Perched on Scotland’s northern coast, Thurso‘s food scene is a pleasant surprise. This small Highland town packs in everything from curry houses to cozy cafes, making it more than just a pit stop on the NC500.
Where To Eat
Bydand is the town’s go-to spot for a nice meal out. The dining room feels like someone’s actually thought about the ambiance—lots of wood, nice lighting, and tables spaced so you won’t elbow your neighbor’s pasta. The kitchen uses Scottish ingredients well, though at £40-50 for main courses, you’ll want to save it for special occasions.
Down the street, Spice Tandoori has been doing solid Indian food for years. The curries hit the spot, especially on cold nights, and with mains around £20-30, it’s decent value. The naan bread comes out fresh and hot – worth ordering extra.
For everyday eating, Y-Not Bar & Grill sits right in town and does food from breakfast onwards. Their specials board changes daily, and after a morning at Dunnet Bay or wandering the coast, their hot food and friendly service are exactly what you need.
T’s Café Restaurant brings something different to town with its Sri Lankan menu. Prices hover between £10-20, making it perfect for lunch or a casual dinner. The tea menu is impressive – fitting for a town where good hot drinks are essential most of the year.
The Blue Door Coffee Shop & Diner does breakfast and lunch American-style. It’s the kind of place where you can bring kids without getting death stares, and their portions mean you won’t need to eat again for hours.
Fresh From The Boats
Being right on the coast means seafood is heavily featured on local menus. Most restaurants get their fish straight off the boats each morning – you can often spot the catches being unloaded at the harbor. If you see fresh haddock or cod on a menu, get it – odds are it was swimming that morning.
The local pubs deserve a mention too. Beyond just pouring drinks, they serve proper meals that go well with their beer selections. On stormy days, there’s nothing better than settling in with a hot plate of food and watching the weather roll in off the North Sea.
Seasonal Cooking
Most kitchens in Thurso use what’s available locally. In summer, that might mean fresh berries in desserts; in winter, hearty root vegetables and local game appear on menus. This isn’t just trendy farm-to-table talk—it’s how cooking has always worked here, where weather and seasons still dictate what’s available.
Morning Till Night
Breakfast options range from full Scottish fry-ups that’ll keep you going all day to lighter bites. For lunch, most places do soup and sandwiches alongside hot meals. Come dinner, you can go fancy at Bydand, spicy at Spice Tandoori, or keep it casual at one of the pubs.
Thurso‘s food is interesting because it mixes traditional Highland cooking with other influences. You can start your day with a proper Scottish breakfast, grab Sri Lankan food for lunch, and finish with Indian curry for dinner. For a small town in the far north of Scotland, that’s not bad at all.
The prices are generally fair for what you get – from budget-friendly cafes to higher-end spots for special occasions. Most places understand they’re feeding both locals and tourists, so they keep things reasonable while maintaining quality.
Whether you’re passing through on the NC500 or staying longer, Thurso‘s food options will keep you satisfied. Just remember to book ahead for dinner at the busier places, especially during tourist season, when tables can be scarce.
Where are your favourite spots to dine out in Thurso?
Let us know in the comments below!
