Restaurants in Dundee

Castlehill Restaurant sets the tone. A two-minute walk from St. Paul’s Cathedral, the menu here is sophisticated and makes the most of what Dundee’s local fishmongers, grocers and butchers have to offer. The menu is inspired by Scotland, so expect to feast on Shetland scallops, Scottish lamb and salt-baked cauliflower. Dinner is available every night and lunch is served on Friday and Saturday. They also offer a jaw-droppingly delicious tasting menu that lets you sample the best of Castlehill, paired with some exceptional wines.

For a taste of the Mediterranean, head to Sol y Sombra Tapas Bar on Gray Street, a four-minute walk from Broughty Ferry train station. An award-winning joint, it’s hard to get a table here, thanks to the unique decor and delicious menu earning it plenty of hungry fans. The walls, tables and tiles are all colourful and decorated to encapsulate the vibe of an authentic Spanish tapas restaurant. When it comes to the food, be prepared to be surprised. There’s no menu here – instead, the waiters ask a few simple questions then bring dishes tailored to the likes and dislikes of your table. It sounds risky, but it isn’t – everything is seriously yummy. After all, there is a reason why it’s voted the best restaurant in Dundee on TripAdvisor.

For fresh Italian fare, head to Bellini. A short walk from the McManus Art Gallery, the modern decor and family-run ethos of this independent restaurant makes it perfect for both a romantic meal or a big family gathering. All the food is made to order and the menu includes everything you would expect from an Italian Ristorante. The bread is especially good here, with lots of choice. The restaurant is intimate and gets busy during the weekend, so make sure you book in advance.

Moving to another continent, Bombay Joe’s is where you want to go if you like your food hot. Winner of a Scottish Curry Award in 2018, it was opened in 1999 and has been popular ever since. The food is traditional Indian with dishes like bhuna, vindaloo, rogan josh and pathia on the menu. Thanks to its fantastic location, this is a great place to start your night before hitting some of the lovely local bars in Broughty Ferry.

Just a few minutes’ walk away from Bombay Joe’s is Collinsons Restaurant, an eatery for lovers of contemporary decor. Providing a quality dining experience, using the freshest local produce, this is the perfect setting for a romantic date night. The dishes change in line with the season, so there is always something new to try here. What you can expect all year round, however, is the finest ingredients and the most exquisite of settings.

The first dim sum restaurant to ever grace Dundee, the Manchurian is a family-run establishment that serves a selection of modern and traditional Chinese dishes. As it’s what it’s known for, you should absolutely order the dim sum here. It comes in all kinds of flavours and styles, with the five-spiced stewed beef belly being well worth a try. It doesn’t look much from the outside, but the Manchurian more than makes up for it in taste. An eight-minute walk from HMS Unicorn, this place is perfectly positioned for a quick bite to eat before a night out in Dundee.

Another culinary haven in Broughty Ferry, The Ship Inn and Waterfront is set in a stunning waterfront location. With a maritime theme, the restaurant is designed to emulate a boat deck influenced by the decor on the RRS Discovery. Offering a menu made up almost entirely of locally sourced produce, it changes every two weeks to suit what’s in season. As it only seats 36 diners, it can get full quickly, but the team are flexible and will accommodate large groups where they can.