Dundee’s status as a rising cultural hub isn’t just limited to art and gaming. Encompassing Mediterranean cuisine, pre-theatre dining and traditional Scottish cooking, the city’s eateries offer something new every day of the week.
(19 Union Street, Dundee DD1 4BN)
Priding itself on providing freshly-cooked and locally-sourced food, Ciao Sorrento is one of Dundee’s best-loved Italian restaurants. Diners eat in an intimate environment which seats less than 40 people at a time. Run by Tommaso and Joanna Milano, the business has been in operation for over 35 years and offers staples such as prosciutto pizza and house-style dishes such as the formidable Pollo Sorrento - chicken flavoured with white wine, mushrooms and herbs.
Ciao Sorrento also caters for parties and special celebrations within its relaxed, family atmosphere.
(Tay Square, Dundee DD1 1PB)
Standing proudly in Dundee’s Tay Square - the cultural quarter of the city - Encore is the place to go for a pre-theatre dinner. The menu is rotated in time with the seasons, but those dining over the winter period can try highlights including the Moroccan lamb burger or tandoori battered haddock goujons, amongst vegetarian options such as chestnut mushroom and vegetable tagine.
Final sittings can be arranged for 6.15pm on for theatre productions beginning at 7.30pm, with Encore’s reliance on local handmade foodstuff providers a constant in its 33-year existence.
(Naughton Rd, Wormit, Newport-on-Tay DD6 8NE)
The spectacular sight from The View restaurant. Picture: The View
Not to be confused with the indie-rockers that also hail from Dundee, The View Restaurant gives spectacular views of the Tay River from the south. The food matches the sensational views, with modern Scottish fare such as Aberdeenshire lemon and thyme chicken or baked Scrabster cod fillet on offer from the award-winning team.
Bookings are encouraged by the knowledgeable staff, though the restaurant is closed on Mondays.
(Queen Street, Dundee DD5 2HN)
Melding modern interior design with time-honoured Indian traditions, The Gulistan House is Dundee’s oldest Indian restaurant, having first opened its dors in 1979. As well as holding this record, Gulistan has also held a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in recent years.
Curry fans will find much to love at this restaurant, with spicy as well as more mild offerings made to order for customers in their clay tandoori oven. Highlights include the Jiapuri Tikka Masala and the spicy Janter Mantar Balti dish for their authenticity. As well as offering an excellent restaurant, Gulistan House operates its own take-away, too.
(27 Gray Street, Dundee DD5 2BH)
Just some of the tapas on offer at Dundee's premier Spanish restaurant. Image: Sol Y Sombra
Currently ranked as the number one restaurant of nearly 300 in Dundee on TripAdvisor, “Sun and Shadow” takes the art of tapas meals to Broughty Ferry residents. Faithful to the Spanish tradition of tapas dishes, there is no set menu. Instead, customers advise their waiter of their dietary preferences and requirements, before being presented with an array of suitable dishes to choose from.
With the quirky “menu” offering variety every time you visit, Sol Y Sombra seems to have captured the imagination of Dundee diners. To date, only 22 of the 1,282 reviews of the restaurant have rated it as “Terrible” - with over 1,000 rating it as “Excellent”.
(122 Brown Street, DD5 1EN)
Offering both lunch and dinner menus, Collinsons has established a reputation for itself with its upmarket, modern surroundings and extensive, locally-produced menu. Another recipient of a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2014, Collinsons offer sumptuous courses such as glazed pork belly with Stornoway black pudding or breats of Gressingham duck with braised apple and red cabbage.
The lush surroundings of Collinsons can quickly be swapped for nearby Broughty Castle for an after-dinner walk, too.
(Grange Road, Monifieth, DD5 4LU)
Those in search of pub grub can find themselves looked after nicely at The Milton Inn, where Scottish classics such as seasoned Cullen Skink are served. There’s also a selection of ales and whiskies for those who aren’t the designated driver, with single and double malts on offer from Laphroiag and Old Pultenay amongst others.
Despite the ageing decor, the staff are eager to help and can cater to various dietary requirements.
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