The best restaurants in Highlands and Islands

Good coffee, delicious cakes, very friendly staff, and a great place to get out of the rain on a chilly afternoon in Inverness.

Major disappointment. My boyfriend and I were very excited to experience this hotel and restaurant. The room ended up being a bit cramped, but was clean and nicely furnished. A few staff were very courteous (kind and accommodating for minor requests), but the host and his senior staff were notably cold and bordered on disdainful. We were most extremely disappointed by our engagement dinner. My fiance proposed the day before, and we couldn't wait to enjoy a dinner at this highly-reputed restaurant. It was barely half-full the entire time we were there, but they refused to seat us at one of the many empty tables (which remained empty the entire time) by the windows. We accepted this, determined to make the best out of the evening and still enjoy the lovely restaurant and each other's company. The service was terrible. It wasn't long before our appetizer plates were empty, our cocktails were long empty, and even our water glasses had run dry. We flagged someone down, which seemed to irritate the senior staff even further. What nerve we had, asking for beverages whilst seated in the middle of a half-empty fine dining restaurant. Our appetizers were delicious, but the main dishes were not anywhere close to worth the price. The vegetables that came with my entree tasted like barely-seasoned steamed fare I easily prepare myself at home. By the time dinner was over, we felt like pariahs, despite the fact that we hadn't once made a scene or become disrespectful in our interactions with staff. Perhaps they were having an "off" night trying to train new employees, but the fact that we told them this was an engagement celebration and yet continued to be treated like an annoyance left us both feeling extremely disappointed. Thank goodness we found a humble restaurant at our next destination to make up for the botched celebration.

Absolutely the best fish and chips in this area. Ig is a real treat and the service is always very friendly and professional.

First day popped it at 3.50pm, ordered coffee and cake, told to take a seat, items duly brought to table. Then someone from behind the serving area literally shouted at a group of older ladies that they needed to leave as "we are closing in exactly 5 minutes". I caught the waiters eye and mentioned he had just served me, the same disembodied voice "we close at 4pm sharp". 2 days later at 2.10pm I dropped in for a sandwich, took a seat, looked the menu, went to order to be told "kitchen is closed" I mentioned that it states food served till 2.30pm, "served yes but it needs to be made first so we stop taking order around 2.15pm". Maybe the food is good but I have yet to try it. Staff need some lessons in customer care, speaking to some locals it appears they are well know for the lack of customer service.

Dinner only- What an amazing experience from start to finish! We were greeted warmly at the door and were taken care of so wonderfully the entire time. We enjoyed the tasing menu with friends in celebration of my husbands birthday and it will be one of the most memorable meals of our lives. Each course was carefully presented and we enjoyed the wine pairings as well. Cocktails were on point and Alan didn’t miss a beat with our crazy groups requests. We can’t wait to return to Skye again and maybe next time we will stay at the lodge.

I don’t often have a chance to visit this marvellous establishment, despite living locally. I am a self confessed “foodie”. I appreciate all cuisines but I am particularly partial to middle eastern and far east. So I’m lucky. I love this place. I wish one day I could cook like they do. I took my trainee to 112. She is a self confessed foodie too. Now her friends all want to go …! It’s all fresh, local and lip smacking gorgeous.the flavours are not subtle. They are brave. In your face and immediately demand your respect despite being presented as demure. It’s a full blown treat every time. The wine selection is naturally magnificent. The service is next to none. This is a very small family business. They put their heart and soul to make this place sing. And boy! It’s a choir. If you are thinking on visiting Nairn and not being in a hurry, book in advance. You won’t regret it. But think of it as a good treat. You’ll probably end up spending at least £50 a head. It’s well worth penny. Ps. Skip cauliflower.

Excellent food. We were the only people in which led to a bit of a lack of atmosphere.

We loved our visit to Redburn Cafe. I am gluten and dairy intolerant and there was not trouble accommodating my diet. The coffee was really good too. Of course, the stars were the Highland Cows across the road. Buy a bag of pellets and feed the "Curly coos" The beautiful canine host was on a day off. Also purchase a photo form the owner. She is a photographer in the off season and has some great pictures for sale.

Love coming out here from Kirkwall. Delightful atmosphere and beautiful setting. Food is delicious and staff are delightful. The cakes and coffee are to die for. Highly recommended in my book. I'll keep coming back.

Lovely friendly cafe with delicious coffee, great selection of yummy cakes and an excellent cooked breakfast. They do more but that’s all we sampled on several visits while on holiday! Highly recommend a visit

such sweet staff, great food. would definitely recommend!!

Wir haben hier sowohl auf der Hinfahrt als auch auf der Rückfahrt zu Fähre auf/von den Orkneys einen kurzen Zwischenstopp und einen kleinen Imbiss eingenommen. Kaffee und Tee sind gut, ebenso die herzhaften und süßen Kleinigkeiten auf der Karte. Besonders lecker fand ich die schottische Fischsuppe (Cullen Skink), die ich auf der Rückfahrt gegessen habe. Eine sehr freundliche Bedienung muss ebenfalls hervorgehoben werden.

This was a brief visit before our hike up Fionn Bheinn, but definitely one to remember. Lovely staff, fantastic Coffee and all backed up by stunning views of the surrounding Scottish landscape. Although geographically remote, there was no shortage of customers! We had actually planned a post-hike visit as well but ran out of time in the end. Highly recommended, whatever the occasion.

This was a brief visit before our hike up Fionn Bheinn, but definitely one to remember. Lovely staff, fantastic Coffee and all backed up by stunning views of the surrounding Scottish landscape. Although geographically remote, there was no shortage of customers! We had actually planned a post-hike visit as well but ran out of time in the end. Highly recommended, whatever the occasion.

We stumbled upon Wee Bar on our first evening in Inverness, arriving without a reservation and not quite sure what to expect. While other places nearby turned us away, the team at Wee Bar warmly welcomed us, accommodating us between two reservations and offering a cozy, lounge-like space that immediately made us feel at ease. Only later did we learn they were short-staffed, with just one server managing the floor, assisted occasionally by staff from the restaurant downstairs. Despite that, the service was seamless. Drinks and appetizers arrived promptly and with a genuine smile. A special shoutout goes to their willingness to go the extra mile—when we requested a hot toddy for my wife, they happily made a custom one just for her. That may not sound like much, but in contrast, other pubs nearby simply declined. It’s this kind of “can-do” attitude that truly makes a place stand out. Our appetizers were just what we needed to kick off the evening: a delicious charcuterie plate with meats and cheeses, perfectly crispy onion rings, rich and flavorful garlic mushrooms, and a fresh bread basket. Everything was beautifully presented and full of flavor. I wish I remembered the name of the server who made the experience so memorable (we visited on April 15th around 6:30 PM). Their warmth, efficiency, and positive attitude made all the difference.