The best restaurants in Highlands and Islands

An absolute gem of a restaurant looking over the harbour. A warm welcome on arrival and an extremely good dinner. The scallops and smoked salmon starters were superb and we followed up with cod, halibut and pork belly every one of which were genuinely delicious. I can’t recommend a restaurant more highly.

Great place food really lovely and allergies are taken into consideration

We were there on a Monday so the restaurant was closed but we thoroughly enjoyed walking around the beautiful gardens which are open even when restaurant is closed. Maybe you’ll even get greeted by the friendly dog Luna too! She was out helping her mom in the garden. Worth a stop to see the gardens & leave a donation for these clearly passionate gardeners.

Our B&B host recommended the place so we give it a try. We started with the locally famous cullen skink that was one of the best we had in Scotland. My wife took the Scottish chicken and I went for the deep-fried Scottish prawns. Both were tasty and fine. Portions were generous so we skipped the dessert. Nice settings, friendly staff , reasonable prices.

What an absolutely fabulous restaurant. The food was amazing, cracking menu, friendly, helpful staff & most importantly, dog friendly!! Came here two nights running, if we were here for a third night, would definitely be back again!! Thank you to all the staff.

Excellent meal. Korean beef cheek wonderfully tasty. Friendly and helpful service. Thoroughly enjoyable experience as always.

Best food on the planet. If you like eating fish go here. Just be respectful this is an institution not as casual as it comes across.

Menu choices will definitely bring you in and the service will leave you feeling satisfied. I had the sea bass main. My wife selected salmon.

This is a cute restaurant right in the town center area. We went here for lunch and ordered a couple of their specials. The service was quick and the food was very good. This place was recommended by our hotel and I would go here again.

I took my family for a meal here and asked if they catered to Gluten Free Allergies with an alternative menu. I was reassured that it was. I ordered specifically from this menu due to severe allergies that if too much could leave me in hospital or WORSE. about 25 minutes after we left the restaurant I started having a allergic reaction and needed a epiPen as my throat had started to swell. This was the only thing I had eaten in the time prior and I had been reassured by staff that there was NO GLUTEN present in the food. I shall not be back, and will be warning all to stay away from this restaurant, they do not cater to allergies at all and it seems like they don’t understand the severity of what they are doing… I just hope no one dies because of this hellacious restaurant.

Sadly this wonderful place is closing. The welcome was warm and friendly, the setting simply amazing - you look out to sea at the Pentland Skerries, Duncansby Head, the north coast of Scotland - on a clear clear day almost as far as Cape Wrath with the mountains of Scotland .......... but down to the excellent food which is not unduly expensive but served with charm and helpfulness. - we had Chowder (5*+) seafood platter (5*+++) lasange (non fish eater!) 5* and amazing desserts. Could not have been a better experience and ranks 1st equal with one other Orkney restaurant! Just sad that it will not be operating under the current management next summer! We wish them a happy retirement!

Having visited The Mash Tun regularly for several years , very disappointed to find it has changed significantly , and not for the better. Decor upgraded, nice. Menu very limited, one vegetarian meal and bland mushroom dish. Service ok, but waitress had her jumper tied round her waist, very abrupt and dull, no smile, no chat… sad to see a very popular fun place become dull and void of personality. An expensive meal with no atmosphere. Won’t bother driving the distance to eat here again.

Cocktails 10/10 our bartender Ciaran certainly knows what he is doing. Haggis and black pudding incredible Angus and Jade really polite and informative the new chicken breast main on the market menu is amazing 100% recommended

One of the most beautiful meals we have ever had. The 10 course taster menu was incredibly well thought out all the way though, it was clear the entire team had a passion for their product, the serving team had an in depth knowledge of all the produce and drink, proudly promoting local. Would highly recommend as a romantic treat for those special occasions.

Having stayed at the Lovat some years ago, we were looking forward to returning to the bar and restaurant for dinner. However, the receptionist had other ideas. I called the hotel as we are travelling with 2 dogs in our motorhome. I know that dogs are not allowed in the restaurant, but my request was simple if we sit in the bar, can we order food from the restaurant and eat in the bar. The response is that is where the staff let this place down "we would not do that. Food is for the restaurant, and we do not serve food in the bar in any circumstances. " Now people may find this fine, but having travelled most of the UK and eaten in some of the best restaurants, we have never experienced this level of superiority from staff. We have many times had this request accommodated and, in fact, establishments have complimented us on asking for the adaptation and commented that they will offer the service moving forward. The hotel is situated in prime tourist territory and surrounded by beautiful walks for ramblers and their dogs, so this is so very short-sighted. We won't be making the 600-mile trip from suffolk again after this encounter. Your star will never be available without training for your staff.