Where to Eat in Nairn: The Best Restaurants and Bars

March 20, 2018 Jana Sager

Thanks to its unique micro-climate, Nairn gets more hours of sunshine and less rainfall than other towns just a few miles away. Thankfully, this combination of abundant sun and no rain provide the perfect weather conditions for golf, as Nairn boasts two 18-hole championship courses. (And if you have time on your hands, there are 30 more courses within 60 miles.) Don't miss the town's jazz and film festivals, the latter of which was started by Nairn resident and actress Tilda Swinton (you'd know her if you saw her).
Things to do in Nairn

1. Boath House

Auldearn Nairn | Auldearn, Nairn IV12 5TE, Scotland Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Free Off-Street Parking, Wine and Beer, Accepts Visa, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards British, Scottish, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Drinks, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner HK$165 - HK$1,648 +44 1667 454896
Excellent
65%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 187 reviews

Boath House

Using quality locally sourced ingredients, some of which are grown in our own Gardens, we provide a three or six course set menu. Michelin Star and 4 AA Rosettes. Dress code is casual smart and often ties are worn by staff only.

Reviewed By Enophil - Europe

As 'foodies' travelling on a 'budget' we tend to eat out a lunch time and restaurants like Boath House are a must. The setting is in a Boutique Hotel ('hidden' on the other side of the main road from Auldearn if you're using sat nav.) with an attractive garden that is worth a stroll. Decor is smart/traditional in the lounge and slightly more contemporary in the dining room. The day we visited it was 'quiet' and so there as a certain lack of ambience. The young staff were friendly and relaxed but relatively knowledgeable about both food and wine ( those who dislike the 'hauteur' of some 'fine dining' restaurant staff will enjoy this place). The food was excellent, of a standard to be expected in a 'starred' restaurant and staff provided the opportunity to sample their (by the glass) wines to find a good match for the different courses.
Certainly worth visiting !

2. Cawdor Tavern

Cawdor, Nairn IV12 5XP, Scotland Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Bar, British, Pub, Scottish, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$86 - HK$243 +44 1667 404777
Excellent
48%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 451 reviews

Cawdor Tavern

Traditional country pub and restaurant serving modern Scottish food with flair. Situated in the beautiful conservation village of Cawdor, close to the famous Cawdor Castle, Cawdor Tavern offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere to enjoy a simple bowl of home made soup or full three course meal all made from fresh local ingredients.

Reviewed By Georgie718 - Inverness, United Kingdom

The woodburning stove makes for a welcome sight on a cold January day. We had the Cullen Skink which was very disappointing.. a thin milky soup made up mostly from potatoes and not much smoked haddock.. at £6.50 per portion, not very good value

3. Bandstand Restaurant

Crescent Road | Braeval Hotel, Nairn IV12 4NB, Scotland Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Television, Outdoor Seating, Accepts Credit Cards Bar, European, British, Scottish, Gastropub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Brunch HK$86 - HK$330 +44 1667 452341
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 688 reviews

Bandstand Restaurant

The Bandstand Restaurant is a charming restaurant overlooking Nairn beach. The glass fronted restaurant has stunning sea views. Dishes are freshly prepared from locally sourced produce. Lunch and dinner are served daily. Sunday Carvery lunch is very popular and booking is advised. Voted CAMRA Highland Pub of the Year 2014 and Highland Food & Drink Awards finalist 2014. The imaginative menu includes a wide choice of vegetarian and gluten free dishes. The Bandstand is famed for its excellent range of real ales (9 hand pumps) and for its whisky list which includes over 140 single malt whiskies.

Reviewed By Jason C - Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

We took family (5 adults and 2 babies) for a sunday carvery, the staff were very helpful and the food was well priced and well worth it, as if thats not enough the view from the window seats we had were gorgeous...... Only downside was...MoreI'm delighted that you enjoyed our Sunday Carvery. We recently improved our offering for this menu, so I'm pleased to hear that it was seen as good value. Thank you for your comments.

4. The Classroom

1 Cawdor Street, Nairn IV12 4QD, Scotland Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi European, British, Scottish, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +44 1667 455999
Excellent
63%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

The Classroom

Reviewed By ETAK1957 - Nairn, United Kingdom

Good food, friendly staff. Well presented food. Can feel a bit tightly packed when restaurant full as it is not a big area. For a family meal or an evening out The Classroom can meet your needs.Thanks for visiting the Classroom and taking the time to post an honest review. We're delighted you enjoy us and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.

5. The Havelock

Crescent Road, Nairn IV12 4NB, Scotland Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Television, Accepts Credit Cards Bar, British, Pub, Scottish, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner HK$86 - HK$220 +44 1667 455500
Excellent
47%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 145 reviews

The Havelock

The Havelock restaurant décor with it's terracotta colour scheme and tiffany lighting has a warm and welcoming feel. The restaurant serves a la carte British dishes cooked to order using local seasonal produce. The addition of quality bar food - "Slider" burgers, Mexican fajitas and steak sizzle platters - means there is something to tempt all tastes and age groups.

Reviewed By SteDon7 - Aberdeen, United Kingdom

We were in Nairn for the night (prior to Inverness running festival) and ventured out to get some food and a drink or two before an early night. Nairn was pretty busy to do the beer festival. We came into the Havelock and were told...MoreI am utterly horrified by your account of your experience with a member of our staff at our premises. This is completely unacceptable customer service and will be treated with the utmost severity. I apologise wholeheartedly.

6. The Albert Inn

Albert Street, Nairn IV12 4HP, Scotland Reservations, Seating, Television, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible Bar, British, Pub, Scottish, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner +44 1667 454474
Excellent
38%
Good
48%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 62 reviews

The Albert Inn

Reviewed By RobertS410 - Norwich, United Kingdom

A reasonable choice of what appears to be freshly prepared foods.
A good choice of reasonably priced and good quality steaks.
If you don't like wide screen TV's about and above your table, you might find a quiet corner difficult to secure? A fine evening out.

7. Basil Harbour Cafe

Harbour Street, Nairn, Scotland Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible Cafe, British, Scottish, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Late Night 01667-45-47-74
Excellent
65%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 287 reviews

Basil Harbour Cafe

Reviewed By laurmurf - Grantown-on-Spey, United Kingdom

I’ve enjoyed many visits to the Basil and they’ve always been a delight. I do try to order something other than the Cullen Skink but that’s difficult as it’s truly the best I’ve ever had. Luckily I’ve tasted everyone else’s orders so can attest to the really high quality of their menu: breakfast rolls are delicious as is the baking!
We’ve sat outside and in and always had the warmest welcome for us and our (well-behaved) dog.
I will visit again and again!

8. Clubhouse & Orchid Restaurant

45 Seabank Road, Nairn IV12 4EY, Scotland Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar British, International, Scottish, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Drinks, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner HK$94 - HK$220 +44 1667 453321
Excellent
54%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
5%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 128 reviews

Clubhouse & Orchid Restaurant

Dine in our fresh, bright and contemporary Orchid restaurant at Clubhouse Hotel. Choose from a fantastic range of dishes, including daily specials prepared by our superb team of chefs. Relax after dinner in our soft Seating area with coffee and liqueur's. We advise booking in advance to avoid disappointment. Contact us on 01667 453321.

Reviewed By esjas12 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Food was well presented, tasty and of good quality. Prices slightly higher then expected (maybe £2 or £3 per main course over expected 'gastro-pub' prices. Service friendly and helpful

9. Nairn Tandoori

61 High Street, Nairn IV12 4BW, Scotland Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Indian, Asian, Balti, Vegetarian Friendly, Halal Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +44 1667 456293
Excellent
52%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
4%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 154 reviews

Nairn Tandoori

Reviewed By RobertS410 - Norwich, United Kingdom

Friendly, accommodating and a good varied menu.
Nice blend of heat and flavour, freshly prepared and good quality.
I backed to backed this and its neighbour on two consecutive nights.
The alternative provided something slightly more to my taste, slightly nicer decor and perhaps slightly better quality, at a very similar price.

10. The Aurora Hotel

2 Academy Street, Nairn IV12 4RJ, Scotland Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wheelchair Accessible Italian, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Lunch +44 1667 453551
Excellent
52%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 101 reviews

The Aurora Hotel

Reviewed By CannockSunSeeker - Cannock

On a visit to Nairn with family we decided to give this restaurant a try due to the good reviews. We were welcomed at the door of the restaurant by the proprietor and his team who showed us to our table in the conservatory which was light and airy. The menu is mainly Italian with pasta, pizza and steak options. Everyone enjoyed their meals and the service was very good. Beer was served from bottles and it would have been better if there had been a draft option such as Peroni, as this is an Italian restaurant. In conclusion this is one of the better restaurants in Nairn and I would have no hesitation in recommending it to others.

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