The Best Restaurants in Loch Ness, Scotland

Set above Inchnacardoch Bay, the Inch Hotel provides some of the best views of Loch Ness. It is a historic country lodge hotel with classic furnishings and a maroon and mahogany decor which imparts an essence of class. The restaurant has won an AA rosette for culinary excellence. Focusing on modern Scottish cuisine, the Inch’s sea bass is a special favourite among regulars.

If fishing is your thing, the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel operates four-hour fishing trips. Any fish you catch can then be cooked for you by the chefs in their restaurant. The trips are run by an experienced ghillie (fishing attendant), so even those without experience can take part. The restaurant looks out onto the loch and is very serious about sourcing their products locally. Guests can choose between a great variety of traditional Scottish and more modern dishes, such as the local haggis bon bons served with a whisky cream sauce starter or the main dish of monkfish three ways: nori-wrapped, beetroot-poached and panko-crumbed.

For fast and friendly service in an idyllic location, the Dores Inn is the place to go. On the shore of Loch Erne, this family-run business provides incredible views and a simple menu of traditional Scottish fare. In the car park, the Loch Ness Monster hunter (Steve Feltham) sells handmade models of the monster. Since he has spent a quarter of a century hunting Nessie, he’s sure to be able to answer any queries you may have!

For traditional Scottish food in a lively atmosphere, you can’t go wrong with Fiddler’s. Offering such wonders as chargrilled chicken on Highland haggis with mashed tatties, bashed carrots and neeps, the menu even captures the staff’s sense of humour and the general jovial atmosphere of the restaurant. With an enormous distillery library of whiskies available, the variety is truly astounding – there are whiskies from all over Scotland, such as Auchroisk 1977, Loch Lomond (Grain) or Tobermory 15YO. They have a number of American and Japanese whiskies, not to mention award-winners, too. Definitely the place to go for whisky tasting.

Winner of several Scottish hotel awards, Loch Ness Inn provides guests with the opportunity to meet locals and eat meals sourced in the Scottish highlands. The venison used in their meals is caught wild in the hills above Loch Laggen. Selling traditional Scotch dishes such as cullen skink alongside haggis bobotie – a Scottish take on the South African dish – customers are truly spoiled for choice. It’s only a five-minute drive from Urquhart Castle and within driving distance of Inverness, Chanonry Point (where dolphins can be seen in Moray Firth) and Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK.

For a taste of more homely cooking, the Slaters Arms is a bar and restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy traditional Scottish treats such as chicken haggis in a whisky sauce with potatoes and vegetables or oxtail braised in red wine with potatoes and vegetables. They also serve food from around the world, including Spanish, Jamaican, Greek and Mexican. Seasonal dishes are also available, such as cullen skink – a thick Scottish soup made of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions – and seared salmon steak with potatoes and vegetables.

With gardens and an exterior that complement the Georgian-style interior, the Loch Ness Country House Hotel is certain to create an unforgettable experience. The staff are very friendly, helpful and genuine. The two-course lunch is highly recommended, and booking is essential. Afternoon tea and private dining are also available.
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