Ubiquitous Chip, Glasgow
VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale
Top outdoor dining spots in Scotland
Soak up the sunshine and taste your way through Scotland at these top outdoor dining spots.
Edinburgh
Cold Town House
What’s the vibe?
Sip rooftop beers beneath Edinburgh Castle, with snug gondola booths, warm blankets and covered seating for cooler days. Housed in a former church and spread over three floors, Cold Town House is home to a brewery, bar and restaurant, all centred around local favourite Cold Town Beer.
Why go?
Go for the crisp house beer, Neapolitan pizza and amazing castle views.
Book a table at Cold Town House
The Ivy on the Square
What’s the vibe?
Watch the city drift by from a sunlit terrace overlooking leafy St Andrew Square. Relaxed, sophisticated dining with a touch of theatre.
Why go?
Expect elegant British classics, Asian-inspired plates, vibrant vegetarian dishes and spectacular cocktails.
Book a table at The Ivy on The Square
Indigo Yard
What’s the vibe?
Catch the West End buzz in a lively courtyard dotted with parasols, made for long summer afternoons in the capital. Arrive early if you want to guarantee yourself a table outside.
Why go?
Bottomless brunches, bar bites and a great selection of beer, wine and cocktails.
Other popular outdoor dining spaces in Edinburgh include:
- The Fishmarket in Newhaven
- The Rose Street Garden on Rose Street
Cold Town House
St Andrews Square
Edinburgh Castle
Glasgow
Drygate
What’s the vibe?
The top deck at Drygate is prime real estate on a warm day in Glasgow, so grab a sunny bench, pint in hand, and enjoy great views of a working brewery.
Why go?
Tuck into loaded grazing boards, juicy burgers, confit duck or tender featherblade steak.
Platform Lane
What’s the vibe?
Head for the railway arches on Argyle Street and step into a city centre oasis buzzing with delicious food and drink. This is the perfect place to relax with friends in the heart of Glasgow.
Why go?
Settle under the pergola as the fairy lights glow above you and enjoy some tasty food.
Other popular outdoor dining spaces in Glasgow include:
- Brel on Ashton Lane
- Saint Jude’s in the East End
- Singl-end Merchant City
Ashton Lane in the West End of Glasgow
Inverness
The Mustard Seed Restaurant
What’s the vibe?
Dine above the River Ness on a converted church terrace, where evenings offer beautiful views of the water. The Mustard Seed Restaurant is one of Inverness’ favourite restaurants.
Why go?
Enjoy fresh, hearty plates, a warm welcome and the flicker of an open fire – if it’s not a day to go outside!
Book a table at The Mustard Seed
Prime Steak and Seafood Restaurant
What’s the vibe?
Grab yourself some locally sourced steak or seafood as the sunset glows over Inverness Castle and the River Ness.
Why go?
Go for smoky venison, golden haddock or tender fillet steak, paired with Scotch whisky, plum wine or strawberry gin.
Book a table at Prime Steak and Seafood
MacGregor's Bar
What’s the vibe?
Taste the best of the Highland larder with locally landed fish and top-notch steak, with live music filling this fun city-centre bar. Expect a great night with singers, pianists and musicians of all genres creating the atmosphere.
Why go?
Warm up with creamy Cullen skink, roast Scotch lamb or pan-seared turbot, washed down with a cold beer.
Inverness Castle
MacGregor's Bar, Inverness
Aberdeen
Siberia
What’s the vibe?
Soak up the Belmont Street buzz with colourful drinks, garden views and even a giant deck chair. Siberia is an award-winning industrial-style venue and a firm favourite for al fresco dining in the warmer months.
Why go?
Dive into crispy katsu fries, sticky BBQ wings, sourdough pizza and inventive house cocktails.
Ferryhill House Hotel
What’s the vibe?
Housed in a historic building set within a private garden, close to Aberdeen city centre, this is a chance to unwind on a sunny terrace close to the city, with space for children to play.
Why go?
Feast on comforting Scottish favourites, from yummy fish & chips to fresh, colourful salads.
Book a table at Ferryhill House Hotel
Banchory Lodge Hotel
What’s the vibe?
Follow the sizzling aromas from the outdoor kitchen to a riverside table or quirky private garden shed at this stunning hotel.
Why go?
What could be better than flame-grilled food as the River Dee gently murmurs past?
The River Dee, Aberdeenshire
Dundee
The Giddy Goose
What’s the vibe?
The Giddy Goose is one of Dundee’s most chilled and eclectic restaurants. Enjoy the leafy, sunlit courtyard bursting with bohemian colour and laidback weekend energy.
Why go?
Share traditional stone-baked pizza and loaded platters before sampling Dundee’s famous nightlife.
Book a table at The Giddy Goose
The West House
What’s the vibe?
Bright colours, Italian flair, warm blankets and patio heaters give this West Port terrace a bit of sparkle throughout the year.
Why go?
Go for brunch, pizza or pasta with a bittersweet Aperol spritz.
Dundee
Perth and nearby
Parklands
What’s the vibe?
Dine on a garden terrace overlooking South Inch Park, just minutes from central Perth. In the summer, you can enjoy the bistro menu on the terrace in front of the hotel while admiring views of the attractive garden and surrounding parkland.
Why go?
An exciting menu featuring baked goat’s cheese, tender local lamb and sweet, just-picked strawberries.
The Taybank
What’s the vibe?
With three outdoor seating areas, one of which sits right on the river, it’s no wonder Taybank Hotel in Dunkeld is one of Perthshire’s biggest and most popular spots for al fresco dining. Find a table by the river, then soak up summer music, craft markets and the scent of herbs from the garden.
Why go?
Tuck into delicious pizza, fresh shellfish or a juicy steak sandwich.
Cherrybank Inn
What’s the vibe?
Relax beneath a retractable roof and glowing heat lamps, or head to the spacious beer garden for an easy-going pint at the Cherrybank Inn. Found on Perth’s Glasgow Road, this recently renovated spot has quickly become a favourite with locals and visitors.
Why go?
Catch live sport on the big screens with sunshine on your face and a cold drink in hand.
Perth and the River Tay
Stirling
The Birds and Bees
What’s the vibe?
Unwind in two spacious beer gardens, where barbecue smoke drifts through the farm courtyard and a game of pétanque adds a playful twist. Housed in a converted farm steading a stone’s throw from the historic National Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle, this is a real showstopper.
Why go?
Savour seasonal local plates, daily seafood specials and comforting brasserie favourites.
Book a tabe at the Birds and Bees
Fletcher's
What’s the vibe?
Step inside a historic former bank building, now a sleek restaurant minutes from central Stirling.
Why go?
Expect bold brunches, sophisticated dinners, fine wines and cocktails with a kick.
Slanj-a-va
What’s the vibe?
Located in the heart of the city, just around the corner from the Thistle Shopping Centre, Slanj-a-va is perfect for a night out. Feel the buzz of live music and the enjoy the smoky scent of barbecue in this lively city-centre beer garden.
Why go?
Settle in for home-cooked comfort food, cool drinks and rooftop views from Stirling’s largest beer garden.
This list was created by VisitScotland to showcase a range of experiences. It isn’t ranked in any specific order.
View from the National Wallace Monument overlooking the city of Stirling