizes for the price. The haggis roll had one small...

Open from 9am, the choice of bacon and/or sausage breakfast roll was offered when we asked. Very tasty and filling. There were scones and cakes galore too. Definitely worth a stop.

Firstly, food seems to be chilled/precooked and not even close to what was previously on offer. Next, I am slightly deaf and use hearing aids. I have had cause to suggest ( not complain ) previously that the sound bar above the coffee machine/station be...

We’ll talk about Highland hospitality at its very worst, rude staff very patronising really didn’t like the attitude at all. Made the dreadful mistake of paying money for poor service coffee etc, lesson learned should have gone to the known brand just along the road...

My wife and I visited the cafe yesterday and were not particularly impressed . There were no menus available and there were no prices on display . We were shocked when we ordered two toasties and two cans of soft drink and the bill came...

Previously been to explorer and had the most fabulous breakfast, once Mountain Cafe closed this place was next best in Aviemore. Visited today to find they only do breakfast rolls. £4.50 for a roll with 2 sausages (cut in half) no wonder a normally packed...

Very nicely laid out upstairs from an outdoors shop. Pie was very tasty and staff friendly and helpful. We had arrived 3.30p.m from Glasgow and most other cafes closed or closing. It stays open till 5p.m. so handy to know.

As a fairly regular visitor to Aviemore, I have always found the Explorer Cafe to be about the best cafe in town. However, over the last two years, the Explorer has appeared to have gone downhill. I used to head there for breakfast where they...

Cafe was brilliant last time we visited. Very limited choice, breakfast rolls were advertised but the only choice was sausage….no bacon, no egg. Wouldn’t recommend at the moment.

What has happened to this formerly excellent Cafe?. While on holiday at Grantown on Spey, we took the bus to Aviemore, looking forward to a nice lunch at The Explorer cafe in Tiso's. On arrival I asked for a menu and the girl said, all...

Having been here before I suggested to my family we'd visit again. I'll not make that suggestion that again. We ordered two cheese toasties and a chicken and bacon pie, unfortunately the food took at least half an hour to arrive. When it did arrive...

Having had many enjoyable visits to the cafe in the past we were seriously disappointed with our recent experience. After a lovely trip to the area to see the reindeer and do some awesome sledging we headed to the Explorer for lunch. Surprised and disappointed...

Really nice airy cafe within the Tiso shop. The sign on the stairs said only coffee and cake but when we arrived they actually had a range of really good hot savoury pastries and quiches - sausage rolls and vegetarian options - the spinach and...

I have had breakfast here many times and it has been excellent. On this trip, I was really looking forward to my crispy bacon roll and coffee. On arrival I was told they didn’t have a chef and therefore, couldn’t make bacon rolls. However, there...

The website says they do everything from breakfast to hot food! We travelled there today to find they are only at present doing coffees and cakes! Not particularly friendly and not many customer service skills evident! Ordered chocolate brownies and 2 extra hot lattes, chocolate...

Whilst the tiffin was good, it was king gone by the time the long awaited cappuccinos arrived. When querying the wait, the server was insistent that she’d told me it would be at least 10mins. She didn’t, otherwise we’d have gone elsewhere being short of...

Situated within the Tiso shop in Aviemore this is a wonderful spot for all day food, coffee and snacks. Friendly staff, good atmosphere and most importantly great coffee.

Excellent well cooked food & good menu selection. £7.99 for baked potato that came with a decent side salad & no skimping on the cheese & tuna filling!! We went back later for coffee & cake (great range of home baked cakes)! Was a busy...

Great spot in town for brunch! Epic coffee, super nice fresh food with brill veggie options (veg breakfast was insane: avo, toast, halloumi, beans, egg, toast, etc..). Cakes are amazing too. Beautiful views of the Cairngorms and a lovely overall vibe.

All the cafes we came across on the main street looked a bit grim so we asked someone in a shop we were in for a recommendation and she sent us to the Explorer. Great recommendation - excellent coffee, good selection of appetising food, nice...

We were visiting Aviemore for a couple of days and visited Explorer cafe for tea, iced latte and cake on our first day. They were delicious and the service was so friendly. We then returned on each day for a late lunch of baguette and...

The full Scottish breakfast is excellent. Portion size is generous but not ridiculous. It comes with excellent tea or coffee. We have previously been in for a quick snack a few times before and never been disappointed. Highly recommend. It’s good value and tables are...

Visited the cafe yesterday with my husband. Had a delicious bowl of split pea soup and a great Americano coffee. My husband only wanted a drink, so he had a turmeric latte which he had had many times previously. Unfortunately this time his drink was...

Food was delicious. Had chicken enchiladas and a burger - both were great. Place was busy but staff seemed to have it in hand and didn’t have to wait all that long for food. Love that the cafe is dog friendly too.

Consistently good and always friendly. Great vegan options are always a credit to the Kitchen. Food is always excellent and great coffee. Thanks again !!

Ordered takeaway cappachino and pumpkin spiced latte to takeaway and they were delicious. The staff were very friendly and covid precautions worked well.

We are a vegan family and always find a superb special or menu option. Lovely staff and the kitchen deserve credit for the fresh food that always looks great.

This is a cafe inside the outdoor shop. The menu looked nice but the sandwiches we ordered were not great for something that was supposed to have been prepared fresh. The coffees were good.

This is a lovely cafe in Aviemore with a fantastic veggie (and non veggie) breakfast. It’s been really nicely kitted out and is a spacious place to go for coffee and cake, breakfast, lunch or a full meal. The staff were friendly and efficient and...

Lovely Latte, excellent Cajon Chicken Baguette and a really good humous and avacados wrap. Service excellent. Very good

The Explorer cafe is located on the top floor of the TISO shop in the Aviemore retail park. It has good views towards the Cairngorm mountains, out of the large picture windows, and there is plenty of available, non ticketed, parking in the car park....

We came here to find a quick bite. We got the vegan borrito option. Was so disappointed as it was flavourless took over half an hour to make. When it came was just rice, peppers and a splash of bland tomato sauce. Cost 10.90 Would...

I really like this cafe but could you please give the staff a bit more training? The girl who brought me my soup was holding the head of the spoon when she handed it to me i.e. the part that I then had to put...

Visited the Explorer Cafe several times during our holiday in the area. Food, cakes and coffee superb. Very dog friendly & fantastic views. Great service with a smile, relaxing so long as you avoid time when kids have just finished school!!

today we went to tiso (not our first time) and definitely not our last. service was fast food was excellent coffee to die for. fantastic leek and potato soup, great big thic sandwiches, dog friendly too! we will be definitely coming back!!!

Staff here are fab and the food is good and healthy. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. It opens at 8am, which means you can get breakfast before going out on the hill Climbing. The cheesecake and hot chocolate are good! Highly recommend.

When here for lunch about 2 weeks ago, and we had fish n chips, it was huge, and very fresh. Loved it.

This place is usually quite quiet, so even on busy days you’ll get a seat and served quickly. From the baked potatoes with quality filling and lovely little salad with dressing to breakfasts and cakes, this is a wee surprise in an otherwise really bland,...

Although a little on the expensive side, the food here is pretty good and there is an interesting selection. We had very large bowls of really good lentil soup today. However, they came with nasty slices of stale, white bread so the little things let...

Great spot for lovely lunch. Sitting surrounded by the beautiful cairngorms what more can you want! Had fabulous homemade soup sandwich choices ..cakes. child friendly and added bonus of possible shopping adventures in Tiso downstairs.

Didn't realise there was a cafe in Tiso until we turned around to exit the shop. Very good coffee and friendly staff. Child and Dog friendly too as we noticed several dogs with their humans. Dog treats and water available too.

Visited today for a bit of shopping, food, relaxation, and because we had seen some reviews! Well done Tiso. We visited with our two small kids, who would have happily spent hours in the FREE soft play. Good kids menu and deals, good breakfast, lunch...

We use this cafe a fair bit as it is both dog and child friendly and has Tisos downstairs. Today was the day however that hubby exclaimed ‘this is the best sandwich ever’ - he had a chicken Caesar Salam’s sandwich (which I did have...

A tasty food experience, accompanied by staff who care you walked through the door. Great family atmosphere, good range of food packed with nutrition including gluten free meals. Corbet to Munro sized cake portions and coffee prepared to perfection.

Vandaag hier de lunch genuttigd. Waren verrast over de presentatie van de gerechten. Erg lekker, zeer vriendelijke bediening.

Went in today for a wee soup and sandwich. Got a table no problem. Ordered at till, I had a hot smoked salmon ciabatta, husband ordered soup and sandwich deal ploughman's

Popped in several times whilst on holiday. The dog now trails us in as the staff are so friendly. He even gets a treat! Clean café with good selection of fine pieces or meals. Good quality tea. A must!

Yummy baked potato with loads of filling. Stuffed ciabatta delicious. Dog friendly. Amazing big cakes. Will definitely be back!

Absolutely delicious food..mum and I had soup and it was delicious! Cater for gluten free also. Very attentive staff. We then went downstairs to Tiso shop and the baby changing facilities were outstanding! Very clean, proper changing unit with baskets filled will nappies, wipes, nursing pads, nappy sacks and beautiful hand soap.. Very impressed so I had to comment to customer services.. We go yo aviemore every summer and will definitely be returning here

Had a really nice lunch here. Massive baked tattie and other half had macaroni cheese. Both super tasty!! Dog friendly too which we love - our spaniel was quite happy lying under the table. Wish other places would follow suit.

Had lunch here recently after being in Aviemore for Parkrun.

Ate here for the first time on Saturday with my Parents when my Mum recommended it having had lunch and a cake in the café back in April 2019. The café is dog friendly which appealed to my Parents as they had their pooch with them for the quick visit. There's water and treats for your 4 legged buddies so they don't get left out!

We stopped in here a couple of times during our stay in Aviemore. Food (soup, sandwich, burger) was good, fresh, hearty portions. Coffee and cakes also lovely. Excellent baby changing facilities too (at back of Tiso ground floor, complimentary nappies and wipes in case you forget, also complimentary sanitary products in the ladies toilets). Cafe itself is on mezzanine floor (lift access) and there is a small soft play too / beside the cafe. Lots of parking in the retail park.

Explorer Cafe is on the upper floor of TISO, one of the best outside sports equipment I have ever visited. Cycles, Mountain and water Sports and Walking gear of highest quality and excellent staff assistance.

We only went in for a Hot Chocolate and a Coffee on the way back home after a week away but left impressed and will return. The service was very friendly and if you get a seat near the windows, you get a great view over the Cairngorms on a clear day.

Stopped for lunch on way home from up north. Delicious burger topped with onion rings, bacon, dill pickle served with chips, coleslaw, salad and spicy tomato salsa.

I've been trying to find a great coffee all week and finally stumbled on the Explorer Cafe on my way back to the airport. They made the best flat white by far - I ordered a second - I am about to fly with three children after all! Soft play for the little ones kept them entertained while I browsed the top quality mountain equipment. Excellent place, will return next year

My wife and I love good coffee and they serve great coffee here. The food is top class very tasty, clearly care taken to include quality ingredients and good helpings. Absolutely delighted. All staff helpful and friendly. Will definitely be back, cannot wait.

Great new cafe located upstairs in the Tiso outdoor store. We stuck to coffee and cakes which were excellent and all the meals we saw looked delicious too. There's a small soft play area to keep the kids amused as well.

Fabulous cafe with lovely views out to Cairngorm. Coffee is excellent and the mac n cheese was just gorgeous with the best garlic bread and a great salad as well. Highly recommend!

Wow, came to Tiso for some new walking socks after climbing the cairngorm. Saw the cafe and thought we would stop by for a coffee. In coming up the stairs the smells were so appealing that we ended up having a meal rather than a cake.

Fabulous lunch, however the salad that came with my 3 year olds toastie was smothered in a dressing, please don’t do that esp when for kids.

Awesome wee cafe - we loved the salads here - sooo tasty and fresh and the staff were extremely friendly. A nice addition to the Aviemore cafe scene.

I had a really nice visit to the café above tiso. So much to choose from and such lovely staff.

Thoroughly recommend this cafe . Good selection on menu dishes prepared to order yet not too much delay in serving. Quality first class. Staff very friendly, especially wee Madi... Cracking views to Cairngorm and Craigellachie. Prices in the standard area found elsewhere.

Great new cafe opened in Tiso shop in new retail park. We visited a couple of times throughout the week for a coffee & cake while our 3 year old had a shot in the free softplay. The staff are all really friendly and helpful, and the coffee is great - not to mention peaceful as the kids are kept entertained in the soft play which has seating right next to it so you can supervise whilst dining.

We really wanted to like this place, it's in a wonderful retail cathedral of mountain sports, spacious, great picture windows looking out to the Cairngorms, easy parking, great wifi, friendly staff. I can see why the five star reviews and if we'd just bought a coffee and cake sure we'd have been one of them. But we ordered a meal.

Popped in for lunch. Had baked potato and a great bit of cake. Brilliant portions and really friendly staff.

This place keeps on improving. We had burgers today, which were lovely and fresh, with beautiful huge onion rings( homemade) and fresh cold salad, delicious. The staff very friendly, and approachable. 10/10 well done Again

I came here alone with my 2 children (2 and 8) on a Sunday afternoon, pretty hungover and ratty from the night before. I was looking for somewhere with coffee, warmth and somewhere the children could play. I was not disappointed! There is a small but fun (and clean!) softplay area upstairs that the kids loved. I had a look through the menu and was really impressed, so ordered a late lunch for us all. I had a latte that was brought to my table with a smile, and it had some beautiful latte art. As a barista myself I got a little excited about this. it was a fantastic coffee, mellow, smooth and just the right temperature. I thought I had died and gone to mum heaven. Before my order arrived I was discreetly asked if I really did ask for extra cheese in my halloumi burger (which I did) then reassured with warmth and humour that that was totally fine as there is no such thing as too much cheese. This is interaction I appreciate as it shows each order is thought about and created with care. The food was very generous, delicious and well presented. The kids ate their lunch. My hangover was cured. I will be back ASAP.

Two of us had a walk round the shop then we went up to the explorer cafe and had a couple of bacon rolls and two coffees great tasty rolls filled with plenty good quality bacon and great coffee from the Inverness coffee company staff were very friendly and had excellent service will definitely be going back 5 stars

Stopped here for breakfast and was not disappointed. The greeting and service from the staff was warm and welcoming. The food was varied and all to a great and well presented. The atmosphere was nice and quiet with most just sitt8ng enjoying the fabulous views. Would definitely recommend a visit to this restaurant.BTW coffee to die for.

this cafe puts all the others to shame. also a free soft play for toddlers. crockery, cutlery all great quality. food looked excellent.

Tried the cafe in the new Tiso store, Both the cafe and store look fantastic.

Came in for a nosey, much bigger than expected. Had soup sandwich combo and wasn't disappointed, lovely fresh bread, generous filling and tasty soup. Love the views of mountains from Windows.

We visit Abie,ore on a regular basis and have been waiting for Tiso to open for months. Thought we would combine a walk round a Tiso with a spot of Lunch. Wrong decision. Ordered our food and drinks and it didn’t seem very organised. Got a number for our food and sat down. 10 mins later a waitress asked me what we had ordered as one of the orders had slipped down the back of the fridge. I told her and off she went. I then watched 2 other people order and get their food before us. My partner advised a waitress that we had been waiting 25mins. Off she went then came back and made some excuse thar the order had not printed but they would make it now. We asked for our money back and that took a while as they did not know how to refund. Would not recommend.

Tried to go for lunch here but ended up with a bag of crisps. Total lack of menus except one that every single customer seems to have to fight for at the till making the till ques exceedingly long. “For soup of the day please see the board...” what board?

Needed out of my four walls to do some studying away from the washing ironing and pets. Had lovely coffee and lovely breakfast muffin with soft buttery scrambled eggs, bacon and, at my request, spinach. The coffee was great, the cafe was light and airy, clean and with friendly staff. No one bothered me and the WiFi was fast enough to do what I needed to. I had another coffee and carrot cake and it was all good.

Had coffee and roll.Was lovely and fresh,and the coffee was beautiful! Nice and clean as well.Brilliant little place

This is the new Café inside the new Tiso store on the retail park in Aviemore. I visited at 9.30am today and was welcomed as the first hot food customer the Café has had. They have been open for 3 days serving hot and cold drinks and have now extended their range to include limited hot food offer. My choice of porridge is not yet available and so I chose a bacon roll £4.50 and cappuccino £2.75. Nicely presented. Enthusiastic and friendly team. Pleasant environment with plenty windows and natural light. They have plenty competition now in Aviemore and so long as they aim for achieving the consistent excellent quality of coffee available from exemplar competitor Mountain Café then this Café will do well.