The best food and drink to try on a day in Stirling

Stirling has an eclectic mix of food and drink on offer, with Sicilian and Mediterranean cuisine to name a few.

With the gorgeous medieval Stirling castle, an art gallery and Stirling Old Town Jail, there are plenty of reasons to visit.

But between all your sightseeing, you’re likely to get a little peckish.

To help you decide where to go, I’ve put together a food and drink guide of some of the best places for food and drink in Stirling.

Breakfast

8am to 11am

The Wee Wolf Bistro on King Street in Stirling will absolutely set your day off right.

The bistro is named after the wolves which saved Stirling back when the Vikings tried to attack the town in the 9th century.

Apparently, the howling of these wolves woke up the townsfolk, and scared away the vikings, making the wolf the saviour of Stirling.

The breakfast menu is sizeable. You could try the Wee Wolf (bacon, sausage, egg, beans and toast) or the Wolf Brekkie (two bacon, two sausages, egg, beans, mushrooms, tattie scones, black pudding, hash brown and toast).

A tasty breakfast from the wolf-themed eatery in Stirling. Image: The Wee Wolf Bistro.

Dogs are allowed, and they even get to snack on gluten-free sausages while you enjoy your brekkie.

And there’s a “wee wolf den” play area in the back for the kids to enjoy.

Address: 40 King Street, Stirling, United Kingdom

Known for its cosy atmosphere and great food, Toast is a favourite in Stirling and offers a diverse breakfast menu.

You could go for a full cooked breakfast, or try the vegetarian options with halloumi, scrambled eggs with feta, mushrooms, spinach, and pine nuts on granary toast.

Address: 2 Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ

Another spot for breakfast on your day enjoying the food and drink in Stirling is Vera Artisan Bakery and Kitchen.

This modern and stylish bakery has huge range of baked goods on offer, and also sell their own freshly baked sourdough bread.

On their breakfast menu, there is something for everyone.

If you’re fond of all things simple, you’ll be pleased to see that they serve a morning roll, with one, two or three fillings, choosing between bacon, black pudding, egg and more.

The Spanish eggs on the breakfast menu at Vera Artisan Bakery and Kitchen on Stirling’s King Street. Image: Vera Artisan Bakery and Kitchen.

But if you want something more elevated for your breakfast, you can try their Spanish eggs (crispy Serrano ham on a toasted bagel with a poached egg and hollandaise sauce).

They also offer pancakes and French toast, including crispy chicken pancakes, served with chilli mayo, jalapeño, chilli flakes and smashed avocado.

If you’re even hungrier though, they have some “hearty brunch” options, like a pulled pork burger, Turkish eggs, chorizo hash and shakshuka.

Address: 51 King St, Stirling FK8 1DN

Coffee and cake

11am to 12pm

Coffee and cake is a match made in heaven, and there are plenty of places to enjoy both in Stirling.

Cafe and bean shop Stirling Coffee is a funky, modern spot in Stirling’s centre.

They have a huge range of syrups to choose from – perfect if you’re a sweet tooth like myself.

There’s the typical bunch like vanilla, caramel or hazelnut, but they also offer quirkier options like gingerbread or praline.

Stirling Coffee is a great spot for a coffee and cake.

You can also enjoy tasty bakes in their café.

They have a wee shop where you can buy various gifts, like brewing equipment, flasks and mugs.

Address: 8 King Street, Stirling, FK8 1BD

Old Town Coffee House is a beautiful little coffee shop and a real hidden gem. They offer a diverse menu with homemade cakes, as well as breakfast items, sandwiches, crepes and soups.

Customers can enjoy a variety of teas, including traditional blends and herbal infusions, to complement the food offerings.

Enjoy coffee and cake at the Old Town Coffee House.

The cosy atmosphere, friendly service, and convenient location near Stirling Castle make it an ideal spot for both locals and visitors seeking a delightful dining experience.

Address: 38 Spittal Street, Stirling, FK8 1DU

Another pop-up coffee spot to try out on your trip to Stirling, is actually found within the train station itself.

The Timorous Beastie coffee bar can get you a speedy – and delicious – coffee before you grab your train.

Just make sure to give them enough time to brew your coffee!

Address: Platform 3, Stirling station, Goosecroft Road, Stirling, FK8 1PF

Lunch

12pm to 3pm

For lunch, why not try the new Stirling spot Mato’s Cafe?

The bright and fresh eatery, run by a father and son duo, offers a Mediterranean-style menu.

The family-run Mato’s Cafe is perfect for brunch or lunch on a day in Stirling.

The food on offer includes burgers, salads, paninis, wraps and more, as well as breakfast options which are served all day.

Why not go for their Greek salad? It would be the perfect refreshing dish to enjoy while sat outside in the sunshine.

Address: 22 Friars St, Stirling FK8 1HA

Snack

3pm to 6pm

For a snack on your day trying out the food and drink in Stirling, you can’t go wrong with the authentic Italian spot Caffe Pompei.

They have the biggest cannoli I have ever seen, which owners Mario and Connie Celiberti tell me are traditional Sicilian cannoli.

The authentic Sicilian cannoli at Caffe Pompei in Stirling.

These are all made in Italy and imported over, and cost £5 each. Which may seem steep, but they are the same size as my wrist!

They also serve cakes, coffee and croissants.

Address: 55 King St, Stirling FK8 1DR

Or if crepes are your thing, you should pay a visit to Mint Patisserie.

Their crepes can be served with chocolate, lemon curd, banana or apple and cinnamon.

They also serve ice cream, waffles, cakes, pancakes and French toast.

Mint Patisserie has outdoor seating perfect for enjoying the sunshine.

The cute, colourful cafe also has outdoor seating which will make you feel like you’re on holiday abroad if the sun is shining (fingers crossed!).

Address: 15 Baker St, Stirling FK8 1BJ

Dinner

6pm to 8pm

Stirling locals recommend Nicky-Tams for dinner.

For delicious, homemade pub grub in a cool spot with some live music to boot – this is the place to be.

Nicky-Tams Bar and Bothy offers a varied menu of homemade dishes, catering to various dietary preferences.

They also have lovely daily specials and guest beers. The pub and accommodation is also dog friendly so bring your pooch along for a night out.

Nicky-Tams serves tasty pub grub in a cosy setting.

The menu features traditional pub fare, with prices ranging from £5 to £15. Food is served Monday to Saturday from midday to 8pm, and on Sundays from 1pm to 8pm.

Address: 29 Baker Street, Stirling, FK8 1BJ

If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate a special occasion, then head to Brea for award-winning fine dining.

This classy restaurant showcases the best of Scotland’s larder and their dishes range from modern twists to traditional classics.

Address: 5 Baker Street, Stirling, FK8 1BJ

Drinks

8pm till late

For a lively night out, the Corn Exchange is the place to be.

Downstairs, you’ll find cosy booth seating – perfect for catching up with friends over a pint or watching the game on the big screen.

They offer a great selection of beers, classic cocktails, and all the spirits you could want.

Head upstairs, and you’ll discover a spacious dance floor where DJs play a mix of chart hits, classic anthems, and party tunes to keep you moving all night.

Whether you’re in the mood to relax with a drink or dance until late, this spot has something for everyone.

Address: 11-13 Corn Exchange Rd, Stirling, FK8 2HX