Best Restaurants in Scotland

You won't just find whisky, haggis and stunning scenery in Scotland; the northern-most country of the United Kingdom is also home to many top class restaurants. Below you'll find the top 100 best restaurants in Scotland, as judged by the expert combined reviews of the leading UK restaurant guides. This includes all Michelin Star restaurants in Scotland and the best AA Rosette awarded restaurants in Scotland.
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.

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Best Restaurants - Overall Top 100

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Best Restaurants in Scotland FAQs

Which is the best restaurant in Scotland?

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.

How many award winning restaurants are there in Scotland?

In total, there are 201 award winning restaurants in Scotland, based on the combined awards from the leading UK restaurant guides.

How many Michelin Star restaurants are there in Scotland?

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 56 restaurants holding a standard Michelin Guide listing.

How many AA Rosette restaurants are there in Scotland?

There are currently 157 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, 52 restaurants holding 2 AA Rosettes and 73 restaurants holding 1 AA Rosette.