Dining Out In The Home Of Golf!

I’m often asked what are the best places to wine and dine in St Andrews, especially by golfers visiting just for the weekend. Here are a few of my thoughts (prices correct as of April 2007)

The Rusacks Hotel – Their restaurant has fantastic views over the legendary 18th green of the Old Course. They offer 3 courses for £37.50 including coffee and home made petit fours.

Another beautiful location at the other old Cathedral end of St Andrews town is the Byre Theatre Restaurant. They do a two course dinner menu for £12.95 which is amazing value and a stunning building with great ambience in the evenings.

Also you could try The Dolls House in the heart of St Andrews (owned by Scottish TV star Carol Smilie and her husband). Two courses from their early evening menu (a starter and a main) plus a complimentary drink costs £12.95.

Lastly there is a restaurant which is new to St Andrews – I have been there on 2 occasions and had delicious very affordable food – it’s Zizzi, an Italian restaurant. If you haven’t been to St Andrews for a while this is where Papa Joes used to be – they still have restaurants in Dundee and Stirling.

I would recommend booking a restaurant for a Saturday night if you can, but don’t worry if you are unable to as there are plenty of bars with great views to while away an hour whilst you wait for a table at a restaurant in St Andrews.

Another top tip if you fancy a spectacular view of the famous Old Course but don’t want to spend a fortune on dinner is to go for pre-dinner drinks at the Road Hole Bar at The Old Course Hotel. Drinks (as with everything at The Old Course Hotel) will set you back a bit (approximately £6 for a glass of wine) but the fantastic views definitely make up for it (and they have piano music and free tasty nuts on offer too!).

2008 Update: On the 29th May 2008 I had a fantastic meal at Playfair’s Scottish Restaurant & Bar at the Ardgowan Hotel on Playfair Terrance, North Street. I started with he Scottish Platter of smoked Orkney salmon, haggis cakes and smoked Highland vension. For my main I had fresh haddock coated with breadcrumbs (definitely the freshest fish I have tasted in St Andrews!) and for dessert I had their delicious cranachan sundae (vanilla ice cream layered with whisky, honey, raspberries and toasted oatmal topped with fresh cream) – yummy!

It’s not often I rave about a restaurant and trust me I’m not on commission but if you want excellent fresh traditional Scottish food on your next visit to St Andrews I definitely recommend Playfairs. Isn’t it time to tasted cullen stink, haggis and clootie dumpling in one great meal!

Enjoy your stay and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me, my address is Andy at GolfSwingSecretsRevealed.com


3 Responses to “Dining Out In The Home Of Golf!”

  1. Dorothy A Low says:

    I’m also VERY surprised you didn’t mention the Seafood Restaurant. It is the best by far, a little more expensive, esp for dinner, good value for lunch and has great staff. How could you miss it?

    Andy’s Reply:

    You’re right Dorothy I should add some words about the Seafood Restaurant to this page:

    http://www.golfswingsecretsrevealed.com/blog/2007/04/21/dining-out-in-the-home-of-golf/

    I also like The Rule, time for an update!

    Kind Regards

    Andy

  2. James says:

    Surprised you didn’t mention the Seafood Restaurant which has great food and wonderful views.

  3. dmac says:

    👿 Agree with everything accept Zizzi in St Andrews where we have had a lousy experience – waited 45 mins for a table that we were told was being set out for us after 10 mins. You ask questions, they claim they would go find out but never did. Eventually after 45 mins got told it would take another 45 mins for a table – why not tell me this in the first place? Incompetent management simply not capable.

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