The Riverhouse Restaurant

We had a reservation at Rocpool on the evening of our wedding anniversary and our first night in…read moreInverness in the middle of our 12 night Scotland adventure. The place was packed when we arrived for our early evening slot so doubling down on anyone's recommendation to make dinner reservations if you want to go to nice places in the North of Scotland. We were seated immediately. Everything about the experience was beautiful and delicious. I started with a Passionate Laddie Cocktail made with a peated whiskey and egg white. The texture reminded me of the Ramos Gin Fizz drink I had in New Orleans. It was well mixed but I didn't taste smoke from the whiskey, The tomatoes in the "Green Salad with Cherry Tomato and Parmesan" we're amazing and, truly, the star of the salad which had a generous amount of shaved parmesan on top satisfying my cheese-mongering sensibility. I had the Cornage Cheddar and Feta Cheese puffs for my main. They were fried but delicate, served over mango with cooked pear. It was quite indulgent - like dessert for dinner My wife enjoyed the prawns dish she got, and the salmon as well served with perfectly cooked asparagus and really good mashed potatoes. Everything was beautifully plated and tasted great. Inverness is not huge and there are a finite number of finer dining restaurants. We ultimately chose this one as I'm a vegetarian and they had the most abundant options to choose from (including a separate vegan menu which I didn't end up ordering from as the options on the main menu served my desires for the evening. The tiniest disappointment - It was our wedding anniversary and I had put that on the reservation (as well as emailed in advance about it) and we didn't get a "happy anniversary" or any kind of acknowledgment of it. I mean we were perfectly happy to just be with each other, but it would have been nice. :) Otherwise this is undoubtedly one of, if not the nicest restaurant in Inverness.

My group had a most amazing meal with perfect service and great ambiance…read more Thank you soooo much

Birthday wishes

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Johnny Foxes

4.0(110 reviews)

We ate here on our last night in Inverness after a very long day on a tour. We did not have…read morereservations but the restaurant was accommodating and kind. The World Cup Game was on so it was lively and fun. I will tell you, this was some of the best seasoned food we had the entire time we were in the UK (two weeks). Finally we didn't feel the need to add salt to something. The flavor was just spot on. My husband had the beer steak pie with puff pastry, I had the Cullen skink, my son had a pizza (I can't remember if it was on the kids' menu or not) and my daughter had a Caesar salad with chicken, which she eats a lot at home and had been craving. Both the skink and the stew were perfectly flavored! The fish in the stew was tender and so was the steak in the pie. If we ever go back to Inverness, we will be sure to be returning to Johnny Foxes. Oh! And our waiter was wonderful! I don't remember his name but a young blonde man with a mullet kind of haircut. Thank you to him!

I was walking back to my guest house after a long day on a tour. I decided to pop in to Johnny…read moreFoxes, and I'm glad I did!I had the steak and Guinness pie, it came with French fries and peas. It was HUGE! I wished I could share it. It was so tasty I managed to eat most of it, I just didn't have room for much of the fries or peas. Quick service and a lovely pub atmosphere.

Dining room

Supposedly this mayo is coleslaw??

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Bar area

Mustard Seed Restaurant

4.2(166 reviews)

0.1 mi

Tried so hard to make reservation...they walked us in at 5pm...mussels, venison, blueberry lime…read morepanna cota...so good and service was amazing! I believe our server was Jill...amazing!

I almost never leave 1 star reviews but this place earned it. First, the service was so incredibly…read morerude. Sophia was just plain awful and honestly abusive with her mind games. I joined my family after parking the car who all warned me that the server was not even remotely friendly. They weren't kidding. She was awful, just plain rude and should not be in hospitality. She was aggressive, moody, unpredictable. It was like an old ex who played mind games just to be mean. She honestly was that bad. How is she working at this place? Upon sitting down, she told me we had only 2 hours at the table so I better order immediately. I asked if they had wifi, and she said yes. Then immediately walked away from me. Umm... Really??? The table next to us tried to flag down the same server and she yelled at them. At least, we weren't them! We actually bonded over the trauma of this woman since we weren't the only ones. I quickly ordered the halibut for my main course. I have to say, it was the worst meal I've had in a very long time. It was not only dry but completely lacked flavor. My kids also disliked their food. My daughter's mashed potatoes tasted like it was from the box. She didn't even touch them (and typically cleans her plate). And my son didn't eat half of his pizza. I tried it. And have to agree, it was really bad. No flavor. Finally my partner ordered the steak medium rare. It came out charred, burned and fatty. The meal was honestly awful. The service was even worse. I booked this meal months ago. We all laughed since it felt like one of those meals you're abused and you're all in on the gag. Except that wasn't the case here. Just rude service and terrible food. My kids ordered the brownie sundae for dessert. Surely, that couldn't be bad? Wrong. The brownies were dry and stale. But the kids at least enjoyed the ice cream. Overall, this was probably the worst dining experience I've had probably in years. It was definitely the worst meal and service in Scotland. I was shocked at just how bad the food was. How rude the service was and how expensive it was. The one upside is the restaurant space is beautiful. I rarely, almost never, give 1 star reviews. As an elite all star, I pride myself on trying to see the positive especially for small businesses. And focus on the positive. But I'm not going to promote a place that is truly not good, rips off the consumer and is rude. If it's not clear by this point. My recommendation? Run from this place!

A partial view of the cozy 2nd floor dining space.

Mussels

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Another view of their 2nd floor dining space.

The Kitchen Restaurant

3.8(60 reviews)

0.1 mi

Word to the wise - get reservations in Inverness. We came our first night to the kitchen and they…read morewere fully booked so got in for a reservation on the second night. To start we went for the salmon gin cured appetizer with pickled radish and seaweed. This was a very good start to the meal and had really interesting flavors. I really appreciate and enjoy seeing what a chef can do with a vegetable and tonight was no different. The cabbage with potato and puréed carrot was my choice and wow was this good. The dare I say humble ingredients were elevated in a way that I felt really highlighted each vegetable. I all but licked my plate. My husband got the venison and after a dash of salt to lift the potato flavor a bit more to his taste, he also just about licked the plate clean. A few cocktails (tallisker old fashioned for him and Lost Scotsman for myself) added to the experience). Service was friendly and the view we had was looking out over the River. A really nice night all around.

We were excited to try The Kitchen based on the buzz online. The location doesn't disappoint, it…read moreoverlooks the river and looks snazzy from the outside. On the inside are three different levels, all small areas with tables tightly together. We were seated on the 2nd level so I don't know about the third level. No one dresses up, even in a more expensive restaurant, just a note. We tried a variety of items including Mushroom and onion broth, cep and hazelnut gnocchi, roasted shallots, shimeji mushrooms and green onion oil £19.95 (VG). Parmesan and truffle fries £4.50. Heritage tomato and pesto salad £4.50 (GF,VG). Tender stem broccoli, yogurt and lime dressing, toasted peanuts £4.50 (V). Soup of the day with bread and beurre noisette whipped butter £6.95 (GFA,VG). I wanted to love everything and came in to love everything. What I did love was the soup of the day (the bread was disappointing though) and the stemmed broccoli (really good). Everything else was "ok". The bartender here was fascinating to watch. She very slowly made every drink, very slowly, and put loving care into each and every one she made. I tried one after we'd noticed her attention to detail and it was excellent. :)

Chicken supreme

Soup of the day with bread and beurre noisette whipped butter £6.95 (GFA,VG)

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Inverness Gin

Water Front

4.0(27 reviews)

This place is fabulous. Great food, wonderful service and a fun place to sit, eat and relax after…read morea long day of touring through the countryside. I think I had the best fish and chips ever here and I will definitely be back when I return to Inverness.

We happened upon this lovely place by accident. The food was wonderful and the atmosphere was cozy…read moreand friendly. The service was nice and friendly too. Don't let them fool you... we ate there twice and both times we walked I. Without a reservation and both times there was a bit of "discussion" as to whether they would be able to seat us. They did. And they were never completely full either time! lol! Gets our full recommendation. Picture is the Trawlers Pie and the Steak and Ale pie. Try the Scottish Blaggis appetizer. And their bread pudding was really good as well!

Smoked salmon and salad

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Hard cider on tap

Prime Steak & Seafood

3.5(41 reviews)

Outstanding food and service today, following a long drive exploring The Highlands. The restaurant…read moreand bar provided a nice, welcoming environment. The steaks were perfect, and Kayla was an exceptional waitress.

7:45pm reservation: The staff greeted us right away, kind. We were seated, ordered our drinks and…read morethey came quickly. Then lanced our food order. 9:10pm: fish and steak come out (finally), no one has checked on us or to let us know it was behind. Plate was hotter than the food. Being from Massachusetts, the fish was not seasoned well and portion size very small. My partner is from Tennessee and his steak was tepid temperature with no flavor. 9:40: haven't seen any wait staff, no more water or drinks for quite some time 9:45: we ask someone to come over and ask for the bill. They were very gracious, came over with the scanner then told us our tip options while standing over me. We noticed that only American tables were asked about this, the "locals" received their bill and paid. The table next to us questioned them on this also. We did not tip. If they want to be tipped like American wait staff, please be more conscientious about checking in on the table and ensuring the food is prepared timely and drinks are served. Do not go here.

The room

Trout.

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Contrast Brasserie

3.9(18 reviews)

0.5 mi

Walking in to Contrast Brasserie, there are wood tables and chairs and a beautiful wood floor. The…read morestaff are wonderful, very helpful in making our selections. Our choice of wine, Sancerre, was excellent. I ordered the scallop appetizer that was good, not great. The scallops were sweet, the sauce also good, but it was a bit overpowering for the scallops. Our mains included the seabass cooked in a tandoori style. The fish was good and flavorful, but the preparation dried the fish and in my opinion, did not enhance the flavor. The fish was accompanied by a combination of truly delicious vegetables-cauliflower, potatoes, broccolini. My wife chose the cod in a light creamy sauce, with gnocchi, pearl onions, peas and small clams. I think her dish was the superior selection. The food quality was first rate. I think the preparation of my dishes missed the mark a bit. It was late and we were tired, so we did not order either dessert or coffee or tea. It is a nice place with a great staff and ambiance. The quality of the food is absolutely superior, the preparation was not to the level of the food.

Fine dining experience, well worth the time. Kudos to the Chef and crew for the exquisite meal. We…read morefour had three starters (get the duck pate sandwich) and four entrees: venison. Filet, rib eye, and risotto. All were delicious. We especially liked the rolls that were served while we waited for our meal.

Champagne

Butter Chicken

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Tandoori sea bass

Riva Bistro Italiano

4.0(17 reviews)

Modern bistro, excellent location with great range of food choice. Staff friendly and helpfulread more

Went to Riva a few hours after completing the Loch Ness Marathon. Not a large spot but nice. I…read morestarted with a Bruschetta, which was excellent. There were two on the menu and our table had both, the other was well received too. I went pretty safe with the Lasagna and it hit the spot. It wasn't unique but traditional and tasty.

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Along the River Ness

Zizzi

3.4(37 reviews)

Perfectly fine food, not bad but nothing to write home about. The burrata was good, the calamari…read morenot as crunchy as expected, and the sea bass a bit bland. We were thankful that they were able to seat us Saturday 8 PM--the first two restaurants we tried were all booked up.

We found our way to ZIZZI because it was right next to the apartment where we stayed in Inverness…read more And I'm so glad we did, because ZIZZI was great! I don't know how to describe the interior exactly, so I'll just call it rustic chic. A variety of different chairs around simple wood top tables. But each table was ornately set with large clear glasses, a wine bottle with the table number and wheat stocks(?) in it, a small candle, and vivid, brightly colored menus. And let's talk about those menus, shall we? So many tantalizing options. So many things just looked absolutely fantastic, and we were just a one couple, so we had a difficult time choosing between all of the different dishes. We started off with a Garlic Bombe. It was amazing. For drinks, we started with an Amalfi Sundown and a Limoncello Spritz. Those were both very delicious and refreshing. For our main dishes, we shared a Mushroom and Truffle with Burrata pasta (cause I have come to learn that you can never have too much burrata cheese), and a Pepperoni Campagna Pizza. These were unbeLIEVABLY good. We really didn't need any more food after all this, but they went and put a Baked Lemon and Black Currant Cheesecake on their dessert menu, and I'd never heard of that before. So naturally, I had to try it. It was fantastic, of course, and an excellent way to finish off our spectacular meal. The service was very friendly, and I was quite impressed by how fast everything came out. The place was hoppin', so that's just another indication that it's a good spot to grab a bite, when it's full of customers. We absolutely loved our visit to Inverness, and should we be fortunate to go back someday, ZIZZI would definitely be on our list of places to stop in for a meal.

Interior shot

Tasteless Cocktails

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Brownie dessert

Little Italy

4.5(39 reviews)

0.4 mi

•£

If I could give 10 stars, I would! I'm still sitting at the table and I just had to leave a review…read moreimmediately. The service was spectacular and the food was exceptional. If we could eat here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, for our remaining two days in Inverness, we would. And special appreciation to the young man who hustled with every table, every customer, and every request. He was fantastic!!!!

Ordered takeaway 1 x Pizza 1 x Spaghetti, told 30mins, right on time delicious and a good sizeread more

Bruschetta

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The Riverhouse Restaurant - seafood - Updated September 2026

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The Kitchen Restaurant

3.8

(60 reviews)

Word to the wise - get reservations in Inverness. We came our first night to the kitchen and they…read morewere fully booked so got in for a reservation on the second night. To start we went for the salmon gin cured appetizer with pickled radish and seaweed. This was a very good start to the meal and had really interesting flavors. I really appreciate and enjoy seeing what a chef can do with a vegetable and tonight was no different. The cabbage with potato and puréed carrot was my choice and wow was this good. The dare I say humble ingredients were elevated in a way that I felt really highlighted each vegetable. I all but licked my plate. My husband got the venison and after a dash of salt to lift the potato flavor a bit more to his taste, he also just about licked the plate clean. A few cocktails (tallisker old fashioned for him and Lost Scotsman for myself) added to the experience). Service was friendly and the view we had was looking out over the River. A really nice night all around.

We were excited to try The Kitchen based on the buzz online. The location doesn't disappoint, it…read moreoverlooks the river and looks snazzy from the outside. On the inside are three different levels, all small areas with tables tightly together. We were seated on the 2nd level so I don't know about the third level. No one dresses up, even in a more expensive restaurant, just a note. We tried a variety of items including Mushroom and onion broth, cep and hazelnut gnocchi, roasted shallots, shimeji mushrooms and green onion oil £19.95 (VG). Parmesan and truffle fries £4.50. Heritage tomato and pesto salad £4.50 (GF,VG). Tender stem broccoli, yogurt and lime dressing, toasted peanuts £4.50 (V). Soup of the day with bread and beurre noisette whipped butter £6.95 (GFA,VG). I wanted to love everything and came in to love everything. What I did love was the soup of the day (the bread was disappointing though) and the stemmed broccoli (really good). Everything else was "ok". The bartender here was fascinating to watch. She very slowly made every drink, very slowly, and put loving care into each and every one she made. I tried one after we'd noticed her attention to detail and it was excellent. :)

Contrast Brasserie

3.9

(18 reviews)

Walking in to Contrast Brasserie, there are wood tables and chairs and a beautiful wood floor. The…read morestaff are wonderful, very helpful in making our selections. Our choice of wine, Sancerre, was excellent. I ordered the scallop appetizer that was good, not great. The scallops were sweet, the sauce also good, but it was a bit overpowering for the scallops. Our mains included the seabass cooked in a tandoori style. The fish was good and flavorful, but the preparation dried the fish and in my opinion, did not enhance the flavor. The fish was accompanied by a combination of truly delicious vegetables-cauliflower, potatoes, broccolini. My wife chose the cod in a light creamy sauce, with gnocchi, pearl onions, peas and small clams. I think her dish was the superior selection. The food quality was first rate. I think the preparation of my dishes missed the mark a bit. It was late and we were tired, so we did not order either dessert or coffee or tea. It is a nice place with a great staff and ambiance. The quality of the food is absolutely superior, the preparation was not to the level of the food.

Fine dining experience, well worth the time. Kudos to the Chef and crew for the exquisite meal. We…read morefour had three starters (get the duck pate sandwich) and four entrees: venison. Filet, rib eye, and risotto. All were delicious. We especially liked the rolls that were served while we waited for our meal.

Rocpool

4.7

(54 reviews)

We had a reservation at Rocpool on the evening of our wedding anniversary and our first night in…read moreInverness in the middle of our 12 night Scotland adventure. The place was packed when we arrived for our early evening slot so doubling down on anyone's recommendation to make dinner reservations if you want to go to nice places in the North of Scotland. We were seated immediately. Everything about the experience was beautiful and delicious. I started with a Passionate Laddie Cocktail made with a peated whiskey and egg white. The texture reminded me of the Ramos Gin Fizz drink I had in New Orleans. It was well mixed but I didn't taste smoke from the whiskey, The tomatoes in the "Green Salad with Cherry Tomato and Parmesan" we're amazing and, truly, the star of the salad which had a generous amount of shaved parmesan on top satisfying my cheese-mongering sensibility. I had the Cornage Cheddar and Feta Cheese puffs for my main. They were fried but delicate, served over mango with cooked pear. It was quite indulgent - like dessert for dinner My wife enjoyed the prawns dish she got, and the salmon as well served with perfectly cooked asparagus and really good mashed potatoes. Everything was beautifully plated and tasted great. Inverness is not huge and there are a finite number of finer dining restaurants. We ultimately chose this one as I'm a vegetarian and they had the most abundant options to choose from (including a separate vegan menu which I didn't end up ordering from as the options on the main menu served my desires for the evening. The tiniest disappointment - It was our wedding anniversary and I had put that on the reservation (as well as emailed in advance about it) and we didn't get a "happy anniversary" or any kind of acknowledgment of it. I mean we were perfectly happy to just be with each other, but it would have been nice. :) Otherwise this is undoubtedly one of, if not the nicest restaurant in Inverness.

My group had a most amazing meal with perfect service and great ambiance…read more Thank you soooo much

Prime Steak & Seafood

3.5

(41 reviews)

Outstanding food and service today, following a long drive exploring The Highlands. The restaurant…read moreand bar provided a nice, welcoming environment. The steaks were perfect, and Kayla was an exceptional waitress.

7:45pm reservation: The staff greeted us right away, kind. We were seated, ordered our drinks and…read morethey came quickly. Then lanced our food order. 9:10pm: fish and steak come out (finally), no one has checked on us or to let us know it was behind. Plate was hotter than the food. Being from Massachusetts, the fish was not seasoned well and portion size very small. My partner is from Tennessee and his steak was tepid temperature with no flavor. 9:40: haven't seen any wait staff, no more water or drinks for quite some time 9:45: we ask someone to come over and ask for the bill. They were very gracious, came over with the scanner then told us our tip options while standing over me. We noticed that only American tables were asked about this, the "locals" received their bill and paid. The table next to us questioned them on this also. We did not tip. If they want to be tipped like American wait staff, please be more conscientious about checking in on the table and ensuring the food is prepared timely and drinks are served. Do not go here.

Water Front

4.0

(27 reviews)

This place is fabulous. Great food, wonderful service and a fun place to sit, eat and relax after…read morea long day of touring through the countryside. I think I had the best fish and chips ever here and I will definitely be back when I return to Inverness.

We happened upon this lovely place by accident. The food was wonderful and the atmosphere was cozy…read moreand friendly. The service was nice and friendly too. Don't let them fool you... we ate there twice and both times we walked I. Without a reservation and both times there was a bit of "discussion" as to whether they would be able to seat us. They did. And they were never completely full either time! lol! Gets our full recommendation. Picture is the Trawlers Pie and the Steak and Ale pie. Try the Scottish Blaggis appetizer. And their bread pudding was really good as well!

Riva Bistro Italiano

4.0

(17 reviews)

Modern bistro, excellent location with great range of food choice. Staff friendly and helpfulread more

Went to Riva a few hours after completing the Loch Ness Marathon. Not a large spot but nice. I…read morestarted with a Bruschetta, which was excellent. There were two on the menu and our table had both, the other was well received too. I went pretty safe with the Lasagna and it hit the spot. It wasn't unique but traditional and tasty.

Little Italy

4.5

(39 reviews)

•£

If I could give 10 stars, I would! I'm still sitting at the table and I just had to leave a review…read moreimmediately. The service was spectacular and the food was exceptional. If we could eat here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, for our remaining two days in Inverness, we would. And special appreciation to the young man who hustled with every table, every customer, and every request. He was fantastic!!!!

Ordered takeaway 1 x Pizza 1 x Spaghetti, told 30mins, right on time delicious and a good sizeread more

The White House

4.5

(40 reviews)

Ate here for lunch with my wife - she has a gluten diary allergy and I have tree nut allergy, Alpha…read moreGal with a diabetes kicker.... We are a blast at restaurants. This restaurant is very careful. Apparently the lead chef is gluten intolerant. Lots of choices including desserts! We both had the Marry Me Chickpeas (I added chicken). Absolutely delicious. Staff was attentive and helpful. I would bring dates here and business meals here for sure. Maybe small children - maybe. Open seating area and pleasantly decorated. Would come back if in the area...

We absolutely loved this restaurant. The ambiance is great , the food is amazing . Served very hot…read moreand delicious. The cocktails are also delicious and very creative . Highly recommend this restaurant when in Inverness . Our server was very patient with us when we had a ton of questions. Excellent! The dessert was the best part ! The butterscotch pudding was out of this world !

The Boathouse Lochside Restaurant

3.8

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