10 Quirky places to eat in Inverness

Embracing the very best of Scottish craft brewing and distilling, combined with a fantastic menu of local and seasonal dishes, MacGregor's Bar is one to visit. Mix this in with local culture, traditions, music, history, and more and you are set to have one of the most authentic Highland pub experiences in the world.

Enjoy the simple cooking and warm, friendly atmosphere of The Mustard Seed, which has become one of Inverness's favourite restaurants. Set on the picturesque banks of River Ness, the restaurant is located in a converted church building, helping to create the wonderful ambience of this quirky little place. The extensive menu featuring delicious Scottish produce will definitely tingle your taste buds.

Transport yourself back to 1920's Chicago with the speakeasy vibe of Scotch and Rye. This American-diner-meets-gastropub offers a signature selection of New York and Chicago inspired burgers, hot dogs and home cookin', all accompanied by crisp craft beers and cocktail creations. If you prefer something a little more laid back, it's also the perfect place for a warming coffee, a lazy lunch or even an indulgent Sunday brunch.

This family-owned restaurant is a must-visit when it comes to Scottish cuisine. Bursting with flavour, start off by choosing from an array of seafood starters; hand dived west coast king scallops, spiced crab and sweetcorn soup to fresh Isle of Skye crab. For the main event, dig into linguine with grilled king prawns, Scotch fillet of beef or loin of Speyside venison. If you have room for dessert, sweeten the deal with a honeycomb ice cream sundae, vanilla crème brûlée or why not try a selection of award-winning cheeses? 

Have lunch or dinner with a side dish of fun at Playback Bar. Located in Academy Street, this four-storey bar and restaurant offers a menu jam-packed full of tasty treats from fried chicken sandwiches, burgers, loaded fries with milkshakes, cocktails, beers and soft drinks to accompany your meal.  

The fun doesn’t stop once your meal is over, put your game face on and go head-to-head with friends and family with classic games including pool, shuffleboard, table tennis, beer, cocktail or prosecco pong and if you’re feeling brave enough, embrace your inner Viking with axe throwing. 

Enjoy the very best of Scottish fare at Aye Eat. On the menu, you’ll find an amazing array of food and drink choices from haggis, neeps and tatties, chicken balmoral to Scottish seabass. For drinks, choose from gin, wine, beers and cocktail concoctions including Hebridean sunset, spiced Irn Bru to a classic Old Fashioned. 

This restaurant is well-known for its quirky features, you’ll be guaranteed to spot Nessie here with a life-size replica of the famous monster herself! If you’re looking for more of a cosy affair, make sure to secure a booking at the log cabins, a great place for long overdue catch ups with family and friends.  

Pizza and craft beer is what Black Isle Bar does best. With 26 beers on tap, you’ll be spoilt for choice on what to pick from the menu. If beer isn’t your thing, they also serve spirits, wines, malt whisky and a selection of hot and soft drinks. During the warmer months, catch the rays at the rooftop garden and admire the city views. Good news for dog owners, Black Isle Bar is dog-friendly so your beloved pooch can join in the fun too. 

A recent addition to the Inverness food and drink scene, head to Torrish Restaurant at Ness Walk where you can treat yourself to a spot of luxury. This luxury hotel nestled on the banks of the River Ness offers up some incredible fine dining in their contemporary restaurant. Cosy in to the roaring fire and admire the magnificent views out to the River Ness, Torrish boasts a relaxed and friendly dining experience with a difference. Or head to the Torrish Bar where there is a wonderful and varied selection of drinks on offer.

When it comes to freshly made doughnuts and pastries, make sure to check out Perk Coffee + Doughnuts. Their experimental flavours have kept customers coming back for more with its everchanging menu. Expect highlights including the Slim Shady, a milk chocolate ganache covered doughnut, topped with crushed M&M’s and white chocolate drizzle or The Fluffernutter, a vegan doughnut made with marshmallow fluff, topped with peanut butter cream and roasted peanuts. Of course, their trusty faithful's including the classic cinnamon sugar ring and the strawberry & homemade jam Danish pastry are always a hit with visitors and locals alike and paired with a hot coffee, it is sure to be a match made in heaven. 

Did you know this cafe is a hotspot for cocktails at night? Sip away on espresso martinis, watermelon margaritas and strawberry Aperol spritz. 

Say hello to the city’s coolest wine bar and charcuterie spot! Open seven days a week, The Walrus and Corkscrew are well-known for their single and sharing platters with star features including dry cured meats from Bogrow Farm in Tain and Great Glen, Highland Cheeses Tain and for our vegan friends, vegan cheese from Left Coast. Of course, you’ll find other savoury delights to help complement your board from gherkins, sourdough bread, oatcakes, chutney and even Scotch eggs. The friendly staff will also be on helping hand to help you pair your charcuterie with the perfect glass or bottle of wine.  

An award-winning family run pub situated in the heart of the Highland capital, The Castle Tavern is a traditional real ale bar and restaurant offering freshly prepared, wholesome food alongside an extensive array of local ales. Relax outside in the beer garden whilst admiring views of Inverness Castle, River Ness and the city around you - it's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Head to The White House for delicious cocktails and quality food served up in a lovely modern setting. Using only fresh ingredients, and premium spirits and liqueurs, tuck into the impeccable concoctions that are freshly cooked up in-house, as well as some of the classics, of course. Set in the stylish city centre of Inverness, it's the perfect place to relax and enjoy Scottish food and drink.

Pay a visit to Inverness Cathedral Café whose ethos is to create an atmosphere where people can come for great quality coffee and food that is sourced locally. Volunteers can learn new skills, or revise their skills to enable them to continue to volunteer here or to look for other employed work. Why not take part in the Suspended Coffee programme which allows customers to buy and gift a coffee or hot drink to those in need. Stop by the shop where there is a wide range of Cathedral themed gifts, cards, coasters, magnets, mugs, exclusive tartan scarves and more to buy.

Not only does Café Artysans offer delicious food made with the finest quality of local ingredients, warming home baking and more, all served up in a friendly and professional environment, they also give back and help the community. This social enterprise café gives young people the chance to gain work experience and be part of a busy kitchen team. They also give back every penny they make to improve the life chances of young people in the Highlands. Enjoy a tasty breakfast, lunch or snack whilst helping to give back to the community.

Head just outside Inverness to North Kessock, where the White Cottage Tearoom awaits you. This quaint little tearoom is perfectly positioned on the waterfront, boasting incredible views and tasty food. Whether you fancy a home cooked breakfast, a freshly prepared lunch made from locally sourced ingredients or a good ol' fish and chips, there's plenty to tuck into. With every fish and chips that the tearoom sells, they donate to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

Café by day, restaurant by night; Girvans is a quirky spot to visit. Home to a patisserie, restaurant and winery, it's sure to cater to everyone. This friendly, family run restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner in a modern setting with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

If you fancy something from further afield, why not try an exotic array of Mediterranean, Turkish and Middle Eastern dishes at Aspendos? Offering an authentic dining experience, tuck into freshly prepared food that brings a little bit of Turkey to the Scottish Highlands. Suitable for all tastes, preferences and requirements, there are dishes at Aspendos to cater for everyone.