Food and Drink scene in Inverness & Highlands

From Michelin star restaurants to laid back and affordable eats, and from casual gourmet dining experiences all the way through to indulgent retreats, Inverness and the wider Highlands area really impress with their variety and quality of restaurants on offer.

If you're visiting Inverness or the Highlands, this guide should start you off on the right foot.

Fine dining restaurants

Many local restaurants serve up plates of theatrical food in a refined setting offering memorable experiences. There's no shortage of plush city centre hotels, independent eateries, or venues with a open kitchen and private dining space. Whether you're after a spot with spectacular views, something adventurous, or somewhere relaxed where you can have a casual meal with that extra touch of finesse, you'll be spoilt for choice in the area.

Don't miss these sought-after fine dining spaces in Inverness & the Highlands.

• Rocpool Restaurant
• River House Restaurant
• Table Manors
• Loch Bay Restaurant, Skye

Restaurants with private dining

Some of the best deals are made over dinner so it is important to choose the right restaurant. From immersive and intimate to chic private dining, venues in Inverness and the Highlands can be as formal or laid back as you required. Pair your prime cut with a full-bodied red or crisp white, choose from vegetarian or vegan menus, and design your bespoke cocktails - here you will wine and dine in style. From prime city centre settings to the peaceful surroundings of regional towns, we've got you covered.

Explore some of the best private dining options in the area.

• Kingsmills Hotel
• Royal Golf Hotel
• Inverlochy Castle Hotel

Scottish cuisine

If you're in the mood for a Scottish delicacy, whether it's a classic interpretation of traditional Scottish fare in a contemporary setting or the crowd-pleasing fish and chips in a relaxed spot, here you'll find a great range of dining establishments to choose from. Restaurants in Inverness and the Highlands happily make full use of the excellent local produce, serving the best of Scotland. Expect to find on the menus some of the finest in the world seafood, succulent Aberdeen Angus beef and juicy game or delicious roasted lamb, to name just a few options.

We've hand-picked these spots for you.

• Falls of Shin
• Oakwood Restaurant
• Glenmoriston
• Boath House

Afternoon tea

Enjoy a meeting out of the office, in splendid surroundings. Whether it's an independently run café out of town or one of Inverness' most reputable hotels, treat yourself and your dining companion to a spot of afternoon tea. What is there not to like in a tempting tower of finger sandwiches with Scottish beef and smoked salmon, clotted cream-topped scones and a selection of handmade cakes?

Take a look at these amazing venues serving delicious afternoon tea to inspire you.

• Glen Mhor
• Kilcamb
• The Torridon
• Strathspey Railway

Bars

Planning a day of meetings but fancy trying out something a little different? For a venue with a chic twist, take your colleagues to a bar. Whether it's sublime selection of cocktails, tasty lunch or dazzling views that's going to swing the deal in your favour, you'll find it in one of Inverness' top bars. Now, all you must do is worry about is your pitch!

Look no further than these top city bars in Inverness.

• The Malt Room
• Scotch and Rye
• Hootananny
• Bar One

Whisky and Gin Distilleries

How about mixing a little bit of business with a trip to a whisky distillery in the Scottish Highlands? Have an unforgettable day touring a distillery and go behind-the-scenes to learn the tricks and secrets of the production process. The Highlands is a large, diverse region with a whisky to suit every palate, and Scotland's iconic Highland scenery with glens, forests and waterfalls will long remain in your memory.

Take your pick from some of the best whisky distilleries in the Highlands.

• Glen Ord Distillery
• Tomatin Distillery
• Dalwhinnie Distillery
• Dallas Dhu Distillery
• Cardhu Distillery