The Waterside Restaurant, Inverness Travel Guide

Name: The Waterside Restaurant
Address: 7-19 Ness Bank, Inverness, IV2 4SG, GB
Telephone: +441463234308
Price range: 3
Rating: 4

4 (591)

Sustainable Highland dining on the River Ness, where seasonal Scottish ingredients meet craft beverages.

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The Waterside Restaurant

Situated on the banks of the River Ness in Inverness, The Waterside Restaurant is a four-star dining establishment renowned for its commitment to sustainability and locally sourced Scottish cuisine. The restaurant showcases seasonal menus featuring Highland ingredients, from fresh seafood to braised beef, complemented by craft beverages from the adjacent Uile-bheist Distillery and Brewery. With riverside views, a welcoming atmosphere, and a dedication to ethical food practices, it offers a distinctive culinary experience that celebrates both taste and environmental responsibility.

A brief summary to The Waterside Restaurant

7-19 Ness Bank, Inverness, IV2 4SG, GB
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Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
Mid ranged
Mixed
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Monday 12 pm-2:30 pm
Tuesday 12 pm-2:30 pm
Wednesday 12 pm-2:30 pm
Thursday 12 pm-2:30 pm
Friday 12 pm-2:30 pm
Saturday 12 pm-2:30 pm
Sunday 12 pm-2:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Waterside Restaurant.

Book in advance, especially for dinner service and weekends, as the restaurant maintains a strong reputation and operates with limited seating.
Visit during lunch hours (12:00–14:30) for a more relaxed atmosphere and shorter wait times if you prefer not to dine in the evening.
Pair your meal with a craft spirit or beer from the adjacent Uile-bheist Distillery and Brewery for a uniquely integrated Highland experience.
If staying at the Glen Mhor Hotel, take advantage of the restaurant's convenient location and consider the pre-theatre menu for excellent value.
Request a table with river views when booking to maximize the scenic riverside setting during your visit.

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Explore The Waterside Restaurant on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The Waterside Restaurant, mapped for you.

Getting There

By Car

From Inverness city centre, drive to Ness Bank on the east side of the River Ness. The restaurant is located at 7-19 Ness Bank, approximately 10–15 minutes from the city centre depending on traffic. Free parking is available on-site. Postcode IV2 4SG can be entered into GPS navigation systems for precise directions.
By Taxi or Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services operate throughout Inverness and can reach the restaurant in 10–15 minutes from the city centre. The venue's address (7-19 Ness Bank, IV2 4SG) is well-known to local drivers. Typical fares from central Inverness range from £8–15 depending on exact starting point.
By Public Transport

Inverness has a local bus network operated by Stagecoach. Several routes serve the Ness Bank area; journey times from the city centre are typically 15–25 minutes depending on the route. Single fares cost around £2–3. Check local timetables for service frequency, as some routes operate less frequently in evenings and on Sundays.
On Foot

From Inverness city centre, the restaurant is accessible via a pleasant riverside walk of approximately 20–25 minutes. Follow the River Ness northward along the Ness Bank pathway; the route is flat, well-maintained, and offers scenic views. This option is ideal for those staying centrally and seeking a leisurely approach to dinner.

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Discover more about The Waterside Restaurant

A Riverside Haven for Sustainable Dining

Perched on the tranquil banks of the River Ness, The Waterside Restaurant stands as a beacon of sustainable gastronomy in the heart of Inverness. Opened in 2018 by Jon and Victoria, the restaurant was built on a foundation of environmental consciousness and culinary excellence. The light, welcoming dining space overlooks the river, creating an atmosphere that feels both elegant and unpretentious. The venue's commitment to ethical practices extends from composting and recycling programs to the use of renewable energy sources, making it a destination for diners who value responsibility alongside exceptional food.

Seasonal Scottish Ingredients and Thoughtful Menus

The menu at The Waterside Restaurant changes with the seasons, ensuring that every dish reflects the natural rhythms of the Scottish Highlands. Starters showcase the region's bounty—Shetland mussels with citrus beurre blanc, Highland mozzarella with rocket pesto, and Scotch eggs with dark stout peppercorn sauce. Main courses celebrate local proteins and produce: confit lamb with heritage carrot textures and potato gratin, beer-battered fish and chips made with Uile-bheist beer, and a 12-hour Highland braised beef with peppercorn sauce. The fillet of salmon arrives with samphire, peas, and caviar, while vegetarian options include a bean and barley burger and a harissa-spiced falafel bowl. Desserts such as sticky toffee pudding with dark stout syrup and chocolate and orange torte with candied orange provide indulgent finishes to the meal.

Breakfast and Lunch Offerings

Morning diners can enjoy a full Scottish breakfast complete with haggis, alongside lighter options such as locally sourced smoked salmon with scrambled eggs and traditional Scottish porridge. Lunch service, available Monday through Saturday from noon, features dishes like haggis with neeps and tatties in whisky cream sauce, sweet potato massaman curry with sticky rice, and cullen skink made from Peter Head smoked salmon. These daytime menus maintain the same commitment to local sourcing and seasonal freshness that defines the dinner experience.

Craft Beverages and Unique Pairings

The restaurant's proximity to the Uile-bheist Distillery and Brewery creates an exceptional opportunity for guests to pair meals with handcrafted spirits and beers. The drinks menu features cocktails such as the Uile Old Fashioned and Fairy Pool, alongside Inverness draught beers, ciders, and a curated wine selection. The integration of the brewery and distillery into the dining experience ensures that every beverage complements the Highland-focused cuisine, creating a cohesive and memorable culinary journey.

Atmosphere and Outdoor Spaces

The restaurant's design balances comfort with sophistication, featuring pleasant river views and decor of good standard. A beer garden with outdoor tables extends the dining experience into the natural landscape, allowing guests to enjoy meals with views of the River Ness. The setting is welcoming without being overly formal, making it suitable for various occasions—from business dinners to family celebrations and romantic evenings.

Accessibility and Practical Amenities

The Waterside Restaurant offers accessible facilities, free parking, and free WiFi, ensuring convenience for all visitors. The venue is pet-friendly, welcoming guests who wish to bring their companions. These practical considerations, combined with the restaurant's four-star rating and dedication to quality, make it a well-rounded destination for dining in the Scottish Highlands.