Brora sits quietly on Scotland’s northeast coast, and while it’s mostly known for golf and beaches, the food here is worth talking about. I’ve spent enough time in this part of the Highlands to know where to grab a good meal, so here’s my take on the local spots.
The Curing Yard at Royal Marine Hotel
First up is The Curing Yard, tucked inside The Royal Marine Hotel. I was a bit skeptical about hotel restaurants at first, but this place changed my mind. The kitchen team really knows their stuff, especially with local ingredients.
Last time I was in The Curing Yard, I tried their oysters – couldn’t have been fresher. They get them from waters just off the coast. The Highland lamb is a standout too. Something about the hills around here makes for really flavourful meat.
Their Sunday roast deserves a special mention. It runs November through March, and at £19.75 for two courses, it’s good value. Proper roast potatoes too – none of that frozen stuff.
They do afternoon tea if that’s your thing. The scones come out still warm from the oven, and instead of just boring sandwiches, they put together some interesting savoury bites. Worth booking ahead for this one.
Sid’s Spice
Sometimes after a few days of Scottish food, you want something different. That’s when I head to Sid’s Spice. Nothing beats their curry on a cold day, and believe me, we get plenty of those up here.
The family running it makes you feel like you’re eating in their home. After spending all day walking the beaches or playing golf, their generous portions are exactly what you need.
The Sutherland Inn
The Sutherland Inn is my go-to for lunch. It’s just a solid local pub serving honest food. The menu switches up based on what’s good that season.
I usually stop in after a morning walk – there’s something about that sea air that makes you hungry. The staff here know everything that’s going on locally. Ask them where to visit and they’ll point you in the right direction.
Linda’s Cafe
Every morning I’m in Brora, I end up at Linda’s Cafe. It’s the kind of place where you can have a proper breakfast without any fuss. The regulars all have their usual tables, and there’s always someone willing to chat about what’s happening in the village.
Beyond Brora
The surrounding area has some good options too. I’ve found some great places in nearby villages over the years – just ask around and people will share their favorites.
Clynelish Distillery sits just outside town. The whisky tour is interesting, but even if you’re not into that, their cafe does a nice lunch. The views across the countryside from their windows are pretty special.
Summer gets busy here with all the golfers and people walking the coastal path. If you want dinner at The Curing Yard or The Sutherland Inn, definitely book ahead. I’ve made that mistake before and ended up having to drive to Golspie for dinner.
What I like about eating in Brora is that no one’s trying too hard to impress. The ingredients come from nearby farms and waters, the cooking is straightforward but done well, and you’ll always get a proper welcome. Give me that over fancy presentation any day.
Prices are generally reasonable too. You can have a good lunch for under £15, and even the fancier places won’t break the bank. Just remember that most kitchens close earlier than you might expect – this isn’t the city. Best to check opening times when you book.
Even after years of coming here, I still look forward to trying whatever seasonal specials the local chefs have come up with. There’s something about Highland produce that just tastes better when you’re this close to where it came from.
Where are your favourite spots to eat in Brora, and why?
Let us know in the comments below.
