NC500’s best restaurants revealed as tourists rank their favourite food places

EVERY year scores of visitors embark on the North Coast 500 – often dubbed Scotland’s Route 66.

The hugely popular road trip, spanning 500 miles, takes you around the north coast of the country, starting and ending at Inverness Castle.

Most tourists stop off along the way for a bite to eat and a drink as they take in the stunning views of the Scottish Highlands.

The huge distance means travellers are left with a lot of choices when it comes to dining.

The National has compiled a list of the best restaurants worth trying.

They ranked the eateries based on customer reviews.

Captain’s Galley Seafood Restaurant

This multi-award-winning eatery at The Harbour in Scrabster, Thurso, was hailed for its stunning setting and delicious seafood offering.

One happy customer gushed: “HIDDEN GEM! Delicious food, gorgeous setting. So glad we found the best restaurant in Thurso.

“Stumbled upon this place after a rainy day on the north coast, log fire was burning, seafood was absolutely delicious, had the seafood platter which was just divine!”

Another said: “This place was special. From the outside it seems like a real harbour restaurant with not much to offer. The moment you walk in you realise that this is not the case. The attention to detail in the main room is exceptional.”

McBains Restaurant by the River

Located on Bank Street, Inverness, this family-run venue serves cooked food to order using locally sourced ingredients, including lobster, scallops, halibut, seabass and Highland venison.

Foodies raved over the quality of the dishes and the good service.

One wrote: “Interesting selections for mains. Had the salmon – so tasty and cooked to perfection. Wish I had room for the sticky toffee pudding as I heard other diners rave about it. Would definitely visit again if I were back in Inverness.”

Another said: “The service was impeccable, our server was very friendly and ran us through the daily special with ease. We ordered the lunch two-course meal. I ordered steak and haggis pie while my wife ordered the sea bass, with prawns for a starter. The meal was simply fabulous.”

Bo & Muc (The Torridon Inn)

Bo & Muc Brasserie by Achnasheen, Wester Ross, is inspired by “seasonality and local treasures”.

Bosses say each ingredient is chosen to craft a mouthwatering menu and “weaves a tapestry of authentic Scottish flavours”.

One diner said: “This was our favourite meal and trumped the fine dining option as the staff were all relaxed – super friendly and gave exemplary service and the atmosphere had a happy buzz and we both had a view from the table.”

Another said: “Our visit here was enjoyable as the restaurant is relaxed with a friendly service. As well as the main menu there was a menu of special dishes. I selected a dish from the special menu and all food that was delivered to the table was well presented and had great flavour.”

The Loch Ness Inn

Situated in Drumnadrochit, this traditional inn offers the best of local Highland produce in a “relaxed and comfortable atmosphere”.

Its unique location near Urquhart Castle means it attracts hikers and cyclists, as well as couples and families wishing to relax and explore.

One review of the restaurant reads: “Sunday lunch was delicious, the beef was superb, cooked to perfection and melted in our mouths. We also thoroughly enjoyed the Loch Ness beer. Would certainly recommend this place for Sunday lunch.”

Another diner said: “Very good service and attention to tables. Restaurant was full and serving high quality food. We had the cous cous and crudities followed by the duck leg and cod (special). Wine was reasonably priced and the Loch Ness larger very drinkable.”

Lochinver Larder (Pies)

Famous for its delicious pies, homemade recipes and warm hospitality, Lochinver Larder on Main Street has attracted a loyal following over the last thirty years.

The pies have become so popular that they can now be sent anywhere in the UK Mainland.

One customer said: “The pastry was delicious and the meat was so full of flavour like no other steak pie I’ve tasted before. It was excellent. The meat was deliciously tender and lots of it inside the pie. We Thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Another wrote: “Well filled, delicious and wholesome. Eat in or to go. We ate in and pies came with a good side salad and coleslaw. Good coffee.”