Our top picks for where to eat and drink in Inverness

Inverness offers some fantastic dining experiences, from traditional Scottish fare to casual pub grub options and independent breweries where you can enjoy a pizza and a pint. Some venues even host live Scottish music! To help you narrow down where to eat in Inverness, here are some places that are highly regarded, iconic for their setting, or well-known for specific types of cuisine, giving you a taste of the best of the Highlands:

Scotland's most famous dishes: Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, and a bowl of Cullen Skink

For the whisky aficionado:

• The Malt Room: This is Inverness's first dedicated whisky bar and is highly acclaimed. It boasts an enormous and carefully curated selection of whiskies (Scottish, Japanese, and more), as well as other premium spirits, cocktails, and craft beers. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and can guide you through the vast selection, making it a must-visit for any whisky fan. It has a cozy and intimate vibe, perfect for savoring a dram, but can get very crowded in the evenings as seating is limited. N.B No food here (apart from their whisky and chocolate pairings), but a drinking spot not to be missed.

For live music:

• Sound bar: Soundbar (part of the An Seòmar complex) is Inverness's go-to destination for a diverse range of genres, from trad to rock and blues to jazz. Beyond the fantastic tunes, they serve up a selection of delicious comfort food, including burgers, loaded fries and wings, along with a great array of cocktails and draft beers.

  
  

• Hootananny: While also a fantastic live music venue, Hootananny offers a menu with more traditional Scottish pub fare. It's a lively and authentic place to enjoy a meal, often with some great local music playing. You can definitely find dishes like haggis and steak & ale pie here.

Casual/pub grub atmosphere:

• Inverness Museum and Art Gallery Cafe (Coffee@IMAG): After exploring the fascinating exhibits at the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, pop into their cozy cafe, Coffee@IMAG. It's a perfect spot for a light refreshment, offering a selection of coffees, teas, homemade soups, freshly filled rolls (with vegetarian and vegan options), delicious scones and a variety of cakes and traybakes.

  
  

• Uile-bheist: Scotland's first "brewstillery" has a pizza menu that pairs rather well with a flight of their in house brewed beers

  

  Uile-bheist, Scotland's first Brewstillery

• Urquhart's Inverness: A family-run restaurant that prides itself on serving "beautiful home cooked cuisine" with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It's a great spot to try traditional Scottish dishes like chicken on haggis in a whisky cream sauce, or venison sausages, in a comfortable setting. (Closed on Mon/Tues)

  
  

• Black Isle Bar: Well-known for its delicious wood-fired pizzas made with local ingredients and, of course, their own craft beers from the Black Isle Brewery Co. It's a popular spot for a more relaxed meal.

  
  

• The Castle Tavern: A traditional real ale tavern near Inverness Castle, known for its selection of craft beers and whiskies, along with solid "proper pub grub." It's a cozy spot with a great atmosphere for a more casual, traditional meal such as Cullen Skink, Haggis, Neeps and Tatties and Scottish Salmon.

  
  

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For a Special or Iconic Experience:

• The Mustard Seed: Housed in a beautifully converted church overlooking the River Ness, The Mustard Seed is regularly cited as one of Inverness's top restaurants. It offers a refined menu focusing on local Scottish produce, including game, seafood, and traditional dishes like haggis, often with an upscale twist. The ambiance with its high ceilings and open log fire (in season) is truly memorable.

  
  

• Rocpool Restaurant: This award-winning, stylish contemporary brasserie is known for its exquisite modern Scottish cuisine with fresh, vibrant flavors. Located by the River Ness, it's considered one of the best fine dining experiences in the city. Booking ahead is highly recommended.

  
  

• River House Restaurant: If you love seafood, this is the place to go. Specializing in fresh, locally sourced seafood and shellfish, River House offers an intimate dining experience with beautiful views of the River Ness, especially from its location near the "bouncy" Greig Street Bridge.

  
  

Inverness Highland Dining and Folklore Experience: This isn't a traditional restaurant, but it's an "iconic experience" if you're looking to truly immerse yourself in Scottish culture. It's a small-group dinner in a local's home, offering traditional Scottish dishes alongside storytelling about Highland legends and history. Karen, the host, "aims to safeguard "forgotten foods", the recipes you only find in real family cookbooks; Food that is strongly characterised by local culture and history.

Book it here: Slow Food Highland Dining and Storytelling in Inverness

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