6 Best Restaurants in Inverness, Inverness and Around the Great Glen

Consistently recommended by locals as one of the best restaurants in the area, Café 1 really practices what it preaches in terms of sustainable, local produce. Taking inspiration from such big names as Blue Hill in New York, the restaurant rears its own herds to provide the menu's Hebridean lamb and Highland beef, usually served with a simple order of chips (thick-cut fries) and rich garlic butter. The atmosphere is casual, and the prices, though high for Inverness, won't raise too many eyebrows among those used to city dining. The tiny bar at the front has a great view of the castle.

Another perennial favorite, the Rocpool has a frequently changing menu of modern bistro classics, with a few international twists. Local seafood from scallops to sea trout is a particular specialty, while meaty dishes range from Highland côte de boeuf steak to loin of Speyside venison. Vegetarian options are available, though limited. The wine list is excellent. Dine early in the evening and you can enjoy two courses for £30.95.

The clean modern design is as sleek as the service at this restaurant in the Rocpool Reserve Hotel (not to be confused with the nearby Rocpool restaurant); think monochrome walls, straight lines, and a whole lot of upholstery in tasteful accent colors. As for the menu, expect creative, decadent dishes, from venison tartare to salmon risotto. The hotel's chic cocktail bar serves a more economical selection of classic pub food, while overindulgers can stay in one of Rocpool's 11 beautifully appointed rooms.

This intimate restaurant has been packing in the crowds nightly thanks to its modern bistro fare presented stylishly but without fuss. You could start with a delicious goat cheese and fig tart, for example, followed by a sumptuous steak with a red-wine-and-thyme sauce. The atmosphere is lively, and the staff runs things effortlessly well—but you'll need a reservation, especially on weekends.

Head chef and owner Alfie Little draws heavily on local inspiration to shape the menu at this tiny riverside seafood restaurant, which has an interior as stylish as its appealing gray-and-white exterior. Start with mussels or oysters from the Scottish islands, then take your pick from mains based on native fish, such as Shetland halibut and Scrabster hake, and wash it all down with a local beer. Even the desserts are sourced from a nearby bakery. In summer, sit outside to make the most of one of the best locations along the River Ness, away from the hubbub farther up. The small number of tables means reservations are essential, especially in high season.

Off a pretty country road on the eastern shore of Loch Ness, this low-slung, white-stone eatery is the perfect place to stop for lunch or dinner. The menu is a combination of well-prepared old favorites like fish-and-chips, together with steaks, lamb, and seafood. It's busy during the summer and on weekends, so be sure to book ahead. For dessert try the local ice cream (handmade on the "Black Isle" peninsula), served with fresh berry compote.