The best restaurants for a Burns supper
Our pick of AA-Rosette restaurants serving up fine Scottish diningCelebrating Burns Night
25 January marks Burns Night, a celebration of the life and poetry of Scottish’s National Bard, Robert Burns.
To mark the occasion, we’ve rounded up our favourite AA-Rosette restaurants that specialise in serving up delicious Scottish cuisine – from traditional fare to modern cooking, all using the finest ingredients from the nation’s abundant natural larder.
Airds Hotel and Restaurant, Port Appin
Boasting a superb location on the shore of Loch Linnhe, this former 18th-century coaching inn serves up the freshest Scottish seafood the West Coast has to offer, as well delicious, locally sourced meat and game.
Cail Bruich, Glasgow
Nestled in Glasgow’s vibrant West End, Cail Bruich offers two tasting menus that change in harmony with the Scottish seasons. The wine team are on hand to complete your experience – dine at the Chef’s Table to truly embrace the magic of the open kitchen.
The Cross, Kingussie
Locally reared meats are a speciality of this warm and friendly restaurant with rooms, located within the Cairngorms National Park. Guests are welcomed by a relaxed atmosphere – think ‘fine dining without the fuss’, complemented by extensive wine and whisky lists.
The Gannet, Glasgow
Created by a group of friends on a research trip to the Outer Hebrides, The Gannet showcases Scotland’s small artisan producers, foragers and farmers. The style is relaxed and informal, with the kitchen delivering a distinctly modern Scottish fine-dining experience.
Gordon’s, Inverkeilor
This family-run restaurant with rooms exudes boutique style, quality and comfort, presenting precise modern Scottish cooking influenced by classic techniques. With just 28 covers, it’s perfect for an intimate-yet-relaxed dining experience.
Knockinaam Lodge, Portpatrick
Tucked in Scotland’s southwest corner, Knockinaam Lodge’s 4- or 5-course tasting menu changes daily to make the most of the local ingredients available. The restaurant’s ambience is delightfully unstuffy – and enhanced by candlelight of an evening.
The Torridon 1887 Restaurant, Torridon
The surrounding land, lochs and sea play a leading role in the restaurant kitchen at the Torridon’s 1887 Restaurant. A ‘field to fork’ mentality forms the backbone of operations, with dishes served in a fitting Scot’s pine panelled dining room.
Faodail at Taychreggan Hotel, Kilchrenan
Faodail means ‘lucky find’, and this restaurant on the edge of Loch Awe truly lives up to its name. Choose between the Chef’s Tasting Menus and the Faodail Table D’Hote Menu – much of the produce is sourced from the Kitchen Garden.
The Grange Inn, St Andrews
With lovely panoramic views over St Andrews and St Andrews Bay, The Grange Inn’s superb menu is crafted using the freshest of local produce available, served up in a charming converted farmhouse with a beamed, stone-walled interior.
The Inch, Fort Augustus
Located in an old hunting lodge, this country house hotel restaurant boasts incredible views over Loch Ness. A strong sense of place is evident throughout the menu, with classic dishes and desserts that draw on Scotland’s heritage.
Ostlers Close Restaurant, Cupar
You can be assured of a warm Scottish welcome at Ostlers Close Restaurant. Their beautiful handwritten menus change frequently, showcasing their motto of ‘the more local, the better’ – ingredients are often grown or foraged by the owners themselves.
The Witchery by the Castle, Edinburgh
Settings don’t get much more atmospheric than this 16th-century merchant’s house at the gates of Edinburgh Castle. The menu is built around traditional dishes and native produce – you’ll see Angus beef steak tartare feature, alongside Scottish langoustines, lobster and, of course, haggis.
