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Where to Eat Around Loch Ness: Our 9 Favourites Restaurants You NEED to Try!
When I visited Loch Ness with my sister, the owners of our inn had plenty of recommendations on where to eat. Whether we were up for a cosy cafe to enjoy brunch or a family-run eatery serving up hearty comfort food with a side of local beer, they had us covered!
Naturally, my sister and I couldn’t resist trying all of their recommendations whilst we were in the area for the holidays. And let me tell you: every meal was an adventure of its own—almost as thrilling as seeing Loch Ness!
So, if you’re looking for dining options from a true food lover, here’s your ultimate guide of must-visit restaurants around Loch Ness!
The Dores Inn
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Address: B862, Dores
Contact Information: +44 1463 751203
Distance from Loch Ness: 5.3 miles
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday: 12 PM – 5 PM
- Thursday to Sunday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Pricing: £
Menu Highlights: Sticky Toffee Pudding, Roasted Speyside Venison Loin, Linguine Shellfish, and Beef Burger
Website
Breakfast Menu – Restaurant Menu
If you’re looking for a homey place serving up classic Scottish fare, then we highly recommend the Dores Inn. Located on the Southern shore of Loch Ness, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch, sunset dinner, or a few drinks while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
In the colder months, nothing beats the crackling fireplace and spectacular loch views. My sister and I grabbed a table right by the shore sipping craft beers and ales. It was pure bliss, to be honest. Their well-stocked bar has something for every taste, so don’t skip this!
Their food is just as impressive–fresh, hearty, and packed with flavour. Their fish and chips were perfectly crispy and their venison stew was utterly comforting, like a warm hug after a day of exploring.
Pro Tip: If the weather’s nice, be sure to pick a seat outside by the shore overlooking the loch for the best ambience.
Fiddlers Highland Restaurant
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Address: The Green Mainstreet, Drumnadrochit
Contact Information: +44 1456 450678 or [email protected]
Distance from Loch Ness: 25.7 miles
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: Lunch from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM; Dinner from 5:30 PM
Pricing: ££
Menu Highlights: Venison Casserole, Black Pudding, Cullen Skink, and Salmon Fillet
Website
Menu
I’ll be honest, the main reason we visited Fiddlers wasn’t for the food (though it was great!), it was for the whisky! With an impressive collection of over 600 different whiskies and four SLTN Whisky Bar of the Year titles, how could we resist? Tell me that’s not worth the trip!
We also couldn’t resist their traditional Scottish dishes, with my favourite being the venison casserole which was tender, rich, and bursting with flavour after being simmered in red wine and aromatic herbs.
Of course, I couldn’t skip pairing it with black pudding, and trust me, it tasted a lot better than it sounds. So, don’t knock it before you’ve tried it!
Pro Tip: Fiddlers Highland Restaurant fills up fast, so if you want a table, you need to book well in advance.
The Italian Job
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Address: Unit 4, Carrier’s Croft, Drumnadrochit
Contact Information: +44 1463 592389
Distance from Loch Ness: 26.3 miles
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 1:45 PM – 7 PM
- Saturday: 1:45 PM – 7:30 PM
Pricing: £
Menu Highlights: Minkiapizza, Tiramisu, Arancina Palermitana, and Prosciutto Funghi
Website
Menu
The age-old debate, “Do pineapples belong on pizza?” At the Italian Job, it’s a firm and resounding NO! And while I do love the sweetness it brings, this charming restaurant known for its Italian flare and wood-fired pizzas may convince me that it’s a crime.
But if you’re into unique pies, I suggest trying out their Minkiapizza which is topped with roasted potatoes, pork sausage, and sauteed king oyster mushrooms, a hearty treat after a whole day of exploring.
Another guilty pleasure of mine is their Deep Fried Corner. I love to indulge in their crispy, cheesy Calzone Frittos and tasty Arancina Palermitana, both for just £8. What a steal!
Pro Tip: Be sure to follow them on Facebook as they announce limited-time deals that you can’t miss out on.
Cafe Eighty2
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Address: W Lewiston, Drumnadrochit
Contact Information: +44 7771 460526 or [email protected]
Distance from Loch Ness: 26.3 miles
Operating Hours: Daily: 9 AM – 4 PM
Pricing: £
Menu Highlights: Monster BBQ Bacon & Cheese Burger, Highlander Loaded Chips, and Chicken Wings
Website
Menu
Cafe Eight2 holds a special place in our hearts because of its warm and cosy ambience. Topped off with juicy burgers, crispy chips, and finger-lick-worthy chicken wings? You know we’ll be back for sure.
Apart from their hearty meals, we also love stopping by for breakfast, specifically to order a cappuccino and toasted sandwich. If you ask me, the best part is sitting by the fireplace, especially during the colder months, enjoying a hot cup with a nice book.
If you’re coming with friends, take advantage of the board games to pass the time while waiting for your food. This can be especially handy since service might be a bit slow during busy hours.
Pro Tip: Be sure to follow their Facebook page for the latest updates on discounts and promotional offers.
Ness Deli
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Address: The Village Green, Drumnadrochit
Contact Information: +44 1456 450282
Distance from Loch Ness: 25.7 miles
Operating Hours: Daily: 10 AM – 3 PM
Pricing: £
Menu Highlights: Homemade Beef Lasagna, Homemade Steak Pie, Chicken Burger, Lentil Bacon Soup, and Homemade Sticky Toffee Pudding
At first glance, Ness Deli might seem like a simple, cozy cafe, but don’t be fooled! This place is incredibly popular, and trust me, we had to try twice before finally snagging a table.
Our favorites? The Lentil Bacon Soup was pure comfort on a chilly day, and the Homemade Sticky Toffee Pudding was a delightful treat, especially when paired with a fresh cup of coffee.
For the mains, don’t miss out on the hearty Steak Pie or the juicy Chicken Burger. And to round it all off, be sure to try their selection of local beers.
Pro Tip: Be sure to arrive early or be prepared to wait for a table as it gets busy fast. If you’re short on time, consider ordering takeaway instead.
Station Road
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Address: A82, Fort Augustus PH32 4DU
Contact Information: +44 1456 459250
Distance from Loch Ness: 18.9 miles
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday & Wednesday: 6 PM – 8 PM
- Thursday to Sunday: 1 PM – 8 PM
Pricing: ££
Menu Highlights: Beremeal and Treacle Bannock, Wild Game Specialties, Amuse-Bouche Trio, Cured Loch Etive Sea Trout, and Silver Birch Dessert
Website
Mór Tasting Menu / Beag Tasting Menu
For a unique fine dining experience, Station Road at the Lovat Hotel offers a meticulously crafted menu with a strong focus on local produce and foraged ingredients. Led by the renowned Chef Sean Kelly, the menu changes seasonally to highlight the freshest produce.
The standout dishes from our visit included the Amuse-Bouche Trio, a delicate but flavour-packed starter that set the tone of the meal. Well, it’s no surprise as the restaurant has been awarded 3 AA Rosettes.
The Cured Loch Etive Sea Trout beautifully showed the region’s fresh flavours, while the Wild Game Specialties paid homage to Scotland’s rich hunting history.
Pro Tip: Because Station Road is so popular, reservations well in advance are highly recommended, especially during holidays.
Urquhart’s Restaurant
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Address: 2 Young St, Inverness
Contact Information: +44 1463 233373
Distance from Loch Ness: 13.6 miles
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday: 12 PM – 2:30 PM; 5:30 PM – 9 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM – 2:30 PM; 5 PM – 9 PM
Pricing: £
Menu Highlights: Roast Beef Dinner, Chicken and Haggis, Panko Chicken Goujon and Chips, Malteser Cheesecake, and Custard
Website
Lunch Menu / Dinner Menu
We never miss a visit to Urquharts Restaurant when we’re missing the taste of home. Having been in the business since 2011, they’ve become a staple for us whenever we visit Loch Ness.
Being just 25 minutes away, this has become our go-to spot, thanks to its consistent quality and flavour. Every visit, I find myself ordering the Chicken on Haggis with Whisky Cream sauce as its tender texture and rich sauce make it an unbeatable choice.
A close second is their Homemade Steak Pie, which is perfect for when I want something hearty yet satisfying without feeling too heavy. And of course, no meal is complete without indulging in the day’s selection of homemade desserts.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the homemade desserts as these change daily and they’re always a treat to have after a good meal!
River House
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Address: 1 Greig St, Inverness
Contact Information: +44 1463 222033
Distance from Loch Ness: 13.6 miles
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 3 PM – 11:30 PM
Pricing: ££
Menu Highlights: Smoked Mackerel Brandade, Pan Seared Shetland Halibut, Lobster ‘n’ Crab Linguine, and Limoncello Tiramisu
If you love dining with a view, definitely book a table at the River House. It’s nestled right on the banks of the River Ness and adjacent to the Victorian-era Greig Street suspension bridge, offering a magnificent view of the river and Inverness Castle.
When it comes to the food, it’s just chef’s kiss! Under the guidance of Chef Allan Little, their menu boasts an array of seafood dishes, from halibut to langoustine. I, for one, enjoy the open-plan kitchen, where chefs can put on a show as you watch them prepare your orders.
And if you’re an oyster-lover like me, you cannot miss out on their Oyster Happy Hour. This is the perfect opportunity where you can indulge in fresh oysters at £1.75 each from 4 to 6 PM.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure of what to order, ask the staff for the day’s freshest catch. From there, they’ll be glad to recommend the best seafood available.
The Inch Hotel’s Loch Ness Yard Restaurant
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Address: A82, Fort Augustus PH32 4DU
Contact Information: +44 1456 459250
Distance from Loch Ness: 18.9 miles
Operating Hours: Daily: From 6 PM
Pricing: £
Menu Highlights: Slow Braised Local Beef Cheek Bourguignon served with Creamed Potatoes & Root Vegetable Cubes, Roast Breast of Lochaber Chicken, Buttered Greens, New Crush Potatoes, Mushroom & Tarragon Sauce, and Homemade Dark Chocolate Tart, Mango Sorbet
Website
Breakfast Menu / Dinner Menu / Children’s Menu
What I love about modern takes on traditional Scottish cuisine is the creativity of the dishes. And the dishes at the Inch Hotel’s Loch Ness Yard Restaurant are bursting with uniqueness and flavour.
For their dinner menu, we loved the Slow Braised Local Beef Cheek and the Roast Breast of Lochaber Chicken the most. Both were exceptionally tender and juicy, so we couldn’t resist ordering them again.
We also liked the well-stocked bar with a curated selection of whisky and wine, making it impossible to pass up as we were eager to explore their selection of local drinks.
Pro Tip: Keep in mind that for their dinner menu, a minimum of two courses is required per adult. Thus, be sure to plan your meal accordingly to make the most of your visit.
