Outdoor dining- Scotland in early September

There are some pubs in the New Town area of Edinburgh with outdoor dining and quite a few takeaway places that have fish and chips and pizza. Dishoom (Indian food) has takeaway. Of course, weather could be a factor with respect to eating outside. We will be there next week and will be looking for similar places as well. I hate to miss out on the pub experience but I am not taking any chances.

Be aware of another factor in eating outside in Scotland…the dreaded midges! Small, annoying, itch-causing insects that, given the chance will swarm you and drive you indoors. Insect repellent is essential but not necessarily effective. They are active May through the end os September.

We are taking head nets because of the midges but eating while wearing them would be pretty difficult/unpleasant..

Hi, leb717,

I can't vouch for Edinburgh, as I try to avoid it, but I can tell you that many of the restaurants along the river in Inverness have outdoor seating. Most of them are along the west bank of the river, along Ness Walk, although I think that Johnny Foxes, at the corner of Bridge Street and Castle Road, also has an outdoor seating area. Check the menus before you decide, as Rocpool is very expensive.

The Eden Court Theatre had a series of outdoor dinner concerts called "Under Canvas," or something like that. They may be done by early September.

Cafe Sia, in Broadford, has an outdoor seating area. Their food is usually very good and reasonably priced. They've had to offer a limited menu, however, due to Covid and staff shortages. Of the three areas that you've mentioned, this is the only one where midges could be a problem.

If you don't mind getting a little messy, the Siaway takeaway restaurant, also in Broadford, does excellent fish and chips. If you're going for the fish supper, get the battered haddock, not the breaded. Then you can do as the locals (and tourists) do, enjoy your meal on the benches along Broadford Bay. Or if the midges and/or weather are not conducive to outdoor eating, you can enjoy your meal from the comfort of your car.

I hope that you have a great time in Scotland!

Best wishes,

Mike (Auchterless)

Also keep in mind that most outdoor eating areas are considered smoking areas, so make sure to choose a seat in the wind side.

Thank you all so much for your replies! Helpful information to consider. I sincerely hope that the midges won't be an issue, especially in Edinburgh, but we will have to be prepared just in case!