Links House At Royal Dornoch - Highland

We chose Mara for my birthday celebration during our stay at the Links House Hotel. We were unable to dine there on our last visit due to covid restrictions, so we were excited to finally have the opportunity. I must say, the staff at this hotel are truly exceptional - welcoming, attentive, and helpful, which is rare to find. We started off with a delicious coconut puff ball followed by the chef's homemade sourdough bread with sea salt honey butter and roasted pumpkin seed oil. The smoked fish amuse bouche with caviar and leeks was delightful. For starters, my husband had the beef short rib and I had the salmon paired with apple. A refreshing apple and celery sorbet served as a palate cleanser before we both enjoyed the chicken main course, beautifully presented with savoy cabbage and a delicious jus. I opted for a selection of local cheeses with the hotel's own honey and fig chutney, while my husband enjoyed a lovely chocolate dessert. This was one of the best meals I've had and I can't wait to return tomorrow night!

Thi's restaurant is surely a contender for a Michelin star. I cannot fault any part of the meal we enjoyed and will remember fondly for a long time. Superb, Mara, well be back.

We opted for the 4-course menu and found it to be one of the best meals we've ever had. The locally sourced ingredients were presented beautifully and very filling. We also tried the wine pairings, which were excellent, although the glasses were a bit too large, judging by my headache the next day. The dishes were not overly complicated or artistic, but rather focused on quality produce cooked to perfection. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, making us feel welcome. While some may find the atmosphere of friendly people off-putting, we thoroughly enjoyed our fine dining experience. The portion sizes, prices, and overall experience were reflective of similar establishments around the world. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but we, as two British diners, thoroughly enjoyed it.

This restaurant operates with a level of presumption which stretches credulity; their style of decor and service might suit many foreign guests but most Brits may find it touches on vulgarity. On the positive side, the staff are invariably helpful and welcoming, even though they appear to have been trained in the art of obsequiousness. The food is delicious and carefully cooked, even if the portions are modest and the prices eye watering. May the Lord preserve us from young chefs, anxious to make a name for themselves; they tend to offer dishes with presentations more akin to an art installation than a meal, invariably as minute portions of a bizarre concoction on an immense plate. One option stated it contained Dill it did, but as a frond no bigger than a finger nail. If you like great tasting food in very small portions served by fawning staff and regardless of cost, this is the place for you. As someone once said, “people who like this sort of thing will find it just the sort of thing they like.”

The Staff at this restaurant were professional and new their menu , they were very friendly and could not do enough for us. The food was first class and cooked to order . The cost of the restaurant is not cheap but worth every penny. The menu is limited but is superb.