Picturesque Pitlochry is a hit with tourists and residents alike, and comes to life in the autumn thanks to the beautiful countryside setting with its riot of seasonal colours.
It’s also home to the popular Enchanted Forest experience, which runs from October to November. But no matter when you visit, these are some of the best places to eat in and around Pitlochry.
Picture: Restaurant at Knockendarroch Facebook
This two AA rosettes restaurant offers a relaxed dining experience in the grand surroundings of this 4 star country house hotel.
Head chef, Nick Imrie, uses locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to create a menu of four starters, four mains and four desserts.
There are veggie options and special dietary requirements can be catered for.
TripAdvisor reviews have commented on the quality of food and accommodation, and the restaurant ranks highly for places to eat in the area.
Picture: Escape Route Cafe
If you're in Pitlochry and looking for a good coffee then head to the Escape Route cafe. This independent cycling and outdoors retailer has been in business for over 21 years, and opened a cafe next door in 2016.
Serving breakfast, lunch and an array of cakes, including butternut squash cake with vanilla icing, coconut cake and caramel cake, Escape Route is an ideal daytime pit stop.
Picture: Craigvrack
Craigvrack’s restaurant is Cidsin Bistro, which is also a dedicated gin bar and garden.
The food at Cidsin is inspired, the team say, by the colourful palette of traditional Indian herbs and spices, and modern Indian cuisine that celebrates the country’s regional diversity.
It's open Tuesday - Sunday 5:00 pm onwards and there's also a takeaway option. Dishes include black dahl, butter chicken and lamb tikka.
Picture: Victoria's Pitlochry
This family-owned all day bistro serves brunch, lunch and dinner from 10am, seven days a week.
The relaxed atmosphere is ideal for family dinners, and the menu consists of simple dishes made using produce from Scotland's larder.
Picture: Pine View Restaurant
Open seven days a week from 8am, this golf club restaurant prides itself on its menu of locally soured ingredients.
Dishes include pub grub favourites such as fish and chips, pie of the day and burgers, served alongside more exotic choices such as teriyaki noodles and falafels.
The restaurant also has a great selection of sandwiches for a lunchtime stop, and is family and dog friendly.
Picture: TripAdvisor
Another good pit stop for coffee and cake, Morton's is handily located on the main road in Pitlochry.
As well as popular home baking, Morton's also serves sandwiches, toasties, baked potatoes and soup, and outdoor seating is available for sunny days or for those wanting to watch the world go by.
The cafe is family and dog-friendly as well.
The Old Mill Inn
A former winner of Inn of the Year and the Best Bar in Scotland at the National Pub & Bar Awards in 2017, this family-owned restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner.
The bistro bar serves locally sourced dishes such as: golden whole tail scampi and hand-cut chips, and a Tay salmon platter.
It is also the home of 4* accommodation with twin and double rooms.
Picture: Hettie's tearoom
This colourful cafe is hard to miss on the main street, and is a must visit for those with a sweet tooth.
Serving lunch, afternoon tea and eye-catching homebaking, Hettie's is also home to a wide range of teas and sells over 31 tea blends and infusions, which are available to buy in-store and online.
Picture: Fern Cottage Restaurant
Bringing a small taste of the Mediterranean to Scottish food, Fern Cottage restaurant is a popular eatery which is open for lunch and dinner.
Overlooking the beautiful Memorial Gardens, Fern Cottage serves everything from soups and sandwiches to three course meals.
This charming restaurant often runs meal deals - such as a pre-theatre menu, which is £24.95 for two courses or £27.95
Picture: Fonab Castle
Dine in grand surroundings at Fonab Castle's restaurants which include the Lounge Bar, 3 AA Rosette fine dining at Sandeman’s, and The Brasserie, which offers laid back cuisine with beautiful views.
The Brasserie has an outdoor terrace for summer days, but no matter what the time of year, the glass fronted restaurant offers views of Loch Faskally and Ben Vrackie.
Billed as a Highland al fresco dining experience, the menus include lunch dishes, dinner options and afternoon tea.
