The best restaurants in Scotland

This is a special place, the food was amazing , the quality and presentation was just excellent. Party of 10 for my wife's birthday , there is no better place to eat in Thurso.

Ate here with friends in 2019 and we are still talking about the food, service and atmosphere. How lucky we were to obtain a reservation once we were staying in Skye. Couldn’t recommend it more highly. Even the background music was terrific. We also had a table in front of the window, looking out on the water. Excellent in every way. Service staff was also great.

This is a lovely restaurant. The staff are very attentive and knowledgeable. The food is delicious as well. It is quite a small cute place with a cosy atmosphere - would definitely come back again!

Proper little pub nice friendly locals and a good pint of tenants

The best steak pie I’ve ever eaten in my life. Katherine assisted me with our order and she could not be more pleasant to work with. Even the delivery driver was exactly on time and delightful funny and engaging. Strangely, the grill offers chicken enchiladas. This was as tasty as food I’ve eaten in Mexico and the heat level and Mexican spices were outstanding. We will order again from there tomorrow due to delicious food and charming staff.

Unsuitable for Americans who desire value for the $. Essentials: 1: Heat We paid $309 per night for three nights in November, 2024. For this price we naturally assumed that we would have a thermostat in our room to set our desired temperature rather than have management control the heat.😢 We were never warm in our room and during the night the radiator was tepid. In order to get warm we needed to put on extra sweaters and go downstairs and sit by the fireplace in the bar; The heat in the hall adjacent to our room was always off. It reminded me of the lack of central heat in our house in Wales in the 1950’s, Boarding School in the 1960’s and a bed-sit in London in the 70’s. The British evidently don’t like change; so clear on arrival at the vintage early 1950’s Edinburgh airport. 2: Coffee Americans consider coffee as an essential for starting the day. A hotel that charges $309 a night could reasonably be expected to have a Nespresso machine or equivalent. Saorsa 1875 provided us with a one cup cafetière together with measuring cups that could hold four? We made one cup and then were puzzled at what to do with the used grounds? Were we supposed to throw the used grounds in the sink? Were we meant to put them in the garbage can? The hotel gave us no instructions. Since they had taken a $26 damage deposit, we were not inclined to experiment so made do with one cup of coffee between the two of us. 3: Breakfast We could not get breakfast until 8:00 am - way too late since we get up at 5 am. We waited patiently for a cup of coffee for three hours👍. The cappuccino, made with oat milk, was very welcome. I did like the potato dish with red pepper and zucchini. 4: Shower water pressure too low Americans expect strong water pressure in the shower. Saorsa’s offering was not up to American standards. 5: Booking and Deposits In order to make a booking at Saorsa 1875 we had to prepay for our 3 nights stay and all dinners- a staggering total of $1448.54. 😢 When we booked at the Marriott Edinburgh we had to pay no deposit😀. At “check in” Saorsa 1875 took a $26 damage deposit - a new experience for us- do Scottish people think Americans trash everything? Expectations: 1: We expect that a hotel costing $309 a night would provide bathrobes. 2: Toiletries We expect that the shampoo, conditioner and bath and shower gel should be in reach while under the shower. We had to walk away from the shower head to retrieve shampoo, bath gel and conditioner - a major inconvenience increasing the potential for falling. 3: Writing Table We would expect a writing table with note paper and a pencil or pen. 4: Phone Charging: We expect, at a bare minimum, at least two USB outlets and optimally two additional USB-C outlets. There were no USB outlets or US/UK outlets or adapters in the room. However, they did have adequate Wi-fi. 5: Elevator; We would expect an elevator in a hotel which has such a steep staircase; my wife fell on the stairs. How do disabled people reach the bedrooms? In the USA we have the ADA act which mandates standards for people with disabilities. 6: Food Soarsa 1875 offered us very limited food offerings. When we originally booked Saorsa 1875 on May 15, 2024, six months before our arrival we had prepaid $521 for five course dinners. A few weeks before we arrived, we were told that the chef had departed and so Soarsa 1875 was unable to provide dinner. Fortunately we were able to get some delicious food and cocktails at Wee Choo Choo, a new Thai restaurant in a Norwegian Railcar; They even made a special drink to celebrate my birthday. We also had two excellent meals at Fern Cottage. When we dined for the first time we suggested they should offer a Haloumi burger on the menu. When we returned the next day they had Haloumi burger on the menu - now that’s a restaurant that will do well. Conclusion: Americans demand value for money and expect hotels to upgrade their properties to current standards. The Marriott Edinburgh, near Holyrood Palace, where we stayed for three nights, makes Saorsa 1875 look shabby by comparison.

Just wanted to leave a review from our visit in the summer. The food is always great and the service fantastic, you really helped us out with our 2 'fussy' eaters. Thanks again, I'm sure we'll be back in the summer again.

A very nice gallery. Be aware that despite historical reviews it no longer operates a cafe. Some really great local art, jewellery and small souvenir items.

In company for a get together with some friends...oblivious behind the bar how loud the music was ,could hardly hear ourselves....won't be back.

Nice little café with really pleasant and friendly people :). Sat there and worked while waiting for my car. With free wi-fi which I needed.

To be honest, because we’re at the opposite side of town, we usually get our son to pick up takeaway on route. The food is outstanding. The okra and lamb, exceptional and the lamb chops, brilliant. The chicken dishes are fab too, especially the chilli garlic chicken if you’re a garlic lover like us. Basically, we’re in Portobello and either travel to sit in or get our takeaway there. It’s that good. A big thumbs up from us. Should’ve done this review for them sooner. 🤩

A lucky find. Very new, but great location, decoration and staff. Really beautiful small dishes that just keep coming. Quality sashimi and sushi, all the way through to grill, noodle and rice dishes. Didn't get to try the desserts as we were stuffed. Helpful, attentive and suggestive staff. A good drinks list of really interesting options. Love it! Thank you!

Simple Menu Options but very flavorsome, friendly staff, been going here for years and couldn’t fault it.

Totally agree with Fiona F. Poor selection of Festive Cocktails. Had ran out of ingredients for cocktails which shows pretty poor organisation ahead of a busy festive period, not to mention they have started to add on a 10% service charge! When you are already charging £10 for a cocktail this is ridiculous.

Great little place with a small range of home-cooked food. Very friendly and warmhearted service and best brownie, I've ever tried!! If we still have time, we definitely come around again! Best wishes from Cologne, Germany:)