11 of the most underrated restaurants in Dumfries and Galloway

Published 28th Mar 2018
Updated 12 th Sep 2023

TripAdvisor is a great resource, but it isn't the be all and end all when it comes to choosing a restaurant.

If you're looking for somewhere underrated to eat in Dumfries and Galloway, here are some of our favourites.

Bruno's Italian Restaurant

Celebrating its 50th birthday last year, Bruno's is the oldest family-run Italian restaurant in Dumfries.

Diners can look forward to choosing from antipasti, pasta, pizza and other classic dishes on the menu here.

Visit: 3 Balmoral Road, Dumfries, DG1 3BE - brunosrestaurant.co.uk

The Selkirk Arms

This quaint hotel in Kirkcudbright serves food in the on-site Artistas Restaurant, as well as in their bar and bistro.

Get cosy in the comfortable lounge, or enjoy a more formal experience in the restaurant, where you can choose from the likes of local seafood or a hearty Galloway steak.

Visit: 127-129 High Street, Kirkcudbright, DG6 4JG - selkirkarmshotel.co.uk

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Island cafe with stunning views to team up with Michelin-recommended Edinburgh restaurant for one-off supper club

Claudio's Restaurant

Run by the same family in Moffat for the last 22 years, Claudio's is like a little slice of Italy in the heart of Scotland, both in terms of food and decor.

Expect all of the classics cooked with love and fresh, authentic ingredients.

Visit: Burnside Road, Moffat, DG10 9DX - claudiosmoffat.co.uk

The Hightae Inn

You're best to book a table in advance at Lockerbie's small but perfectly formed Hightae Inn restaurant, where evenings meals are served five nights per week (Wednesday to Sunday).

The majority of the food served is sourced locally, particularly seafood, meat and game.

New Scottish restaurants added to the Good Food Guide

Visit: High Road, Hightae, Lockerbie, DG11 1JS - hightaeinn.co.uk

Casa Mia

With both set and a la carte menus available in the evenings, you'll be spoiled for choice at Casa Mia in Dumfries.

There are nods from the kitchen to multiple cuisines (from Italian to Chinese), but Scottish produce is used in every dish.

Visit: 53 Nunholm Road, Dumfries, DG1 1JW - casamiadumfries.co.uk

Henrys Bay House Restaurant

Located in Stranraer and overlooking the picturesque Loch Ryan, Henrys Bay House boasts a wonderful sun terrace for al fresco dining in summer, and fantastic views all year round.

The menu showcases locally sourced fish and meat, which is prepared and cooked freshly to order.

Visit: Cairnryan Road, Stranraer, DG9 8AT - henrysbayhouse.co.uk/stranraer

Brodies

An eatery, wine bar and gin lounge, Brodies in Moffat wears many hats, and is an inviting place to dine out.

The restaurant has been awarded an AA Rosette, and also comes recommended by Michelin, so you're sure to have a delicious experience here.

Visit: 1-2 Altrive Place, Holm Street, Moffat, DG10 9EB - brodiesofmoffat.co.uk

Carlo's Restaurant

With only 12 tables, Carlo's Restaurant provides classic Italian cuisine in an intimate setting.

The business opened in Castle Douglas in 1988, and continues to be run by the same family to this day.

Visit: 211 King Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1DT - carlosrestaurant.co.uk

Cavens Arms

Cavens Arms in Dumfries is a traditional local pub which also offers an impressive menu of satisfying comfort food and ever-changing daily specials.

Visit: 20 Buccleuch Street, Dumfries, DG1 2AH - facebook.com/cavens.arms

Polarbites

Known for their award-winning fish and chips, this Kirkcudbright eatery also serves king and queen scallops, lobster and crabs which are sourced directly from the local harbour.

You can take away here, but if you choose to eat in then you are welcome to BYOB and bring a bottle of wine to enjoy with your meal.

Visit: Harbour Square, Kirkcudbright, DG6 4WS - polarbites.co.uk

The Pheasant

Voted Galloway Restaurant of the Year 2017 at The Scottish Food Awards, The Pheasant in Newton Stewart specialises in authentic Italian meals, cooked by a born and bred Naples chef.

Visit: 2 Wigtown Road, Sorbie, Newton Stewart, DG8 8EL - thepheasantsorbie.com

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