20 Best Restaurants in Inverness

Photo by Robin Canfield from Unsplash

nverness is a city located in Scotland. The city that got its name from the Gaelic language that means Mouth of the River Ness is also known as Scotland’s Highland Capital.

Inverness is a stunning place that is blessed with beautiful natural landscapes, medieval ruins, and prehistoric sites.

f you’re visiting Inverness, don’t forget to make time to also explore its culinary scenes by visiting the great restaurants the city has to offer.

Tripboba has compiled the 20 best restaurants in Inverness that are worth checking out while you’re in the city.

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1. THE MUSTARD SEED RESTAURANT

The Mustard Seed is one of the most favorite restaurants in Inverness that you should check out. This restaurant is located at 16 Fraser Street and it’s open seven days a week from 12.00 p.m. to 03.00 p.m. and reopens from 05.30 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.

The Mustard Seed is a modern restaurant set in a former church. Here, you will find many appetizing European dishes to please your palate. They also offer an extensive list of beverages, ranging from gin, cocktail, wine, and whiskey.

The Mustard Seed Restaurant

A restaurant with a modern setting for a carefully sourced European menu.

They offer high quality food, an early dinner set menu, as well as a selection of drinks.

All dishes are prepared very tasty and beautifully.

Address : 16 Fraser St, Inverness IV1 1DW, UK

2. THE CASTLE TAVERN

If you love drinking, then you should come to The Castle Tavern that is located at 1 View Place. You can visit this tavern from Monday to Sunday from 12.00 p.m. until 10.00 p.m.

The Castle Tavern is an award-winning traditional real ale tavern nestled in a mid-1700s building. From beers, ciders, lagers, wines, spirits, liquors, gin, to malt whiskey, you can enjoy them all here. This pub also features a beer garden with the statue of the Striding Man Johnnie Walker.

The Castle Tavern

A traditional authentic brewery serving a pub menu in a classic décor.

There are plenty of options for drinks including a good selection of Scottish Malts.

Address : 1 View Pl, Inverness IV2 4SA, UK

3. SCOTCH & RYE

Another place in Inverness that serves great drinks is Scotch & Rye. You can visit this restaurant at 21 Queensgate and it’s open from 12.00 p.m. until 12.00 a.m. from Wednesday to Sunday.

At Scotch & Rye, you will be able to enjoy a wide range of drinks, including craft beers and vintage cocktails in an industrial space with a touch of steampunk. Besides the amazing drinks they offer, Scotch & Rye also provides American-inspired comfort food to accompany your drink. The menu also consists of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Scotch & Rye

Really a great restaurant to enjoy or have a beer.

They offer pub food & a variety of delicious cocktails.

The food and drinks are absolutely gorgeous.

Address : 21 Queensgate, Inverness IV1 1DF, UK

4. ZIZZI

Come to Zizzi to enjoy some delicious pasta, pizzas, and calzones. Zizzi is located at 20 Bridge Street and they open the door for their guests seven days a week from 11.30 a.m. until 10.00 p.m.

Once you stepped through the door, you will be welcomed in a brightly lit space with a warm and casual atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy many options of Italian dishes to satisfy your appetite. Zizzi also has several gluten-free options to cater to your special diet.

Zizzi - Inverness

First visit, would return. We tried out this place as we fancied something Italian. We had garlic bread starter (very large portions so perhaps one between two would be wise). We had traditional Spaghetti Bolognese which we enjoyed...

Saturday Afternoon Treat Great atmosphere. Staff lovely but service was slow as restaurant very busy. Food tasty. Great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Lunch for 3 This is my usual Christmas Eve haunt have never had a bad meal here. We ordered pizza and sides all cane perfectly presented, great flavour and great price. We has a voucher so our £70 bill came in at £50 so the...

Address : 20 Bridge Street, Inverness IV1 1HD Scotland

5. THE WATERFRONT

Come to The WaterFront and enjoy an amazing drink at this traditional pub with a typical Highland ambiance. You can visit the WaterFront at 70 Huntly Street from Monday to Sunday from lunchtime until dinner time.

The WaterFront is located by the River Ness, hence the name of the pub. So here, you will not only be able to enjoy a glass of great drink, but also enjoy the view of the river. To accompany your drink, The WaterFront also provides a gastro menu to please your palate.

The WaterFront Inverness

Traditional pub with a highland vibe.

This pub provides a gastro menu.

The quality of the food, drinks and hospitality is great.

Address : 70 Huntly St, Inverness IV3 5JN, UK

6. ROCPOOL

If you’re looking for a fine dining restaurant that serves exceptional dishes in Inverness, then consider Rocpool as your option. Rocpool is located at 1 Ness Walk and it’s open for dining from Monday to Saturday from 12.00 p.m. to 02.30 p.m. and reopen again from 05.45 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.

Rocpool is a fine dining restaurant that serves Modern Scottish gourmet dishes made from locally sourced ingredients in a vibrant and modern space. Here, you will many dishes that are not only pleasing to the palates, but also to the eyes.

Rocpool

Brightly-coloured contemporary setting for locally sourced, Modern Scottish gourmet cuisine.

Address : 1 Ness Walk, Inverness IV3 5NE, United Kingdom

7. BELLA ITALIA – INVERNESS

Bella Italia is an Italian restaurant located at 1 Bridge Street. This restaurant is open for dining seven days a week from 11.30 a.m. until 09.00 p.m. Here, you can fill yourself with tasty Italian dishes made from quality ingredients blend with Italian family tradition.

From classic pasta, pizza, hand-stretched flatbread, and other Italian classic dishes, Bella Italia is glad to provide the guest with an exceptional dining experience. Bella Italia also provides a vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menu to cater to your special diet.

Bella Italia - Inverness

An aesthetic Italian restaurant with a great selection of amazing pizzas and pastas.

It offers Italian pasta, pizza, baked goods, as well as a special children's menu.

Address : 1 Bridge St, Inverness IV1 1HG, UK

8. FIG & THISTLE

Stop by Fig & Thistle and enjoy a relaxing dining experience. You can visit Fig & Thistle at 4 6 Stephen's Brae. Fig & Thistle is open for dining from 05.30 p.m. to 09.00 p.m. on Tuesday. Meanwhile, from Wednesday to Saturday this restaurant is open from 12.00 to 02.00 p.m. and reopens from 05.30 p.m. to 09.00 p.m.

From the moment you passed through the door, the intimate and laid-back atmosphere of Fig & Thistle embraces you. Here, you will be served tasty dishes made from quality ingredients that will take you on an amazing culinary journey.

Fig & Thistle

A popular bistro.

They offer a variety of quality food, wine and cocktails.

Address : 4 6 Stephen's Brae, Inverness IV2 3JN, UK

9. RIVER HOUSE

Go to River House restaurant and pamper your taste buds with exceptional seafood dishes. River House is located at 1 Greig Street and it’s open for dining from Tuesday to Friday from 03.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m., and from 12.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. on Saturday.

River House is an upscale dining spot that serves many options of seafood dishes made from seasonal seafood that are sustainably and locally sourced. Not only the exceptional dishes but at River House, you will also be served with the view of the river.

River House, Inverness

This is a popular seafood restaurant with lots of fresh and top quality selection.

It offers sustainable, seasonal local seafood.

Address : 1 Greig St, Inverness IV3 5PT, UK

10. NUMBER 27 BAR AND KITCHEN

Number 27 Bar and Kitchen is an independently owned restaurant located at 27 Castle Street. You can dine at this restaurant from Monday to Sunday from lunchtime until dinner time.

At Number 27 Bar and Kitchen, there are many options of foods available to satisfy your hunger, such as fish and chips, pan-fried pork fillet, slow-cooked braised lamb rump, and Cajun-spiced salmon fillet. Number 27 Bar and Kitchen also has an extensive list of wines that is sure to please anyone’s taste.

Number 27 Bar and Kitchen

One of the best restaurant with beautiful dishes and liquor selection.

It provides fresh and almost perfectly fried fish, delicious chips, flavorful and tender beef burger, great onion rings.

So tasty and excellent value for money.

Address : 27 Castle St, Inverness IV2 3DU, UK

11. COMFORT FOODS

Come to Comfort Foods and treat yourself to some hearty breakfast at a decent price. Comfort Foods is located at York House, 22 Church Street and it’s open for dining seven days a week from 09.00 a.m. until 05.00 p.m.

From traditional Scottish cooked breakfast, local butcher sausage roll, toasted ciabatta paninis, traditional Scotch Porridge sandwiches, to bagel, you can enjoy them inside or outside on the patio. Try their homemade ice cream, cakes, or pies to end your eating experience on a sweet note.

Comfort Foods, Inverness

Family run friendly cafe in the heart of Inverness offering a wide selection of home-made and hearty lunches to eat in or take away.

Specialties include haggis, sausages, puddings, our home-made ice cream, cakes, pies and premium home made ready meals.

Address : York House, 22 Church St, Inverness IV1 1EB, UK

12. ASPENDOS

If you want to eat something different while in Inverness, you can come to Aspendos. Aspendos is a Turkish restaurant that you can visit at 26 Queensgate and it’s open from Monday to Friday for dinner only. Meanwhile, on the weekend, Aspendos is open both for lunch and dinner.

Aspendos offers classic and authentic Turkish dishes and grilled kebabs. But not only that, but at this restaurant you will also find pasta and steaks dishes. In addition, Aspendos also serves Eastern Mediterranean dishes that taste no less amazing.

Aspendos, Inverness

You can tell they make everything with quality ingredients.

The rice is plump and has plenty of pine nuts.

Address : 26 Queensgate, Inverness IV1 1DJ, UK

13. THE ALLEYCAT

The Alleycat is another vegan heaven that you can find in Inverness. This restaurant can be found at 6 Mealmarket Close and you can dine here on Thursday from 11.00 a.m. to 04.00 p.m. and from 11.00 a.m. to 09.00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

The fully vegan restaurant that has been in business since 2019 provides numerous dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some of the menus that you can order here include vegan-style Scottish classics such as haggis and ale pie. Besides vegan dishes, there are also gluten-free dishes available for guests to order.

The Alleycat, Inverness

A delightful hidden gem that everyone should try.

Great service and a wonderful atmosphere.

Address : 6 Mealmarket Cl, Inverness IV1 1HS, UK

14. COYOTE'S INVERNESS

Stuff yourself with some of the best burgers in town at Coyote’s Inverness that is located at 21 Academy Street. Coyote’s Inverness is open for dining seven days a week, from 11.00 a.m. to 08.00 p.m. So, you don’t have to worry about coming to this place just to find out that it’s closed.

Coyote’s Inverness offers a wide option of burgers, ranging from beef, chicken, vegetarian, to vegan with different choices of sauces, such as garlic mayo, bbq sauce, tomato ketchup, vegan mayo, and others. To complete your meal, Coyote’s Inverness also has choices of drinks, like milkshakes and soft drinks.

Coyote's Inverness

A real treat, with a wide selection of food available, and burgers which are juicy and slightly pink.

One of the best places to get cheat food in Inverness for sure.

Address : 21 Academy St, Inverness IV1 1JN, UK

15. TIGER ON THE WALL

If you’re looking for an Asian restaurant that serves excellent Asian dishes, then look no further than Tiger on the Wall that is located at 4 Ardross Terrace. You can dine at this restaurant from Monday to Thursday from 05.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. and from Friday to Sunday from 12.00 p.m. to 02.00 p.m. and reopen from 05.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.

Tiger on The Wall is a restaurant that serves Chinese and Indian dishes. Some of the items that you can enjoy here include Hakka noodles with vegetables, hot garlic chicken, Channa masala, dal makhani, and many more. Not only excellent dishes, but Tiger on The Wall also offers a beautiful view of the River Ness.

Tiger on The Wall

Down-home restaurant with a patio & River Ness views specialising in Chinese & Indian classics.

The food is fantastic, really freshly cooked and not greasy at all.

Address : 4 Ardross Terrace, Inverness IV3 5NQ, UK

16. THAI DINING

If you crave some Thai dishes, then Thai Dining is the place that you should go to. You can find Thai Dining at 85, Shire, 87 Academy Street and it’s available for dining from Tuesday to Thursday from 05.00 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. and from 05.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

At Thai Dining, you will be able to enjoy authentic and mouthwatering Thai dishes that are guarantee to pamper your taste buds, such as Thai curry, pad Thai, drunken noodles, and many more. If you’re a vegan, you can still enjoy the vegan Thai dishes available on the menu.

Thai Dining, Inverness

Relaxed standby with comfortable seating turning out elevated plates of Thai specialties.

There is a range of dishes available.

Address : 85, Shire, 87 Academy St, Inverness IV1 1LU, UK

17. CHEESE & TOMATIN

Taste the best Neapolitan-style pizza in town at Cheese & Tomatin. This restaurant can be found at 10 Stephens Brae and they’re ready to take orders from Tuesday to Sunday from 05.00 p.m. until 09.00 p.m.

Cheese & Tomatin is a restaurant that serves wood-fired Neapolitan pizza made from Scotland’s best produce. Here, you can enjoy many choices of tasty pizza with various toppings. And if you’re a vegetarian or vegan, Cheese & Tomatin also offer vegetarian and vegan items.

Cheese & Tomatin, Inverness

It's an authentic Italian restaurant and in the same time, they have excellent vegan and gluten-free options.

There’s an actual wood fired oven that they use to cook their homemade sourdough pizzas.

Address : 10 Stephens Brae, Inverness IV2 3JN, UK

18. THE WHITE HOUSE

Come to The White House to wind down while enjoying a glass of cocktails. You can visit The White House at 50 Union Street and it’s open from Sunday to Thursday from 12.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. and from 12.00 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

The White House is famous for the quality and presentation of its cocktails. It’s no wonder because the cocktails that you find here are made from fresh ingredients and premium spirits and liqueurs. Besides cocktails, there are also many other options of drinks available, ranging from champagne, beers, wines, whiskeys, and prosecco.

The White House, Inverness

Charming restaurant ideally located on Union Street in Inverness.

Breezy, well-appointed bistro for craft cocktails & elevated pub fare with local ingredients.

Address : 50 Union St, Inverness IV1 1PX, UK

19. THE RENDEZVOUS CAFé

Stop by The Rendezvous Café and get yourself a cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast before you start your day. The Rendezvous Café is located at 14A Church Street and it opens its door for the guests from 08.00 a.m. until 04.00 from Monday to Saturday, and from 09.00 a.m. to 04.00 p.m. on Sunday.

Various breakfast items can be ordered here, from the full Scottish breakfast, pancakes, waffles, toasties, paninis, rolls, bagels, and many more. And if you’re late for breakfast, you don’t have to worry because The Rendezvous Café also offers a lunch menu that tastes just as amazing.

The Rendezvous Cafe

Old Hollywood pictures adorn the walls of this casual cafe in a former dancehall.

The best Scottish breakfast in all of Inverness.

Address : 14A Church St, Inverness IV1 1EA, UK

20. MACGREGOR'S

Come to MacGregor’s and experience the finest, gin, and spirit Scotland has to offers. MacGregor’s is a bar located at 109-113 Academic Street and it welcomes the guests from 12.00 p.m. until 11.00 p.m. daily.

MacGregor’s is not an ordinary bar, because here is the place where adventure, culture, and music gather. From Scottish gins, malt whisky, spirits, bottled beers, and wines, MacGregor’s provides a wide range of drinks that are sure to please anyone’s taste.

MacGregor's, Inverness

Scottish dishes, craft beer and spirits offered in a quaint, casual setting with live music.

If you’re in Inverness, this establishment is a must visit.

Address : 109-113 Academy St, Inverness IV1 1LX, UK