THESE ARE THE BEST MICHELIN STAR RESTAURANTS IN SCOTLAND

When compared to the English capital – the city of London – Scotland is no match for the abundance of Michelin Star restaurants. With just eleven dining spots awarded with the most prestigious accolades in gastronomy, the Michelin experience isn’t something you can enjoy just anywhere. But there’s something incredibly charming about that. Much like a carefully curated museum, as opposed to a frenzy of distractions, Scotland’s top restaurants are worth getting on the waiting list for.

Of course, you don’t need to munch on Michelin meals to capture the spirit of Scotland’s unique foodie culture. There are so many under-the-radar restaurants that play homage to the land and sea, selecting the finest ingredients and turning them into a well-told story. With quality produce at the heart of every kitchen, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a bad plate of food during your Scottish vacation. But if you’re looking for something more refined, these are the restaurants to add to your bucket list.

Here’s our list of the best Michelin Star restaurants in Scotland.

Awarded with 1 Michelin Star, Number One at the Balmoral Hotel is a big hit on TripAdvisor. So it’s been approved by the masses, as well as getting the stamp of approval from inspectors with honed culinary palates. If you’re new to Michelin dining, Number One is a great restaurant to sample. The décor is sophisticated, and the ambience is relaxed and romantic.

Executive Chef Jeff Bland provides a creative take on promoting the best of Scottish cuisine, and uses on the freshest ingredients sourced locally.

On the menu:

The tasting menu is adorned with gastronomic finery. From oysters and foie gras to Highland Wagyu beef, with sommelier’s pairing for the ultimate wine and dine experience. There’s also an a la carte dinner menu featuring a selection of seasonal dishes.

The local area:

Scotland’s capital is the perfect place to experience the unique nightlife scene. Blending old and new, you could be downing pints in a medieval pub one night and sipping martinis in a cocktail bar on another. Check out the Old Town for a traditional pub experience and walk across the bridge to New Town for the upscale drinking spots.

For an unforgettable group vacation, book your stay at Borthwick Castle, situated just 30 minutes outside of the city. It sleeps up to 24 people, with activities such as hiking, archery, golf, shooting and fishing on-site or nearby.

Book a table:

Call +44 (0)131 557 6727

Balmoral Hotel, 1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ

Another fantastic establishment in the capital is Paul Kitching’s 21212, a culinary landmark that has been around for a decade. The restaurant, which also has rooms, was opened in 2009 by Head Chef Paul Kitching and his partner and proprietor Katie O’Brien. Together, the pair have amassed more than 60 years of combined experience working in Michelin Star kitchens.

Within their Georgian townhouse venue is a 38 seat dining room, with two private dining areas and four luxury guest suites. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and there’s an extensive wine menu to complement every plate.

On the menu:

The menu stays true to Paul’s contemporary French cooking style and changes every week, making it an exciting selection even for regulars. All ingredients are sourced locally where possible, and waiters are always happy to discuss produce and cooking techniques with curious diners. If you have a question – just ask.

With prices starting at just £28 for a two course lunch (on weekdays), you’ll be able to enjoy fine dining at a very reasonable cost.

The local area:

As mentioned, Edinburgh is excellent for nightlife. It’s also one of the best places for whisky tasting. Go to The Scotch Whisky Experience on The Royal Mile, or the super cozy Whiski Rooms on North Bank Street.

Book a table:

Call +44 (0)131 523 1030

3 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5AB

As the only 2 Michelin Star restaurant in Scotland, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie is a must for your foodie vacation. Book at least a month ahead of travel to ensure you get a table. The recent passing of Andrew Fairlie after a long battle with a brain tumor has left the restaurant team heartbroken, but this prestigious dining spot is now his legacy. It’s a must to add to your bucket list if you’re interested in gastronomy.

This is one of the finest establishments in Scotland and will remain as a part of the culinary landscape for many years to come.

On the menu:

The eight course Menu Dégustation is the perfect choice for someone who wants a fully curated experience. Enjoy Ossetra caviar, foie gras, home-smoked Scottish lobster, and much more.

The local area:

Located in the world-famous Gleneagles Golf and Spa Hotel, this is the ideal place to come for a golfing vacation. There are three championship courses to enjoy, and the rolling Perthshire hills will make for a relaxing stay.

Book a table:

Call +44 (0)1764 694267

Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder PH3 1NF

This is a family-friendly seafood eatery where hand-dived scallops are as fresh as they come, and where the service is as warm and inviting as a traditional pub. Run by a husband and wife team, Loch Bay is all about the food. You can leave the pretention at the door. This just isn’t that kind of place.

The interiors are cozy and the food is contemporary Scottish, with some classic French influences. There are both lunch and evening menus available, and the presentation is elegant yet rustic.

On the menu:

Whether it’s a simple mussel broth or luxurious lobster ‘Pot au Feu’, the menu promises authenticity and freshness. You’ll also find Scottish comfort dishes, such as short rib, onglet of beef and triple cooked chips.

The local area:

For anyone planning a daytrip or overnight stay in Skye, Loch Bay is a must. It is based in the old fishing village of Stein, on the scenic north west Waternish peninsula. This is a great location for hiking, including routes such as Greshornish Point, Waternish Point, and Sgorr Horan.

Book a table:

Call +44 (0)1470 592235

1 Macleods Terrace, Stein, Isle of Skye IV55 8GA

Castles are a great idea all year round, but in summer the grounds will be lush, green and perfect for walking. Some of our favourite castle stays are Aldourie Castle perched on Loch Ness, the fairy tale looking Inveraray Castle in Argyll, and the truly atmospheric Borthwick Castle in Midlothian. All of these castles offer fun activities on their grounds, such as hiking, golfing, archery, shooting, or whisky tastings.

Some of the best castles to visit on a day trip are Edinburgh Castle, Culzean Castle & Country Park, and Stirling Castle which is home to the William Wallace monument.

Previously a smokehouse and cooperage, The Cellar Restaurant is now one of the finest dining spots outside of the capital. With a spectacular setting right by the sea and inviting interiors with beautiful exposed beams, eating here is a truly unique experience. Despite the restaurant’s success, the atmosphere here is very relaxed. The kitchen is run by ‘a local lad’ – Head Chef Billy Boyter – so authenticity is guaranteed. This is definitely the place to come if you want to eat like a local and drink like a local.

The Cellar has been awarded with 1 Michelin Star, and one of the main highlights here is the use of locally foraged ingredients. You’ll get a chance to taste creatively curated plates with herbs and garnishes found from the nearby countryside or coastline.

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On the menu:

Locally sourced and foraged, and well-balanced in composition. The menu oozes modern influences whilst remaining wonderfully light. Tasting menus start from £40 for lunch and £70 for dinner (with wine pairing available). Enjoy North Sea halibut, Gartmorn Farm duck, classic Arbroath smokies, smoked mussel mousse, and more.

The local area:

Anstruther is a charming seaside town where the pace of life is slow and everyone is super friendly. You’ll also be within easy reach of Dundee, Perth and Edinburgh for shopping, sights and nightlife. For a luxury mansion stay nearby, take a look at Kemback House located less than half an hour away by car or taxi.

Book a table:

Call +44 (0)1333 310378

24 E Green, Anstruther KY10 3AA

Cute and quaint are just a couple of the ways that you can describe Braidwoods in Dalry. This family-run restaurant is the only one in Ayrshire to have a Michelin Star, and it has upheld its award for 20 years in the running. This also makes Braidwoods the longest Michelin Star holder in the whole of Scotland.

Chefs and proprietors Keith and Nicola Braidwood are passionate about using the finest ingredients, most of which is sourced locally.  Their style of cooking shows a lot of respect for the traditions of haute-cuisine, whilst including a Scottish twist. This involves painstaking preparation, freshly made stocks and sauces, and seamless attention to detail for everything that leaves the kitchen. They pride themselves on their ‘homemade’ attitude. Enjoy delicious homemade pastas, homemade breads and homemade chocolates.

On the menu:

Menus start at 2 courses for £29 at lunch, or 3 courses for £50 at dinner. You’ll find everything from hand-dived scallops from the west coast to tasty Scottish black pudding. There’s also a mouth-watering Sunday lunch menu available from September to April – perfect for the colder months.

The local area:

Dalry is a charming little town, ideal for walking around, shopping and visiting cozy tearooms. Don’t miss the Lynn Falls walk, and be sure to pop by Blair Estate. For a luxury hotel stay like no other, take a look at our featured property, Glenapp Castle Hotel, just an hour away in Ballantrae.

This boutique hotel is a Victorian Scottish castle designed in 1870 by David Bryce, one of Edinburgh’s most prestigious architects. If you haven’t had your foodie fix at Braidwoods, there’s also an award-winning restaurant here. For golf fanatics, there are a number of championship courses nearby.

Book a table:

Call +44 (0)1294 833544

Dalry KA24 4LN

A long timer now, Restaurant Martin Wishart first opened its doors in 1999. Now two whole decades on and it’s become an institution for foodies vacationing in Scotland’s capital. With a stunning setting in the historic Port of Leith, an evening here promises to be both scenic and glamorous.

Known for bringing the very best of traditional and contemporary French cuisine to Edinburgh using the finest Scottish ingredients, the menu is a marriage made in heaven of two culinary cultures. The restaurant was awarded a star in 2001, and has been repeated every year since without fail.

On the menu:

Choose from a 6 course tasting menu, an 8 course tasting menu or dine a la carte. This is one of the few Michelin establishments in the UK to offer a separate tasting menu for vegetarians too. There’s also a fantastic lunch menu priced at just £35 for three courses, and the wine list is as hefty as a brochure.

The local area:

There’s so much to do in Edinburgh. From city walking tours to the famous castle, the endless list of museums and galleries to non-stop shopping. If you’ve got time, don’t miss the exciting ghost tours and witch tours.

Book a table:

Call +44 (0)131 553 3557

54 Shore, Edinburgh EH6 6RA

We simply cannot talk about the best Michelin Star restaurants in Scotland without mentioning The Kitchin in Edinburgh. Another shining star in the capital, this time with a special focus on seasonal cooking. The philosophy is taking ingredients from nature to plate, driving British cuisine with influences from French techniques.

Head Chef Tom Kitchin is well-regarded across the UK and is famous for his appearances on the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen, Food’s Market Kitchen and in BBC2’s The Great British Menu. He is also Scotland’s youngest Michelin Star chef proprietor, obtaining the accolade aged just 29.

On the menu:

Dine a la carte, or opt for the Chef’s Celebration of the Season menu. For a more theatrical experience, choose the Chef’s Surprise Tasting menu. Both meat and seafood dishes will delight, including quintessentially Scottish plates such as hand-dived Orkney scallops, oysters from Loch Fyne, Highland venison, and veal sweetbreads from Inverurie.

The local area:

Located close to Albert Dock, with a great choice of bars nearby (Teuchters Landing, The Granary, and Malt & Hops are excellent watering holes). During the day, be sure to explore the Royal Yacht Britannia and venture into The Old Town for shopping, sights and whisky pubs.

Book a table:

Call +44 (0)131 555 1755

Commercial Quay Commercial St, Edinburgh EH6 6LX