Blackfriars Restaurant

You'll find yourself on Academy Street in the heart of the city centre, walking into a dining room that feels properly established—the sort of place that's been doing things its own way for years. Blackfriars takes British cooking seriously, which means you're looking at solid steaks, well-made pies, and the kind of dishes your gran might have cooked, just done with a bit more technique. It's got that comfortable, unfussy vibe that appeals to Inverness folk who want somewhere to sit down without pretension. The reviews are honest rather than glowing—some nights it absolutely nails it, other times things don't quite land—but that's part of the charm of a place that's trying to do proper food rather than chase trends.