Being recognised by the Michelin Guide is regarded as one of the most desired accolades a restaurant can aspire to.
While achieving a recommendation in the guide itself is no easy task, there is much to be celebrated in being recognised by Michelin, especially if you are awarded or retain a star.
A star is the ultimate hallmark of culinary excellence and they are only awarded to restaurants who execute their offering to the highest of standards – both in the kitchen and front of house.
Venues can be awarded one, two or three stars and this star system was first introduced in 1926, 26 years after the guide was first published in 1900.
Within the Tayside area only two venues boast stars. The first being Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles with two, and the second, The Glenturret Lalique restaurant which has received one.
Below, we outline the honours list and also nod to those also recognised locally by the guide.
Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles – 2 stars
Retaining its two stars for the 18th consecutive year, the team at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie serve up some of the finest dishes in Scotland.
With a focus on showcasing the best of local produce, this restaurant is one many aspire to dine in.
Situated in the heart of Gleneagles resort hotel, the team work tirelessly to produce the finest dishes, which then make their way to diners seated in the intimate, elegant restaurant.
Head chef Stephen McLaughlin continues to keep esteemed chef Andrew Fairlie’s work and philosophy alive with the help of his team who take pride in every ingredient they plate.
Address: Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Gleneagles, Auchterarder PH3 1NF
The Glenturret Lalique – 1 star
The setting of this restaurant is a little more unusual to the others on this list as it is in fact housed within Scotland’s oldest working whisky distillery, The Glenturret.
Their tasting menu has been in hot demand since opening and head chef Mark Donald has consistently kept the offering at the top of its game.
Offering a tasting menu for dinner, it is the sweetie box that has been specifically designed for serving up petit fours that is unexpectedly brilliant, however every course is a feast for the eyes.
Just know that good things come to those who wait…
Address: Glenturret Distillery, The, Hosh, Crieff PH7 4HA
Gordon’s
The Inverkeilor fine dining establishment – a stone’s throw from Lunan Bay – is a destination restaurant with rooms.
Gordon’s was founded by husband and wife team Gordon and Maria Watson with their son Garry. In 2016, Gordon sadly passed away and Garry took over the kitchen.
Maria still works at the front of house, serving customers impressive Scottish dishes.
Address: Main Road, Inverkeilor DD11 5RN
The Grandtully Hotel by Ballintaggart
This sophisticated restaurant offers plates of sensational quality. Not only do they strive to use local goods as much as possible, but they also create seasonal dishes that excite and inspire diners who travel far and wide to experience the venue.
The menu boasts bites, small and large plates, sides and desserts, and the variety nods to both land and sea.
Based in a former railway hotel dating back to 1866, those visiting can stay the night, too.
Address: Grandtully, Strathtay PH9 0PL
Killiecrankie House
Husband and wife team Tom and Matilda Tsappis purchased the venue for just under £1.2 million and have invested a further £600,000 into the dazzling Killiecrankie House.
Located in Pitlochry, this charming country house in the Cairngorms National Park is decorated beautifully and the food matches both its interiors and drinks offering.
Indulge in the tasting menu which features around 12 courses and be amazed by the talent both back and front of house.
Address: Killiecrankie House, Pitlochry PH16 5LG
Collinsons
In the centre of Broughy Ferry sits Collinsons, offering high quality dining in elegant and modern surroundings.
Head chef Stephen Collinson has been running the business since 2012, but last year he revealed plans to sell the restaurant and retire.
Maybe a spot in the Michelin Guide will attract new and curious buyers keen to take the restaurant forwards.
Address: 122-124 Brown Street, Broughty Ferry DD5 1EN
North Port
The Perth restaurant is a relatively new addition to the Michelin Recommends list, after being named at the start of the year.
Head chef Andrew Moss makes sure to use the best of Scottish ingredients in his cooking, be it shellfish from the east coast or strawberries from Perthshire.
North Port currently boasts two AA Rosettes, and while the team is not working towards receiving its first star, Andrew says he’d be happy to let it come naturally.
Address: 8 North Port, Perth PH1 5LU
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