Location: East Ayrshire
Top Restaurants in East Ayrshire
Top Things to do in East Ayrshire
Where to Eat in East Ayrshire: The Best Restaurants and Bars
East Ayrshire (Scots: Aest Ayrshire, Scottish Gaelic: Siorrachd Àir an Ear) is one of thirty-two council areas of Scotland. It shares borders with Dumfries and Galloway, East Renfrewshire, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire. The headquarters of the council are located on London Road, Kilmarnock. With South Ayrshire and the mainland areas of North Ayrshire, it formed the former county of Ayrshire.
Things to do in East Ayrshire
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. The Sorn Inn Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 192 reviews
Reviewed By eilidh1725 - Glasgow, United Kingdom
We were staying with friends in Ayrshire and they brought us here for dinner. It's a very welcoming restaurant - the waiter was personable and looked after us very well. It was busy but not too noisy and there was a great atmosphere. All of the food was top notch and we all enjoyed it very much. Next time we visit our friends, we'll definitely be suggesting we eat here again.
7. 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
8. The Coylton Arms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 254 reviews
Family run restaurant deep in the heart of burns country 5 miles from Ayr.
Reviewed By Val M - South Ayrshire, United Kingdom
We had the best Christmas meal tonight on Christmas Eve. Plenty of choice but chose the Turkey and all the trimmings.....it beat all other restaurants, I didn’t have to ask for anything, it was all there in the right quantity, cranberry sauce, Brussels sprouts, stuffing and every part of the meal was fantastic.
9. 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!!
10. Fenwick Hotel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 186 reviews
Boasting a boutique and individual atmosphere of an exclusive Ayrshire restaurant, guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in either the main restaurant or in the intimacy of our private chic booths.Start out your day with a filling and nutritious breakfast where our kitchen uses the freshest produce from Scotland’s larder and dine in our restaurant.Enjoy the freedom of culinary choice afforded by The Fenwick Hotel’s restaurant menu. Try an array of seasonal specials and an odyssey of tradition. Taste the blend of ingredients passionately united to offer a seamlessly classical but contemporary menu.
Reviewed By Eileen98 - Kilmarnock, United Kingdom
Popped in with family for a late morning coffee and ended up staying for a bar lunch. It was really good, just a 'toastie' but with salad and crisps and very generous filling. Best one I have tasted for ages! Staff very attentive and made us feel very comfortable in the bar, bringing menu, cutlery etc when we decided to eat there. Coffee was really good too with what tasted like home made shortbread. Definitely value for money.
