The 10 Best Restaurants in Inverness For Foodies
Discover the best restaurants in Inverness. This local-led guide covers the city’s top restaurants for lunch and dinner, from riverside seafood and modern Scottish cooking to casual spots, pizza pubs, and international flavours — all personally tried and recommended.
Inverness might be known as the capital of the Highlands, but its restaurant scene deserves just as much attention as the landscapes that surround it. From relaxed riverside bistros to destination-worthy fine dining and standout casual spots, the city offers a surprisingly strong lineup of places to eat well, particularly if you know where to look.
The best Inverness restaurants share a clear ethos: seasonal menus, Highland produce, and warm hospitality.
Whether that’s seafood pulled straight from Scottish waters, locally sourced meat and vegetables, or globally inspired dishes cooked with confidence, this is a city that rewards travellers who plan their meals - and step beyond the obvious options.
As Highlands locals who spend many weekends in Inverness (eating out, grabbing coffees, and catching live music), we’ve seen first-hand how much the city’s food scene has evolved.
So whether you’re stopping overnight on the NC500, visiting as part of a Highlands road trip, or passing through on the way to Skye, it’s worth building a visit to a locally loved food spot into your Inverness itinerary.
Below, you’ll find our curated guide to the best restaurants in Inverness. Places we’ve personally eaten at, recommend to friends, or have firmly at the top of our must-try list.
At A Glance: Best restaurants in Inverness
The Victorian Market (best for a mix of cuisines and quick, no-book eats)
XOKO (best for lunch)
Black Isle Bar (best for wood-fired pizza and craft beer)
River House (best for bistro-style seafood)
Rocpool (best for refined, modern dining)
HouHouMei (best for Asian cuisine)
Love Dosa (best for South Indian cuisine)
McBains by the River (best for elevated classics)
Fig & Thistle (best for classic Scottish bistro eats)
The Mustard Seed (best for modern Scottish bistro dishes)
Tip: A word of caution… The surge in tourism has unfortunately led to a rise in tourist traps - pubs and restaurants serving food that’s decidedly forgettable. We avoid them altogether, and if a place you’re considering isn’t included here, there’s probably a good reason.
The best restaurants in Inverness
We’ve given you our top ten places to eat in Inverness above, and you’ll find them split by category below. Or jump to: coffee shops, casual dining, bistro eateries, global cuisine, or fine dining. Plus a few alternatives, advice on whether you need to book a table, and an idea of prices.
Where should I eat in Inverness if I only have one or two nights?
If you only have a short stay, it’s worth prioritising at least one sit-down meal along the River Ness: River House for seafood or Rocpool for a special-occasion dinner are excellent choices. For a more relaxed meal, McBain’s by the River strikes a perfect balance between quality and comfort.
During the day, XOKO is ideal for lunch, Birch for pastries and coffee, while the Victorian Market works well if you want flexibility or are travelling with others who want different cuisines.
Casual Eats
Victorian Market
Best for: food stalls, diverse cuisines, and ample seating.
The redeveloped Victorian Market has quickly become one of Inverness’s best casual dining spots, with around a dozen food stalls and eateries gathered under its beautifully restored, fairy-lit roof.
It’s also our go-to place to eat in Inverness when we want something super delicious and relaxed.
As a food hall, you don’t get the whole ‘restaurant experience’ - tables are long and shared, you can mix and match food from any stall, share plates freely, and often catch live music at weekends. It’s the sort of place where you come for one dish, spot three more you want to try, and end up planning a return visit before you’ve finished eating!
But with plenty of seating, you can almost always find a spot, whether at lunch or dinner, which is a lifesaver when everywhere else is fully booked during peak season or when you want a quick, no-fuss bite to eat.
As we’ve mentioned above, there are many stalls to choose from. That said, our favourites include Ollie Pops (proper street food like bao buns and Korean beef fries), Namaste (neighbourhood Indian home kitchen), and The Mart (phenomenal steak and venison burgers, chips, and milkshakes).
XOKO
Best for: brunch, lunch, and an inventive Mexican-cantina menu.
We know XOKO leans more towards a cantina-style café than a restaurant, but it’s hands-down our favourite spot in Inverness for lunch.
The space is bright, relaxed, and always buzzing, with a menu built around fresh, bold, flavour-packed dishes that feel both comforting and a little bit creative. Expect flavoursome sandwiches (grilled three cheese on sourdough with bacon jam is another level), loaded croissants, delicious brunches, and rotating specials, along with good coffee and a cabinet full of pastries.
There’s a nod to Mexican flavours throughout the menu (co-owner Fernando hails from Mexico) and serious flair in classic dishes and inventive, bold plates we adore.
It’s hard to choose a favourite, but the Frijoles Rancheros (Mexican bean stew), Mexican black beans (black beans, avocado, feta, coriander on toasted sourdough), and avocado on sourdough toast (with wild garlic pesto) are all strong contenders!
Also, try the gooey cinnamon buns, and thank me later.
Black Isle Bar
Best for: wood-fired pizzas, organic ingredients, and craft beer.
Black Isle Bar is one of our favourite places to eat in Inverness, thanks to its small but brilliant menu of wood-fired pizzas.
It’s not a restaurant, but if you’re looking for a casual, foodie-pub setting, this is absolutely your best option in the city.
The menu and toppings shift with the seasons, but expect classic and creative toppings, heaped onto perfectly baked dough and crisp crusts - we’re partial to the black pudding & goats cheese with honey. That said, the venison salami and anchovies & olive options are equally moreish!
The kitchen leans heavily on organic produce, including vegetables and herbs grown in the brewery’s own gardens, which gives the pizzas a freshness you might not expect from a city-centre bar.
Alongside the food, you’ll find the full range of Black Isle Brewery craft beers on tap, making it an easy spot for a relaxed lunch, casual dinner, or a post-hike refuel. There are no bookings, but with plenty of tables spread across the main bar and the rooftop terrace, we’ve always managed to sit down even during the busiest summer weekends.
Relaxed Bistro Eateries
River House
Best for: seafood, oyster hour, and the riverside terrace.
River House is one of Inverness’s standout seafood restaurants, known for serving exceptionally fresh shellfish and fish in a bright, intimate space overlooking the river.
The menu leans into Scottish waters: oysters, scallops, mussels, and line-caught fish appear throughout, prepared simply but with real finesse.
River House typically opens early evening and stays open late for dinner, and, being a popular local spot, you’ll want to reserve as far in advance as possible. From the extensive menu, our favourites are the oysters (book their oyster hour at £1.75 per shuck; it’s so much fun), seared scallops, and mussels.
McBain’s by the River
Best for: modern Scottish bistro dining, relaxed lunches, riverside views.
McBain’s by the River is a stylish, contemporary bistro set right on the banks of the River Ness, offering an easygoing but polished place to eat in the city centre.
The space is light and modern, with large windows overlooking the water, giving it a calm, unrushed feel that works equally well for daytime dining or an unhurried evening meal.
The menu focuses on modern Scottish cooking, featuring well-executed classics and seasonal dishes that often highlight local meats such as venison and steak. However, you’ll also find fish, seafood, and vegetarian options on the menu.
Expect thoughtfully put-together plates rather than showy fine dining, making it a dependable choice if you want something refined but not formal.
There’s an extensive à la carte menu, but McBain’s really comes into its own for early evening dining, with excellent-value options such as their lunch and pre-theatre menus available earlier in the day.
Reservations are sensible in busier periods, especially for window tables by the river.
The Mustard Seed
Best for: casual-but-stylish bistro dining.
A longstanding favourite on the banks of the River Ness, The Mustard Seed combines its warm, converted-church interiors with a menu centred around Scottish produce. Expect hearty, flavourful dishes, often featuring local seafood, slow-cooked meats, and seasonal vegetables, served in a dining room that feels both quietly elegant and relaxed.
It’s open for lunch and dinner most days, and reservations are strongly recommended, especially in summer. If you can and the weather permits, book a table on the small but beautiful outdoor terrace overlooking the river.
This is our go-to Inverness restaurant when we want something slightly more refined during the day but not too fancy; they offer a very affordable set lunch and early evening menu that’s well worth building into your Inverness itinerary.
Alternatives: you’ll also find other modern brasserie-style venues in Fig & Thistle and The Kitchen, as well as contemporary Scottish comfort food at the White House. We haven’t tried these yet, but friends highly recommend them.
Fine Dining Restaurants in Inverness
Rocpool
Best for: modern, unpretentious fine dining.
Rocpool is one of Inverness’s most acclaimed restaurants, recommended in the Michelin Guide, awarded two AA Rosettes, and featured in both Scotland the Best and The Good Food Guide. It very much leans towards a fine-dining style experience, yet the atmosphere is refreshingly modern and, being in the Highlands, never pretentious.
The dining room sits right in the heart of the city centre, overlooking the River Ness and Inverness Castle.
The kitchen focuses on the highest-quality local produce, often prepared with confident global influences that feel polished rather than fussy. Expect beautifully balanced plates, clean flavours, and a level of execution that puts Rocpool firmly in the “worth travelling for” category.
It does come with a higher price tag than many places on this list, but it delivers a genuinely exceptional foodie experience in return. That said, the two-course lunch and early evening menus (£31.95 and £36.95) offer great value, and we guarantee that they’ll add a real foodie experience to your Highlands trip.
As one of the city’s most in-demand restaurants, booking well in advance is essential.
Alternative: another refined option is Torrish at Ness Walk, combining elegant dishes and Highland ingredients with modern, technique-driven cooking.
Global
Love Dosa
Best for: South Indian street food, vegetarian-friendly dining, bold spices.
Love Dosa brings something genuinely different to Inverness’s food scene, specialising in South Indian street food with a strong focus on crisp dosas, comforting curries, and vibrant flavours. It’s a relaxed, casual spot where the food does the talking, and a great option if you’re craving something warming, bold, and deeply satisfying.
The menu centres around freshly made dosas filled with spiced vegetables, lentils, and flavourful sauces, alongside classic South Indian dishes like curries, rice plates, and street-food-style snacks. Many dishes are naturally vegetarian or vegan, but nothing feels like an afterthought.
It’s an ideal choice for an easy lunch or informal dinner, especially if you want something different from pub food or bistro classics. Portions are generous, service is friendly, and it’s the kind of place you’ll leave already thinking about what to order next time.
Hou Hou Mei
Best for: Asian cuisine.
Hou Hou Mei is one of Inverness’s most reliable choices for fresh, flavour-packed Asian street food, with a menu that focuses on Chinese, Taiwanese, and Southeast Asian influences.
It’s a casual, friendly spot with quick service and generous portions - ideal for a no-fuss dinner when you want something comforting but still full of character.
Expect dishes like bao buns, dumplings, noodles, and rice bowls, all made with bright sauces and well-balanced seasoning. The salt-and-chilli dishes are consistently excellent, and the bao is usually our go-to order.
Playback
Best for: burgers, fried chicken, fries, and group games.
Let’s start by saying we know Playback isn’t for everyone, but it's absolutely the right choice if you’re after something fun, modern, and a little different.
There’s no table service, the dining style is intentionally casual, and the whole place leans towards a younger crowd, with competitive games happening around the restaurant-bar throughout the evening.
But the food is reliably solid and firmly in the “dirty American” category: delicious smash burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, loaded fries, and indulgent, creamy milkshakes for dessert. If the sun is shining, eat on the rooftop terrace and finish your night with a round of shuffleboard or axe-throwing!
Inverness Restaurant FAQs
Where are the best restaurants in Inverness located?
Most of the best restaurants in Inverness are concentrated in and around the city centre, particularly along the River Ness. This includes standout spots like River House, McBain’s by the River, The Mustard Seed, and Rocpool, all of which are within easy walking distance of central hotels.
For more casual dining, places such as the Victorian Market, XOKO, Black Isle Bar, and Hou Hou Mei are dotted just a few minutes’ walk away, making it easy to plan meals without needing a car.
Do I need to book restaurants in Inverness in advance?
Yes - for Inverness restaurants, booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially from spring through early autumn. Popular riverside restaurants regularly book out days or even weeks in advance during peak season.
Casual spots such as the Victorian Market, Black Isle Bar, Playback, and Hou Hou Mei and Love Dosa don’t take bookings and are generally fine for walk-ins, though they can still get busy on weekends and summer evenings.
What types of restaurants will I find in Inverness?
Inverness offers far more variety than many visitors expect. You’ll find refined fine dining at Rocpool, seafood-focused bistro dining at River House, relaxed Scottish bistros like The Mustard Seed and McBain’s by the River, alongside casual favourites such as Black Isle Bar for pizza, XOKO for lunch, and Hou Hou Mei for Asian street food.
There’s also a strong casual dining scene centred around the Victorian Market, which is ideal if you want choice, flexibility, or no-fuss eating.
What food is Inverness known for?
Inverness restaurants are best known for their focus on Scottish and Highland produce. Many menus prioritise what’s local and seasonal, particularly seafood from Scottish waters, Highland venison and beef, and regional vegetables.
Restaurants like River House, Rocpool, The Mustard Seed, and McBain’s by the River showcase this approach most clearly. Even casual venues such as Black Isle Bar and XOKO weave local ingredients into globally influenced dishes.
The common thread across the city is food that feels rooted in place rather than overly showy.
Are there good casual and budget-friendly places to eat in Inverness?
Yes — while Inverness has some excellent higher-end restaurants, there are plenty of casual and good-value options. The Victorian Market is the most flexible choice, with food stalls covering a wide range of cuisines and budgets.
Black Isle Bar offers excellent-value wood-fired pizzas. Hou Hou Mei and Love Dosa are generous and affordable, and Playback suits groups looking for casual food without formality.
Several bistros, including McBain’s, The Mustard Seed, and Rocpool, also offer good-value lunch or early evening menus.
