Stirling Restaurants and Dining
(Stirling, Scotland, UK)
Stirling has a decent reputation for hosting some of the more creative eateries in
Scotland. The dining options here are not nearly as expansive as those in neighbouring
Edinburgh and
Glasgow, but this popular city does a remarkable job in offering visitors a wide selection of places to eat.
Besides the usual British and Scottish fare, Stirling has a growing roster of restaurants that specialise in international cuisine. You will find Italian and Chinese dining joints just as easily as fish and chip shops.
Scottish cuisine used to be known for being bland, even by British standards. Thankfully, that is a thing of the past. Scotland's up-and-coming modern cities like Stirling are attracting a growing legion of chefs and restaurant owners who want to offer something different.
What to Eat, and Where
The new trend around here is Scottish fare with a global twist. Restaurant chefs are taking the bounty of regional Scottish ingredients and preparing them in ways that vaguely resemble traditional dining. Tofu haggis, anyone?
You can find decent places to eat all over Stirling. The main tourist attractions such as
Stirling Castle and the entire 'Top of the Hill' district are loaded with quaint little cafés, restaurants and pubs. You could probably spend your entire visit just focusing on this neighbourhood and never eat a dull meal.
Popular spots like Hermann's Brasserie on Broad Street, which is located in a traditional Old Town house with classic décor, provide true Scottish ambience. This is one place not to miss if you want to dine on Scottish favourites such as Highland venison and Cullen skink, the most common Scottish soup.
Those who fancy a night of fine dining should consider spending an evening at the Heritage. This highly regarded restaurant is located in the equally opulent Park Lodge Hotel on the Park Terrace.
The owner-chef is one of the city's best, providing French cuisine with local flair. But really, some of the best grub in Stirling is found at its many humble inns and pubs. Places like the Cottage and the Birds and Bees offer classic pub environments with real ales and tasty comfort food to match.