Location: Kilmarnock
Top Restaurants in Kilmarnock
Kilmarnock Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Kilmarnock
Kilmarnock (Scottish Gaelic: Cille Mheàrnaig, "Meàrnag's church") is a large burgh in East Ayrshire, Scotland with a population of 46,350, making it the 15th most populated place in Scotland and the second largest town in Ayrshire. The River Irvine runs through its eastern section, and the Kilmarnock Water passes through it, giving rise to the name 'Bank Street'.
Things to do in Kilmarnock
1. Cochrane Inn
Overall Ratings
4 based on 471 reviews
A warm and friendly welcome awaits you at the Cochrane Inn. Located in the village of Gatehead, on the outskirts of Kilmarnock, this traditional country inn and family restaurant, has a distinctly contemporary, yet cosy ambience. Our menu has modern twist together with some family favourites and features the best of our fresh local produce. The perfect place to visit for a relaxing and delicious lunch or dinner or to stop off at when travelling through Ayrshire.
Reviewed By GerryGG - Brighton, United Kingdom
Ate here recently with my family and was not disappointed. Reserved a table for 7 pm which was just as well as the place was full. Chose the duck pate for a starter and it was delicious. Only grumble was the very small portion of bread accompanying the dish. The main fillet steak could have been cooked better as it was very dry but still tasty.
2. The Jefferson Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 416 reviews
Reviewed By Docken - Scotland
I was asked recently to organise a Scottish-themed meal and a whisky tasting for a group of visiting Scandinavians. I chose The Jefferson as the venue and I could not have made a better choice. Advance planning was made very easy by the restaurant's flexibility and willingness to assist. Claire and her staff could not have been more helpful and went out of their way to meet all my requests. Always with a smile. One of the waitresses even recited a Rabbie Burns poem to our guests.
The food was appropriate to the theme and beautifully presented. Service was great and the various courses were delicious.
I'll certainly use this restaurant again for a similar occasion.
Thanks Claire and your team.
3. The Craigie Inn
Overall Ratings
5 based on 131 reviews
The Craigie Inn is situated in the village of Craigie on the outskirts of Kilmarnock, only 30 minutes’ drive from Glasgow. Serving Contemporary modern classic food in a warm cosy environment. It is a short trip for anyone in the surrounding towns and villages. We have lovingly refurbished the restaurant and have created a modern yet cosy restaurant whilst keeping many of the traditional features. The result is perfect and the Craigie Inn is once again - back to life!
Reviewed By mferg87
Took my daughter here for afternoon lunch, food was brilliant and the owner was very accommodating. She spent the time to have a lovely conversation with my four year old daughter, making her experience there that much more enjoyable. Will definitely be back.
4. Cafe da Vinci
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 315 reviews
Reviewed By 694karens - Kilwinning, United Kingdom
Visited with work mates for Xmas lunch. Great food. Lovely Wine. Festive atmosphere. Fantastic service and fair price. Will be back?
5. The Canny Man
Overall Ratings
4 based on 361 reviews
Known for years as The Paraffin Lamp, this popular pub and restaurant has been extensively refurbished and relaunched as The Canny Man. Situated in Lugton, near Kilmarnock in Ayreshire, it is fast becoming a local favourite thanks to the welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. The interior is a seamless blend of old and new, complete with traditional stone walls, wooden furniture, and modern patterned wallpaper. Head Chef Scott Neilson has put together a classic British menu, with some continental influences, and this is complemented by daily specials. With tasty steaks, oven-baked pizzas and some excellent fish dishes on offer, you'll be spoilt for choice. For lazy lunches,coffee and cakes by the log fire,mid-week dinners and Sunday lunch with the family.
Reviewed By JohnofHalifax - Halifax, United Kingdom
Six of us, ranging in age from 3 months to 80 years, late Saturday lunchtime, this was our choice.
Friendly staff, warm welcome and a comfortable table gave us an initial good impression which improved as our stay went on.
Crispy and fresh fish & chips; chicken fillet; salmon salad and a steak with lots of veg and other bits.
Good choice of drinks, for the drivers and the drinkers, with Arran Blonde an especial favourite.
Puddings were excellent too: lemon tart and nutella sundaes; good hot Americano coffee too.
All considered, a great location out in the countryside, warm inside and good warming food. Thanks!
6. Dragon Royale
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 249 reviews
Reviewed By Brenda1331 - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Have been here several times and have never been disappointed, great food, excellent chef and the staff are attentive. Strongly advise booking as is very popular
7. The Wheatsheaf Inn
Overall Ratings
4 based on 251 reviews
Reviewed By Bill C - Kilmarnock, United Kingdom
4 of us went here on Saturday night 11th Nov 2017. Booked for 6-30pm. Arrived 6-25pm. and table all set and ready. Can honestly say that since last visit some time ago the place has improved. Excellent 3 course meal from a very good selection menu. Can recommend the tablet Sundae. Much better value when having a meal than, having a Sandwich. Less packed than last visit and did not feel hammed in. All in all , much improved and well worth a visit. We will be back.
8. Weston Tavern & Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 311 reviews
The Weston Tavern was originally the Kilmaurs manse, Today the historic old building has been transformed with great care and consideration into a beautiful classic country pub and restaurant, where you can be sure to find a friendly and enjoyable experience. In the bar Relax in the Weston's genuine rustic interior, with its dark stone floor and thick, warm walls, wood features, soft furnishings and a heart-warming wood-burning fire. Through in the restaurant the Weston's rustic theme continues, with cosy Seating and beautifully appointed tables offering a truly relaxing and enjoyable dining experience.
Reviewed By leighdalgleish - Glasgow, United Kingdom
First visit to this cracking restaurant, as ever reviewed Trip Advisor before booking for 2pm, arrived a little early but staff were ever so friendly. First impressions nice cosy welcoming well laid out decorated room. Menu is full of food we would normally go for so was well excited. Starters; Sharing platter with homemade nacho's is a must we all loved the Tempura prawns also, Mains; King Prawn Fajitas, Homemade fish n chips, Salmon with prawns, Cheesy Macaroni were all polished off with each person wanting more ( special mention to the stand in head chef) price was real reasonable & owner came out & had lengthy chat before we left really nice friendly staff also . We will definitely be back real soon. A real gem!!
9. Hayes Garden Land
Overall Ratings
4 based on 181 reviews
Situated within the Garden Centre this large Bakery Cafe presents delicious homemade food fast and efficiently. Worth reviewing. Hayes of Symington is a family firm that evolved from Hayes of Ambleside and the 8th generation is now very much involved. The Scottish "branch" started in May 1987 and although related to the Ambleside family it has no business or financial ties. The business ethic is to provide quality products at a constant fair price in pleasant surroundings and steady employment for approximately 40 local staff.
Reviewed By Amy B - Kilmarnock, United Kingdom
I visited here with a friend for a catch up and wow was I surprised. It was always a place I visited as a child with my grandparents but haven't been in a long time. We both had soup and a cake and it was...MoreBrilliant - a good start to 2018 - many thanks Kind regards Michael
10. Blowmore music and more
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Coffee and music shop
Reviewed By BrianWinner - Kilmarnock
This is another good wee coffee shop in the "Bank Street" Kilmarnock area.
And once again its a friendly, welcoming eating rendezvous full of scrumptious delights from breakfast to lunches to simply indulging yourself with delicious scones and cakes to die for.
You'll be spoiled for delightful choice!
