Restaurants Top 10

Eating is a very subjective experience that is why we have nominated here those restaurants that have been awarded for food excellence by accredited third party bodies like the AA with their Rosette scheme or Grampian Food Forum. The restaurants are listed in alphabetical order.

Auld Kirk Hotel Taste of Grampian Restaurant of the Year 2009, the hotel was awarded a second AA rosette as it looked forward to 2010. The AA inspector praised the Auld Kirk for different textures and flavours, the use of local produce, the environment and ambience and also commented on the friendliness and efficiency of staff. The restaurant is situated in Ballater.

Banchory Lodge Hotel A member of the Scotch Beef Club, Banchory Lodge's commitment to food excellence and promotion of local produce was awarded by the AA with a rosette award in 2008-2009. Fish and shellfish are sourced from local independent suppliers, who share Banchory Lodge's commitment to food quality and traceability. A riverside location in the town of Banchory completes the package of a fine dining experience.

Darroch Learg Hotel & Restaurant The restaurant opens out into a conservatory with a southerly aspect which captures the summer evening sun. The food is sophisticated and has been awarded three rosettes by the AA each year since 1997. Beef, lamb, venison and game are sourced locally and fish and shellfish is delivered from Aberdeen and the west coast. A fine wine list was the first in Scotland to be awarded Wine List of the Year in 1997. The restaurant is situated in Ballater.

The Green Inn Situated centrally in Ballater, this AA 3 rosette awarded restaurant, truly lives up to the culinary excellence reputation. Prior to becoming Head Chef at the Inn, Chris O Halloran, spent time training at Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, Raymond Blanc's renowned Hotel near Oxford, which has influenced the style of cuisine whilst utilising the very best of local produce. Family run, the O Hallorans, have thought of everything that is required to make your visit to the Green Inn an event!

Loch Kinord Hotel Situated in Dinnet, the Loch Kinord Hotel, proudly showcases the best of ‘Scotland’s natural larder’ in a simple style that allows the local flavours to thrive and delight your palate. A bold strategy that received recognition from the winning of an AA rosette award. Whether staying at the hotel, or just dining you can be assured of a warm welcome by the team at Loch Kinord.

The Milton Is situated in a renovated courtyard setting close to Crathes Castle on the eastern side of Banchory and near the shimmering River Dee. Extremely high quality of personal service and delicious cuisine, together with its welcoming and rustic atmosphere, set it apart. Serving to underpin these values, The Milton, was recently awarded an AA rosette.

Raemoir House Hotel One of the finest country house hotels in the Highlands, Raemoir, kicks off with an impressive start through its architectural stature and wooded setting. The good news is that the wrapping lives up to the gift, that is dining here! 2 AA rosettes consistently awarded since 1996 are your guarantee of excellence. All dining guests are welcomed and there is no requirement to be resident in the hotel. Raemoir is situated to the north of Banchory off the A980.