2 days ago
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- Daily Record
Scotland's best restaurants with show stopping interiors
In Scotland, some restaurants pair outstanding food with atmospheres that make every meal unforgettable.
From the moment you walk into a restaurant, the tone is set. The lighting, décor and overall atmosphere often hint at the experience to come, shaping the memory of a meal as much as the food itself. While diners seek out the freshest produce and perfectly prepared dishes, the surroundings can be just as important in making an evening unforgettable.
For many, the first instinct is to check the menu when choosing where to dine. Yet great dining is about more than what appears on the plate. It is how a space invites you in and how the occasion unfolds from first greeting to final course. Across Scotland, several standout restaurants combine exceptional cuisine with settings designed to delight all the senses.
Divino Enoteca, Edinburgh
Tucked into the Old Town, Divino Enoteca offers a taste of Italy in a space reminiscent of a traditional wine cellar. Shelves lined with rare vintages create a romantic, intimate feel, while the charming stone patio, with colourful cushioned benches and a retractable roof, provides an inviting spot for summer dining.
Guests can savour refined Italian dishes paired with wines from one of Scotland's best lists or explore the unique self-serve Enomatic wine machine.
1925 at Pompadour, Edinburgh
Housed in The Caledonian Hotel, this elegant restaurant pays homage to its heritage dating back to 1925, blending timeless design with contemporary style.
Sweeping arched windows frame views of Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle, while the menu celebrates Scottish seafood, featuring dishes such as lobster thermidor, champagne-baked market fish and hand-dived Orkney scallops.
Colonnades at the Signet Library, Edinburgh
Within one of Edinburgh's finest Georgian buildings, the Colonnades offers an opulent setting for afternoon tea. Ornate columns, rare book-lined walls and a domed ceiling provide a scholarly backdrop for handcrafted sweet and savoury creations by chefs Aung and Mario. Guests may add a glass of champagne to complete the refined experience.
Haar, St Andrews
Named after the coastal mist, Haar's soft, muted tones evoke the shifting weather of St Andrews.
Chef Dean Banks presents a tasting menu that highlights Scotland's finest seasonal produce, with a focus on fresh local seafood, served against views of the surrounding natural beauty.
Road Hole Restaurant, St Andrews
Overlooking the Old Course's 17th hole and West Sands beach, this newly renovated space features contemporary tartan carpets and an open kitchen that brings theatre to the meal. The understated design allows the scenery to shine, while the menu showcases local ingredients in dishes such as smoked lamb tartare and Hebridean salmon.
The Grahamston, Glasgow
Inside the Radisson Blu, The Grahamston in Glasgow draws on the history of the 18th-century village it is named for. A large mural tells its story, while high ceilings and a central bar create a sense of grandeur. For private gatherings, 'The Snug' offers a cosy, firelit retreat. The menu combines classic Scottish flavours with inventive modern twists, alongside a curated drinks list.
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1635, Oban
Located in Knipoch House Hotel in Oban, this intimate restaurant serves a six-course tasting menu inspired by Scotland's land and sea. Antique oak furniture, original stone walls and flagstone floors echo the site's centuries-old history, including its link to the Thane of Cawdor legend.
Tatha Bar and Kitchen, Dundee
Set within Scotland's first design museum, the V&A Dundee, Tatha Bar and Kitchen boasts panoramic views of the River Tay.
The bright, airy space incorporates Scottish eco-materials, while the menu, influenced subtly by Persian flavours, celebrates produce from the region's best suppliers.
