We are very lucky in Banchory to have a number of great dining out options, despite the relatively modest size of the town. These are our top six picks for culinary delights in the area.

1. Buchanan Bistro. We love nothing more than Sunday lunch at the Buchanan Bistro, where they have live music from 12 noon until 2pm. Each week is something different, sometimes relaxing, ambient music; sometimes a more lively band. But it’s always live and it’s always entertaining. The bistro has a great ambience and serves honest, thoughtful food, from healthy breakfasts through to romantic dinners. The team are dedicated to a green philosophy, using locally sourced ingredients and serving up organic food that has been cooked from scratch. Their straws are recyclable and they cater for vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free diets.
2. Milton Brasserie. Located near the legendary Crathes Castle, Milton Brasserie has been developed from old farm buildings and provides truly atmospheric dining! Catering mainly to the lunch and afternoon tea crowd, the fayre is seasonal, local and Scottish-inspired. A la carte in the restaurant or coffee and home bakes in the fantastic conservatory.  A must visit.
3.  Banchory Lodge Hotel. Situated on the banks of the River Dee the views from the restaurant are to die for. Dress up for dinner or dress down for supper in the bar or heated outdoor terrace. Delicious locally sourced food and an ever changing menu plus oodles of atmosphere. Our fave!
4. The Falls of Feugh. This restaurant simply couldn’t be better positioned, as it overlooks the spectacular Falls of Feugh,  where you can watch wild salmon leap upstream in season. But it’s not just about the views; the food is fantastic too. The award-winning team produce the very best of modern Scottish cuisine and the restaurant is a superb choice for a special celebration.  In summer you can sit outside in the glorious riverside grounds, listening to the sound of the wild, running water.
5. Finzean Estate Tea Room. The Finzean Estate is located between Banchory and Aboyne, but merits the 15 minute drive. With views over the Feugh Valley and Clachnaben, the setting is stunning, and the food doesn’t disappoint either. The tea room serves up breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea using only the best local, seasonal ingredients. It’s worth booking ahead though, as it’s a popular choice. The adjacent farm shop is also a great source of locally reared beef and game, as well as the best produce from the area, including Finzean honey, hand-baked bread, award-winning cheeses and top-notch ready meals plus unusual and beautiful crafts,  cards and gifts.
6. The Cow Shed. This family-run establishment has been part of the Banchory culinary scene since 2010, focusing on local, seasonal ingredients and cooking them ‘as simply as possible’. It does classical Scottish cooking in exemplary fashion, with a relaxed, friendly ambience.

Those are our top six, but we are spoilt for choice in Banchory! Which of your favourite eateries have we missed off the list?

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