The Kitchen Restaurant in Inverness is a gem that seamlessly blends modern style with an inviting ambiance. We were staying at Premier Inn next door to the restaurant, so it couldn't have been more handy. The Kitchen is perched by the banks of the River Ness at 15 Huntly Street, Inverness IV3 5PR, with its glass-fronted design offering stunning views of the water, I can imagine that seeing the sunset from here in warmer months would be stunning.
The contemporary architecture is complemented by a minimalist yet warm interior, making it ideal for everything from casual lunches to special evening meals. The evening we were there a jolly small group was celebrating a 30th birthday, the lucky birthday girl was sent a beautiful cake from the kitchen - we were able to observe the chefs at work from our table near the open kitchen on the ground floor. It's always a pleasure to see the chef's skills in action.
The Kitchen specializes in modern Scottish cuisine, showcasing a commitment to fresh, local ingredients. At £45 for 3 courses and £40 for 2 courses, the fixed-price menu is great, offering exceptional value without compromising on quality or creativity, and means that there are no nasty surprises when the bill arrives.
This menu changes regularly, reflecting the seasons and ensuring each visit feels unique. The evening we dined in late November had the following options available:
The Kitchen's Menu:
Starters:
Soup of the day, bread and whipped butter (gluten-free available)
Loch Duart Hot Smoked Salmon, pickled apple and cucumber salad, crème fraiche, ponzu and keta (gluten-free available) - This is what Alex chose, shown above
Smoked ham hock terrine, garlic bread croute, onion jam (gluten-free available)
Honey whipped goat's cheese, pickled and baked beetroot, candied walnuts - This is what I chose
Slow cooked belly of pork, mini Caesar salad, confit garlic
Mains:
Peterhead landed baked cod fillet, chorizo crushed new potatoes, braised peppers, salsa verde. (Gluten free) This is what I chose, pictured above. This is spot on my type of food, beautifully cooked fish with pops of flavour from the accompaniments .
Roast loin of wild Highland venison, fondant potatoes, soy braised onion, hazelnuts and Port jus (Gluten free available)
Port and red wine braised feather blade of beef, Arran mustard mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, green beans and reduced cooking liquor (gluten free) This is what Alex chose - photo above. He commented that it was tender he wondered how they'd even got it onto the plate in one piece.
Pan fried potato gnocchi, roasted butternut squash puree, confit onions, pine nut and basil dressing
Wild North Sea hake, potato terrine, celeriac, leeks and warm Tartare sauce (gluten free)
Desserts:
Dark chocolate and Kirsch-soaked cherry brownie and pistachio ice-cream
Steamed ginger pudding, pear and vanilla compote, honey tuille, and honey and lavender mascarpone
Rum sponge, candied pineapple, pistachio and mango sorbet
Trio of cheeses, oatcakes, biscuits, chutney, and grapes ((gluten-free available)
No photos, as we were too full for a dessert - the ones we saw coming out of the kitchen looked delicious though.
The restaurant also boasts a thoughtfully curated wine list, offering both local and international selections to complement the food, the knowledgeable staff can make suggestions and recommendations.
Service at The Kitchen is attentive without being intrusive, with staff who are knowledgeable about both the menu, wines and the origins of the ingredients. Their enthusiasm for the dishes adds a personal touch to the experience.
The Kitchen’s combination of location, design, pricing, and culinary excellence makes it a great choice in Inverness.
To secure your table, advance booking is highly recommended. Reservations can be made by calling 01463 259119 or via their website at thekitchenrestaurant.co.uk.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, The Kitchen promises a memorable meal in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
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