Inverness Cafes & Restaurants
Inverness excels in food with a wide variety of cafés, restaurants and great pub food.
Haggis is a Scottish favourite, traditionally served with neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes). Some eateries will have their own twist. It does taste lovely but it is perhaps best to ask what’s in the haggis after tasting rather than before.
Indian food has now become a great Scottish tradition! Many of the dishes have been adapted to the British palate e.g. the sauce used in tikka masala is reputed to have been invented in Glasgow. However, Indian restaurants will always have some chef’s specialities, which tend to be more unusual regional dishes.
Some of the Chinese and Indian restaurants in Inverness have buffet nights, usually Monday to Thursday. For a fixed price you can eat as much as you like.
Most Inverness pubs now serve food. The quality is usually very good and it is an inexpensive way of eating out. Some of the pubs are operated buy large chains and you’ll see various deals on offer.
Lunchtime menus often represent the best value including the more upmarket restaurants. Also look out for excellent value pre-theatre menus available in the early evening.
Meal deals are a big thing in the UK, and you can usually pick up a sandwich, drink and snack for around £3.50 from supermarkets and newsagents.
City centre restaurants can get very busy, especially in the summer, so it is advisable to book in advance, or to eat earlier.
Girvans Licensed Restaurant
This is one of the most popular cafés in Inverness for locals to meet. Its popularity may mean a short wait. It serves coffee, home bakes and a range of meals and it is only short walk from the Eastgate Shopping Centre. Local tip: There is often a queue at the door of Girvans however, persevere as it moves quickly.
MacGregors Bar
Relax in a down to earth pub. There’s a good selection of beers and increasing range of malt whiskies and gins. Well priced menu includes mussels, Stornoway Black Pudding and venison. Look out for regular events including the Highland Malt Whsiky Experience. This is a popular pub for locals to meet and enjoy a pint. There is a beer garden around the back.
Black Isle Bar
The Black Isle Brewery is one of Scotland’s craft beer success stories. Here you can sample a wide range of craft beers served in third, half and full pints. Also serving wood fired pizza. This is another Church Street great to vist bar.
The Kitchen & The Mustard Seed
Ask a local for a few possible eating places and The Kitchen and the Mustard Seed will likely to be mentioned. They are run by the same owner. The lunch and early evening menus offer particularly good value in both establishments. Booking is definitely advisable particularly at weekends.
The Kitchen lies on the west side of the River Ness in a modern, glass fronted building. When booking ask for a window seat on one of the higher floors as the views over the river to the Castle add to the overall dining experience.
The Mustard Seed is the more established of the two restaurants and is situated near the city centre in a converted church.
La Tortilla
La Tortilla is a popular Spanish restaurant situated close to Inverness Castle. Serving a wide range of tapas with quick, friendly service. Ideal lunch stop. Also serving Spanish Paella (and local variations. You’ll find the popular Spanish drink Sangria here! La Tortilla is set to get very busy when Inverness Castle reopens.
Castle Tavern
Sitting at the foot of the Castle this is a very popular pub among the locals which gets busy after work and weekends. It serves food and a range of ales. The pub is comfortable inside but the opportunity to sit outside on a warm summer’s evening with views of the castle makes it a bit special.
Costa & Starbucks
For Costa and Starbuck fans, there are coffee shops in Inverness. Both are repsented in the Eastgate Shopping Cenre.
No 27
No 27 on Castle Street is a lively pub restaurant. Serving a cut above the normal pub fayre with regular specials, local ales and whiskies.
Auctioneers
Auctioneers is a very popular pub in inverness. An inexpensive establishment serving typical pub grub. It’s run by a national chain with a menu including curry, fish and chips, burgers and sandwiches. Look out for special deals.