9 Best Restaurants in Stirling and the Central Highlands, Scotland

With its over-the-top Scottishness, this lively restaurant and café serving Scottish classics fits perfectly into its surroundings. Long wooden tables, a large chimney with an open fire in the winter months, and a cabinet full of mouthwatering cakes baked by the owner create a cheerful atmosphere. Favorites include rich soups and stovies (large round rolls filled to overflowing), as well as the ubiquitous haggis, served in king-size quantities. It's worth asking for tea served in ceramic teapots representing everything from dining rooms to telephone boxes (bonus: the pots are for sale in the shop). The picturesque village of Luss attracts visitors because of its association with a favorite Scottish TV soap opera, Take the High Road, which ran from 1994 to 2003. Some cruises depart from its pier.

For over 20 years, restaurant namesake Effie baked her glorious cakes and scones here and her family continues the tradition, using her same recipes. The charming, traditional tearoom is hugely popular, with paintings and photographs emphasizing its long history, but what keeps the customers coming back is the superb baking, rich homemade soups, and creative breakfast menu.

Run by the Bechelli family for four generations, this casual, light, and airy café in Bridge of Allan, just a couple of miles from Stirling, is a popular spot with locals. It is a well-tried Scottish combination of fish-and-chip restaurant and ice-cream parlor. Try the traditional "fish tea"—here confusingly called "catch of the day"—which consists of fish-and-chips served with tea or coffee and bread and butter. This place is time-honored, tasty, and a good value. There's a tantalizing selection of Italian ice cream too—if you have room.

Don't miss it: in one corner of the square, off Callander's main street, a narrow door opens into a high-ceilinged old church hall crowded with good things to eat there or take away. You can order tasty soups, house-made cakes, and plump sandwiches from the counter, or try the excellent coffee or a glass of wine. The arched wooden ceiling and wooden floors, together with the wooden tables and shelves of food, somehow create a very homey setting.

Knowing its clientele, this quirky, noisy inn serves huge, hearty portions that are what you need after a day's walking on the nearby West Highland Way. Scottish staples like sausage and mash, minced beef, and haggis jostle for a place beside occasionally more adventurous dishes. The dining areas are hung with swords and copies of old paintings, but the best place to eat is the crowded bar. This is a genuine traveler's pub (hearty rather than elegant) with a range of whiskies and mounted animals presumably brought by earlier travelers. The bear at the door should not put you off (it is stuffed and very old). There is traditional music every weekend, and there are 34 basic but clean rooms for rent.

At this very popular addition to the dining scene in Stirling/Bridge of Allan, you'll find an adventurous menu that includes Chinese bao buns and a cheerful use of spices (the sriracha chicken burger is a delight). The brunch menu features flavors from around the world too, and there are excellent choices for vegetarians such as cauliflower steak and jack fruit tacos. The long drink menu embraces wine, unusual juices, and gin, perhaps best enjoyed on the pavement terrace.

Retaining the feel of an old-fashioned bakery, Mhor Bread delights with not only its homemade sourdough and other delicious breads, but also doughnuts, shortbread, and more. The café/tearoom is open for breakfast and lunch, with menu items such as fine sandwiches, soups, and desserts, including an amazing array of pies with different fillings. Want to go on a picnic? You can order takeaway lunches.

At the historic Stronachlachar Pier, this light-filled coffee shop has a satisfying lunch menu (burgers and sandwiches) and a deck with expansive views over Loch Katrine. Cakes, scones, and soups are made on the premises. You can also have breakfast and dinner (some nights); there's even a bar. Many people get off the boat from Trossachs Pier here before cycling or walking along the road around the loch. It's lovely and not too demanding.