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8 Restaurants In Ayr That Locals Love For Food, Vibes & More!

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A quaint Scottish town, Ayr is known more for its scenic surroundings, rather than it’s burgeoning and impressive food scene.

From American food and BBQ, to classic Italian eateries and restaurants with stunning outside spaces for al fresco dining, Ayr has everything and then some when it comes to eating out.

So, in order to help you out when you’re in town, we’ve put shortlisted a few of our favourite restaurants in Ayr, where we’re sure you’re going to have a good time. Enjoy!

A waitress serving customers food at a restaurant
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The Best Restaurants In Ayr: Food Worth Waiting For!

1. Cecchini’s Bar, Bistro & Restaurant

Delectable Italian food served in a welcoming space with amazing service

If you’re in Ayr and want to start your week off with some perfect Italian food, then we suggest heading over to Cecchini’s Bar, Bistro & Restaurant. It’s a great place to end up, whether you’re just looking to have a casual meal with friends or family, or want a romantic date night out.

Whatever the occasion or celebration, you can trust that the food, ambiance, and service of this place will make it a five-star experience.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with dim lighting and authentic decor. Plus, the service is impeccable, and your server will be attentive and knowledgeable about the menu, and more than happy to recommend dishes that suit your tastes perfectly.

As far as their food is concerned, they have many menus that you can ask for, including an all-day menu, their 2 courses set menu, their kids menu, a snack menu, and a takeaway menu. They also have plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, which are clearly marked, so if you don’t eat meat you’ll have plenty of options.

As for what we recommend, the Pollo Milanese and Cecchini Burger are very popular so make sure you try those! 

Cecchini’s Bar, Bistro & Restaurant is open everyday of the week from noon to 10 pm, apart from Sunday, when they open from noon to 9 pm, so make sure you make plans accordingly.

Address: 72 Fort St, Ayr KA7 1EH.

Italian pastas with different kinds of sauce
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2. The Tree House

Popular, modern and green, this eatery with global cuisine will make sure you have the best food and experience in town!

The Tree House is a one-of-a-kind restaurant that has plenty going for it. With its delicious food, tropical atmosphere, and excellent service, The Tree House is sure to become one of your favorite restaurants in Ayr, especially if you like a range of international cuisines.

Located in the heart of the city, The Tree House is a modern restaurant with a unique nature-inspired theme. As soon as you walk in, you will be transported to a tropical paradise with lush green plants and exotic flowers adorning every corner of the restaurant. The walls are full of intricate murals depicting scenes from the jungle too – it’s safe to say the atmosphere is lively and vibrant!

The menu at this eatery is a fusion of international flavours, with dishes ranging from classic American burgers to spicy Thai curries. There is plenty to enjoy – even the toughest food critics – and the presentation of the dishes is always impeccable and great for an Instagram pic.

On top of the delicious food and tropical atmosphere, this place is also known for its excellent service. The staff are friendly and attentive, always making sure that every customer has a memorable dining experience.

The Tree House is a reliable and convenient spot to go to because they are open all seven days of the week! Catch them between the hours of 9 am to 12 am every day apart from the weekend. On Friday and Saturday, they are open from 9 am to 2 am. On Sunday they are open from 10 am to midnight.

Address: 67-69 Sandgate, Ayr KA7 1BZ.

beef pad thai and chicken satay dinner viewed from above
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3. The Smokehouse

The perfect BBQ joint to enjoy in Ayr, with smash burgers, American-style meats and plates, as well as indoor and outdoor seating.

Looking for something a little different? Well, look no further as The Smokehouse is a BBQ restaurant where the food is excellent and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.

The Smokehouse has indoor and outdoor seating, so there’s plenty of choice on where to sit depending on the famous temperamental Scottish weather.

The interior is simple and spacious with booths and tables to choose from. They have a lot of interesting wall art that adds a touch of whimsy to the place, as does this use of different colors of wood in the seating and the back paneling. That, balanced with white walls and simple lighting fixtures, really elevates the place and makes it feel chic and classy.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the friendly staff and be shown to your table. The menu has a wide variety of BBQ options to choose from, including classic dishes like ribs, pulled pork, and brisket.

However, if you decide to go with their popular Smash Burgers, they will not disappoint either – those are known for being tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection.

On top of the main dishes, this restaurant also offers a selection of sides such as mac and cheese, and fries. The mac and cheese is especially noteworthy, with a creamy, rich flavor that complementes the BBQ perfectly.

The Smokehouse is closed on Monday and Tuesday. But catch them on Wednesday and Thursday from 4-8 pm. On Friday and Saturday from 12 noon to 9 pm and on Sunday from noon to 6 pm.

Address: 1b Alloway Pl, Ayr KA7 2AA.

Selection of bbq items
Photo for illustrative purposes only (iStock.com/YuraWhite).

4. 3idiots Ayr

Authentic Indian food served in a festive ambiance with exceptional service.

Nothing beats Indian food with its rich, aromatic, and spicy flavors and dishes. And in Ayr, 3idiots is the place to go if you want fresh and tangy food that will put a smile on your face!

The ambiance of this restaurant is magical, with fairy lights everywhere! But the decor is still traditional and authentic, with colourful tapestries and intricate artwork adorning the walls. The staff are also very friendly and attentive and will check your table from time to time making sure you have everything you need – small touches like that really make a big difference as far as we’re concerned.

As for the food, it is known in town for being absolutely delicious. Enjoy a variety of entrees, including succulent lamb and flavorful chicken tandoori, knowing each dish is expertly prepared and spiced to perfection.

The standout dish of the evening will likely be the biryani though, so you why not order some for your table. The aromatic rice is flavorful and studded with tender chunks of chicken and vegetables. It is truly a food masterpiece that you definitely need to try.

3idiots is closed on Tuesday but open all other days. Visit them from noon to 10 pm from Sunday to Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, they are open from noon to 10:30 pm.

Address: 10 George St, Ayr KA8 0BL.

Assorted curries on table
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Roxiller

5. The Fox and Willow

Great food, professional service, one of the best interiors in town, and a lovely beer garden with unique ‘domes’.

The Fox and Willow is one of the most popular restaurants in Ayr, and no wonder. It’s classy and sophisticated, giving you the chance to dress up and get into the true spirit of dining in style. So, if you want to go to a place that serves up not only some of the most delicious food in the area, but also in a lovely atmosphere and vibe, then coming here would be a great idea.

Whether you choose to sit indoors or outside in their big garden complete with self-enclosed domes, every little corner of this place has a touch of magic to it. Their use of colour and decorative elements is absolutely stunning and you will likely want to take as many pictures as possible, so go with a fully charged phone!

As for the food, we recommend starting with the chef’s homemade soup, which will come fresh and bursting with flavour. But for your main course, consider choosing the pan-roasted seabass, which will be cooked to perfection and served with a delicious assortment of vegetables. Ultimately there’s plenty of dishes to try – both British and Global – so you’ll be spoiled for choice.

The highlight of the meal, however, will likely be the desserts. Their Sticky Toffee Pudding is known for being rich and decadent, and the Raspberry, Coconut & Lime Panna Cotta is the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

The Fox and Willow is open every single day, from 9 am to 12:30 am Sunday to Thursday, after which they open at 9 am to 1 am on Friday and Saturday.

Address: 46 Carrick Rd, Ayr KA7 2RE

Chef adding drizzle to fine dining plate
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6. Tudor Kitchen & Grill

A fantastic brunch and lunch place that also serves Scottish dishes in an amazing atmosphere.

If you’re in Ayr on vacation and want to try the local cuisine but don’t know where to go then head over to Tudor Kitchen & Grill. Perfect for both a special occasion or a casual night out, the food and service are excellent and the charming atmosphere just adds to the experience.

Located right in the center of town, this eatery is one of the most convenient places to frequent. But unlike the name it’s not inside a Tudor-style building, rather it’s housed in a modern, chic, and classy space that’s mostly done up in whites and blacks, with some gold and green accents. Everything about the place is brilliant, from their choices of wall art to their amazing light fixtures – it’s an iconic place to go.

Tudor is the the ideal breakfast and brunch place too, as it offers many Scottish, English and American breakfast options. They also have vegetarian breakfast dishes as well.

In particular their Tudor Breakfast, Croissants, Waffles, and Pancakes are some of the most ordered menu items, but also keep an eye out for they any breakfast deals they have on. Plus, their extensive coffee and hot chocolate menu is an added bonus!

Tudor Kitchen & Grill is another one of the restaurants in Ayr that’s open every day, so you can go whenever you please!

On Mondays, they are open from 10 am to 7:30 pm, and on Tuesdays, they are open from 10 am to 7 pm. On Wednesday and Thursday they are open from 10 am to 7:30 pm, on Friday and Saturday they are open from 10 am to 8:30 pm and on Sunday they are open from 10 am to 8 pm. Since they have varied times, make sure to check the schedule before going.

Address: 8 Beresford Terrace, Ayr KA7 2EG.

Pancakes with banana, walnut and caramel.
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Lilechka75

7. Chestnuts Restaurant & Hotel

A hidden gem in plain sight, with amazing food, gluten free options, and the most comprehensive drinks menu in Ayr, with gorgeous outdoor seating too.

Chestnuts Restaurant and Hotel has been around for what seems like forever but is still a bit of a hidden gem for those new to Ayr. So if you want to go somewhere amazing but want to avoid the typical touristy crowd, then dining at their small family-owned and operated hotel café is an absolutely wonderful idea. Who knows, you might like it so much you may book a stay there for your next vacation!

The place is lovely with its high ceilings and old-world charm. Their bar is famous as having one of the most comprehensive drink lists in town – in fact they have made bottles a part of their décor, with many balancing high on shelves that don’t even seem reachable!

Plus, if that isn’t enough, they have a beautiful outdoor seating area in their back garden where the lush green grass and bushes make for the perfect al fresco seeing when the weather permits!

They make some of the best food in town too, so go with a hearty appetite! Many of their specialties have a gluten-free alternative as well, so if you have any dietary concerns then discuss them with your waiter and let them know beforehand.

Their Chestnut Curry of the Day, Seafood Trio, and Beef or Vegetable lasagna are some of the most ordered dishes so ordering those will mean you get to try their most popular dishes. However, they have a rather expansive menu so if you want to try and experiment with something different, we’d encourage you too!

Chestnuts Restaurant & Hotel is open every day from 10 am to 11 pm, so no matter when you go, they’ll likely have room for you!

Address: 52 Racecourse Rd, Ayr KA7 2UZ.

beer with friends outdoors
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/William87

8. Mr. Basrai’s World Cuisines

A unique buffet experience with over 7 different kinds of cuisines to try from!

Ever thought that you could have European, American, English, Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Mexican food in the same place? Well, Mr. Basrai’s World Cuisine is a buffet restaurant that makes the impossible seem possible! Find an amazing variety of different food here, with the best dishes from those cuisines featured in their buffet line up.

This restaurant is done up in red and black and sets the mood for the amazing food that you’re about to experience. They also have loads of seating options and multiple stations each dedicated to a particular cuisine, so make sure you wander you’re way around the place before filling up your plate so you get to see all that they have to offer.

Choose from Pasta, Pizza, Roasts, Sushi, Steaks, Teppanyaki, and much more in this one-of-a-kind ‘world’ themed buffet restaurant. They really have something for everyone here and the mains are just the beginning. They also have a good range of starters and desserts as well.

So, just pay before you sit down and enjoy all that they have to offer. Plus, children under 3 eat for free, while kids up to 10 pay only half the price! Isn’t that a great deal?

Mr. Basrai’s World Cuisines is open every day of the week, so go whenever you want. However they have different timings for lunch and dinner service, so check before you go.

Monday to Thursday they are open from noon to 4 pm for their lunch service and from 5 to 9 pm for their dinner service. On Friday and Saturday, they are open from noon to 4 pm for lunch and 5 to 9:30 pm for dinner. On Sunday they are open from noon to 8 pm straight!

Address: 3-7 Beresford Terrace, Ayr KA7 2ER.

assortment of asian dishes on a table
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/thesomegirl

Our Favourite Restaurants In Ayr: Final Thoughts

That’s all from us, guys! We hope you enjoy some of our favourite restaurants in Ayr and recommend them to friends and family. Bon appetit!

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