Restaurants, "Inverness"

Albert Roux's first venture north of the border (subsequently joined by two more) at boutique Rocpool Reserve hotel offers ssuprisingly well priced dining showing off both French classicism and local ingredients.

Famous for its lively encounter with Gordon Ramsay a few years back, Abstract brings sophisticated French cuisine to Inverness with features including an eight course tasting menu and a chef's table.

Scottish ingredients are given an international makeover in this restaurant and bar in the village of Fortrose, near Inverness. A Manhattan seafood chowder is loaded with Moray Firth spoots and crab meat, or there is a decidedly un-Highlands-style…

Riva is a lively Italian brasserie that serves coffee, lunch and dinner. The décor is classic-contemporary with high-backed chairs, honey-hued walls and views to the River Ness and castle. Refreshingly short (but ample) menus cover traditional bases…

In Inverness, Rocpool is arguably the best restaurant of its type, a vibrant eatery serving fresh, tasty food in a relaxed, stylish environment. A couple of courses with wine and coffee will cost around £30 in the evening, and they serve a very tasty…

The Aspendos stands out with its appropriately Mediterranean blue pillars and fresh wood floor interior. Friendly staff help customers navigate around the largely Turkish menu and bring bread and cheese dip to the table as a welcome gift. This style of…

When the Mustard Seed opened on the banks of the River Ness in 2001, Inverness had not seen its likes before. Housed in an old church building, its high vaulted ceiling, arched windows, exposed brick and mezzanine balcony, still make the restaurant the…

Situated in the heart of Inverness, Ash is a lively bistro and bar within the stately Royal Highland Hotel. The pale green walls and gilt-framed oil paintings of the Victorian dining room are freshened by tartan table runners and bright flowers…

Cawdor village is home to the charming, Tudor-style Cawdor Tavern. A handy spot if you've worked up a thirst tramping over Culloden Moor, the snug bar features a pool table, local ales and wines by the glass. The large restaurant and lounge-bar is…

La Tortilla Asesina is the authentic brainchild of Duncan Chisolm, and locals in the know like to think of it as the best tapas bar outside Spain. After touring Spain on his motorbike, involving numerous stops at tapas bars along the way, Chisolm…

Neighbourhood favourite Casa Italia attracts a devoted crowd of Inverness regulars, drawn by the unstuffy menu of Italian staples served amidst friendly, relaxed surroundings. Familiar pasta and pizza dishes abound, but the restaurant also offers a…

Anyone serving goat curry in the capital of the Highlands deserves mention. Two Jamaicans have set up this Caribbean restaurant in the centre of the old town. The name comes from a film about a Jamaican dog sled team and their bid to win a race. Other…

Bella Italia in Inverness boasts a prime city centre location close to the riverside and just moments away from Inverness Castle. The dining room is an inviting space decked out in Bella Italia's signature rustic style. Warm tones, tiled flooring and…

Join the locals in The Copper Kettle Bar in Inverness's handsome Loch Ness House Hotel, which buzzes with a friendly, easygoing charm all day long. Open fires, wood panelling and a mix of international and traditional favourites make this restaurant a…

The relaxed and welcoming Loch Ness House Hotel is a handsome, family-run establishment on the western fringes of Inverness. Specialising in locally caught seafood, the Stag and Haggis restaurant has a comfortable traditional charm, offering a choice of…

With six self-catering cottages on site (all two bedroom), the Dairy’s cafe has a guaranteed audience. They also make takeaway meals for cafe or cottage guests, and cater events held on the estate. The licensed cafe’s menu takes in comfort food lunch…

Having won awards two years running, the Red Pepper is a definite hit with the locals. Situated at the east end of Church Street opposite Leakey's bookshop and alongside jewellery boutiques and offices, this wee café is a lunchtime hive of activity.

This beautiful French café specialises in divine fresh crêpes. Along with cooked breakfasts, salads, soups and baked potatoes they serve the definitive toastie (croque monsieur). The café's owners, the Bracqbins, take their turn in the kitchen and…