With the Christmas season rapidly approaching, many of us will soon be heading out to restaurants and cafes more often than usual for a festive bite to eat.
We're lucky in Scotland in that no matter where you live, you're unlikely to be far from somewhere serving up delicious food, whether it's a simple but delicious sandwich or an elegant three-course meal.
Each city in the country has so much to offer in terms of food that it can make choosing where to go a rather daunting task. Luckily, travel website TripAdvisor has compiled a list of the top restaurants and cafes in each one.
Every eatery is assigned an average score out of five based on customer ratings. It then uses this data, as well as the number of reviews each one has received, to put together a list of the top places to eat in every city.
We took a look at what placed in first for each of Scotland's eight cities. Since TripAdvisor groups restaurants and cafes together, there is a diverse selection of eateries on this list.
We also included a sample review from each one, so you know exactly what customers have to say.
Here is a summary of the best cafe or restaurant in each city in Scotland.
Aberdeen
Monsoona Healthy Indian Cuisine, 20 Bridge Street
Monsoona is a health-conscious restaurant that doesn't sacrifice any flavour, serving up mouth-watering authentic Indian cuisine. It serves up a impressive range of meals, including vegetarian and vegan options, in a compact and colourful dining room just a short walk from the city centre.
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 1,644
What one customer said: "Lovely small restaurant in city centre. Staff were welcoming and friendly.
"Food was great, poppadoms were light and crispy, chicken tikka was tender and yummy, husband had the meat tasting-dish and enjoyed all of it. Will definitely be back and highly recommend you try this little gem of a restaurant."
Dundee
The Camperdown Elm, 1A Fulton Road
The Camperdown Elm is the place to head if you're after no-frills pub classics with a modern twist. It also serves up great beers and delicious cocktails, so you really can't go wrong.
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 711
What one customer said: "Met up for a family brunch today. A great breakfast menu and I can highly recommend the Scottish breakfast.
"A very friendly family pub, thanks also to our waitress Megan who gave us excellent service."
Dunfermline
Dhoom, 19-21 New Row
Rating: 5/5
Number of reviews: 348
According to TripAdvisor, the top restaurant in Scotland's newest city is Dhoom, which specialises in upscale renditions of dishes from all over India. It's also a terrific cocktail bar, so you can enjoy a top-class drink alongside your meal.
What one customer said: "I had the taster lunch menu which was perfect in every way. They even gave me lamb instead of chicken and made the dish more spicy to my taste.
"I'd also recommend the trio of cocktails served in dry ice. On top of all this, the staff were very attentive, I will definitely be back."
Edinburgh
French Creperie Le Petit Café, 32 Morrison Street
Rating: 5/5
Number of reviews: 266
Le Petit Café is a cosy establishment serving up delicious crepes and galettes, as well breakfasts and ice cream sundaes. It's been praised for its authentic French cuisine and charming atmosphere.
What one customer said: "Although Scottish food is delicious, if you are looking for something different would definitely recommend French Creperie Le Petit Cafe! The cafe is adorable and the staff is so kind.
"I got the galette of the month - cheddar, bacon, brie, and sweet chilli sauce with orange juice and the gingerbread latte - all delicious! After living in France I can definitely say this is authentic French food and very good. Highly recommend!"
Glasgow
Fanny Trollopes, 1066 Argyle Street
Fanny Trollopes is a trendy neighbourhood bistro where guests can enjoy some of Scotland's best seasonal produce in a cosy candlelit environment. Specialising in fish, seafood, Scottish beef and lamb, fowl and game, it also offers delicious vegan and vegetarian options.
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 2,071
What one customer said: "We visited here for the second time and it was absolutely superb, as it was the first time. Front of house was well organised and Harry in particular was outstanding.
"Can’t speak highly enough about the quality of the food, if you’re in Glasgow it’s definitely worth a visit."
Inverness
River House Restaurant, 1 Greig Street
Located on the banks of the River Ness, River House Restaurant is sleek and upscale seafood establishment that serves oysters, crab, mussels, langoustine, clams, halibut, bass and more, sourced locally and beyond.
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 1,283
What one customer said: "What a wonderful meal we have just had. Food was wonderful, service great and we were made to feel so welcome.
We were made to feel so welcome. A small place but what a great place."
Perth
Chatni Fine Indian Dining, 15 Main Street Methven
While technically located in the village of Methven just outside of Perth, TripAdvisor classes it as a restaurant in the city—and the best one at that. The family-owned eatery has earned praise for its relaxed ambience and delicious food.
Rating: 5/5
Number of reviews: 454
What one customer said: "Absolutely fantastic. Has to be the best restaurant we have been too.
"Husband likes it hot so vindaloo for him, the girls in the family loved the sweetness of the passanda, the flavour of the Bhuna and the intense richness of the Balti. Atmosphere was lovely and the staff friendly.
"If you get the chance to sample the food here I would highly recommend it."
Stirling
The Orangery, 12 Victoria Square
Unlike many restaurants on this list, The Orangery in Stirling offers a true fine-dining experience that blends tradition and innovation with quality local produce. Part of Stirling's award-winning Victoria Square guest house, the restaurant overlooks the peaceful tree-lined Victoria Square
Rating: 5/5
Number of reviews: 205
What one customer said: "My husband and I visited The Orangery for the first time this evening and were extremely impressed with the quality of the food, the attentiveness of the staff and the extensive range of both alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks that were available. Every dish was perfectly balanced with a wealth of different flavours and textures and showcased the very best produce Scotland has to offer.
"It was the most pleasurable dining experience we have had for a considerable time and we can't wait to go again."
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