Scotland's Must-Visit Restaurants

It takes an elevated sense of innovation to separate the best from the rest. Scotland’s most memorable restaurants are more than fine dining institutions. They are a direct link to the land and an expression of finely tuned skill. From edible art to wholesome dishes, here are Scotland’s must-visit restaurants.

1. The Kitchin

Restaurant, European, British, French, Vegetarian

Seaweed Recipe At The Kitchin In Edinburgh

To say that eating at The Kitchin is a supernatural experience is an understatement. Inspired by the illustrious ingredients on Scotland’s doorstep, Chef Tom Kitchin takes advantage of seasonal produce with a nature-to-plate mentality, creating refined modern British dishes with the application of French cooking techniques. The result is edible art as delicious as it looks. For a Michelin-starred experience, the atmosphere is wonderfully relaxed amidst the trendy, airy getup in a former whisky warehouse on Edinburgh’s personable Leith Walk. If only every kitchen could be The Kitchin.

2. Martin Wishart

Restaurant, French, British

Martin Wishart is a true culinary connoisseur and master craftsman of sublime standards. The proof is in the pudding. A renowned superchef and restaurateur, he is responsible for a galaxy of Michelin stars and countless accolades that define his Scottish eatery empire — The Honours and Martin Wishart In Loch Lomond. Lighting up Leith’s desirable cuisine scene since 1999, Restaurant Martin Wishart treats the taste buds with a dream combination of traditional and modern French food demonstrative of true cooking prowess. Every bite is an adventure of tastes to be immortalized in the memory.

3. Boath House

Bed and Breakfast, Homestay, Hotel

Boath House, tucked away on the Moray Forth coast, is a Highland getaway with faultless food. Rivaling the enchanting essence of this grand country house and gardens is the critically acclaimed culinary experience. Simple yet exclusive, the dishes are humbled by the providence of the locally sourced ingredients and ingenious pairing of flavours. The presentation, like the rest of Boath House, is effortlessly exquisite. Adding excitement to the journey, the Head Chef is known to indulge in traditional foraging techniques to find that perfect garnish or component.

5. The Albannach

Boutique Hotel

An overwhelming sense of gratification is accomplished after one taste of The Albannach. This charming boutique hotel and eatery sits on the coast of the northwest Scottish Highlands. As Scotland’s most northerly Michelin-starred spot, it achieved culinary landmark status from decades of consistent dedication and passion from its talented chef-proprietors. The food resonates with the soul, with cooking techniques and components that pay homage to the encompassing traditional moorland, croft and sea settings reigning supreme. Between the staunch preference for sourcing local, transformative tastes, coveted wine selection and picture-perfect atmosphere, you can’t put a label on The Albannach.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.