Many of the city’s best spots are located within a 15-minute walk of the train and bus station, meaning they are super accessible year-round. These seven eateries will see you explore Perth Road, home to loads of independent eateries, and the heart of Dundee, City Square, where you’ll also find the city’s Christmas village.
Black Mamba
Nethergate
On a crisp winter evening, Black Mamba offers the kind of cosy yet playful escape your taste buds will thank you for. Nestled on Nethergate, this tapas bar fuses Asian and Spanish flavours in a way that’s bold, unexpected and very delicious.
Think Korean-style spring rolls, flank steak with Bang Bang butter, and prawns in a fragrant Thai broth – all served in a stylish, modern setting.
Check out the drinks list, too, as some excellent cocktails will certainly warm you up.
Gidi Grill
City Square
If you’re hankering for something hearty and soul-warming, Gidi Grill is a gem.
Having started the business in Dundee, Gidi Grill owners broke into Aberdeen’s food scene a few years back and relocated their Dundee restaurant to City Square, where the business has been proudly running from since.
This restaurant blends West African and Caribbean flavours with a sincere, homely vibe. Their charcoal-grilled meats are marinated in rich, aromatic spices, and their menu celebrates West African culture in a way nowhere else in Dundee does.
This is a brilliant spot for those looking to try something a little different to the norm. The Jollof rice is worth the trip alone.
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Gallery 48
West Port
Gallery 48 is a favourite among locals for its friendly, laid-back tapas experience.
It’s the perfect place to linger over small plates and get lost in conversation with your nearest and dearest. Art hangs on its walls, and its Spanish wine list has been carefully selected to pair beautifully with the food. You could call it a match made in heaven.
Its intimate feel is especially warming when the nights draw in – perfect for a relaxed dinner or a romantic catch-up. Order a glass of wine with Pinchos, while you take your time reviewing the menu, you won’t regret it.
Eastfield
Perth Road
For something beautifully minimalist and seasonally thoughtful, Eastfield is a standout.
Open only during the day with occasional bring-your-own-booze (BYOB) evenings, it feels like stepping into a Scandinavian-influenced haven when you walk through the door. Think clean lines, vintage crockery, and a chalkboard menu on the wall that changes daily – although don’t forget your glasses, as it is a fun challenge deciphering everything that’s made it onto the board.
Opened by former Ballintaggart Farm head chef, Harris McNeill, the food here is very different to anything else served up in Dundee. Dishes like cavatelli with fennel ragu, fried rabbit and spicy plum ketchup, Moray crab on toast, or their home-baked apple cake provide that grounded, rustic comfort that hits just right on a winter afternoon.
Agacan Turkish Restaurant
Perth Road
Just a few doors down the road from Eastfield you’ll find Agacan.
This Dundee institution, which opened in 1982, is a small, intimate Turkish restaurant that doubles as an art gallery. Walls are covered in mosaics, there are hand-painted tables and chairs, and the open grill is definitely a talking point, bringing a unique ambience to Dundee’s dining scene.
This charming spot boasts a delicious menu of kebabs, rice dishes and mezze, and the prices are reasonable, meaning those hearty portions go a long way. Don’t leave without trying the baklava, a sweet end to a lovely experience.
The Selkie
Exchange Street
Tucked away on Exchange Street, The Selkie is another tapas-style spot that is perfect for hunkering down on a dreich day.
It’s cosy, friendly, and intuitive and is a much-loved spot in the city centre. Some would describe it as a home away from home, it’s that cosy and welcoming.
The gambas pil pil and patatas bravas are must-order dishes, and the halloumi with red peppers and chilli has been receiving rave reviews. If you want to escape the seasonal gloom, this is the place to revitalise yourself.
This is the business’s original home; however, Kelly-Anne Fairweather, who owns the eatery, has also opened The Ferry Selkie in Broughty Ferry and took over the popular Sol Y Sombra tapas bar in Broughty Ferry, too.
Tahini
Bank Street
Tahini brings a dose of the Middle East to Dundee with their Lebanese and Mediterranean mezze menu. The offering is generous, flavourful and perfect for sharing, and brings unique dishes to Dundee’s food scene.
From their popular shawarmas, to their hot and cold mezze spreads and Tahini specials, there’s plenty to savour here.
If you want to guarantee a table, call them on 01382 203907 to book – there’s no online booking system here.
