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The Mustard Seed Restaurant

Restaurant | Inverness | Scotland | United Kingdom

Fine dining in Inverness

The "Mustard Seed Restaurant" in Inverness, Scotland, is an outstanding example of upscale yet relaxed dining in the Highlands. Since its opening in 1995, the restaurant has secured a prominent place among the city’s favorites, thanks to its combination of simple yet refined cuisine and a unique atmosphere. In a city known for its proximity to the famous Loch Ness and its picturesque location along the River Ness, the Mustard Seed offers a venue that appeals to both tourists and locals. It is an independent restaurant that takes pride in its regional roots while bringing a modern twist to Scottish culinary traditions.

Special occasions at restaurant

The atmosphere at the Mustard Seed is distinctive, shaped by its exceptional location: a converted church building that provides an impressive backdrop with its high, two-story space and a central open fireplace. Many of the original architectural details have been preserved and combined with natural and modern materials, lending the space a warm, inviting aura. Particularly noteworthy is the upper terrace, which offers an unobstructed view of the river and is a popular spot for guests wishing to dine outdoors on warm days. The decor strikes a balance between rustic charm and contemporary style, making the restaurant an ideal place for a variety of occasions—from a cozy dinner to special celebrations.

Local ingredients in the cuisine

Culinarily, the Mustard Seed stands for a cuisine that relies on fresh, seasonal ingredients from the region, refined with a touch of creativity. One standout dish is the *Seared Haunch of Marinated Ardgay Venison*, a tender piece of game served with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli, and a red onion chutney—a perfect interplay of flavors that honors the Scottish game tradition. Equally impressive is the *Pan-Seared Fillet of Scottish Salmon*, where the salmon is paired with grilled asparagus and a dill-caper hollandaise, adding a fresh and elegant touch to the dish. For meat lovers, the *Stuffed Chicken Breast* offers a delicious option—filled with chorizo and spinach, wrapped in bacon, and served with a spicy tomato sauce. The desserts are also an experience, such as the *Warm Chocolate Brownie*, served with a rich chocolate sauce and a dollop of cream, providing a perfect sweet finale.

Cozy dinner in Scotland

The restaurant places great emphasis on flexibility and customer focus. The menu is updated regularly to make the most of seasonal produce, and daily specials ensure variety. The service is another highlight: the staff is friendly, well-trained, and knowledgeable not only about the dishes but also about the extensive wine list, which features a carefully curated selection of international wines that pair perfectly with the meals. For guests with specific dietary needs, there are plenty of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, all prepared with the same care as the rest of the offerings. The Mustard Seed is also a popular venue for private events, from birthdays to corporate celebrations, thanks to its ability to adapt to guests' needs.

Contact details

Web

Phone

Address
16 Fraser St
IV1 1DW Inverness

Map view

Opening hours

Sunday9:00 - 21:30
Monday9:00 - 21:30
Tuesday9:00 - 21:30
Wednesday12:00 - 21:30
Thursday12:00 - 21:30
Friday12:00 - 21:30
Saturday9:00 - 21:30

Reviews

3146 Reviews

Mira Pearce
09.03.2025

Had a wonderful meal here last night. Cocktails were delicious (our group recommends the amaretto sour, whiskey sour, and passion fruit martini). We loved our starters, mains, and dessert. We had a nice table upstairs where we could watch the river go by. Highly recommend!!
Susan Pirie
03.03.2025

Fantastic service and superb food in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere
Faizan Elahi
02.03.2025

Dinner at mustard seed was a highlight of my trip to Inverness. Angelina impressed me with her knowledge of the menu and food in general. The service was top notch. The restaurant is facing the river providing an amazing ambience. I got to try out the sea bass which was really nice. You should definitely dine out in this restaurant if you are visiting Inverness
Jacob Spivey
27.02.2025

My wife and I loved our visit to the Mustard Seed. It had been recommended to us by a few local people around Inverness, and we weren't disappointed! We had the sirloin steak and it was delicious. The staff were very welcoming and the general atmosphere was really great. My only criticism would be the price and that it is an expensive dining experience, but it was one that we really enjoyed.
Mark Sullivan
26.02.2025

Arrived by train to Inverness on a Monday in late February thought we might try our luck at the highly regarded Mustard Seed but alas no with no booking (it was 6:30) the only tables were in a room to the right of the entrance. This room is like sitting in a brightly lit waiting room. The florescent kitchen lights shining through 2 windows above we asked to be moved but there were no other tables available I was going to cancel our order but, the first of the two courses ordered from the early menu had arrived so, I returned to the table. We started with the squash and chilli soup and the orzo salad which was excellent the soup not so much, it had the odd taste of candle wax (the coconut milk perhaps?) disappointing as were the underwhelming mains. The sea bass was very small the chicken precooked and dry. I surmised based on the reviews this must be because of the menu we ordered from. I would highly recommend booking and NOT ordering from the early bird menu should you choose to visit.
Gaël Duchalet
21.02.2025

Comme souvent dans les restaurants quand tu reserve pas tu n’as pas de place et quand tu réserve tu as une table pourrie et la c’était le cas La nourriture est correcte et a prix plutôt abordable mais le temps entre l’entrée et le plat de resistance a été fortement allongé…. Donc nous sommes sortis de la moyennement satisfait.
bill kaulitz.
19.02.2025

Small portions, definitely for acquired tastebuds, slow service, but good vibe and amazing food once it was delivered!
Louise
19.02.2025

Favourite place to eat. Standards are very high, service amazing and the food is divine.
Caroline Rollings
18.02.2025

Wonderful place. Buzzing but personal with great food
Andrew Cook
17.02.2025

Perfect food quick service very friendly
Caisteal Liath
15.02.2025

Delicious food, attentive staff, and lovely ambience. Sundried tomatoe and mushroom Lasagna was absolutely delicious 😋
Çhristopher Smith
15.02.2025

Great food and excellent service. Variety of wines by the glass which is a bonus.
Jackie Hegarty
14.02.2025

Such a lovely place. I'd recommend it for any occasion - you can't go wrong.
Avril Peacock
14.02.2025

Great lunch today
jane gearing
12.02.2025

Got shown to our table. Drinks, starters & mains ordered. Seems we were forgotten as a couple on the next table who arrived after us got their drinks and starters before we did. Eventually our starters arrived but still no drinks. Starters were warm, not hot. Finally got our drinks and bottle of water when we had almost finished our starters. As starters were cleared away another drink was ordered. Mains arrived, venison was chewy, salmon burnt at the end. Had to leave table to approach waitress to mention the second drink still hadn't arrived at the table. Would never recommend, definitely over rated and not worth the money
Lee Blackston
12.02.2025

We were shown to our table and the waitress took our drinks order after 25 minutes later the drinks had not arrived the table next to us that had arrived 30 minutes later than us received there drink and starters with in minutes of ordering eventually our starter arrived and was lukewarm at best we were served the mains which one of which was a rubbery lump of venison with Luke warm mash and my partners salmon was burnt at one end I had also ordered a beer when the starter’s finally turned up which dident turn up until I had to ask where my beer was eventually it arrived and I was presented with a red hot glass obviously straight out of the dishwasher so we were very disappointed as the place was recommended by someone local hence will not be going back
Tim Erbe
10.02.2025

Absolutely fantastic food, staff and setting.
Mark Garner
08.02.2025

Stunning food and great staff, bit pricey
Colin McRitchie
06.02.2025

One of my favourite places to eat in Inverness.
Anthony Green
05.02.2025

Fantastic food and service at this restaurant when we went there for lunch. The service in fact was very quick! But not rushed. All three courses we had were delicious, the same with the wine, and the staff very friendly and helpful. Layout of the restaurant is very interesting with the two tiers of diners and the wood fire, all immaculately presented. We were able to walk in and lucky enough to get a table for lunch, but I think for dinner booking is advised. Highly recommended!
Tim Clarke
02.02.2025

Very nice place. Lovely staff service. The starters of salmon tartar and mussels were amazing. The mains were a little average which was a bit disappointing. But overall a good experience
Kaitlyn Kline
02.02.2025

A really lovely restaurant with an early evening 3-course menu at an unbeatable price! We called in on a Friday evening to see if we could walk-in without a reservation and were kindly given a table for 30 mins later. The staff were so friendly and very attentive. The dishes were all great, fresh, and well balanced. We loved sitting upstairs and getting a good view of the entire space from our table. Will recommend (to reserve ahead) to other friends passing through Inverness!
Paul Ashton
02.02.2025

During a wee break to Inverness I tried this restaurant for a late lunch, following great reviews here. The reviews did not lie! A cracking restaurant with a nice ambience. Attentive and efficient staff, brilliant food and a really good selection of drinks. All this comes with a very reasonable bill at the end 👍 Keep it up guys 🥂
Andrew
02.02.2025

We came here whilst on a surprise trip up north. The staff are friendly and attentive, the food was exceptional, we had the Ribeye and the Haunch of Venison, and the restaurant was cosy and inviting. Would definitely recommend to anyone visiting the area. Definitely book a table, though, as it is a popular place.
Stephen Brandon
01.02.2025

Really nice food, service was good. Busy and a bit noisy but added to the atmosphere.

 

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