Top Places to Eat in Dumfries and Galloway
Hungry for the top places to eat in Dumfries and Galloway? This part of lowland Scotland has dramatic scenery, stunning beaches and – perhaps most importantly – award-winning eateries to visit and delicious food to devour.
Before reserving a table at one of the best restaurants in the area, book yourself into a campsite for a few nights so you have somewhere to lie down after dinner.
Sitting comfortably and in the mood to consume? Here are the top six places to eat in Dumfries and Galloway.
The Clachan Inn
First up on your taste tour is this award-winning pub in Castle Douglas, a thriving market town huddled between the Galloway Hills. The restaurant is on the edge of Galloway Forest Park in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and serves up scrumptious food and a fantastic selection of craft beers from all over the United Kingdom.
The chefs only use locally sourced and seasonal produce in their dishes, many of which are traditionally Scottish – the haggis scotch egg with beer pickled onion is especially tasty, particularly when followed up by the mouth-watering North Sea cod with mussels and chorizo.
Room for more? There’s a small but perfectly formed dessert menu too. The sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream is a heavenly way to end an unforgettable lunch or dinner.
Guests can also expect a warm, friendly atmosphere with a side of excellent service. Just remember to book a table in advance so you don’t miss out.
You won’t want to go home just yet as there are still plenty of local restaurants to visit, so book yourself into a campsite in Castle Douglas for a night or two.
Mr Pook's Kitchen
Stay in Castle Douglas for a trip to this teeny restaurant on King Street inside a former bank.
Mr Pook's Kitchen claims to be the ‘gateway to Scotland’s larder’ and its chefs back this statement up by working closely with local suppliers and foraging many of the ingredients used in their meals.
The menu showcases some of the finest local produce in the area using ancient, classic and modern cooking techniques. Guests can devour dishes like slow-braised pork belly or Potterland lamb loin followed by lemon tart with Italian meringue and ice cream.
Why head home when you can spend a night at a Castle Douglas campsite and get another meal in town the next day?
No.1 Fleet Street
Before leaving Castle Douglas, head out to Gatehouse of Fleet and this small family-run restaurant with a relaxed feel.
No.1 Fleet Street works with award-winning local suppliers like Halls Butchers, Ballards and Gledpark Farm to put together a varied menu with delectable options including melt-in-the-mouth scallops, exceptional steak pies and well-flavoured vegan burgers.
The restaurant usually opens from Wednesday to Sunday each week, so whether it’s lunch, dinner or an afternoon tea you’re after, be sure to drop by.
Need to work up an appetite? Take a look at some of the best places to visit in Dumfries and Galloway.
Casa Mia
Make your way to one of the best restaurants in Dumfries for modern food in smartly designed surrounds.
Casa Mia is less than a five-minute drive from Dumfries town centre on the banks of the River Nith. For lunch, dine out on the likes of Black Gate beef burgers, pan-fried gnocchi with grilled halloumi and crispy breaded haddock goujons.
Otherwise, try the evening à la carte menu for tantalising homemade pasta, pizzas and steaks among other appetising dishes.
Don’t forget to read our main Scotland camping guide page before planning your next trip to the region.
Cavens Arms
This award-winning pub, bar and restaurant is a must-visit spot when you’re in Dumfries and Galloway. With home-cooked food, a stellar selection of drinks – including Scottish gins and whiskies – and a chilled vibe, it’s a pleasant spot to relax.
If you’re ravenous, you’ll be glad to know the menu is full of classic comfort staples like beef lasagne, fish and chips and macaroni cheese. Or, if you fancy it, an all-day breakfast with tattie scone (a local potato-based delicacy).
There’s also a vegan menu – the Bangkok burger, a spicy oriental patty of mixed vegetables, lemongrass and lime-leaf-coated black onions, comes highly recommended.
Ready to burn off all that food? Walk around the best gardens to visit in Dumfries and Galloway before moving on to your next meal.
La Dolce Vita
Last up we have this popular family-owned and award-winning eatery. In fact, according to its website (and rave reviews) La Dolce Vita is ‘Dumfries' number one Italian restaurant’.
The kitchen uses only the freshest ingredients, which are locally sourced where possible, and the specialities are pizzas cooked to perfection in the traditional log-fired oven.
The restaurant also has set menus and special offers throughout the week that are exceptional value for money, so ask the friendly staff for details once you’re there.
La Dolce Vita is convenient to get to as it’s in the town centre, so if you’re not driving back to your campsite in Dumfries afterwards, you might be tempted to browse the wine menu (or at least have a shot of limoncello before leaving).
Desperate to stretch your legs after all that sitting down? Learn more about the best places to walk in Dumfries and Galloway.