At the entrance to the village of Braemar you will find The Gathering Place, a small family run bistro. Owners Sandie and Iain take pride in producing exciting dishes sourcing in the main local ingredients. The Gathering Place makes all the dishes on the premises, using only fresh produce.

Sample the best local produce and malt whisky from the local Lochnagar distillery at this Ballater restaurant, decorated with oak furniture. Take a table with Dee Valley views, and savour fresh seafood and game at the Oaks restaurant at the Hilton Craigendarroch hotel.

The food is sophisticated and has been awarded three rosettes by the AA each year since 1997. Beef, lamb, venison and game are sourced locally and fish and shellfish is delivered from Aberdeen and the west coast. In 1997, Darroch Learg was the first in Scotland to receive the AA's new 'Wine List of the Year'.

The Clock House, enjoy fine Highland cuisine using fresh local produce in the relaxing atmosphere of this village restaurant in the centre of Tomintoul. Choose from either a set menu or Chef's specials. Situated in the pretty village Square it has a delightful ambience, with local artwork on display.

The Glass House, located in Grantown-on-Spey, near Aviemore, providing award winning fine dining using fresh local seasonal ingredients. Owners Steve and Karen Robertson opened this thirty cover restaurant within their home in the Scottish Highlands in May 2005 and it has quickly become one of the most highly regarded in the area.

The kitchen and restaurant at Muckrach Lodge is the domain of co-owner Rebecca Ferrand, who has a real understanding of the needs of the diner. Bereft of a professional food service background, she relies on her instincts and a lifetime eating out in great, good, satisfactory and awful restaurants, to deliver what she herself would want to see on a menu, in surroundings that are comfortable and stylish.

All the meals at the Craggan Mill are freshly prepared by one of Scotland's most enthusiastic culinary teams. A delightful range of dishes to satisfy all palates including innovative risottos, seafood and fish dishes, local beef steaks and some truly tantilising desserts. Your table is reserved for you for the entire evening so, relax and enjoy the experience.

The Mountview Restaurant has 2 AA Rosettes. It has a loyal local following and is a superb showcase for locally-sourced, world class ingredients. Menus are excellent and uncomplicated - and special dietary needs are catered for.  An excellent wine list of fine wines from top producers around the world provides plenty of choice.

Anderson's is a restaurant that the whole family can enjoy. With a wide range of well thought out dishes on their changing menus, there's something that everyone can tuck into and enjoy. Whether you're celebrating, relaxing after a hard day's walk in the hills, or taking a break from cooking at home, it is Anderson's wish that you feel welcome. A must visit if you're in the area.

Open daily for breakfast and dinner, Aspects is the Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort's signature restaurant. Delicious menus comprising the best Scottish produce and fine wines are offset by the elegant warm décor, crisp table linen and views over the terrace and Aviemore resort. Perfect for a romantic meal or civilised breakfast.

Dine with a difference as you travel through stunning Highland scenery on a steam train. Delight in the spectacular evening light across the mountains from the relaxing splendour of a bygone age onboard Strathspey Clansman Steam Train. Only open June, July and August.

At La Taverna, you can be sure of a warm and friendly welcome, a relaxed atmosphere and a truly continental eating-out experience. The Taverna offers a truly Italian experience for you, your family, and friends. Whether you choose to relax over an informal pizza, or celebrate with a romantic candlelit meal, your enjoyment will be enhanced by the authentic cuisine. Dine after 9.00pm to avoid the children.

Ord Ban, formerly the senior classroom of the old school house with its high pitched ceiling, pine floors and wood burning stove. Now, a friendly and relaxed café by day and intimate dining room by night. Menu is varied with interesting choices - with emphasis on local, fresh produce.

The Rowan Tree has a superb menu offers the very best Scottish dining in the area, with an excellent range of dishes, some based on more traditional fare, others on new & interesting recipes. What is beyond question is that all are very enjoyable. This is a relaxed & casual affair, served at 5.30pm to 8.30pm each evening. Closed Mondays.

The Cross at Kingussie was once a textile mill, but there's nothing tweedy about David and Katie Young's classy 5 star restaurant with rooms. The Good Food Guide has rated The Cross as one of the six best places to eat in the Scottish Highlands. A real jewel in the Cairngorms.

Blasta - or "Blasda" for the purists - translates from Gaelic as "tasty" or "delicious" which, quite simply, is what they are all about. They serve imaginatively prepared but unpretentious food, drawing from the best local, seasonal ingredients available, in a relaxed but stylish setting.