The five restaurants in Scotland named among best in UK at national awards

A TOTAL of five Scottish restaurants have been named among the best in the UK at a prestigious awards ceremony.

The top 100 eateries were announced at the 2024 National Restaurant Awards on Monday evening at the glitzy awards bash.

The awards were launched in 2007 to celebrate the brilliance and vibrancy of the UK’s eating out scene.

Each year, the top 100 is voted on by the academy of chefs, restaurateurs and food writers – as well as present a series of special awards, culminating in the unveiling of the National Restaurant of the Year.

Five Scottish businesses received enough recognition for them to earn a spot in the best places to eat in the UK.

Glenturret Lalique in Crieff, Lyla in Edinburgh, Inver near Loch Fyne, The Little Chartroom in the capital and The Palmerston also in Edinburgh made the prestigious list.

Glenturret Lalique, Crieff

The highest placing Scottish restaurant is The Glenturret Lalique in Crieff, Perthshire, was listed at number 11.

The fine-dining restaurant has been dubbed “like no other” and is housed within The Glenturret whiskey distillery, which has been in operation since 1763.

The eatery was given two Michelin stars earlier this year – joining Andrew Fairlie’s restaurant at Gleneagles Hotel.

The luxurious seven-table restaurant is headed by Scottish chef Mark Donald, who joined in 2021.

Lyla, Edinburgh

Opened in 2023, Lyla in the capital’s Royal Terrace has been named 28th on the list.

The 10-table restaurant is not a fish restaurant but is fish-focused, with the majority of the courses on its tasting menu seafood based.

Stuart Ralston’s flagship restaurant is located in the former venue for the late Paul Kitching’s influential 21212.

Inver, Strachur

At 42 is characterful restaurant Inver, which sits on the shores of Loch Fyne.

Located in a former crofter’s cottage and boat store, Inver is “an emphatic celebration of Scotland’s larder that displays great reverence to the provenance and quality of its local ingredients.”

Chef Pamela Brunton took over the running of the Inver with her husband Rob in the spring of 2015, and with their friends and family have built the sort of place they like to spend time.

The cosy lounge-bar provides the setting for a pre-dinner craft ale or glass of natural wine and gives way to a vintage-style dining room that overlooks the Loch.

The Little Chartroom, Edinburgh

The Little Chartroom in Edinburgh’s Bonnington Road has been placed at number 45.

The business started life as a cosy little bistro but in 2021 moved to larger premises to be a “more grown-up destination”.

It offers up a simple, seasonal menu of British-style dishes with a French accent.

The Palmerston, Edinburgh

The vibrant new restaurant and bakery on Palmerston Place has been named number 94.

Housed in a former Royal Bank of Scotland 19th-century building, the venue has become an instant hit with the locals.

The menu changes daily, European style, so that the restaurant continues to offer something new for its regulars.

And a three-course set lunch menu comes in at under £25, with an a la carte on offer that won’t break the bank either.