The Scottish Highlands have a wealth of natural ingredients at its disposal, producing some of the finest, freshest ingredients that money can buy.
In recent years, restaurants have been popping up and down the region with tourists arriving en masse to sample the finest fare that the Highlands have to offer.
Here are some particular treasures that are on offer here:
Seafood
The cold crisp waters of Highland lochs, combined with the breezy coasts surrounding the Highlands and Islands of northern Scotland guarantee one thing: Fresh, locally sourced seafood.
Highlights include oysters from Loch Fyne, scallops from Skye, and wild Atlantic salmon from the West Coast.
Wild Game
Wild game roam throughout these lands and venison in particular is a staple of Highland cuisine. Feeding on heather and other native Highland plants, the Highland deer possesses a rich, distinct flavour unique from anywhere else.
Moreover, wild game has always been popular here and other meats include grouse, partridge and pheasant which are commonly served in pies or in a hearty roast.
Foraged Ingredients
Using nature’s gift of foraged ingredients, this is a Highland tradition that’s been reborn with many acclaimed chefs across the region incorporating foraged ingredients such as wild garlic, wood sorrel, mushrooms, berries and a plethora of wild herbs.
Such fresh forage incorporates seasonality and a local ‘terroir’ to dishes.
Artisan Produce
It’s difficult to write about food and drink anywhere in Scotland without mentioning whisky and the Highlands is no different with a respectable collection of single malt scotches from famous distilleries such as Tomatin, Glenmorangie and Glenturret.
It’s not just whisky that’s artisanally produced in these parts either, Highland cheese is also a notable product with dairies such as Connage Highland Dairy producing award winning cheeses across multiple varieties such as sheeps cheese, blue cheese and hard cheeses.
For a true smorgasbord, head to Highland Charcuterie who have multiple awards to their name such as Great Taste 2022 for their fine meats such as hot smoked sausages and venison pastrami.
Restaurants
Now that you know a little more about the fine produce of this extraordinary region, here are some notable restaurants where you can get your fix for hearty Highland cuisine:
Applecross Inn, Westeros
The Applecross Inn is a popular spot for tourists driving the NC500 and it’s with good reason: this delightful family-run pub is recommended in the Michelin restaurant guide and has phenomenal views across Knoydart and the Isle of Skye.
The inn features 3 bars and diners can delight in Scottish classics such as haggis, oatcakes, and fresh local seafood.
Three Chimneys, Skye
There’s a great food scene over on the Isle of Skye and restaurant Three Chimneys is a bastion of fine local cuisine.
The scallops here are particularly renowned and are as fresh as can be. Other sample dishes include a Vatten Croft beer in a Skye ale sauce and roasted monkfish with barbequed leeks.
The Mustard Seed, Inverness
The Mustard Seed in Inverness is one the top rated restaurants across the Highlands. This former church boasts an open log fire and has an ever changing menu based on seasonality and fresh, local produce.
At the time of writing, you’ll find a seared haunch of marinated venison with mashed potatoes and a horseradish cream and a pan fried seared fillet of locally sourced Scottish salmon.
The Lovat, Loch Ness
For dine dining, The Lovat boasts that they tell stories through their food. Featuring high quality tasting menus, each dish has a unique personality and represents the best produce that the Highlands have to offer.
Wild halibut, Highland lamb and Steelhead steel trout are just a few previews of their fine dining tasting menus.
This one is best served for a special occasion, and who knows, maybe you’ll spot Nessie too!
You Will Eat Well Here
To summarise, the Highlands are spoilt when it comes to the masses of high quality locally sourced ingredients on offer.
Visitors can find produce straight from the source, at fine dining restaurants or at cosy, local pubs.
There is something here for everyone!
Where are some of your favourite places to eat in the Highlands?
Let us know in the comments below!
