12 of the most underrated restaurants and cafes in Inverness

Published 29th Mar 2018
Updated 31 st Oct 2023

Inverness is home to many fantastic eateries, and the hidden gems can easily pass even locals by.

If you're looking for somewhere new and exciting to eat, why not give one of these underrated places a try?

The Mustard Seed

Sitting on the banks of the River Ness in a converted church building, this beautiful restaurant serves modern European food with Highland influences, made using local Scottish produce.

Visit: 16 Fraser Street, IV1 1DW - mustardseedrestaurant.co.uk

Lettuce Eat

For a great lunch while you're on the move, stop in at sandwich shop, Lettuce Eat, and choose your favourite filling or go for a hot soup.

Visit: 7 Lombard Street, IV1 1QQ

Kingsmills Hotel

The Kingsmills Hotel houses two different eateries - the Conservatory Restaurant and the Inglis Restaurant.

The more formal Conservatory Restaurant showcases local fish, meat and game in its  refined dishes, while the Inglis focuses on hearty comfort food.

Visit: Culcabock Road, IV2 3LP - kingsmillshotel.com

Scotch & Rye

American diner meets gastropub at this cool bar and restaurant which specialises in cocktails and US classics, including burgers, chicken wings and ribs.

Visit: 21 Queensgate, IV1 1DF - scotchandrye.co.uk

Little Italy

Serving classic Italian dishes and good wine, Little Italy is a quaint and relaxed place to enjoy a meal out with friends and family.

Visit: 8 Stephen's Street, IV2 3JN - facebook.com/Little-Italy-Inverness

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Comfort Foods

Doing what it says on the tin, this welcoming cafe offers satisfying eats served in generous portions. Expect everything from sizeable fry-ups to filling burgers and giant ice cream sundaes.

Visit: 22 Church Street, IV1 1EB - facebook.com/comfortfoods

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The Castle Tavern

A traditional real ale bar, restaurant and beer garden, The Castle Tavern's menu has plenty of wholesome pub grub with a European influence. Wash it all down with one of their carefully selected beers, wines or whiskies.

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Visit: 1 View Place, IV2 4SA - castletavern.pub

Culloden House Hotel

The Adam's Dining Room inside the Culloden House Hotel is a formal place to dine (strictly no trainers or collarless shirts), but the food - made using local scallops, beef, venison and much more - is well worth the extra effort for a special occasion.

Visit: Culloden Road, Balloch, Culloden, IV2 7BZ - cullodenhouse.co.uk

Cafe 1

Championing local produce and independent suppliers where possible, Cafe 1 offers a huge variety of exciting dishes, from seared scallops wrapped in pancetta to a vegan burger with spicy sweetcorn salsa.

Visit: 75 Castle Street, IV2 3EA - cafe1.net

McLeod's Fish & Chips

Open seven days a week, McLeod's fish and chip shop is popular with locals, and sells fresh food to take away. Alongside classic haddock and scampi, customers can also choose between the likes of steak pie, pizzas and smoked sausage.

Visit: Grant Street, IV3 8BN - mcleodsfishandchips.scot

The Dores Inn

Eight miles outside of Inverness The Dores Inn sits on the shores of South Loch Ness, and is a welcoming spot all year round - offering warming log fires in the winter, and a lovely sun terrace for sunny days.

Visit: B862, Dores, IV2 6TR - thedoresinn.co.uk

The White House

Serving refined meals and delicious cocktails in modern surroundings, The White House is a stylish eatery in the heart of Inverness.

Visit: 50 Union Street, IV1 1PX - thewhitehouse.uk.com

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