Explore Inverness: Five incredible Inverness restaurants and neighbourhood gems that locals love
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Inverness is packed full of quirky restaurants and unique cuisines that are notoriously adored by the community, so we have made a list of a few neighbourhood gems that many locals have tried and tested.
Whether you want pub food or fine dining, there are plenty of amazing restaurants in and around the city that are ready to tick all of your boxes.
If you'd prefer to immerse yourself in the picturesque countryside that absorbs Inverness, or you're looking for a walk that doesn't involve hiking a rugged mountain, then we have many outdoor suggestions for you.
Starting with Merkinch Local Nature Reserve that consists of tidal pools, marshes, reed beds and scrubland which is a haven for wildlife.
When venturing out to the nature reserve, you'll see the Highlands in all it's glory with roe deer, owls, weasels, herons, cormorants and various wading birds that are sure to be portering about.
Merkinch is the perfect spot for a peaceful afternoon after a busy day, with lots of benches dotted around the site to take some time out and have a seat with the surrounding wildlife.
Another city gem is The Tooth and Claw on Baron Taylor's Street.
The Tooth and Claw is home to one of Scotlands best small music venues in the heart of the Highlands and hosts a range of live events ranging from international rock music to emotive indie folk that is bound to pull at your heart strings.
This much loved Scottish venue received an expert consultancy in 2016 from Grammy Award winning music producer Steve Levine, leading to the venue soon becoming a local hot spot that is much loved by local artists and residents across Inverness.
For those with a sweet tooth or looking for a coffee hideaway, then XOKO Bakehouse and Coffee Bar, in Bridge Street, is the place for you.
This delightful café offers the best artisan sourdoughs, pastries, and cakes, in addition to a delicious menu for breakfast, brunch and lunch.
XOKO is about real comfort food made with the finest ingredients. The bakehouse and coffee bar features an open-plan seating arrangement with comfortable stools that allow customers to see the ingredients, love, and passion that goes into their products.
Customers are encouraged to take a seat at the Espresso Bar and wait in anticipation for the cinnamon rolls come out of the oven.
Another beloved city treasure is the River House restaurant, situated on the banks of the River Ness, at the foot of the Victorian built Greig Street suspension bridge.
The cosy seafood restaurant serves locally sourced cuisine, such as fresh oysters, crab, mussels, langoustine, clams, halibut, and bass... just to name a few.
All of the dishes are individually prepared and cooked to order over an open plan kitchen for you to enjoy whilst appreciating the fantastic river views and Inverness Castle.
Finally, Leakey's bookshop along Church Street, is perfect for all those book worms looking for something to do on a rainy day. However, this isn't like any old book shop, as Leakey's is packed head to toe in every genre of book ever thought of.
The exterior of the shop is deceiving to the eye, but as soon as you step inside you are exported into a maze of old, delicate books, allowing you to walk through a little slice of history.
Overall, it is fair to say that there is plenty of exquisite neighbourhood gems dotted around the quaint streets of Inverness, and these are just a few of the very best.
