10 Quirky places to eat in Inverness

Embracing the very best of Scottish craft brewing and distilling, combined with a fantastic menu of local and seasonal dishes, MacGregor's Bar is one to visit. Mix this in with local culture, traditions, music, history, and more and you are set to have one of the most authentic Highland pub experiences in the world.

When it comes to freshly made doughnuts and pastries, make sure to check out Perk Coffee + Doughnuts. Their experimental flavours have kept customers coming back for more with its everchanging menu. Expect highlights including the Slim Shady, a milk chocolate ganache covered doughnut, topped with crushed M&Ms and white chocolate drizzle or The Fluffernutter, a vegan doughnut made with marshmallow fluff, topped with peanut butter cream and roasted peanuts. Of course, their trusty faithfuls including the classic cinnamon sugar ring and the strawberry and homemade jam Danish pastry are always a hit with visitors and locals alike and paired with a hot coffee, it is sure to be a match made in heaven. 

Did you know this cafe is a hotspot for cocktails at night? Sip away on espresso martinis, watermelon margaritas and strawberry Aperol spritz. 

Pizza and craft beer is what Black Isle Bar does best. With 26 beers on tap, you’ll be spoilt for choice on what to pick from the menu. If beer isn’t your thing, they also serve spirits, wines, malt whisky and a selection of hot and soft drinks. During the warmer months, catch the rays at the rooftop garden and admire the city views. Good news for dog owners, Black Isle Bar is dog-friendly so your beloved pooch can join in the fun too. 

Say hello to the city’s coolest wine bar and charcuterie spot! Open seven days a week, The Walrus and Corkscrew are well-known for their single and sharing platters with star features including dry cured meats from Bogrow Farm in Tain and Great Glen, Highland Cheeses Tain and for our vegan friends, vegan cheese from Left Coast. Of course, you’ll find other savoury delights to help complement your board such as gherkins, sourdough bread, oatcakes, chutney and even Scotch eggs. The friendly staff will also be on helping hand to help you pair your charcuterie with the perfect glass or bottle of wine.  

Transport yourself back to 1920s Chicago with the speakeasy vibe of Scotch and Rye. This American-diner-meets-gastropub offers a signature selection of New York and Chicago inspired burgers, hot dogs and home cookin', all accompanied by crisp craft beers and cocktail creations. If you prefer something a little more laid back, it's also the perfect place for a warming coffee, a lazy lunch or even an indulgent Sunday brunch.

This family-owned restaurant is a must-visit when it comes to Scottish cuisine. Bursting with flavour, start off by choosing from an array of seafood starters; hand-dived west coast king scallops, spiced crab and sweetcorn soup to fresh Isle of Skye crab. For the main event, dig into linguine with grilled king prawns, Scotch fillet of beef or loin of Speyside venison. If you have room for dessert, sweeten the deal with a honeycomb ice cream sundae, vanilla crème brûlée or why not try a selection of award-winning cheeses? 

Have lunch or dinner with a side dish of fun at Playback Bar. Located in Academy Street, this four-storey bar and restaurant offers a menu jam-packed full of tasty treats including fried chicken sandwiches, burgers, loaded fries with milkshakes, cocktails, beers and soft drinks to accompany your meal.  

The fun doesn’t stop once your meal is over, put your game face on and go head-to-head with friends and family with classic games including pool, shuffleboard, table tennis, beer, cocktail or prosecco pong and, if you’re feeling brave enough, embrace your inner Viking with axe throwing. 

Enjoy the very best of Scottish fare at Aye Eat. On the menu, you’ll find an amazing array of food and drink choices from haggis, neeps and tatties, to chicken balmoral and Scottish seabass. For drinks, choose from gin, wine, beers and cocktail concoctions including Hebridean sunset, spiced Irn Bru to a classic Old Fashioned. 

This restaurant is well-known for its quirky features - you’ll be guaranteed to spot Nessie here with a life-size replica of the famous monster herself! If you’re looking for more of a cosy affair, make sure to secure a booking at the log cabins, a great place for long overdue catch ups with family and friends.  

A recent addition to the Inverness food and drink scene, head to Torrish Restaurant at Ness Walk where you can treat yourself to a spot of luxury. This luxury hotel nestled on the banks of the River Ness offers up some incredible fine dining in their contemporary restaurant. Cosy in to the roaring fire and admire the magnificent views out to the River Ness, Torrish boasts a relaxed and friendly dining experience with a difference. Or head to the Torrish Bar where there is a wonderful and varied selection of drinks on offer.

Enjoy the simple cooking and warm, friendly atmosphere of The Mustard Seed, which has become one of Inverness's favourite restaurants. Set on the picturesque banks of River Ness, the restaurant is located in a converted church building, helping to create the wonderful ambience of this quirky little place. The extensive menu featuring delicious Scottish produce will definitely tingle your taste buds.