The Dowry in Shetland Islands

Busy and popular local spot with good basic offering and lively atmosphere. Burgers, pastas and a huge hearty soup make it a safe bet for groups and couples alike. Good cocktails made by a pro barman.

The reviews are spot on 👍 Top quality food and service. Walked in (without a booking) on what was clearly a busy night at 7:30pm. They managed to accommodate us. Food quality was fantastic. Great service too. Will definitely be back.

Had a nice lunch with my friends here, it has my ambience!😃🍟🥙🍖🍕🥨🌯 We had falafel burger my fav. n my friends had chicken dishes they loved it too. ....MUST RECOMMENDED guys! ..cheers😃

Glasses were dirty. No recognition of this when I took them back. And the 'clean' ones they brought yo us were not much cleaner. The smashed burger dripped with grease. Food came out too fast for it to have been cooked fresh. Staff weren't bothered that the food, glasses etc were of a substandard quality. No apology or reason given. Very expensive too for that we got.

Really busy popular place. Great food and very helpful service. I suggest you book first.

Amaaaaazing food! Especially the desserts 😋

The food was absolutely delicious Had a Caesar salad, great taste and the additional Stornaway black pudding chunks was a winner. I had a bottle of cider with my dinner (the cider wasn’t the best but that’s personal preference) Staff friendly and place seemed pretty full but didn’t have to wait long for food at all. If in Lerwick get it down ya.

Just arrived today and had breakfast here for the first time. Food was fantastic, so much so that we came back for dinner. I had the fish and chips and it didn't disappoint. The staff are very friendly and attentive. I would highly recommend The Dowry to anyone for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Lovely restraunt great for casual as well as more formal eating amazing staff I would recommend booking a table as the restraunt fills up

Nice dinner, good choice, very attentive staff, cool atmosphere. Off season so check timings and book a table cos it’s not very big, but popular.

Enjoyed the wrap for lunch and a latte. Reasonably priced

The food and service were very nice. However, we booked (and arrived) for dinner at 8.00pm to be told that we couldn’t have a coffee as the machine was being cleaned. As dinner reservations end at 8.30, I would hope (and expect) to be able to order a coffee until at least 9.30pm. So, if you’d like a coffee with your meal, book an early slot!

Had an absolute wonderful meal with our travel group We had a private eating space and service was top notch . ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Placed order coffee arrived straight away .20 mins later still no food when asked what's happened to food was informed waitress never put food order through

Waiter took order waited over 20mins to be told the waitress never put our order threw

We ate here on the first Monday night after New Year. In all honesty, it was the only place open, and we were the only customers. It could have been very depressing but we had a lovely time. We had two lovely, young, local servers, who were both charming and cheerful. We had excellent cheese burgers, with great chips, accompanied by a perfect South African Shiraz. We also had a hot fudge sundae. Our cocktails were a little disappointing. I suspect the Prosecco for the Kir Royale had been opened a long time ago. Other than that, it was a delightful meal.

We had a very pleasant time here. The food was nice and the service was prompt and smiley! 😊

Great friendly place to bring your dog. Food and coffee excellent also 😃

Decent service and a pleasant environment, however I felt the menu was a touch expensive for what it was. My main course was not at all to my taste, the burger with bacon and added cheese being rather greasy and much more highly salted than I like- beyond the point I could taste the beef. They also triggered a pet hate of mine by serving the meal on a cool aluminium tray that left the fries cold very quickly, long before I had eaten the meal. A hot plate would have allowed me to enjoy them. My partner's sweet potato fries were perfectly hot on a warm plate- to the extent they melted the plastic sauce tray. Desert, however, was delicious so you may be luckier than I was. Promising, but not good enough for the price point was my personal impression.

Great service, good music, highly recommend the Haggis Loaded Fries.

Friendly! Great menu. The fish and chips was fantastic. The croquets too! Would definitely come back.

An interestingly different menu. The monkfish flat bread with coleslaw was tasty. The salt n pepper fries were nice. We followed these with churros and gyoza.

Mid week dinner, food very tasty with good service, a must visit when on Shetland. Definitely need to book in advance

We had a bit of difficulty in getting the order straight. Parter ordered mushroom nachos but got pulled pork. We were in rush for ferry, so we kept it. It was a bit sickly but ok. I had mushroom soup, which was very good. The beer choice was good, although I ordered half pint, so I could try a second but one pint came. It’s a busy place lots of locals, booking probably required much of time. Nicely modern inside.

Beautiful food, really chilled out atmosphere, got served quickly and a decent pint, reasonably priced, there's nothing not to like. Booking reccomended, we didn't book but just managed to perch on the last window seat in time

Really nice food and a good venue overlooking the harbour

Very tasty dishes! Cozy atmosphere. Also suitable for vegetarians. If you want to have dinner here, you should make a reservation as a precaution.

Was very busy. Staff were very rushed. Some of our order was sold out by the time others in our group were being given their food so we had a wait with no food while our 2nd choice was cooked. Not ideal. Food was nice pricy for what you get. It's really just pub food but in fancied dishes. Was fine but wouldn't rush back.

Not easy to find a place here in August (booking strongly recommended), but overall one of the best places in Lerwick for a dinner

This place is lovely inside and the food and drink are great. The staff were so friendly. One huge problem though... Don't serve your customers their food when there is no forks left! Absolutely ridiculous situation and apparently not the first time it had happened. Sitting with macaroni going cold waiting for forks to come out the washer. BUY MORE CUTLERY

The best fish and chips we've ever eaten.

The restaurant is very good. It's medium-sized but always busy, so I highly recommend making a reservation. The ordering process was quick, and the food arrived promptly. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. The staff are friendly. I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone looking to enjoy traditional fish and chips.

If necessary, a spontaneous visit is possible, otherwise you have to make a reservation. Food delicious, service courteous and unobtrusive.

Very expensive for what it is. You can clearly see the attempt at sophistication, and it tastes good. However, I am convinced that The Dowry being one of the only places to eat around there, they take advantage of it. Also, I don't understand why even with a reservation, I was seated on a stool next to the window, when late-comers were given a proper table without prior reservation.

we tried fish and chips wasn't so tasty

We had not booked but got a table and had a beer and it was soon lunch and very booked but the nice waiter arranged another table. We ate delicious mussels and drank local beer. When we finished eating and wanted another beer, we had to move to a third table. We are very satisfied and it was just a bit of fun to change and sit in three different places.

Amazing Eggs Benny - back pud and Spinach/Mushrooms both delicious. Recommended.

Busy place when cruise ships in town so try to reserve B4 you get off ship. Haddock fish and chips was amazingly fresh. Spouse chowed down the Vegetarian Pea Burger with Gluten Free bread.

Absolutely loved our food. The portion sizes were a good size. Highly recommend the burgers. I had the everything burger and it was probably one of the best burgers I've ever had. The other food on our table also looked very good. Price wise you're paying around £25 - £30 per person with food and a drink. But what place in this day and age isn't. Definitely worth it. Book a few days in advance as it's always packed (for obvious reasons). But it's not crammed there's plenty of space to eat and enjoy chatting with friend's. Like I said. Highly recommend.

Only accepted booked guests. We arrived from a 50 hour crossing from Stavanger on a Monday when most restaurants are closed. There were plenty of free tables here, but only for booked guests. You might think that they should be able to have a couple of tables for spontaneous guests, not easy knowing that you have to book if you are a visitor.

Great Breakfast/Lunch for Cruise members!

A great establishment serving a good range of fish meals for lunch as well as burger options. We had the Haddock Croquets. The haggis loaded fries were awesome - not to be missed! OK for lunchtime walk-in if you get there early, around 12 noon (when kitchen opens), but reservations recommended if you're going to visit later. The staff were excellent.

Great food and service - and a selection of local draught beer. Great place for a coffee during the day also. We ate here several times during our holiday in Shetland. Recommended. It's always popular, so best to book.

Really delicious food and exciting range of veggie/vegan options too. I particularly liked the apple gyoza with miso caramel for dessert! Lovely interiors and very friendly staff - a real gem

A nice place for dinner in Lerwick . Cosy and modern interior , and most of all tasty food . Good to know for Shetland tourists , that the place is open till 22 mo to thu , and till 23 fri to sun. , as almost everything gets closed at 17 hours on the island .

Enjoyed a vegan evening with a hummus plate, Cauliflower wings, and BBQ pulled mushroom nachos, topped off with mini hot apple pie empanadas. Yum. Thanks everyone.

Delicious lunch and superb friendly service. Hardly any wait time for the fresh tasty food to arrive which is always a bonus👌🏻👌🏻

This was a nice choice for a casual evening meal. Food was nicely done and well served by good staff. Overall very happy with our choice of restaurant. Menu is perhaps slightly too weighted towards burger type options for my wife’s preference, but all done to a good standard.

Really great food. Very friendly service

Busy bistro-style restaurant in beautiful Lerwick. Decent food, but the menu failed to mention the abundance of rocket in the grilled halloumi dish. It's an acquired taste and I'd have chosen a different meal if I'd known.

Nice meal, little odd the way they serve, no starters as such but did have soup of the day which was served with everything else, what we had was nice, booking advice.

Lovely coffee, great outside space with views.

Good food, great beer, but the decor needs attention.

Great food and drink at the Dowry and a very buzzy atmosphere. The burgers are wonderful and the desserts are great - I had apple gyoza with caramel sauce and ice cream! As with everywhere good in Lerwick - booking is essential.

Just back from a nice relaxed meal at the Dowry. Busy little restaurant in Lerwick’s Commercial Street. Food was very good. Battered Haddock and chips, vegetarian Burger. Churros to follow very moresome. Service was a little slow but it was very busy.

We had two lovely visits to The Dowry during our stay in Shetland. Enjoyed the drinks selections and the food was great both visits for all. Lovely efficient service and just a really pleasant place. Highly recommended.

The food was superb, the atmosphere delightful and the service from the young but friendly and professional staff was excellent

Visited here a couple of years ago and keen to go again, but sadly it wasn’t a great experience. We were told we couldn’t have starters as the kitchen couldn’t cope, only to see the table next to us given starters. Service was ok and we could appreciate maybe they had staff shortages but all in all there were much better places to eat

Friendly, relaxed, straightforward menu delivered really well and a good range of beers on tap - excellent spot for a holiday bite!

Great place to eat. Very good service from the staff. Food excellent and good value.

Needed food and much of Lerwick was closed. The Dowry was open, welcoming and the food was good and reasonably priced. Value for money for what we had.

Always an absolute joy. Not one to miss!

One of the best burgers I've ever had

Fantastic food and drinks! Service was excellent. Recommend reservations as it seems to be packed all the time.

Very good food made with fresh products.

This is listed as one of the great seafood restaurants of the area, and they had about 4 fish dishes on the menu. I had the mussels, and they were fantastic, so I guess do what you do best. Friendly people, staff training going on that was amusing to watch (the gentleman checking us out needed help and steer someone came over and tapped a couple of buttons he muttered “so close” 😀 Lots of other options on the menu, nice atmosphere!

We took a break on the sweet little Shettland island and visited the coffee & restaurant. It has a pleasant atmosphere and the employees are nice. We drank a delicious coffee and ate cake. recommended.

Food was incredible only downside on the burger was there's was so much in it the bun was too small to pick it up! Not really a complaint that though. Staff were amazing.

Went for coffee-horrendous wait, very very long

Popped in on the off chance for a drink, didn't expect a seat on a Saturday, but was pleasantly surprised to find one.. Staff were very friendly, table service included, very nice experience

Let me start by saying The Dowry was a nice little place with excellent food plated on little plates to share with your friends and family. Now, it is a burger place with overpriced burgers. Service is pretty slow.

What a fantastic cafe in the main shopping street. Called in mid afternoon for coffee which was excellent. They have a great selection of gluten free options so had the pulled pork nachos which might be the best I have ever had. Very clean with friendly and helpful staff. Also have a good wine and beer list. Highly recommend

What a gem of a place to eat, lovely , lively atmosphere with helpful attentive staff. The portions are generous and the food very tasty. You will need to phone ahead to get a table as it’s very popular with the locals such is the high quality of the food. The coffee is good too

We visited The Dowry 3 times on our short stay in Shetland. We had lunch, drinks, coffee and cakes. The service is great, and food was amazing. Highly recommend a visit.

Really nice restaurant with a variety of good options. We ended up here twice while in Lerwick (once for lunch and once for dinner) and both times really enjoyed our food. Between the two of us, we tried the halloumi flatbread, the burger, fish and chips, and a hummus platter - all were excellent. Staff are very friendly as well, would definitely go back if we're in town again!

I came in here for lunch and ordered loaded fries.. It's the worst loaded fries I've ever had.. It looked more like a plate of micro chips with some spring onion sprinkled over it and some sauce. Disappointed to say the least.

Incredible eggs Benedict with haggis!

Brilliant venue. Good food and beer. Excellent staff and place is always clean and well maintained. Been twice this year already and most probably will be again very soon.

Excellent selection of dishes at this quirky, great eatery. The caesar salad with black pudding, bacon and soft boiled egg was delicious 😋

The food was delicious and the staff were very warm and friendly. Great selection of drinks and the manager was so welcoming and very understanding when I spilt my wine, getting me another on the house and seeing the humour in my embarrassment! Looking forward to going again

The food was delicious and the staff were very warm and friendly. Great selection of drinks and the manager was so welcoming and very understanding when I spilt my wine, getting me another on the house and seeing the humour in my embarrassment! Looking forward to going again

We went to several restaurants in Lerwick. The Dowry was pretty good, but it was not the best one we went to and had dinner at

We ate here twice, for lunch and then dinner. Sadly the menu is exactly the same for each and rather limited. Burgers, pizzas, wings. Disappointing, we’d expected something a bit more local?

Seems to be one of the nicer places in Shetland center.....often busy.

The haddock cróquets are amazing. Great vibe!

Beautiful food and good service. Best fish and chips in Lerwick. Just popped in on spec and fit us in which was very lucky for us

Great restaurant but don't order "Shetland mussles" i got food poisoning from the food

Not cheep but nice and big choice. However, after todays' meal... I doubt, I will go there for food anymore. I know the food, taste, flavours r VEEERY personal things and Dowry simply doesn't fit my sense of taste... so food - NO, to sit and enjoy companion - yes.

We popped into the Dowry on our first day in Lerwick for a coffee. The menu was so good we ate too and was so pleased we did as the bang bang cauliflower was the best we’d tasted and we’ve tasted a lot plus the salt and pepper tatties were banging. Will definitely go back whilst we are here. Staff friendly, great atmosphere and food was delicious.

The staff were super friendly. Really helpful and chatty. It was our first day in Lerwick. We were seated in the window with the dog. They brought him over a water bowl. Food was delicious, as were the cakes. I'd definitely go back here as the staff were welcoming, grateful for your custom & both the food & service were excellent!

It's OK but you are limited to restaurants in Lerwick

Booked online - no problem. Table available on arrival. Seats (new?) were quite uncomfortable, and the fixed bench seats are getting a bit scabby with wear. Service slowish, but reasonable. Coffee and scones - scones were fresh and delicious, unlike some other establishments, and the coffee spot on. Biggest problem was the cold. I resisted putting on my coat to eat, but another table did complain. As we were paying I did admire the look of the dishes about to be served to some diners. Could be tempted next time - if it’s warmer!

Couldn't find fault Lovely meal, friendly staff. Will be back. Definitely

Excellent choice in Lerwick. We arrived early and rather than just ask us to come back nearer our booking the manager made every effort to secure us a table. Great food too.Definitely recommend if in Lerwick

Lovely little place, staff very friendly and welcoming. Food is tip top 😋

This cafe/restaurant seems to lack identity. Is it for coffee and cake or burgers and chips. Very efficient young staff in a busy eatery but all a bit underwhelming. It was well written up so maybe we were expecting too much.

The Dowry is a pleasant bar/rastaurant in the centre of Lerwick. It is clean and nicely layed out and the staff were friendly, prompt and accurate. The menu was quite varied and had something for most tastes. When the food arrived, it was nicely presented and tasted good. Prices felt about right for the type of place and food we got. All-in-all, pleasant and good on all fronts but nothing that was really stand-out.

The food was fantastic. The service was excellent. The drinks were delicious. During our visit to Lerwick, we visited for dinner. We ordered the Dowry Burger, the Battered Haddock Fillet, and the Ranch Chicken, and all of it was five star quality. The children's meal was a hearty portion, and the children's dessert ice cream was enormous. We were super full but couldn't resist a dessert, and we are all so glad that we indulged - it was just the best brownie we have ever tasted in the United Kingdom. It was moist and delicious. We're telling everyone we know about it! The service was absolutely excellent, even though staff were run off their feet, and it was clear that the chef is an artist. Well done to everyone at The Dowry. Yum. We wish we lived closer to go back all the time!

Lovely warm place ,staff pleasant and food was excellent thank you

Love this place! They have great vegan & gf options too!!