Best Restaurants in Scotland

In total, there are 206 award winning restaurants in Scotland, based on the combined awards from the leading UK restaurant guides.

Were you expecting to see more restaurants in Scotland? Remember at Leading Restaurants we only list restaurants holding awards from major restaurant guides; currently less than 3% of all restaurants in the UK and Ireland hold an award from a major guide.

The best restaurant in Scotland is The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant in Crieff (based on our unique combination of the leading UK restaurant guides) where head chef Mark Donald serves up award winning Modern Cuisine. The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant currently holds 2 Michelin Stars, 5 AA Rosettes and a rating of Exceptional in the Good Food Guide.

There are currently 13 listed Michelin Star restaurants in Scotland consisting of 2 restaurants holding 2 Michelin Stars and 11 restaurants holding 1 Michelin Star. There are also 13 restaurants holding a Michelin Bib Gourmand and 57 restaurants holding a standard Michelin Guide listing.

There are currently 161 listed AA Rosette restaurants in Scotland consisting of 2 restaurants holding 5 AA Rosettes, 4 restaurants holding 4 AA Rosettes, 26 restaurants holding 3 AA Rosettes, 55 restaurants holding 2 AA Rosettes and 74 restaurants holding 1 AA Rosette.

Scotland, nestled in the northernmost reaches of the United Kingdom, holds a distinguished place in global gastronomy with a unique culinary identity that has evolved over centuries. Its repute extends far beyond the simple yet comforting dishes that many associate it with (such as haggis and shortbread), to an exciting and diverse plethora of flavours and regional specialties, which have become intrinsic parts of the Scottish culinary canvas. It's worth noting that the Highland's marvellous seafood, Angus's sumptuous beef, and Ayrshire's superb potatoes have put Scotland on the global gastronomy map, making its culinary scene a paradise for food-lovers, and an exploratory adventure for gastronomic enthusiasts. The origins of Scotland's restaurant industry are steeped in rich history, dating back to the Middle Ages. In those days, open hearths served as rudimentary kitchens in the halls of fortresses and castles, where banquets were held with strikingly detailed protocols. Over time, as the Scottish cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dundee flourished and brimmed with an urban vibrancy, so too did the culinary scene. By the 19th century, restaurants and eateries began to proliferate, mirroring the country's increasing wealth and cultural sophistication. Notably, the advent of French cuisine in Scotland during this period significantly boosted the diversity and sophistication of the Scottish restaurant scene. So much so, that today, the Scottish restaurant industry is deemed a force to be reckoned with, boasting of Michelin starred establishments, innovative contemporary eateries, and homely taverns that strive to honour and showcase Scottish culinary traditions.