Scottish restaurants and cafes with best views as you dine

Here, we share some of our favourite cafes and restaurants around Scotland that promise a feast for both the eyes and stomach.

Cafe@Canada Wood, Falkirk

Nestled in the hills above Falkirk, the Cafe@Canada Wood has an outside terrace with views over the surrounding fields where you can often see deer grazing and buzzards soaring overhead.

This pretty spot, as the name suggests, is on the Canada Wood and Falkirk Wheel Circular, close to walking, cycling and running trails. The cafe is dog-friendly, with a board on the wall inside displaying cute photographs of past four-legged visitors.

Breakfast choices include pancakes, French toast, croissants and eggs Benedict. The lunch menu features macaroni cheese, steak pie, wild mushroom risotto, burgers, fish finger sandwiches and flavoursome salads.

Visit cafeatcanadawood.com and follow on Instagram @cafecanadawood

The Silver Darling, Aberdeen (Image: unknown)

The Silver Darling, Aberdeen

Situated at the mouth of Aberdeen Harbour, this sumptuous eatery is well-worth a visit thanks to its rich history and mesmerising sea views.

Not only does The Silver Darling have a top-class menu with seafood platters, steaks and delectable sweets, you can gaze out the windows at ships sailing past and maybe even catch a glimpse of dolphins or seals bobbing in the bay.

The harbour itself dates back almost 900 years, established by King David I of Scotland in 1136. On the other side of the restaurant is the fishing village of Footdee - or “Fittie” as it is known to Aberdonians - designed in the 19th-century by Balmoral Castle architect John Smith.

Visit thesilverdarling.co.uk

The Boatshed Cafe, Loch Goil, Argyll

This picturesque gem has proved a big hit on social media thanks to its hugely photogenic decor and tranquil loch views.

The coffee shop has a covered outside deck seating area right on the water’s edge. Rustic wooden furniture, a smattering of birdfeeders and artfully strung festoon lights all add to the charming ambience. Another big tick is that The Boatshed is dog-friendly.

As for the food? Tuck into a slab of cake with tea or coffee. There are soups, wraps and paninis. Oh, and puppuccinos for well-behaved pooches. 

Follow on Instagram and TikTok @theboatshedlochgoil

The Beach House Cafe, Portobello, Edinburgh

Ask regulars what draws them back to the Beach House Cafe, some will mention the freshly baked bread, others the homemade gelatos, ice creams and sorbets. Then there are those who simply love being able to pull up a pew and sip coffee while people-watching on Portobello Promenade.

Pick from a soup or quiche of the day, as well as a list of mouth-watering specials such as Porty Smash (portobello mushroom, avocado, pine nuts, thyme and garlic aioli on toasted sourdough and Beach House Bruschetta (organic plum tomatoes, basil, red onion, balsamic vinegar and mozzarella).

The views are picture-postcard: golden sands, crashing waves and the Fife coastline visible across the Firth of Forth.

Visit thebeachhousecafe.co.uk and follow on Instagram @the_beachhouse_cafe

Corrour Station House Restaurant (Image: unknown)

Corrour Station House Restaurant, Rannoch Moor

Billed as “the UK’s remotest restaurant”, it is only accessible by train or a 20-mile walk. Part of the West Highland Line, the station itself sits at 1,339 feet (408 metres), making it the highest in the UK.

And the wow factor doesn’t end there. The rugged wilderness that surrounds it is breathtakingly beautiful, with lochans that sparkle in the sunshine. Located at the end of Rannoch Moor, a tapestry of grasses, mosses and wildflowers can be seen during the summer months.

Corrour Station House Restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, with a roaring fire and comfy couches. Soups, toasties, casseroles, curries and charcuterie boards are all on the menu. Not to forget delicious home baking. Liquid refreshments include tea and coffee, hot chocolate, beer and wine.

Visit corrour.co.uk/station-house/restaurant

Hideaway Cafe, Beecraigs Country Park, West Lothian

A perfect pit stop to refuel after exploring the scenic trails through Beecraigs Country Park, an area popular for walking, mountain-biking and orienteering.

The Hideaway Cafe has indoor seating but if you prefer to dine al fresco, there are picnic tables beside the visitor centre. Soak up impressive views across a colourful patchwork of farmland stretching towards the Firth of Forth. On a clear day, you can see across the water to Fife.

The menu includes soups, sandwiches, homemade cakes and regular specials, such as pasta dishes and burgers. There are also slushies and ice cream, ideal for hot summer days.

Visit facebook.com/beecraigs

The Oyster Shed (Image: unknown)

The Oyster Shed, Carbost, Skye

Kick back with freshly shucked oysters accompanied by views over Loch Harport and the rugged outline of the Cuillins in the distance. This laidback farm shop sells almost every kind of seafood imaginable, including half lobster, dressed crab and Cajun hot smoked salmon served chippy-style.

The Oyster Shed is dog-friendly. You can BYOB (bring your own bottle) which is handy as it is just up the hill from Talisker, Skye’s oldest working distillery, renowned for its single malt Scotch whisky. 

You can also stock up on culinary treats for a future picnic in another Skye beauty spot of your choice. We can recommend heading a bit further north to Claigan Coral Beach near Dunvegan.

Visit theoysterman.co.uk

Drift restaurant (Image: unknown)

Drift, near North Berwick, East Lothian

Five years ago, owners Stuart and Jo McNicol upcycled a clutch of shipping containers, transforming them into a quirky cafe serving coffee and cake, as part of their farm diversification plans.

The venue has since grown to offer a bistro-style brunch and lunch menu, centred around seasonal Scottish produce. Drift has both sit-in and takeaway menus, the latter available from a converted horse trailer with outdoor picnic tables, which is also a fun, dog-friendly space.

The views aren’t to be scoffed at either: how does miles of uninterrupted coastline looking out over the Bass Rock sound?

Visit driftalong.co.uk and follow on Instagram @drifteatdrinkrelax

Tea House On The Loch, Gartcosh, Lanarkshire

If you are craving afternoon tea with a cracking view, then look no further. Located on the shore of Johnston Loch, this cabin-style cafe is cosy and welcoming with a great selection of sweet and savoury delights.

The sandwich fillings for afternoon tea are a joy in themselves. Among the mouth-watering choices are smoked salmon and cream cheese; chicken with jalapenos and mature cheddar; as well as vegan cheese with spicy plum chutney and red onion; chicken mayonnaise with avocado and vine tomatoes.

The breakfast menu features hearty fry-ups, rolls and wraps, while lunchtime options include soup with toasted sourdough bread, salads, bagels, toasties and paninis. Tea House On The Loch is another excellent dog-friendly spot. Advance booking is advised.

Follow on Instagram @teahouseontheloch or visit on Facebook

Applecross Inn, Wester Ross

There is always a sense of arrival as you reach the Applecross Inn after traversing the mighty Bealach na Ba. Even better is the prospect of the superb Scottish fare that awaits.

A food and drink provenance map on the website shows where the fresh ingredients are sourced from. Among the signature dishes are Applecross Bay prawns/langoustines in hot garlic butter. Be sure to check out the Applecross Brewing Company’s pale, red and dark ales too.

There is also the Applecross Inn-Side Out, a retro-style takeaway food truck rustling up fish and chips, locally made sausage rolls or prawn and crab salads. As for the views? They don’t come much better than being able to look out across the Inner Sound towards Raasay and Skye.

Visit applecrossinn.co.uk