Location: Nairn
Top Restaurants in Nairn
Where to Eat in Nairn: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Thanks to its unique micro-climate, Nairn gets more hours of sunshine and less rainfall than other towns just a few miles away. Thankfully, this combination of abundant sun and no rain provide the perfect weather conditions for golf, as Nairn boasts two 18-hole championship courses. (And if you have time on your hands, there are 30 more courses within 60 miles.) Don't miss the town's jazz and film festivals, the latter of which was started by Nairn resident and actress Tilda Swinton (you'd know her if you saw her).
Things to do in Nairn
1. Boath House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 187 reviews
Using quality locally sourced ingredients, some of which are grown in our own Gardens, we provide a three or six course set menu. Michelin Star and 4 AA Rosettes. Dress code is casual smart and often ties are worn by staff only.
Reviewed By Enophil - Europe
As 'foodies' travelling on a 'budget' we tend to eat out a lunch time and restaurants like Boath House are a must. The setting is in a Boutique Hotel ('hidden' on the other side of the main road from Auldearn if you're using sat nav.) with an attractive garden that is worth a stroll. Decor is smart/traditional in the lounge and slightly more contemporary in the dining room. The day we visited it was 'quiet' and so there as a certain lack of ambience. The young staff were friendly and relaxed but relatively knowledgeable about both food and wine ( those who dislike the 'hauteur' of some 'fine dining' restaurant staff will enjoy this place). The food was excellent, of a standard to be expected in a 'starred' restaurant and staff provided the opportunity to sample their (by the glass) wines to find a good match for the different courses.
Certainly worth visiting !
2. Cawdor Tavern
Overall Ratings
4 based on 451 reviews
Traditional country pub and restaurant serving modern Scottish food with flair. Situated in the beautiful conservation village of Cawdor, close to the famous Cawdor Castle, Cawdor Tavern offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere to enjoy a simple bowl of home made soup or full three course meal all made from fresh local ingredients.
Reviewed By Georgie718 - Inverness, United Kingdom
The woodburning stove makes for a welcome sight on a cold January day. We had the Cullen Skink which was very disappointing.. a thin milky soup made up mostly from potatoes and not much smoked haddock.. at £6.50 per portion, not very good value
3. Bandstand Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 688 reviews
The Bandstand Restaurant is a charming restaurant overlooking Nairn beach. The glass fronted restaurant has stunning sea views. Dishes are freshly prepared from locally sourced produce. Lunch and dinner are served daily. Sunday Carvery lunch is very popular and booking is advised. Voted CAMRA Highland Pub of the Year 2014 and Highland Food & Drink Awards finalist 2014. The imaginative menu includes a wide choice of vegetarian and gluten free dishes. The Bandstand is famed for its excellent range of real ales (9 hand pumps) and for its whisky list which includes over 140 single malt whiskies.
Reviewed By Jason C - Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom
We took family (5 adults and 2 babies) for a sunday carvery, the staff were very helpful and the food was well priced and well worth it, as if thats not enough the view from the window seats we had were gorgeous...... Only downside was...MoreI'm delighted that you enjoyed our Sunday Carvery. We recently improved our offering for this menu, so I'm pleased to hear that it was seen as good value. Thank you for your comments.
4. The Classroom
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By ETAK1957 - Nairn, United Kingdom
Good food, friendly staff. Well presented food. Can feel a bit tightly packed when restaurant full as it is not a big area. For a family meal or an evening out The Classroom can meet your needs.Thanks for visiting the Classroom and taking the time to post an honest review. We're delighted you enjoy us and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.
5. The Havelock
Overall Ratings
4 based on 145 reviews
The Havelock restaurant décor with it's terracotta colour scheme and tiffany lighting has a warm and welcoming feel. The restaurant serves a la carte British dishes cooked to order using local seasonal produce. The addition of quality bar food - "Slider" burgers, Mexican fajitas and steak sizzle platters - means there is something to tempt all tastes and age groups.
Reviewed By SteDon7 - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
We were in Nairn for the night (prior to Inverness running festival) and ventured out to get some food and a drink or two before an early night. Nairn was pretty busy to do the beer festival. We came into the Havelock and were told...MoreI am utterly horrified by your account of your experience with a member of our staff at our premises. This is completely unacceptable customer service and will be treated with the utmost severity. I apologise wholeheartedly.
6. The Albert Inn
Overall Ratings
4 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By RobertS410 - Norwich, United Kingdom
A reasonable choice of what appears to be freshly prepared foods.
A good choice of reasonably priced and good quality steaks.
If you don't like wide screen TV's about and above your table, you might find a quiet corner difficult to secure? A fine evening out.
7. Basil Harbour Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 287 reviews
Reviewed By laurmurf - Grantown-on-Spey, United Kingdom
I’ve enjoyed many visits to the Basil and they’ve always been a delight. I do try to order something other than the Cullen Skink but that’s difficult as it’s truly the best I’ve ever had. Luckily I’ve tasted everyone else’s orders so can attest to the really high quality of their menu: breakfast rolls are delicious as is the baking!
We’ve sat outside and in and always had the warmest welcome for us and our (well-behaved) dog.
I will visit again and again!
8. Clubhouse & Orchid Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 128 reviews
Dine in our fresh, bright and contemporary Orchid restaurant at Clubhouse Hotel. Choose from a fantastic range of dishes, including daily specials prepared by our superb team of chefs. Relax after dinner in our soft Seating area with coffee and liqueur's. We advise booking in advance to avoid disappointment. Contact us on 01667 453321.
Reviewed By esjas12 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Food was well presented, tasty and of good quality. Prices slightly higher then expected (maybe £2 or £3 per main course over expected 'gastro-pub' prices. Service friendly and helpful
9. Nairn Tandoori
Overall Ratings
4 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By RobertS410 - Norwich, United Kingdom
Friendly, accommodating and a good varied menu.
Nice blend of heat and flavour, freshly prepared and good quality.
I backed to backed this and its neighbour on two consecutive nights.
The alternative provided something slightly more to my taste, slightly nicer decor and perhaps slightly better quality, at a very similar price.
10. The Aurora Hotel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
Reviewed By CannockSunSeeker - Cannock
On a visit to Nairn with family we decided to give this restaurant a try due to the good reviews. We were welcomed at the door of the restaurant by the proprietor and his team who showed us to our table in the conservatory which was light and airy. The menu is mainly Italian with pasta, pizza and steak options. Everyone enjoyed their meals and the service was very good. Beer was served from bottles and it would have been better if there had been a draft option such as Peroni, as this is an Italian restaurant. In conclusion this is one of the better restaurants in Nairn and I would have no hesitation in recommending it to others.
