This is a collaborative post.
Believe it or not, the typical Scottish meal consists of a lot more than haggis, neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes), followed by a deep fried Mars bar, washed down with lashings of Irn Bru.
In fact, contemporary Scottish cuisine can be just as eclectic as the food you’ll find in many other UK towns and cities. Here, you’ll find everything from traditional cafes serving home-made soup, tea and scones, to fusion restaurants blending fresh local products with international ingredients and renowned Chinese, Italian and Indian restaurants. Many of these Scottish restaurants are also embracing modern technology – from online bookings to digital menus – making it easier than ever to discover and support them.
If you’re a foodie planning a Scottish staycation and you’re looking to explore what Caledonian cuisine has to offer, you can’t go far wrong with visiting these three Scottish restaurants.
3 Scottish Restaurants You Absolutely MUST Visit!
Hendersons of Edinburgh
If you’re vegetarian or vegan visiting Edinburgh, rest assured you’ll be well taken care of at any the Hendersons of Edinburgh restaurants dotted around the city. Established in 1962, this trail-blazing company was decades ahead of its time in catering for veggie customers. To this day, it remains a family-run empire dedicated to farm-fresh produce, keeping its loyal clientele happy with delicious plant-based and meat-free dishes like chickpea, aubergine and tomato curry and jackfruit, tomato and coconut stew. Mmm!
Tip: Hendersons Restaurant on Barclay Place is the place to eat if you follow a purely plant-based diet (the other branches are classed as vegetarian only).
Incontri, Dunfermline
Dunfermline is only around 35 minutes north of Edinburgh and the journey is worthwhile for the scenic trip across the River Forth via the Forth Bridge, Forth Road Bridge or Queensferry Crossing (depending on whether you travel by train, bus, or car respectively) alone, not to mention historical sites like Dunfermline Abbey and Palace.
Historical sight-seeing isn’t the only reason people visit Dunfermline though; it’s also built up a strong reputation for its food and visitors flock to Incontri on Bruce Street, an authentic Italian restaurant serving delicious dishes like their signature ‘Penne Carnegie’ – quill pasta cooked to al dente perfection accompanied by mushrooms, bolognese sauce, hot sausage, tomato and a smattering of cream.
Tip: after dinner, treat yourself to a delicious dark and stormy cocktail at nearby bar, 1703.
The Allanwater Café, Bridge of Allan
A pretty little town in the heart of Scotland, near Stirling, Bridge of Allan is home to the University of Stirling campus, which sits in the shadow of Dumyat mountain. Complete with its very own loch, this must be one of the world’s most scenic seats of learning. There are a variety of places to eat here, but make sure you don’t miss out on a visit to the Allanwater Café – the home of one of Scotland’s best fish suppers! Scottish ‘chippies’ typically serve haddock rather than the cod that’s on offer down south, and the flagship crisp battered haddock and chunky chips that’s served here is simply divine.
Tip: hire a car from Enjoy and tour other sites around Stirling like the site of the Battle of Bannockburn, which now has an inspirational interactive visitor centre.
Dine at any of these sumptuous Scottish restaurants and you’re sure to be satisfied. Thank me later!
Beyond these restaurants, cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness are also developing exciting dining scenes, with a growing number of independent restaurants and bistros showcasing Scottish ingredients. If you’re heading north, take a look at this guide to where to eat in Inverness.
What’s your favourite Scottish eatery? Share your recommendations in the comments section.
This is a collaborative post.