Dundee's Top Ten Restaurants According to Tripadvisor

The food and drink scene in Dundee has an eclectic vibe, with many choices to dine out any day or night of the week. Between cultural and quirky cafes, wholefood shops and exquisite restaurants of varying themes and cuisines, there is an abundance of choice for all.

This list of the top ten restaurants, chosen by customers, is dominated by independent outlets, which shows the local affinity for food and service. Heart, soul, quality and imagination are poured into the food served here every day.

 1. Gidi Grill

The food and atmosphere here is Caribbean, African, Barbecue, and Jamaican.

Tripadvisor describes it as “a grill restaurant fusing the most delicious sauces from all over the world cooked over a Josper charcoal grill with a great selection of sides in a warm and beautiful setting.” A recent review states that it is “a great fusion of West African and Caribbean food in the heart of Dundee Quay.” The City Quay area is a picturesque waterscape, home to great restaurants and other businesses - well worth a walk to take in the sights!

 2. Sol y Sombra

It may not be situated in the Costa del Sol but this little taste of Spain is located just yards from the shore in Broughty Ferry. Its food and atmosphere are described as Mediterranean, European and Spanish.

One reviewer calls this place the “best restaurant in Scotland” and another describes an “amazing dinner” and “such a great experience.” With these reviews it sounds like reservations should be made rápido!

Broughty Ferry is just a few miles from the city centre and has many quaint and charming cafes and restaurants. Many like to take a bike down the scenic cycle path that runs the whole way along the waterfront. 

 3. Collinson’s Restaurant

Another Broughty Ferry favourite, Collinson's offers European, British, Scottish and contemporary cuisines. 

The photos of the food are works of art, with a distinct feel of fine dining. Their reviewers like that it’s family friendly and were unsurprised at how busy it was as they “had great food and excellent service.” Another was bowled over by the “excellent service coupled with outstanding food” and continue to say it’s “a must visit for any foodies.”

The food scene is ever-changing in and around the city. Now more than ever local produce is at the heart of menus, showcasing wonderful delicacies we have right on our doorstep.

 . Tahini

This lovely tapas restaurant is right in the heart of Dundee and its menu features Lebanese, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Cuisine. 

The reviews of very recent visits brim with love for the place. ‘Fantastic Food” says one, which goes on to say the food “left you full.” Nothing better than good food and abundance of it! Another review says that it’s “easy to find and that everything was also “totally yummy.”

Off one of the main pedestrian area in the city, Tahini is a fine example of some of the exciting eateries you can find around town. 

 5 The Palais Tea Room

 The first of three cafes to make Dundee’s top ten, the Palais Tea Room serves Scottish cuisine.

Reviewers loved the Afternoon Tea and “had a lovely time” there. Many speak of the “friendly staff” which is perfect for when you need a happy face to brighten your day on a visit to a new city

The street The Palais Tea Room is on showcases a gorgeous view of the V&A, RRS Discovery and the river Tay.

6. Piccolo

Italian, Mediterranean and local cuisine make Perth Road’s Piccolo a must visit, just minutes from the very centre of town. This little place also offers “after-hours” perfect for night owls. 

Described as ”a fantastic little gem” and "consistently good” by one diner and a “small friendly establishment with great customer service and great food” by another, Piccolo is a favourite for everyone it seems.

The Perth Road is a foodie route of delight. Many independent, quirky cafes, restaurants and bakeries can be found there, as well as organic greengrocers.

 7. The Flame Tree Café

This little Australian café also offers British and Scottish food. The pictures alone are like the country itself; vibrant, enticing and colourful. (There is a rainbow bagel so Instagram-worthy it should be ordered on every visit.)

People rave about these bagels throughout the reviews - “fantastic coffee and rainbow bagels” - and that they “look fantastic and taste better.” One reviewer also stated that “my boyfriend said it’s the best bacon roll he’s ever had (and he has a lot of them).” Who better to take advice from than a bacon roll connoisseur?

The Flame Tree is just one example of the multi-cultural cuisine scene the city has. 

 8. Rancho Pancho

Their cuisine simply says “Mexican,” - no messing there. From the reviews and photos, it looks like they’re getting that right too!

The reviews gush with adoration for this small Mexican restaurant: “extremely happy with the food, service and ambience” said one, “favourite restaurant to visit” said another, while someone else mentions their “amazing cocktails.” It seems Dundee has its own piece of Mexico just a few minutes walk from the train station and waterfront!

The waterfront also provides a perfect stroll for after dinner bloating!

 9. Brasserie Ecosse

It’s veggie, vegan and gluten-free friendly. Judging by the reviewers' pictures though, they are doing every cuisine right.

Visitors love their brunch, saying it’s a “great price for what you get.” Another review said that it is “5-star service” and they “can’t wait to return to Dundee and try them for dinner!” It is described as a “Dundee delight.”

Did you know Dundee has a thriving brunch scene? Sundays are particularly busy with brunchers munching all over the city, from the Westport to The Cowgate. 

 10. Simpsons

Simpsons is a Scottish, British and international café. 

The reviews comment on its “nice vibe” and "cosiness." Someone even called it the “best place ever.” Just minutes from the waterfront and V&A as well as the city centre, this small café has good reason to make the top ten eateries in Dundee.

 For more information and reviews on Dundee’s food, visit https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurants-g186518-Dundee_Scotland.html