Scotland’s Top 5 Waterside Dining Spots!

By Contributor -

Scotts Bar & Restaurant, South Queensferry

Take a look at these top 5 dining destinations with Insta-worthy views…

Scotland’s culinary scene has a lot to offer – great dining destinations, superb local produce and some of the best views right on our doorstep.

Now that many restaurants, bars and hotels are open once more, we’ve handpicked a number cafés, eateries and restaurants where you will find the best food, drinks and out-of-this-world views to enjoy whilst dining out.

As lockdown eases, many people are seeking out dining locations which offer a sense of escape and ‘room to breathe’, whether it’s outdoor dining or stunning vistas looking out across the water.

Drift Cafe, Quarrel Sands outside North Berwick

A must-see for those who enjoy homemade baking and breath-taking views is DRIFT Café.

Set upon the clifftops of Quarrel Sands, just outside of North Berwick, DRIFT is renowned not only for its unique set-up and unrivalled views but for its top quality food and drink.

This agritourism business is made from a collection of upcycled shipping containers as well as an outside seating area showcasing the best views Scotland’s east coast has to offer.

Picnic tables surrounded by planted herbs and a collection of bespoke palette tables offer a comfortable area to take in the sea air. A new addition is a horse trailer acting as a serving area for outdoor customers, which was unveiled for its reopening.

With the incredible view of Bass Rock, customers at DRIFT have also been lucky enough to see pods of dolphins whilst eating outside and enjoying the fresh air.

Scotts Bar & Restaurant, South Queensferry

Buzzworks Holdings, one of Scotland’s leading independent restaurant and bar operators with a portfolio of venues across the west coast of Scotland and beyond, boasts exquisite views whilst enjoying locally-sourced cuisine, perfectly served drinks and a great ambience.

Located at Port Edgar Marina in South Queensferry, the newest Scotts restaurant and bar features a clever wall of windows and an elevated alfresco dining terrace serving spectacular views of the three bridges and Firth of Forth. The extensive food and drinks menus compliment the backdrop perfectly.

Scotts Bar & Restaurant, Troon

Buzzworks operates three Scotts bar and restaurants all located in coastal towns looking out to the water.

The restaurant in Troon has panoramic views overlooking the harbour, Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran, and is the perfect place for a casual meal or a special occasion.

Scotts at Largs Yacht Haven is the ideal venue for those visiting the seaside town or taking the ferry to Millport thanks to its stylish surroundings and tantalising food offering.

Duck Bay, Loch Lomond

Duck Bay is the ideal restaurant for foodies thanks to its extensive menu of locally sourced produce – there is a dish to suit everyone.

From fulfilling breakfasts to afternoon tea to the first-class dinner, Duck Bay caters to all – not to mention its panoramic views of Loch Lomond.

Diners can choose whether to dine inside the stylish restaurant or instead enjoy the outside seating which is as close to the water as possible, perfect when the sun appears.

The Dores Inn, Inverness

For those travelling further North, The Dores Inn could make the perfect pit stop.

Located in Inverness with sweeping views of the Loch Ness, diners can enjoy home-baked produce and delicious drinks in the outdoor seating area.

The outdoor dining has plenty of tables and two marquees which means you are covered in case the typical Scottish rain returns.

Wherever you venture to this summer, make sure you take advantage of the beautiful views that Scotland has to offer.