The Best Restaurants and Cafés in Dunfermline, Scotland

Start the day with a full breakfast, bagels, porridge or some huevos rancheros at Cafe Wynd, or visit later in the day for waffles, soup, sandwiches, salads, fishcakes and a daily dish. The cafe is suitably chic and stylish, given its proprietors have experience working in TV location management. Funky retro prints and hanging plants adorn the sophisticated deep-blue walls, while colourful cosy corners provide a refined but comfy ambience. Sink into an armchair with a brew and a book to while away the afternoon.

Order a two-course steak dinner for under £15 or a three-course Sunday roast for £10.95 at this stalwart on the Dunfermline culinary scene. The varied menu offers a little of everything, from haggis pakora and spring rolls to classic pub-grub favourites. Salads and sandwiches are on offer at lunchtime, along with other light bites, and there’s a traditional kids’ menu. This neighbourhood tavern is in Pittencrieff, west of the town centre.

Eclectic Nepalese and Scottish links are echoed in Apricot’s cosy decor, with an art wall depicting the Himalayas plus one Munro painting, photos of famous faces, a loud tartan carpet and a flourish of fairy lights. The Carnegie Drive building was once a cocktail bar, reimagined as this gourmet Asian restaurant. It serves fine-dining specials such as lamb chops and tandoori king prawns at fair value, along with all the usual favourites, including kormas and biryanis. Sunday buffets and set lunch menus are popular and the most wallet-friendly options if you fancy a big feed.

Whether you want a quick panino, salad, good value eggs on toast or a fancy, leisurely seafood dinner, La Menta has you covered. The contemporary bistro makes a smooth segue from cheerful daytime café to night-time restaurant, with an emphasis on healthy, Mediterranean-style food. It has an extensive kids’ menu, too, making it an excellent choice for groups with younger diners. In business since the 1950s, the family-run establishment sits inside a grand period building on High Street.

Enjoy a slice of Spain in the centre of Fife, with a shared meal at Tapas Ducal. Set in the town’s historic quarter, the restaurant is close to the Dunfermline Abbey and Palace as well as Pittencrieff House, making it perfect for a post-sightseeing evening meal. The menu features authentic tapas, charcutería and sangria served Wednesday through Sunday. There’s a separate bar area, if you’d prefer some wine and pinchos (small snack), and a full vegan range of small plates.

Go uber-local with this friendly, family café with a sense of community at its heart. Pauline’s Little Café whips up traditional Scottish staples such as mince and tatties, stovies and steak pie. Hearty breakfasts are also a highlight, complete with regional delicacies such as square sausage, potato scone and haggis. With main meals costing between £3 and £7, it’s a real bargain spot. Find it slightly away from the town centre, in the mainly residential Abbeyview district.

The oldest public house in Dunfermline dates back to 1600. But its award-winning kitchen, headed by chef Andrew Yates, is up to date. Premium burgers on house-made sweet Hawaiian brioche buns are the speciality here. Opt for the Iron Mike at £7.95, splash out on an elaborate Spanish Boot at £12.95 or choose from one of the remaining 20 varieties. Tacos and smaller bites are also available, as well as a kids’ menu.