Treat your tastebuds to the finest, freshest local produce.
Restaurants and Bistros
Caithness and Sutherland offer a delicious range of restaurants and bistros, perfect for visitors looking to enjoy the flavours of the North Highlands. From cosy hotel bistros to stylish coastal restaurants, the region serves up everything from traditional Scottish fare to modern cuisine with a local twist.
Many venues pride themselves on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients from Highland beef, wild venison, fresh seafood, and seasonal vegetables. Whether you’re after fine dining with sea views, a relaxed meal by a log fire, or a casual lunch stop during your travels, there’s something to suit every taste and occasion.
Friendly service and a true pride in providing locally sourced and traceable produce makes dining out in the North Highlands a truly memorable experience. Wherever you choose to eat, you’ll find warm hospitality and flavours that reflect the land, sea, and spirit of Caithness and Sutherland.
Dornoch Station Hotel, image by Alistair Ferrier
Bars and pubs
What better way is there to really enjoy our Highland Hospitality than in our vibrant and welcoming bars and pubs. Whether you’re after a quiet pint by the fire, live traditional music, or a lively evening with locals just enjoying the craic, you’ll be guaranteed a warm Highland welcome and a true taste of local life.
Many pubs serve locally brewed beers, Highland whiskies, gins, and even some carefully crafted cocktails, often alongside hearty meals made with regional produce. Prepare to be drawn into some friendly conversation or even catch a local band enjoying a session in the corner. Our bars and pubs are the perfect to unwind after a busy day of exploring, take in the atmosphere, and enjoy a real taste of the far north.
Distilleries and Breweries
What’s your tipple? In Caithness and Sutherland, you’ll find a vibrant selection of distilleries and breweries, each with its own unique story. From whisky, gin, rum, and vodka to craft beers, ciders, and even options for the designated driver, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
A visit to a local distillery or brewery offers more than just a tasting. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how each drink is made, learn the story behind the label, and often have the chance to try before you buy.
Whether you’re curious about how local ingredients shape every drop, interested in the region’s history of illicit distilling during the Highland Clearances , or simply looking to savour some exceptional local flavours, you’re sure to find a dram, or a brew, that suits your palate.
Cafes and Tearooms
Whether you’re in a bustling town or exploring a quiet corner of the countryside, you’re never far from a cosy and welcoming café or tearoom in Caithness and Sutherland.
From artisan coffees and freshly baked cakes to hearty savouries and light lunches, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Independent cafés serve up local favourites with a friendly smile, while tearooms tucked inside visitor centres, museums, and even historic castles offer the perfect place to relax and refuel.
No matter where your adventures take you, a cosy spot for tea and cake is always close by, ready to warm you up and give you a true taste of our Highland home-baked goods.
Takeaways
Sometimes, after a long day of exploring, there’s nothing better than enjoying a hearty takeaway in the comfort of your own space, and in the North Highlands, you’re spoilt for choice.
From award-winning fish and chips to flavour-packed international dishes, there’s something to suit every palate. And it’s not just about dinner, many local cafés and restaurants offer tasty takeaway options for lunch too, perfect for a beach picnic or a quick bite on the go.
Craving something more filling? Try one of the region’s many mobile food vans, serving everything from stone-baked pizzas to freshly landed seafood.
So, what are you hungry for?
Food and Drink Experiences
Food and drink experiences in Caithness and Sutherland offer visitors a way to connect their senses with the North Highlands. From whisky tastings and brewery tours to locally specially developed tasting menus, there’s something for everyone’s taste.
Fancy getting hands on? Try a chocolate making workshop and handcraft your own sweet treats or bring your wellies and join a farm tour to find out exactly where your ingredients have come from.
Whether you’re learning the story behind your favourite Highland gin, foraging in woodlands, or just enjoying a traditional afternoon tea, every experience offers the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the connections between our food and drink to our people, heritage and land. You’ll soon come to realise that in Caithness and Sutherland, our food and drink isn’t just enjoyed, it’s celebrated.
Glenmorangie House
Across Caithness and Sutherland you’ll find a mix of traditional Scottish dishes, fresh seafood, game and modern cuisine.
Many restaurants and cafes serve up locally landed fish, farm-raised beef, lamb and game, home-grown vegetables, and tempting sweet treats.
Arrive hungry and treat yourself!
Yes, many restaurants offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten free dishes, and will be happy to help you find something appropriate. If you have specific additional requirements we recommend calling venues ahead of your visit.
Scotland is the home of single malt whisky and you can find many whisky distilleries in Caithness and Sutherland. Also look out for breweries for beer and cider, and distilleries producing vodka, rum, liqueurs and gin using local botanical ingredients.
It’s wise to book ahead to avoid disappointment, especially for fine dining or smaller eateries, and during the peak travel season.
Yes! From chocolate-making workshops, whisky tastings, brewery tours, cocktail masterclasses farm to fork tours and foraging experiences – you’ll find something for every appetite.
Booking your food and drink tour ahead of time guarantees availability, allows time to plan other activities in your itinerary, and ensures you don’t miss out on the experiences that interest you most.