The Mustard Seed in Inverness manages to combine lots of things at once: a historic setting, homely atmosphere, and gorgeously wholesome food that brings the best of the Scottish Borders onto your plate.
Set in a disused church, The Mustard Seed has been a charasmatic, local favourite for years. The building is stunning and brings unique features into your dining experience, from double-height ceilings to a cosy log fire. The team have carefully renovated and redecorated the space to ensure that all of those beautiful features are treasured, but alongside contemporary touches that keep The Mustard Seed very much in the here and now.
What's also interesting about this foodie bolthole is its apartments: just around the corner, The Mustard Seed owners have eight stylishly-decorated holiday apartments in association with the restaurant, so if you're thinking of visiting Inverness this could be push you need.
Of course, the heart of The Mustard Seed is food and the kitchen have prepared a selection of menus to suit your needs, from early evening, to something special for kids, and a solely vegan menu. There's so much to taste here, but to get an idea of what's on offer, the early evening menu works wonderfully with a cocktail (of which there are many!) and includes bites like cheddar and onion bon bons, alongside sweet chilli chicken tenders and a take on avocado toast.
The main menu starts with appetisers such as haggis croquette served with a red onion chutney and crispy salad, as well as crispy breaded black pudding and a classic Waldorf salad. Larger plates include munros of Inverness sirloin steak with creamy mash which sounds divine, alongside another local favourite: loin of Scottish cod with garlic crushed potatoes and mixed green vegetables. Finally, we'd be tempted by the fillet of Scottish salmon served with mixed veegtable ragout.