You know how much I love culinary delights and how much I appreciate eating well! In fact, when I visit a region or a country, I am just as eager to discover its cultural treasures as its gastronomic treasures. I find that this is part of the true pleasure of discovering a territory. That is why I have put together a special little article on Scottish gastronomy (don’t squint, these two words are absolutely not contradictory), to complement my first article on the Inverness region, with a selection of specialties and great places to taste them…
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Table of Contents
A Small Selection of Scottish Specialties
Indeed, one of the very good surprises of this trip was my discovery of Scottish food and gastronomy, which is just excellent. Another interesting thing, I noticed that on almost all restaurant menus, dishes that are Gluten Free are indicated. They seem more advanced than us on this point…
- The Scottish Breakfast by Daviot Lodge
I already told you in my first article about the bed and breakfast where I stayed during my Scottish trip. But I would like to come back to it more specifically to help you discover the typical Scottish breakfast. First of all, it is served with tea; in fact, even lunch can be served with tea. On this point, the Scots are not in disagreement with the English…
Porridge, this preparation of Anglo-Saxon origin based on cereals and with an unappetizing appearance, is ideal to have in the morning if you know you are going to be active during the day. In short, we can say that “it sticks to your ribs.” Since it is a bit bland on its own, I advise you to garnish it with something sweet, honey, sugar, jam, fresh or dried fruits,…
Black pudding, a type of blood sausage but with a slightly different consistency and most often presented in lightly grilled slices. A must-try! Personally, I was won over.
If you are brave, you can also try the version with smoked fish. First thing in the morning, I promise you it wakes you up!
- The Scots also make very good scones (yes, really!).
- Club sandwiches, always very popular at lunchtime (which is clearly not the most hearty meal of the day in Scotland) in Anglo-Saxon countries.
- The homemade soup of the day
Almost all restaurants or establishments offering food have the soup of the day on their menu, always homemade. And most of the time, they are delicious.
- The Scottish version of Fish and Chips with Haddock.
- The case of Haggis
The famous stuffed sheep’s stomach, the Scottish national dish. Put like that, I understand that it might not make you dream, but actually, this thing is just a delight! Why don’t we have this in France?! I ask you!
- The Scottish tea time
The afternoon tea break with a few small cakes (like shortbread, the Scottish specialty) is of course not an option; you will have to give in to this delicious tradition at one time or another… Preferably next to a fireplace, that’s better…
- The Scottish cheese
Yes, it may seem incredible, but there is a local production of cheeses and frankly, some are not bad at all.
If you want to taste local cheeses, I advise you to take a little trip to The Cheese Pantry, a very good address for this type of product. Plus, well wrapped, you can even bring some back in your suitcase; I tested it and I didn’t stink up the whole plane!
- The Scottish beers
Scotland is mainly known for its whisky in terms of alcohol, but the country also has a very beautiful and vast production of local beers, which you absolutely must taste if you visit the region.
- The Irnbru
Well, if you go to Scotland, you will have to try to drink at least one sip of the national soda, Irnbru. This thing is an enigma, it’s not good, it looks like some kind of medicine, it’s super caloric but apparently the Scots love it… A mystery thicker than that of Loch Ness…
- The Scottish whisky
If you go to the Highlands you absolutely must visit a distillery! Even if you don’t like whisky, the explanation of the production of this traditional Scottish alcohol is really fascinating. For my part, I went to visit the Tomatin whisky distillery, which has existed since 1897. The legend of this whisky is that it is the “softer side of the Highlands,” because to make its whisky, Tomatin uses pure water from the surrounding rivers.
To the taste, I would say that these single malts are quite smooth with notes of vanilla and apples; they are also aged for some in Bourbon casks and for others in Sherry casks (another alcohol quite appreciated locally). In terms of products, we find a 12-year, 14-year, and 18-year-old for this Scottish single malt, as well as several limited editions of older vintages for enthusiasts. You will of course be able to taste them at the end of the visit…
Tomatin Distillery
Inverness-shire, Scotland IV13 7YT
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My Great Places in the Inverness Region
To make the most of all these good things, here is my small selection of great places in the Inverness region.
The Mustard Seed restaurant
Open since 1995, this restaurant offers beautiful cuisine in a friendly atmosphere (the fireplace has something to do with it).
It is located near the bank of the River Ness, in the old part of a church, which allows it to have an impressive ceiling height. Moreover, many elements of the time have been preserved and combined in a quite successful mix of old and modern. In summer, you can also enjoy the addition of the terrace on the upper floor, to eat outdoors and with a breathtaking view of the river.
To taste:
- As a starter, I tested the chorizo and black pudding salad, with a spicy vinaigrette sauce (£6.95).
- As I explained above, on the menu of all restaurants you will always find the homemade soup of the day for enthusiasts (£3.45).
- As a main course, the pan-seared salmon fillet with mashed potatoes (£15.25).
- Chicken breast stuffed with haggis and served with mashed potatoes and a whisky sauce (£14.95). Absolutely delicious and a perfect introduction if you have never eaten Haggis.
The Mustard Seed restaurant
16 Fraser Street, Inverness IV1 1DW, Scotland
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The Camerons Tea Room
This charming little wooden house in the middle of the meadows is located in the village of Foyers, between Inverness and Fort Augustus, right next to the famous Falls of Foyers that I told you about in the first article on the Inverness region. Inside, it is obviously a warm welcome from the Cameron couple that awaits you, as often in this beautiful country.
To taste:
- I let myself be tempted by the Haggis Neeps & tatties (£3.95) but here it was more of a starter (yes, I wanted to eat Haggis every day in Scotland!)
- Small plate of sandwiches (£4.50).
- Baked potatoes with smoked salmon (£6.95).
- And then of course, the delicious homemade cakes that made me drool (and that I unfortunately couldn’t taste)…
The Camerons Tea Room
Foyers, By Inverness, Inverness-shire IV2 6YA, Scotland
Link to The Camerons Tea Room website
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The Loch Ness Inn
This small hotel-restaurant located between Drumnadrochit and Urquhart Castle (which I told you about in the first article on Scotland) offers simple cuisine with local ingredients, all day long inside and outside (well, of course, it depends on the season and the weather). Don’t hesitate to take the opportunity to taste the many local beers served by the establishment!
To taste:
- The cottage pie (£9.95); inside this beef pie, you’ll find Scottish cheddar, potatoes, carrots, and parsnips.
- East Coast Haddock, the Scottish version of Fish and Chips with a delicious homemade tartare sauce (£11.95).
The Loch Ness Inn
Lewiston, Drumnadrochit, Inverness-Shire IV63 6UW, Scotland
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The River House restaurant
This restaurant specializes in fish and seafood, primarily highlighting seasonal and local products.
To try:
- The Orkney Crab as a starter, crab meat mixed with mayonnaise, cucumber, capers, and tarragon, served with brioche bread (£8.90).
- Cheese crostini toast, served with figs and walnuts (£8.25).
- Grilled Kinlochbervie John Dory, a grilled fish served with mushrooms, parsnip purée, and caramelized apples (£21.50).
- Another fish, the Grilled Shetland halibut, served with potatoes, asparagus, and smoked salmon, topped with a poached egg and hollandaise sauce. A typical Scottish fish dish (£21.50).
River House restaurant
1 Greig St, Inverness, Inverness-Shire IV3 5PT, Scotland
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Rocpool restaurant
Perhaps one of the most renowned restaurants in the city, and for good reason—the food is excellent. This address, in the style of chic brasseries, opened its doors in 2002 and remains one of the trendiest places in town for dinner. On the plates, you’ll find a blend of typically Scottish cuisine with more modern accents.
To try:
- Crispy Haggis fritters with apple and bacon (yes, I love Haggis, as you might have guessed!).
- A winter salad with halloumi cheese, goji berries, avocado and squash purée, and pumpkin seeds.
- For the main course, I tried the smoked Haddock with a poached egg and parsley sauce.
Rocpool restaurant
1 Ness Walk, Inverness, Inverness-Shire IV3 5NE, Scotland
Prices: evening menu at £17.95 for starter / main
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Tea time at the Kingsmills Hotel
I already told you about the Kingsmills Hotel in my first article, following my memorable experience of the “Scottish massage.” Before or after your “back demolition,” you can enjoy the charm of the place to relax while indulging in some small cakes, accompanied by tea, of course. The Kingsmills Hotel is a 4-star establishment located in the Inverness Highlands. It is also an important historical site for the city, as the building dates back to the 18th century.
Kingsmills Hotel
Culcabock Road, Inverness IV2 3LP, Scotland
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Still on the same theme, here is my little selection of great places to have a drink in Inverness:
The White House, cocktail bar & bistro
This cocktail bar is a quality spot, located in the city center. It’s the perfect place to go and sip a gin-based cocktail. Indeed, I didn’t know it, but Scotland is a gin-producing country. You will find several Scottish brands of this spirit in bars and shops: Hendricks, The Botanist, Caorunn, Rock Rose, etc.
To try:
- The Hendricks Fizz with Scottish Hendricks gin, sugar, mint, and champagne (£7.95).
- The Hendricks Mojito, a version of the mojito based on gin, obviously (£6.25).
The White House, cocktail bar & bistro
50 Union Street, Inverness IV1 1PW, Scotland
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Hootananny
A very friendly pub that offers live music on certain nights.
Hootananny
67 Church St, Inverness IV1 1ES, Scotland
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Johnny Foxes Pub restaurant
This bar, with its slightly Irish decor and atmosphere, is one of the lively places to go out in the evening in Inverness.
Johnny Foxes Pub restaurant
26 Bank Street, Inverness IV1 1QU, Scotland
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I hope that with all this, I have made you want to discover Scottish culinary specialties, and if you also have your own favorite spots in the Inverness region, don’t hesitate to share them in the comments!
Find all my articles on my trips to Great Britain below:
⇒ All my articles on Great Britain
⇒ All my articles on Scotland
⇒ All my articles on Inverness
MY ARTICLES ON INVERNESS (2016)
⇒ Discovering the Inverness region
⇒ Food Tour in Inverness
Photo credits: Mademoiselle Bon Plan Photos are not royalty-free, photographer's authorization required before any use
