Chefs across Scotland are reinvigorating the old-style hospitality once seen at coaching inns and baronial mansions, from dining rooms to repurposed trailers – the best restaurants with rooms offer both classic techniques and eye-catching presentations for their diners to enjoy.
This elegant restaurant serves an exquisite French-inspired tasting menu featuring Scottish produce such as Orkney scallops and Highland venison.
The Spence
After five years of meticulous renovation by Ennismore Design Studio, The Spence opened to the public for all-day dining and drinks on Monday 27 June.
Chef Jonny Wright will showcase Scotland’s bounty, featuring exquisite produce sourced locally such as Wild Mushroom Tart with Goats Curd and Hazelnuts as well as Glenturret Scotch Baba with Praline Sauce and Mascarpone on an approachable menu. Wright previously held senior roles at Michelin-star Evelyn’s Table and The Palomar restaurants.
Sir Basil Spence’s architectry proved divisive. Though his Coventry Cathedral triumphed, his designs also often provoked strong emotions among residents; for instance, his Queen Elizabeth Square tower blocks in Glasgow inspired by Le Corbusier but disliked by residents were widely disliked by them. Matt Weaver provides a fresh assessment of both him and his work with an exhibition that travels around places related to him like his library at Swiss Cottage in north London.
The Seafood Ristorante
St Andrews’ seaside gem has embarked on an exciting new chapter with its interior renovation and menu revamp, boasting sleek modern dining decor and offering an updated menu featuring roast Orkney scallops to the legendary Anstruther lobster linguine, this restaurant caters to seafood enthusiasts everywhere. For starters they offer John Ross of Aberdeen Smoked Salmon Agnolotti while main dishes such as North Sea Turbot, Pittenweem Day Boat Halibut and Perthshire Roe Deer round out an extensive array of offerings that span traditional coastal fare while adding Italian touches such as John Ross of Aberdeen Smoked Salmon Agnolotti Agnolotti for starters before moving onto North Sea Turbot; Pittenweem Day Boat Halibut; Perthshire Roe Deer and Perthshire Roe Deer respectively!
Kelp offers an enjoyable yet professional dining experience that is truly distinct. Their passion for seafood shines through in the delicious flavors and welcoming ambiance, as do their chefs who are knowledgeable and passionate about their culinary craft.
Shucks is an award-winning seafood spot in Glasgow that stands out with its playful yet professional vibe, drawing people in. Their tapas menu offers a diverse range of crustaceans – such as succulent grilled octopus and zesty prawn ceviche – perfectly complimented by an exceptional wine list. Their service is impeccable – an essential destination for all seafood enthusiasts!
Killiecrankie House
Killiecrankie House in Highland Perthshire offers foodies a haven. This small family-run hotel features five luxury ensuite rooms, a lounge area, and a restaurant dining space that seats 24. In addition, Killiecrankie is surrounded by woodland, an edible kitchen garden used by chefs, and large front lawn suitable for marquee events.
Diners begin their experience in the bar, where cocktails and a 13 course tasting menu are served at tables facing the theatrical open kitchen. Co-patron Matilda Tsappis acts as the social heartbeat behind this restaurant; she introduces herself and husband Tom Ruffle as co-founders before explaining how they made this cozy chalet-like refuge from finance and advertising careers.
The dinner menu at Urrard Estate draws its inspiration from both Japanese kaiseki cuisine and Scottish food traditions, featuring dishes like Urrard estate venison tartare with wild garlic and brambles, smoked Rannoch duck breast with orange dressing, and whole roasted quail stuffed with chicken and red onion mousse – each course complemented by wines from our cellar.
Skua
Tucked beneath St Stephen’s Street in Stockbridge, Skua is a small restaurant with big dreams. The menu of small plates boasts bold flavors like fried chicken with fermented peach hot sauce and offers a smart yet refined take on Scottish ingredients with their use being handled carefully and delicately.
Edinburgh tourists flock to its luxurious 16th-century surroundings, but James Aikman’s food remains authentically Scottish despite its Scandi-chic stylings. Instead of using his ingredients as the focal point of his dishes, James allows each ingredient to speak for itself in his cuisine.
Rodney Wages took a gamble by moving his one-Michelin star Avery restaurant from San Francisco to Edinburgh and opening this elegant Georgian townhouse restaurant, featuring Victor Reyes artworks brought from California. However, dishes are kept simple with local seafood such as line-caught trout or aged mallard with wild garlic grains and sherry taking centre stage – it changes frequently! It offers bold thinking with contemporary flair.
Kinloch Lodge
Family-run 17th century hunting lodge situated at Kinloch Hill near Loch Na Dal in South Skye offers natural beauty and peaceful surroundings that invite relaxation. Guests can indulge in massages, facials, salt scrubs and reflexology at its treatment room; seasonal produce from Skye farms is used in award-winning dishes served in its elegant dining room.
Ghillie Mitchell Partridge offers breath-taking views over Loch na Dal on Skye’s unspoiled Sleat peninsula and is a haven for outdoor lovers. Ghillie Mitchell Partridge provides organized outdoor pursuits such as foraging, fishing and wild walks – but even those not brave enough for these activities have plenty to look forward to, with endlessly more delicious treats on offer than eating mushrooms from strange-looking saute pans or sniffing out otter poo (it helps!). Ghillie Mitchell Partridge always provides tempting treats!
Godfrey and Lady Claire Macdonald first opened Kinloch Lodge as a hotel in 1972, with Isabella Macdonald taking over management of it shortly afterwards. Traveling there offers an unforgettable journey through dramatic Highland landscapes to reach Skye Bridge – it’s truly worth the trip.
