If you’re looking for the best places to eat in Dundee, you’re in for a treat. Like most major cities in the UK, Dundee has lots of restaurants to choose from. There’s everything from tapas bars to pub food, and family-friendly, laid back food places to pre-going-out or livelier atmospheres. Here’s our pick of the 13 best restaurants in Dundee to choose from.
1. The Rule St Andrews
Perfect for a wee day trip to St Andrews, The Rule has a laid-back vibe with great pub grub and cheeky drink deals. Whether you’re up for a chilled pint or a lively night out, this place ticks all the boxes. Plus, it’s just a stone’s throw from the uni, making it a student favourite. It’s also a great spot if you’re looking to eat while watching sports or downing craft beer!
Address: 116 South St, St Andrews KY16 9QD
3. Tahini
Tahini brings a touch of the Middle East to Dundee’s food scene. Its menu is a mix of authentic Lebanese delights, from falafels, wraps and shawarmas to colourful mezze platters. The fresh, vibrant flavours make it a perfect choice for a light lunch or dinner with friends. If you’re tired of the usual student takeaways, Tahini offers a refreshing alternative that doesn’t disappoint. It’s great for when you fancy something a bit different, plus it was recently nominated as a top restaurant in the Scottish Restaurant Awards so you know it’s good food!
Address: 11 Bank St, Dundee DD1 1RL
3. The Selkie
If you’re looking for quirky, chilled vibes with great coffee, Selkie is the place to be. The decor screams indie charm, and the food is perfect for sharing with your pals. They’re a tapas bar but you can also enjoy slightly bigger plates in their lunch menus (although they’re still classed as ‘small plates’). It’s one of the best restaurants in Dundee for having a dinner if you’re planning to head out after too. It’s got great cocktails for pre-drinks for a night out, and it’s centrally-located in Dundee – definitely a top student restaurant to try out.
Address:27 Exchange St, Dundee DD1 3DJ
4. The Ferry Selkie
Slightly different to The Selkie, and a little bit posher maybe, The Ferry Selkie is another top restaurant in Dundee to try. Located in the heart of Broughty Ferry, this cosy cafe is all about good vibes and good food. It’s perfect for dining out near the waterside, making it a great choice for a pint after a walk along the beach. The food is still focused on sharing plates, but you can also grab sandwiches and other delicious small plates.
Address: 335 Brook St, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 2DS
5. The Riverside Inn
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For a mix of well-portioned, filling meals and scenic views, The Riverside Inn is hard to beat. Located along Dundee’s waterfront, it offers a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The menu caters to all tastes, featuring classic pub dishes alongside more refined options. It’s especially popular for weekend lunches, where the riverside setting adds a special touch to your meal. On sunny days, you can sit outside on the decking, taking in the sun while you feast! As it’s a pub, it’s also laid back mostly, but also offers entertainment such as live music and quiz nights.
Address: Riverside Dr, Dundee DD2 1UH
6. Rancho Pancho
If you’re craving Mexican flavours, Rancho Pancho is the place to be. This award-winning eatery serves up generous portions of tacos, enchiladas, and sizzling fajitas that are guaranteed to hit the spot. The atmosphere is fun and welcoming too, making it perfect for group dinners or celebrations. It’s ideal if you’re looking for something a bit livelier and fun, rather than some of the other laid-back type cafes on this list of Dundee’s top places to eat. Don’t forget to pair your meal with one of their signature margaritas for the full experience.
Address: 16 Commercial St, Dundee DD1 3EJ
7. Sol Y Sombra
Another fun option when it comes to Dundee restaurants; this tapas bar is a slice of Spain in the heart of Broughty Ferry. The menu is designed for sharing, featuring a wide array of authentic dishes that bring Spanish cuisine to life. From patatas bravas to seafood paella, and signature sangrias, Dundee’s Original Tapas Bar is a great place for a catch up with your inner circle thanks to the great food and wholesome family vibes. It’s also a top date night idea as it’s got warm, candle-lit settings.
Address: 27 Gray Street, Dundee, United Kingdom, DD5 2BH
8. Porters Bar and Restaurant
If you’re craving a Sunday roast, or any other soul-filling food, Porters isa great option. It’s also great if you love seafood, or eat a vegetarian diet, as they’ve got lots of those dishes on offer too. Porters comes highly recommended if you look on TripAdvisor, with pretty much everyone saying how great the food and atmosphere is. There’s sometimes live music on too, which makes the place lively.
Address: City Quay, Camperdown St, Dundee DD1 3JA
9. Taza Indian Buffet
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One of Dundee’s best restaurants for Indian food, Taza offers veggie, vegan and halal options to choose from. Their cuisine unites the best of Indian and Pakistani recipes, and serves it up as a buffet so you can pick and choose (or more like feast and indulge in). It’s been part of Dundee’s food scene for over 20 years, so it’s a pretty well-known and well-loved spot in the city. It’s close to central attractions too, so another great option if you’re looking for somewhere to fill your belly to combat the heavy night out to come! Just make sure you leave room for dessert – trust us, these are incredible!
Address: 1 Camperdown St, Dundee DD5 2NH
10. The Bell Tree Pub & Grill
The Bell Tree is a charming pub that has lots of rustic charm and warmth. Its extensive menu covers everything you could want when it comes to comfort food (ideal for wintery days or you know…curing a hangover). They claim to be experts in grilling, so those steak sandwiches go down a treat! Though the menu is predominantly meaty pub grub, there’s a lot more on offer too. Think halloumi fries, bang bang cauliflower, nachos, kofta, skewers, and about 1000 burger choices (ok not 1000 but A LOT). They’re open for brunch, lunch, dinner and beyond.
The outdoor beer garden is a really nice during sunny days too, offering a lovely space to unwind. Plus there’s live sports shown here, and special events like Board Game Tuesdays and Ladies Afternoons.
Address: 115-117 Lawers Dr Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 3UP Scotland
11. The Braes
The Braes is a quintessential student pub, loved for its affordable prices and buzzing atmosphere. With a menu full of burgers, nachos, and classic comfort food, it’s perfect for grabbing a bite with friends. The drinks deals are unbeatable, making it a popular spot for pre-drinks. Its location near the university makes it a convenient and lively hub for student life. Plus they’re one of our top picks when it comes to brunch in Dundee.
Address: 14/18 Perth Rd, Dundee DD1 4LN
12. Nether Inn Dundee
The Nether Inn is a Dundee institution, offering a no-frills, fun environment for students. Known for its budget-friendly drinks and live sports screenings, it’s a great place to unwind after a long day of lectures. The relaxed vibe and friendly staff make it a reliable choice for a casual night out, whether you’re there for the footy or just a chilled pint with your mates.
Address: 134 Nethergate, Dundee DD1 4ED Scotland
