Dundee is a city that surprises many travelers. Known for its waterfront, cultural revival, and welcoming character, it also has a flourishing dining scene that blends traditional Scottish flavors with global influences. Whether you are an early riser seeking the perfect breakfast roll, a traveler wanting a scenic lunch, or someone looking for an elegant dinner with creative flair, Dundee offers restaurants that fit every appetite and occasion.
Here is a curated guide to some of the most exciting restaurants in Dundee. Each recommendation includes practical details—address, average cost per person, signature dishes, opening hours, and how to secure a table—so you can focus on enjoying the flavors of the city.
1. Eastfield
Address: 91 Perth Road, Dundee
Average Price per Person: £25–£30 for a complete meal
Signature Dishes:
Flatbread with garlicky bagna cauda and fresh herbs
Welsh rarebit with Isle of Mull cheddar
Cavatelli pasta with fennel ragu and parmesan
Guinness cake and apple cake with whey caramel custard
Hours of Operation: Open during the daytime, mainly for brunch and lunch. Occasionally, special evening dinners are held as BYOB events.
Reservation Method: Eastfield operates on a no-reservation policy. Arrive close to opening hours to secure a table.
Eastfield is where artistry meets comfort food. The restaurant emphasizes handmade dishes with bold flavors, offering a relaxed café atmosphere where food is both creative and approachable. The use of seasonal Scottish produce gives every plate a sense of place.
2. Bridgeview Station
Address: Riverside Drive, Dundee (overlooking the Tay Rail Bridge)
Average Price per Person: Around £20–£30 depending on courses
Signature Dishes:
Pigeon breast with haggis pearl barley
Hake fillet with celeriac and savoy cabbage
Ham hock bloomer with Dundee Marmalade and mustard
Smoked applewood macaroni with sautéed leeks
Hours of Operation: Open for lunch and dinner, with hours varying by day.
Reservation Method: Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant directly.
Housed in a converted Victorian station, Bridgeview Station provides sweeping views of the Tay while serving elegant yet hearty dishes. It is an excellent choice for travelers who want a dining experience that balances local flavors with a sophisticated setting.
3. Serendipities
Address: Located in Dundee city centre
Average Price per Person: From £6–£12 depending on choice
Signature Dishes:
Vegan mac and cheese
Vegan full Scottish breakfast with black pudding and tattie scones
Gluten-free and soya-free cakes made fresh daily
Hours of Operation: Breakfast through mid-afternoon; generally closes in the early evening.
Reservation Method: Primarily walk-in, though larger groups can inquire in person or by phone.
Serendipities is more than a café—it’s a social enterprise built on sustainability and inclusivity. With its plant-based comfort food and zero-waste focus, it offers both ethical dining and genuine flavor. For travelers who enjoy casual meals with a community-driven ethos, this is the perfect stop.
4. Daisy Tasker
Address: Hotel Indigo, Lower Dens Mill, Constable Street, Dundee
Average Price per Person: £15–£20 for mains, around £30–£35 for a full three-course meal
Signature Dishes:
Venison burger with beetroot chutney
Beer-battered haddock with chips, made with local craft lager
Modern takes on Scottish comfort food classics
Hours of Operation: Open for lunch and dinner service daily.
Reservation Method: Reservations are recommended. Book directly by calling the restaurant or enquiring at the hotel reception.
Located in a beautifully restored former jute mill, Daisy Tasker pays homage to Dundee’s industrial heritage while offering a stylish dining space. The menu is rich in locally sourced ingredients, and the atmosphere blends modern design with historic character.
5. Clark’s Bakery
Address: Multiple locations in Dundee, including popular sites in the city centre
Average Price per Person: £2–£7 depending on selection
Signature Dishes:
The legendary “Helicopter Burger” with bacon, chips, sausage, beef patty, and fried egg
Traditional Scottish pies such as chicken tikka or bolognese
Sausage rolls, fondant fancies, and empire biscuits
Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours, every day of the week
Reservation Method: No reservations required. Simply walk in.
Clark’s Bakery is an institution in Dundee. Known for its round-the-clock service, it caters to night owls, students, and locals craving comfort food at all hours. It’s the place to go if you want to experience the unfiltered, hearty side of the city’s food culture.
6. Gidi Grill
Address: 6–7 City Square, Dundee, DD1 3BA
Average Price per Person: £20–£30 depending on courses and drinks
Signature Dishes:
A fusion of Caribbean and West African dishes, ranging from jerk-seasoned meats to plantain sides
Grilled seafood with bold spices
Platters designed for sharing
Hours of Operation:
Monday: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tuesday to Thursday: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday to Saturday: 12:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Sunday: 1:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Reservation Method: Reservations can be made by phone. Highly recommended for evenings and weekends.
Gidi Grill brings tropical flair to Dundee’s City Square. With vibrant flavors, lively music, and friendly service, it offers an energetic dining experience. The combination of Caribbean spice and West African tradition makes it one of the city’s most unique culinary destinations.
7. The Ship Inn & Waterfront Restaurant (Broughty Ferry)
Address: Fisher Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee
Average Price per Person: £15–£25 depending on meal choice
Signature Dishes:
Traditional fish and chips
Fresh seafood platters
Seasonal Scottish comfort food
Hours of Operation: Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Reservation Method: Bookings by phone recommended, particularly for evening service.
Just outside Dundee in the charming district of Broughty Ferry, The Ship Inn offers diners a cozy, historic setting with stunning river views. It is ideal for those who want to combine a day by the sea with a classic meal in a traditional pub atmosphere.
8. Goodfellow & Steven’s (Bakery Café)
Address: Various outlets in Dundee
Average Price per Person: £3–£8 depending on choice
Signature Dish: Dundee Cake—a world-famous fruitcake originating here, dense with raisins, almonds, and citrus peel
Hours of Operation: Morning until late afternoon, typical bakery hours
Reservation Method: Walk-in only
No food journey in Dundee would be complete without trying the legendary Dundee Cake. Goodfellow & Steven’s has been associated with the cake for generations, making it the go-to spot for this authentic local treat.
A Day of Eating in Dundee: Suggested Route
To make the most of Dundee’s food scene, here’s how you might plan your meals:
Breakfast: Start the day with a sausage roll or helicopter burger from Clark’s Bakery, perfect for fueling a day of sightseeing.
Late Morning Snack: Stop by Goodfellow & Steven’s for a slice of Dundee Cake with coffee.
Lunch: Head to Eastfield or Serendipities for a light but creative meal.
Afternoon Break: Stroll along the waterfront and enjoy a relaxed drink before dinner.
Dinner: Choose Bridgeview Station for a fine-dining experience with views, or Gidi Grill for bold international flavors.
Evening Wind Down: If you find yourself hungry late at night, Clark’s is always waiting.
Dundee’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its history, offering a remarkable journey for anyone who chooses to explore it through food. This is not a city defined by just one flavor or a single tradition—it is a place where contrasts meet in harmony. From the refined elegance of riverside dining rooms to the comforting warmth of a bakery open at all hours, Dundee shows that great food is not about extravagance but about authenticity, passion, and connection to community.
For those who enjoy fine dining, a meal overlooking the River Tay can feel like a special occasion in itself. Watching the light shift over the water while savoring delicately prepared seafood or game dishes elevates dining into an experience that goes beyond taste. Yet just a short walk away, you might find yourself biting into a simple sausage roll or an indulgent burger, surrounded by locals who treat late-night bakery runs as a cherished ritual. This balance between the sophisticated and the everyday is what makes Dundee so distinctive—it is a city where high culinary standards and down-to-earth comfort happily coexist.
Equally important is the way tradition and innovation intertwine. The iconic Dundee Cake, rich with fruit and history, connects visitors to generations past. At the same time, modern restaurants experiment with global influences—Caribbean spices, West African grills, or vegan comfort food—showcasing Dundee’s openness to the world while staying grounded in Scottish hospitality. Each plate, whether it’s a centuries-old recipe or a contemporary creation, tells a story about where Dundee has been and where it is heading.
What unites all of these experiences is the people behind the food. Chefs, bakers, and café owners are not just feeding customers; they are sharing parts of themselves and their heritage. Their dedication transforms a simple meal into a memory, making visitors feel welcomed into the heart of the city.
So come hungry, explore widely, and let your taste buds fall in love with Dundee. Every bite here is an invitation—to slow down, to connect, and to discover a city that knows how to nourish both body and soul.