The Dowry in Shetland Islands

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!!

We were on Shetland for 2 days and went to the Dowry twice, it was that good! The first night we went for drinks and snacks. We had smoked almonds and crisps/ chips as the kitchen had just closed but they were delicious. Great gin and tonic with Shetland reel gin. I tried the Simmer and seaweed gins, both were great. They took the care to serve each with a particular tonic and garnish to suit the taste of the gin. My husband had the lerwick beer on tap. For lunch we had smoked salmon Flatbread which was great. Also had the hummus bowl. Very busy for lunch. So would recommend reservations if you can but they good us a table. Owner was very friendly welcoming both to the restaurant and Shetland.

Our accommodation was in central Lerwick opposite the port. We found The Dowry just 50 metres down from us, and decided to give it a try. A great choice as the food and service were excellent. The best dessert ( affogato ) I had on our holiday. The attentive, friendly service made for a great evening.

A very modern, bright and light restaurant. The menu is a bit limited. We had fish and chips (very good) and two of us had the burger (which comes alone, no chips or salad). The burgers were quite good. We also ordered an order of chips (fries) which were unique in shape and delicious.

me and my friends went here on are vacation, this is an overall great place, staff are lovely and it is great. 100% recommend to all Kerwick.

They treat solo customers like s… What they did was not impolite… ir was anoying… this is what happens when you have monopolists in a place. On the Commercial Road you have them and another Restaurant … so i booked one day in advance „a table” for one person… they even showed me the table asking it it was OK since it was the table at the entrance… I said „No ptoblem”… it may be that one…, So after a day visiting the Bressay Island i cane at the booked hour to enjoy my dinner at the table…. Suprisngly I learned that I was moved to a płace like a „bar table”… This was so annoying…, you just do not trat customers like that… unless you do… because you don’t care… Forced to look for a dinner… I was offered a table in a Restaurant called Mango (No alcohol but apart from that it was good)… I attach a photo of the table so that the Dowry manager cnderstands what „a table” is… I believe he/she does… but doesn”t care how people feel when they don”t care.., and act like that…, do not go there… do not support such behaviour

You get a great view of the harbour if your table is at the back. Food was excellent and service was polite and efficient. Well priced menu with plenty of choices.

This well run restaurant is great for breakfast, lunch, dinner or even just a coffee. The menu is not vast but includes some interesting and very tasty dishes, as well as some “standards”. Choice of wines, beers etc is decent too. Service was attentive and friendly, and overall value for money was excellent.

This restaurant is, so far, the high point of our trip to Shetland . Be sure to book a table because they can be scarce now that the secret is out. From the cauliflower bites to mussels , to French toast brioche dessert, you will not be sorry . And the staff makes you feel welcome, at home.

Really pleased that we were able to eat here on the final day of our trip to Shetland - has some great reviews and was recommended by a number of locals. The welcome was warm and friendly, and we were soon offered a table. We had a great selection of food between us for a late lunch - Caesar salad, fish and chips and the Nordic platter and cold drinks. The food was excellent. Sadly the service was a bit less impressive. We had quite a lengthy wait for our order to be taken, and the food arrived before our drinks! The waiting staff seemed to be relatively inexperienced and would probably benefit from a bit more training on what was a busy Saturday afternoon. Would definitely visit again based on the quality of the food and the general ambience of the place.

Some incredible burgers, the meat and the beer is called IPA, super good

We came in to the Dowry midday on a Saturday without a booking. The friendly manager was very accommodating and managed to squeeze us in within 40 minutes. We had a delicious lunch. The food was fresh, flavourful and the service quick and efficient. Awesome experience, and we will be coming back!

Today another restaurant let me down with my lunch reservation  but even after a busy lunchtime service with several of their reguar crew off to University the Dowry team worked it out and fitted us in. We had a a lovely meal and the  mussels were especially good. Thank you

This is a total gem - although some people might find the menu limited if you comparing it to a Metropolitan restaurant, however it is not only about the food which was excellent - the staff make this place, cheerful hardworking and determined to make your visit memorable. Please make this your first port of call if you visit Lerwick. 5 stars from me.

Service could not have been better and food was just amazing one of the best meals and service I've ever had. 👌👏👍

Great atmosphere, but book in advance if you want to have a meal. Quite busy, but I have only popped in for a dram of Harris Gin with sugar kelp;) great accompanied with black coffee for a lovely afternoon reset.

I don't think we have enjoyed a meal more at this price point than at the Dowry. We really liked the relaxed friendly service and atmosphere, the place was full of a mix of locals and visitors and on a Tuesday night! If you are lucky enough to get a window seat (you really need to be in a party of 4 or more) then the view of the waterfront is lovely. The food is very very good, well presented and delicious. It's accompanied by a very good selection of drinks, interesting beers, wines and spirits. All excellent.

Went for afternoon coffee and cake but the cake selection (at 3pm) was fairly limited - a microwaved scone and an uninspiring piece of a chocolate bake item. The coffees were good. Service really let this place down though as the young staff seemed intent...

This is definitely the best restaurant in Shetland. Truly delicious food and great service. The lovely owner even introduced us to his fabled whisky selection. A highlight of our stay in Shetland.

Very busy spot and I can see why. Had a coffee here then booked a table for late lunch, the beef burger was amazing, staff are great. Highly recommend.

Started with a friendly and accommodating welcome. Coffee, food and service were all excellent. Already planning when we can come back! Thank you

As we’d been for morning coffee and liked the look of the evening menu, booked a table for dinner the same evening. When we arrived the table had been double-booked but we were eventually given another. As we were finishing our food, we were advised...

We enjoyed the food very much, so we made several visits to The Dowry. The best dish for both of us was the Haddock and Chowder soup……so delicious!! It was the soup of the day, so you may not have it on the menu the...

Nice little restaurant with a fantastic gin selection. The Dowry burger is insane especially with accompanied with the chicken loaded fries. Then onto the best pudding, French brioche biscoff 🤤 Great atmosphere and the girl serving us was really nice, I don’t get her name....

Very disappointing. Portion of monkfish tiny, starter size for £24. Staff completely disinterested when commented on, won't be back, too many other nicer places with proper portions.

Disappointing. Young staff were disinterested. Small cup for tea when a teapot of hot water would have given better value. Coffee was just okay. There are plenty of better cafes on the same street.

My wife and I stopped by for dinner (early evening) and got a table no bother without having to book. Not sure if there was a staffing issue but the service was extremely slow and a bit disappointing. My wife ordered a bottle of soda...

I went here with a friend on two occasions. On the first occasion the service was poor with a rather abrupt waitress. The second time was better and we felt more welcome. The food was good but not outstanding for the prices charged. It's a...

Absolutely lovely. Make a reservation ahead of time, but be prepared for the famous Shetland cheerful hospitality and delicious food. The haddock & frites was the best fried fish I’ve had anywhere in the UK.

We ate here twice in our week's stay in Lerwick. I enjoyed the atmosphere- it was airy and low key. If you can request a window table- they have a great view. I enjoyed the option to have a salad or a larger meal and...

This appears to be the only place serving food and decent beer in Lerwick. Nice fish dishes on the menu, although gluten free options were limited. We would have liked to have had a dessert after our main course but bizarrely were told they don't...

Food was amazing and restaurant is well decorated , staff are very attentive and always on the go given that the place is always very busy. Possibly the only real fault is the price , 2 glasses of Ref wine were in excess of £24...

Food was lovely, but the service was painfully slow. Our table had a specific time slot, but our food didn't arrive till about 15 mins beforehand. Table was pointed out to me rather than being shown to the table. Saw people getting moved because their...

Good choice of craft beer, good food. Nice personnel

In to hear young musicians in the function room. Free entry to a very entertaining evening.

Service.........what service!!! Very rude! It's not what it used to be....staff on phones...no showing to table...wrong drinks...the list is long!

Decent food, vegetarian options available.

Lovely evening meal. Had mussels and salmon as a main. And the desserts were fabulous. Was very busy and we pleased we booked as they turned a number of people away.

Had dinner here once. We had buttermilk chicken burger and the salmon on bed of curried vegetables. Both were very tasty. We had local beers which were also very nice. Didn't award full stars because the servers attitude wasn't good, she was abrupt and seemed to have no interest whatsoever in any of the customers. It wouldn't put me off eating there again though. I recommend booking a table if you can, we saw people turned away.

Really good casual dining. Enthusiastic staff who were friendly and interested Food was good if fairly simple A good experience

The dowry was lovely I was seated very quickly and the food came out fast the service was great and the burger I had wad lovely definitely worth trying

Best burger meal and loaded chips I have ever had.

Visit here a lot, also recommend to our B&B guests, good atmosphere, great menu, attentive staff. Love the crispy cauliflower, the Caesar salad, the sweet potato fries! Well done!

Very tasty food. Waitresses were excellent but we think there were problems in the kitchen as we had delays

Made a booking because of the popularity of this restaurant. Great young staff, and good burgers. A popular place for both visitors and Islanders, so make a booking.

Nice atmosphere. Serves Lerwick Brewery beer!

It is nice but very busy. Drinks don't seem to cone to the table until your food is almost ready. Not sure if that's just how they work it. Book to avoid disappointment. Food can be almost over salted.

Fawlty towers dining experience. Dont go here if anyone has any special dietary needs as they haven't a clue...and don't go thinking that they have a full menu.. there was literally nothing left on the menu and all our pre orders were forgotten... terrible service....

Lovely cafe, great food, friendly helpful staff, and with a beautiful view too!

GREAT FOOD! BEST BEEF BUTGER I EVER HAD! We even returned for Dinner, which was just as great. Be sure to book in advance - very popular!

Had a lovely meal on my solo trip to Lerwick. They made me feel very welcome and I really enjoyed what I ordered. I am a veggie so went for the cauliflower wings, salt and pepper fries and affogato accompanied by some great local gin. I went early evening and it was already getting busy so definitely book.

Nice modern restaurant in the centre of Lerwick, with some local beers on tap and bottle, nibbles and a menu which should offer something for most diners. You need to book though, getting in without a reservation is tricky (June), and I'm not sure why...

Lovely food but the only thing that spoilt it for was that had to wait for a table even though we’d booked,we were seated opposite the bar even though tables were available at the back with a view.

Lunch on a busy Saturday. Seated promptly, clean and well presented table with the usual lovely view. Waiting staff were attentive and polite. Drinks arrived within minutes Yorker for food taken at the time. Good as always was spectacular. Will be back again very soon.

Terrible £12 for half breakfast 😒😒 felt like your custom was not wanted would not recommend if you want breakfast in Lerwick

Had coffee and cake, sat in the window and people watched, friendly staff, great service, dog friendly 👍

Wonderful food and fantastic service!! Dowry burgers were amazing

Good place to eat or just have a coffee. I recommend the Korean Pulled Pork Burger. It’s fantastic.

Let me start by saying I rarely leave a negative review for any establishment but I feel pretty strongly about this one. I went to the Dowry this morning for breakfast, I have been in on a number of occasions and have never (still don't)...

Probably one of the best burgers in Shetland.

Breakfast was delicious but not overly warm. Lovely menu. Dinner was great - mussels were massive - but took a while to arrive even though it was quite quiet.

Absolutely 👍 brilliant 🤩 the food and service was great be on my own it did not matter I can still taste the steak

Lovely food with great flavour, the biscoff french toast is a must! The two servers were excellent and very friendly.

Confused menu ….described as tapas - but we’re unsure how the burgers and other menu items match that brief. Food was slow, but of decent quality when it arrived.

Coffee and cake..the place was full at lunchtime, booked solid. A great place for something to drink, to eat.

Amazing 🤩 service and delicious steak it’s what everyone is writing about and I’m glad 🙂 I ate there . The service was great 👍 and food presented to high standards .

Very disorganised regarding seating people and taking orders. Missed tea bag was carried by hand and plonked onto my saucer. Viking board was delicious nevertheless

Walked in for food as no booking. Got a table and had fiid, food was nice but very overpriced. Barstaff were friendly but stetched from front door to top of lounge resultimg in long waits for additional drinks/food etc.

Ok food, but a bit pricey for the actual taste and quality of the food. Ok, but not much more than that. There are better places to visit and have a bite in Lerwick.

Dinner for 2 on a Saturday evening, appeared to have staffing issues and the menu was somewhat confused for an evening menu, we both had salmon with the katsu sauce which was tasty and the sweet potato fries as the reviews say quite delicious. Think...

Really really good food! The mussels were absolutely divine as were the sweet tattie fries. My partner loved his Korean pork burger. Would definitely go back. Great beer selection too!

We stopped here for lunch- had the haddock bites, sweet potato fries and the mussels. All of it gorgeous and when you add a pint of Lerwick IPA to the mix, it was a special meal. The young staff were unfailingly helpful and friendly, so...

Always a lovely experience here!

Food was very disappointing. Welcome at door was not much of a welcome. Gluten free options very limited with no GF rolls for the burger.

Delicious cheeseboard and hummus bowl. Nice unhurried visit, friendly welcoming staff even though busy. Dog friendly.