Aviemore is the gateway to the Cairngorms and one of the finest towns in Scotland for outdoor adventure lovers. This vibrant small town is perfect for hikers, skiers, mountain bikers, and anyone who wants to get up and close to the ruggedness of the Highlands.
Aviemore is special all year round and exudes a welcoming atmosphere. Apres ski (or apres hike/bike) is extremely social here.
Moreover, the town and the surrounding area boast fantastic eateries across various cuisines and budgets.
With this in mind, here are some of the best eats in and around Aviemore:
The Old Bridge Inn
A homely pub with heavy wooden tables, framed pictures, and an open fire, The Old Bridge Inn is the epitome of Highland cosiness!
The pub has live music every week and importantly, a hearty restaurant!
The food here is widely praised with local highlights being the juicy Obi burgers, decadent steaks, and beautifully cooked lamb.
Delaneys’ Restaurant
On Grampian Road, you’ll find Delaneys’ Restaurant, a welcoming Highland eatery offering a selection of small dishes perfect for sharing.
The fare here is both Scottish and international, with Korean-style pork belly bites, Spanish croquettes, and haddock fritters being particular crowd-pleasers.
It’s not just the nourishing food at Delaneys that makes it a great option but the people too. Comb through reviews of this restaurant and you’ll be greeted with applause after applause for the hospitality and friendliness of the staff that run this great little restaurant.
Pizzariach
Described as the best place in Aviemore for pizza, Pizzariach has been pumping out freshly made tasty pizzas for years now and numerous accolades have been given for their veggie supreme pizza.
Whether you want to sit in at the pizzeria, or takeaway, Pizzariach is the perfect option when you want to keep it casual and just have great fresh pizza.
If you like pizza, you won’t be disappointed!
Cairngorm Hotel
At the Cairngorm restaurant, high-quality food, a great choice of beers, and generally good vibes can be sought for a surprisingly decent price.
A Cairn Roast of turkey, Scottish salmon, and succulent steak sandwiches are all fan favourites at the Cairngorm Hotel.
Some visitors even go as far as to say that this is the best food in Aviemore town!
Macduis Speyside Inn
For a dog-friendly option, check out Macduis Speyside Inn, a laid-back pub serving comfort food and a selection of ales.
Food is varied here with venison burgers, chicken wings, chilli nachos, and chicken curry all being staple choices.
Additionally, Macduis Speyside Inn serves great cocktails and also offers a children’s menu.
The Winking Owl
For craft ales and hearty homemade food, The Winking Owl in Aviemore is a warm and friendly bar with something for everyone.
In the restaurant on the first floor, outstanding mountain views of the Cairngorm range can be sought and it perfectly sums up Scottish skiing: great vibes, hearty food, and superb scenery.
The Bothy Bar on the ground floor is where the party gets going and features live music every Friday and Saturday.
Happy Haggis
An unfussy, classic Scottish chip shop. Happy Haggis is a family-run business that prides itself on fish and chips which can be eaten either in the restaurant or as a takeaway.
Pretty much everything can be deep-fried in a classic Scottish chip shop:
- Black pudding
- Pizza (pizza crunch)
- Sausage
- King rib
- Fish
- Haggis (of course!)
Happy Haggis also routinely offer chef’s specials such as homemade steak pies, macaroni cheese, and chilli con carne. Just what the doctors ordered after a day of being out in the rugged Highlands!
What are some of your favourite spots to eat in Aviemore and why?
Let us know in the comments below!
