We know that many of our guests like to hang up the kitchen tools while on holiday – which offers an excellent opportunity to discover new places to eat. Luckily there are options galore in Aviemore and the surrounding area, whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner à deux, dog-friendly dining, a restaurant you can relax in with the whole family or a takeaway. Our handpicked collection of restaurants covers a range of budgets and menus, and they’re all regularly enjoyed by locals – the sure sign of a good feed.
You don’t get much more special than the Old Bridge Inn. Go early and enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail in the fairy-light studded, wood-panelled bar, then settle into the intimate dining space for a top-quality meal. The menu changes regularly but always features local ingredients and a flair for combining textures and flavours. The Sunday lunch is a winner too.
Run by a local chef, Anderson’s has been one of the top-rated restaurants in the area for many years, and deservedly so. As you part the thick velvet curtain at the doorway, you enter a relaxed, bustling room with an open kitchen at one end. The menu often features Alpine classics such as tartiflette (a nod to the nearby ski slopes), as well as a mix of dishes inspired by fresh Scottish ingredients.
You’ll find The Rowan Tree Restaurant in a country hotel off the B9152, a few miles outside Aviemore. On offer is an upmarket dining experience with a focus on seasonal produce. The Chateaubriand for two is well worth the wait, giving you more time to enjoy starters or an aperitif. You’re guaranteed a warm welcome here from the excellent staff.
A quintessential village pub, the Cairn has an excellent food offering for lunch and dinner alongside its impressive drinks selection. Dogs are made very welcome in the bar area, where you can eat from the full menu. Expect pub classics such as fish and chips and sticky toffee pudding, alongside more adventurous fare.
“The Winky” is a favourite with visitors and locals alike, thanks to its friendly, buzzy atmosphere and regular live music. The Bothy Bar downstairs is dog-friendly (your pup will enjoy warming up beside the wood-burning stove) and offers a bar menu for evening meals. Well-behaved dogs are also welcome in the restaurant upstairs. If you’re looking for a hearty meal in an après-ski style environment, this is a great choice.
Whether you arrive by steam train, car or on foot, you’ll find The Boat Restaurant a welcoming spot for a drink and a meal. Sit outside to enjoy views over the Cairngorms, or get comfortable in the dog-friendly restaurant. The menu is centred around a grill, but there are plenty of alternatives too, including Thai curry, salads and haggis, neeps and tatties.
You can’t go wrong with pizza, and thanks to Cheese and Tomatin’s wood-fired oven, you never have to wait long for your meal here – perfect for hungry little bellies! The rustic surroundings create a relaxed atmosphere, and there’s a balcony for summer evening dining. If you have older kids, this place is open later than many other local restaurants, so it’s a good spot for a late bite if you’ve had an action-packed day.
Famous for its generous portions and hearty Scottish fare, the Cairngorm Hotel is an Aviemore institution. Kids can choose from a set menu, which includes a free ice cream for pudding, or from the extensive selection of mini main courses that come at a reduced price. Full bellies guaranteed.
Families have been enjoying Italian meals at La Taverna for decades, and little wonder – it’s one of the most welcoming places you can take children to eat. There’s a huge car park right outside so access is easy even for the tiniest legs, and it’s the ideal place for large groups.
This isn’t your typical food truck. Tucked away in the forest at the entrance to Dalraddy Holiday Park, Alvie Forest Food is run by a chef whose experience and passion are evident in the variety of dishes and the expertly blended flavours. You can eat at the benches sprinkled around the truck or take your haul home to enjoy in your lodge.
Don’t be misled by the name: Cairngorm Kebab House is a takeaway Indian restaurant with a great selection of curry, pilau and tandoori dishes. It’s in unassuming premises at the back of a convenience store in a residential part of Aviemore, but it’s a real favourite with locals. You’ll need to get your order in quickly when the phones open at 4pm to avoid disappointment. Thursday to Sunday only.
Po Pia is a Thai restaurant with both takeaway and eat-in menus, run by chef Bot and his partner Callie. Bot grew up in Thailand and works his magic in the kitchen, serving up delicious, authentic Thai cuisine cooked fresh to order using the finest local ingredients.