Best Inverness Restaurant: A Gem Worth Booking Early

On our recent trip to the Scottish Highlands, we discovered a little spot that quickly became a highlight of our stay in Inverness. The food was reliably good, the atmosphere was welcoming, and before we knew it, we were booking it again for the next night. Here’s what we loved about this gem of a restaurant in the storybook center of Inverness.

We’re talking about Number 27 Bar and Kitchen, a small, friendly spot that’s clearly loved by both locals and travelers. In fact, our taxi driver even mentioned that it’s his favorite place in town.

With only a handful of tables in a small space, it fills up quickly, so reservations are highly recommended. We ended up eating here multiple times during our visit and tried nearly everything on the menu. Here’s our review.

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Starters: Small Plates with Big Flavors

The starters at Number 27 set the tone straight away. Our favorites included:

Brie Wedges with Chilli Jam

Crispy, creamy, and indulgent with the right mix of sweet and savory.

Breaded Prawns with Harissa Mayo

Lightly battered, juicy, and paired with a tangy dipping sauce.

Smoked Venison with Horseradish Sauce

Tender, smoky, and perfectly complemented by the sharp horseradish.

We also sampled the mezze platter with hummus, olives, and flatbread, which was simple but fresh and a good lighter option.

Mains: Scottish Comfort Food at Its Best

The mains are hearty, comforting, and ideal after a day exploring the Highlands. A few standouts:

Cullen Skink

A traditional Scottish smoked haddock soup with sourdough on the side.

Fresh Mussels in White Wine Cream Sauce

Juicy, flavorful, and generously portioned. The sauce was delicious and worth soaking up with the side of delicious garlic bread.

Chef’s Homemade Steak Pie

Flaky pastry, rich filling, and a serving of vegetables and mash. This is pure comfort food worth ordering more than once.

Slow-Cooked Tunisian Lamb Tagine

Slightly spiced, colorful, and delicious with flatbread to scoop it up.

Not every dish hit the same high note. The Highland Chicken Breast stuffed with haggis was a little dry, and the chickpea and bean stew felt more like a side dish than a main. But with so many strong options, these were minor misses. And if you’re craving some haggis, the Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties starter was fantastic.

Desserts: These are Worth Saving Room

We don’t always indulge in dessert, but here it was definitely worth it. Our favorites were:

White Chocolate and Blueberry Panna Cotta

Light and creamy with a lovely fruity tone.

Chocolate Torte

Rich, dense, and indulgent, perfect with a coffee at the end of the night. This was the superstar.

Practical Tips

Reservations are essential. The restaurant is small and popular, so plan ahead.
Great for trying local flavors. Dishes like Cullen Skink, venison, and steak pie are Scottish classics done really well.
Good balance of choices. You’ll find seafood, meat, and vegetarian options, so it works well for mixed groups.

Our Verdict

If you’re looking for a reliable, welcoming spot to eat in Inverness, Number 27 Bar and Kitchen is an easy recommendation. The food is hearty without being heavy, the flavors are consistently satisfying, and the service makes you feel right at home. We loved it so much we went back multiple times, and each visit was as good as the last.

You can check it out for yourself here: https://www.number27inverness.co.uk/#Menus