Best restaurants in Kilmarnock
Kilmarnock, Ayrshire’s biggest town, lies less than 20 miles away from us at Craig Tara. Sitting alongside the banks of the River Irvine, it’s known for manufacturing textiles, including the iconic Scots bonnets (the headwear, not the chilli!)
That said, Kilmarnock can provide spicy food aplenty, as well as global cuisines ranging from Scottish-Italian to Chinese and Mexican. Here are some of the best restaurants in Kilmarnock.
British / Scottish
The Weston Tavern
The Weston Tavern was previously the Kilmaur Manse, once the home of reformist minister David Smyton, a contemporary of local poet Robert Burns. The rustic 18th-century interior is complemented by a menu of tasty and traditional Scottish food, including their celebrated starter, a tower of haggis and black pudding, with creamed mash and peppercorn sauce.
They also do a line of Cajun-styled “sizzlers,” burgers, and grilled meat dishes, with portions to satisfy any appetite. Sweet tooths will enjoy their sundaes too, especially the Scottish tablet, butterscotch, and vanilla ice cream concoction.
Cotton Mill Cookhouse & Pub
Another popular local pub for food is the Cotton Mill Cookhouse, whose smart, bright interior makes a change to the sometimes-dark restaurants of traditional pubs. Burgers and grilled meats are at the forefront of their menu, although there are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options too. Prices are very reasonable, and the Cookhouse is open for filling full Scottish breakfasts for those mornings after.
They get creative with their drinks as well, with thirst-quenching sangria and wine spritzers for summer relaxation. For unpretentious, great value fare, well presented, it’s a good bet.
The Long House
The cosy yet classy interior of the Long House strikes a good balance between comfort and style. It's a little pricier than other local options, but the quality and presentation are top-class. There’s even a small al fresco dining area for sunny days, and dogs are welcome there too.
The brunches score highly at The Long House, including their ham and smoked cheese eggs benedict and their plant-based full Scottish with grilled halloumi and avocado. Pancakes are also a must, with an American option that includes crispy bacon and sausages.
Lunches and dinners include a wide range of international dishes as well as local specialities such as their seared salmon with soft cheese and herb tortellini. Definitely a local favourite.
The Laird’s Table
One of the most picturesque places to eat in Kilmarnock is the Laird’s Table at the Craufurdland Castle Estate. An attractive modernist building sits alongside the estate’s lochan, and there’s the adjoining Ghillie’s Café where dogs are welcome.
Open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, The Laird’s Table is one of the more expensive venues on this list but the excellent quality Scottish produce on offer, perfectly presented, make it worth visiting for your special occasion.
Evening menu highlights include a medallion of Scottish beef fillet and venison sausage and a fillet of seabass with scallops. Desserts deserve a mention too, especially the poached pears served with dark chocolate sauce and locally made ice cream.
Steakhouse
The Glasshouse at Rowallan Castle Golf Club
For the real carnivores, a visit to The Glasshouse at the popular Rowallan Castle golf club is a must. The 16th-century castle itself is worth a tour, as is its Colin Montgomerie-designed golf course. However, it’s also well worthwhile just visiting The Glasshouse, which is a wonderfully light, airy space set in a walled garden with outdoor tables.
The food is beautifully presented and very inventive and it’s no surprise The Glasshouse won a Scottish Food Award for fine dining in 2022. The menu is sensibly small, and mains include a fillet of duckling with cumin duck pate, and herb crusted hake fillet, served with mashed potato and turmeric coconut curry cream. Desserts include a delicious, salted caramel panna cotta.
The set menu prices are very good value, so be sure to book in advance as this restaurant is very popular!
Bonnyton Café
For something a little more down to earth, leave the castles behind and head for the Bonnyton Café.
Here’s where you’ll find the best local chippy in Kilmarnock. As well as the traditional haddock and chips, you’ll find deep-friend haggis, black pudding fritters, and smoked sausage suppers. Wash it all down with a bottle of Scotland’s national soda, Irn Bru.
You’ll find the Bonnyton Cafe to the northwest of the city, just off the Bonnyton Road which runs west from the railway station.
Italian
Café da Vinci
Whether you fancy a classic stone-baked Napoli pizza or a king prawn linguini, Café da Vinci provides a delicious array of Italian classics and a warm welcome. The interior is comfortable and inviting, and the staff is highly accommodating to families and groups.
Set dinners offer great value with the minestrone soup and homemade cheesecake especially popular with regulars.
Chinese / Asian
La Dragon
La Dragon is probably Kilmarnock’s most popular Chinese restaurant, and it cleverly combines excellent Asian cuisine with a chic, modern interior that encourages diners back time and time again.
Located in a repurposed mill building by the river, La Dragon includes an adult-only champagne lounge for nights out. In the restaurant, diners can enjoy a comprehensive menu of both Chinese classics and local dishes like spiced Scottish monkfish and unique creations such as their black pepper and dark chocolate chicken.
There are great value fixed-price selections too, plus a more extensive menu of desserts, including banana tempura with butterscotch sauce and ice cream, and hot chocolate fudge cake.
Indian
Macs Spice Route
Macs is the place to head for a taste of the Indian subcontinent. It has a smaller menu than many Indian restaurants, but the food is special, including Goan fish dishes and lamb on the bone.
Pescatarians and vegetarians will find much to appreciate at Macs, and the service scores highly amongst visitors. Their banquets for two or more are highly recommended. Macs prices are reasonable, and you’ll find them on the A77, 15 miles from us at Craig Tara.
Mexican
The 43 Mexican TexMex & Steakhouse
Mexican food is celebrated for its flavour, ease, and shareability. The Texan twist adds delicious steaks to the mix. Both classic tacos and chimichangas, and lamb chops are on the menu at 43. Regulars single out the service and the spicy, marinated ribs for special praise.
You can wash down your meal with a range of artisan tequilas, or a Mexican beer. The interior is colourful, simple, and welcoming. Portions are filling, so do go with a hearty appetite.
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Important information
Brand new holiday homes from £34,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom ABI New Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 19 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Church Farm, Cala Gran, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Seashore, Seaview and Thornwick Bay.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
New holiday homes from £33,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom Willerby Ellerton Extra holiday and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £33,995 and will remain at this price until all available stock is sold.
The holiday home price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at Berwick, Burnham-on-Sea, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hafan y Mor, Kent Coast, Lakeland, Marton Mere, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Reighton Sands, Seton Sands and Weymouth Bay.
Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024, price is available at Blue Dolphin, Combe Haven, Caister, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Golden Sands, Greenacres, Haggerston Castle, Skegness, The Orchards, Quay West and Wild Duck only until the stock has been sold. Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
New holiday homes from £29,995 – reduced from £33,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom Willerby Ellerton Extra holiday and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £29,995 until 31 August 2024 at which point it will revert to £33,995. At Far Grange the holiday home price point is reduced from £33,995 and will revert to this price on 31 August 2024.
The holiday home price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at – Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Greenacres, Haggerston Castle, The Orchards, Quay West, and Wild Duck
Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,995
Holiday home price is based on a Bronze Grade pre-owned holiday home 6 years or older and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Cala Gran, Church Farm, Cardigan View, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Orchards, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Riviere Sands, Seashore, Seaview, Skegness and Thornwick Bay.
Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence.
Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Free 2024 site fees when you buy a Haven holiday home
Offer is applicable to new customer purchases made through Haven from 19 April 2024, completing by 31 December 2024.
Offer excludes part-exchanges or private sales. Available on new & pre-owned holiday homes at the following selected parks only: Kent Coast, Burnham-on-Sea, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Hopton, Orchards, Skegness and Wild Duck.
A credit equivalent to the value of your site fees due during the 2024 season will be applied to your account balance on completion of your purchase for use against your running costs e.g. utilities, after-sale add-ons e.g storage boxes or site fees. It cannot be applied to your purchase or refunded in cash.
Subject to availability and status. Deposit required. Access to your holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. Full site fees will be payable for subsequent years.
Images are shown for representational purposes.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.