Restaurant List
Here is a selection of restaurants mentioned on an Ayr forum thread: Restaurant recommendations for the Ayr/Prestwick area
(A peek at this above mentioned thread will give you a more in-depth insight to the areas culinary attractions-see link at bottom of page)
Pubs and Hotels that serve food:
Alloway Inn Hotel, Alloway, Ayr (previously the Ivy House Hotel)
Pleasant public bar and restaurant for informal dining, though a big ommission is any vegetarian option. They have a vegetable concoction with Brie de Meaux, (a popular ingredient on any Costley Hotel menu) , but perhaps they don't know that Brie de Meaux is not vegetarian. The crisp beer battered haddock with mini mushy peas is becoming the star of the show. Has an attractive beer garden/dining patio with access at the rear of the garden to Belleisle Park itself. http://www.costley.biz/Table/Alloway-...
The Balgarth pub and restaurant , Dunure Rd, Doonfoot - under new ownership since 2007 and slowly re-establishing itself as the popular family pub it once was. Large and pleasant garden, plenty of parking. Extensive kids play area outside. Portable DVD players and wide choice of films available for kids inside.http://www.thebalgarth.com/
Chestnuts Hotel and Restaurant, Racecourse Road, Ayr - Recently taken over by a new company and in the process of refurbishment, the food here is impressing the crowds. Meals can be taken in the bar with crackling fire in the grate, or in the restaurant. Informality is the key here and the prices reasonable. There is also a garden and children's play area. http://www.chestnutshotel.com/
The Dome Bar and Restaurant, Main St, Prestwick - refurbished and reopened summer 2008, the Dome is already getting a good reputation for food and has a pleasant ambience. It is very european in style and serves a selection of continental ales. Be careful if ordering cider to specify the size of glass you require as they are in the habit of serving up a full pint as default which won't be so good for drivers. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant...
Failford Inn, Failford, Ayrshire - CAMRA Scottish pub of the year 2006, this is a real ale pub with a difference. Not only does it host many great guest beers, but also has its own brewery on-site. For those wishing to imbibe more than is sensible for driving, then apparently it is on the main bus route into Ayr. It also has a delightful garden terrace which goes down to the river Ayr and is close to the River Ayr Scenic Gorge walk .http://www.failfordinn.co.uk/
The Fairfield House Hotel - Martin's Bar and Grill - Just a few steps from Miller Road/Racecourse Rd traffic lights and overlooking the seafront and Low Green, the hotel restaurant has won quite a few prestigious awards over the years, including two rosettes from the AA. A downloadable menu can be found on the website: http://www.fairfieldhotel.co.uk/resta...
The Carrick Lodge Hotel , Monument Road, Ayr - highly recommended hotel restaurant a few minutes walk south down the road from the town centre. http://www.carricklodgehotel.co.uk/di...
Brig O'Doon Hotel, Alloway - nice food, premium prices, special occasion food with a wee lift for less abled to access the dining room. Fabulous views of the Doon river and gardens. You might want to check if the waiter gets to keep the tip. Popular for large events, so check availability beforfe you go. http://www.costley-hotels.co.uk/p_ind...
The Malt Cross, bottom of Sandgate and High Street - this brand new gastropub looks impressive from the outside and is poised to open soon with great fanfare during August 2008.http://www.barracudagroup.co.uk/pubs/...
Souter Johnnies Inn, Kirkoswald - south of Ayr on the A77 - this is a recently refurbished thatched inn par excellence. Very popular with locals and tourists. http://www.costley.biz/Souter-Johnnie...
The Sorn Inn , Sorn, Ayrshire - award winning Gastro pub - nice food, half hour's drive through the Ayrshire countryside! They also feature in the Michelin Red Guide and won the Bib Gourmand Award. http://www.sorninn.com/
Tam O'Shanter Pub , High St, Ayr - everyday pub grub menu including the sometimes illusive Haggis, Neeps and Tatties - The thatched and whitewashed old building offers the perfect photo opportunity too.
The Treehouse, pub and eatery on The Sandgate near the bus station. Food highoy rated by locals and visitors. Small beer garden, youthful vibe, stylish decor and reasonably priced meals.http://www.treehouseayr.co.uk/
Hollybush Inn , by Ayr (A713 towards Patna) - Mostly great food, friendly staff, large arran view restaurant. Under new management from August 2008 and experiencing something of a renaissance with its 'return to basics' and a reasonably priced menu. All day Sunday roasts have made a welcome return and prices of food and beer have been slashed. Meal deals now on the menu. Expect a return to popularity.http://www.ayrshirescotland.com/inns/...
Wheatsheaf Inn in Symington - Historic old pub with lacklustre eighties style menu. Serves plain pub grub with salad, chips or overcooked vegetables. The steak pie looks impressive and the battered fish tastes like a supermarket budget range - pre-battered and deep frozen. The menu is on the website though some of the prices have risen since it was added: http://www.thewheatsheafsymington.co....
The West Kirk Wetherspoons , the Sandgate, Ayr - 2007 has seen the West Kirk get an entry into the CAMRA Good Beer Guide and a commendation for the quality of their ales. Good hearty everyday pub grub and decent drink selection - keenly priced, well restored old church complete with pulpit - can accomodate large numbers. http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/pubs/p...
Western House Hotel at Ayr Racecourse - absolutely superb dining for those who can afford it - scrumptious cuisine with a wow factor - award winning wedding venue, and regular host to the rich and famous due to its position at Ayr Racecourse and great reputation. Excellent hospitality. http://www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk/hotel...
Westin Turnberry Hotel , Turnberry - super for afternoon tea if you can afford around 15gbp per person - stunning location and views - try the coffee shop for something a little cheaper - website: http://www.turnberry.co.uk/?t=s&lang=...
The Loans Inn by Troon - popular with locals, visitors and the golfing crowd.
Italian/French Influenced Restaurants and Cafes
Frankie and Benny's restaurant chain, Whitletts Roundabout/A77, Heathfield, Ayr. Had some mixed review and teething troubles in the first few months of 2007, but things have improved a bit since then. Very pleasant staff and tasty food, if a little overpriced. If you like to eat in peaceful surroundings then this won't be the place for you - the music is turned up so loud its sometimes hard to have a conversation, but some will enjoy the lively vibe. An easy to locate and family friendly chain. Don't forget to tell them if its your birthday! http://www.frankieandbennys.com/index...Vito's, Burns Statue Square (opposite Odeon cinema), Ayr New kid on the block, Vito's is a family owned Italian/Pasta/Pizza restaurant for informal dining, which is proving extrermely popular with holidaymakers and locals alike. They have some early supper deals listed on their online menu. http://www.vitosayr.co.uk/Menu.htm
Fouters Bistro - tread carefully down stone staircase worn unevenly over hundreds of years to find this absolute gem with a great reputation. An award winning bistro, it's just off the Sandgate and on a tiny cobblestone alley. Cheaper lunchtime menu. http://www.fouters.co.uk/
Bonfanti's , the sandgate, Ayr - cheap and cheerful Italian cafe
Cecchinis Italian Bistro, Wellington Square, Ayr - pleasant, informal and welcoming family run restaurant with good hearty Italian food including pasta and pizza and some very nice desserts. The same family that runs the equally good Ceccinis in Troon. Whet your appetite with a peek at their website and read the Cecchinis story: www.cecchinis.com
Saffy's Bistro, Dalblair Rd opposite Ramada hotel -New in late 2008 Saffy's informal bistro is making a good name for itself and recently received a positive review for the food in Tam Cowan's Daily Record column. The menu includes a number of vegetarian options:
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyl...
Cafe Nero , Ayr - BT Wifi - charged for, Lovely staff, great coffee and croissants.http://www.caffenero.com/StoreLocator...
Pizza Hut, Heathfield Retail Park near Whitletts/A77 roundabout on the Ayr/Prestwick border. Well know chain that has retained its main core of friendly staff for many years. Definitely a good sign. 2008 saw a complete revamp and the restaurant, which is now looking fresh, clean and stylish
Indian/Chinese Restaurants
Minishant Tandoori, Minishant, NB Still a Tandoori but trading under new name from 2009 (between Ayr and Maybole on the A77) - New-ish Indian restaurant opened Autumn 2006 - already there is a buzz about this place, occupying a red sandstone Church alongside the A77 just as you enter the village of Minishant from Ayr. The Minishant has developed and excellent reputation in a short space of time. They now have an decked area for al fresco eating in the summer. Lunches/dinners/takeaway/ - book on 01292 441413Ayr India (at Ayr, beach south end) - good home cooking Indian style (excellent naan bread but give the onion bhajiis a miss), service par excellence and a friendly ambience. The building may look uninspiring from the outside, but once upstairs you appreciate its location advantage..... stunning Arran sunset views!
Ayr India, by Wellington Square, Ayr - sister restaurant to the above, poised to open spring 2009.
Balbirs at Route 77, Indian cuisine, refurbished/reopened 2008, superb homestyle banquet - on the southbound A77 just north of Prestwick/Monkton. The sister restaurant on Church Street in Glasgow is frequently cited as possibly the best Indian in Glasgow. Here's a link to a review when they were in a different, larger premises just across the road - same good food, though they they may not have room for the buffet any more: http://balbirsrestaurants.co.uk/ review: http://icscotland.icnetwork.co.uk/eat...
Rupee Room, wellington Sq, Ayr - had some hygiene problems in the past, and popularity plummeted among the locals. A few years have passed with no bad news, and the restaurant is getting positive very feedback again.
PK Tandoori, 100 Main St, Ayr 01292 611103 - newly opened in 2008 and one of the few Indian restaurants in the area open for business lunches from 11.30 - 2pm - seeTripadvisor restaurant reviews for Ayr.
Royal Blossom Chinese Restaurant and takeaway, South Harbour St, Ayr - longstanding favourite with the locals.
Ruby 7 Days Cantonese Restaurant, The Sandgate, Ayr - a family friendly and welcoming restaurant, much in need of a complete refurb and deep clean. Bargain lunchtime specials ensure a full house.
Shanghai Rendezvous Chinese Restaurant - Large and popular chinese buffet and takeaway. Karaoke at the weekends attracts a lively crowd. Lunchtime deals. NB Summer 2009 - currently does not have a drinks licence. Awaiting further news.
Other types of restaurants/cafes/casual eateries
The Secret Garden - overlooking Doon River on the Dunure Road at Doonfoot. Popular cafe locally with good home cooking and friendly efficient staff. Super children's menu. Newly built decking area is lovely to sit out on and watch the river. Very small car park to the rear.
Cactus Jacks, Miller Road, Ayr - Wild West themed restaurant with food from the chuck wagon and 'fun' activities like the bucking bronco and the shooting gallery. Children welcome until early evening.
The Hunnypot Cafe and Restaurant, Beresford Terrace, Ayr - a wee gem on the southern edge of town, this informal little eatery has been going for years and is a lovely friendly place thats well worth seeking out.
Smalltalk Internet Cafe, (children positively encouraged) Arran Mall, Ayr, - friendly cafe with large children's play area and internet access. Loads of room for buggys, prams etc.
Poets Corner Bistro, Alloway Village, Ayr - right opposite Robert Burns thatched cottage birthplace, this has recently opened and become a popular stop on the Burns trail.
Beanscene Cafe, Ayr (next to Harveys) - new coffee house - Free Wifi - not greatest service, but nice place to relax and catch some live music in the evening. Teenagers are made unwelcome here after 7pm, so if you are under eighteen or even just over eighteen but with no ID they will often show you the door. You have been warned!
Pinewood Restaurant, Prestwick - small family dining room, under new ownership at south end of Prestwick on main road. Got a good review from Tam Cowan June 2008. http://www.thepinewood.co.uk/
Elliotts Sports Bar and Restaurant, Main Road, Prestwick - very stylish and modern interior. Attracts the locals at lunchtime and a young trendy crowd from far and wide in the evenings. Wins loads of accolades! Made an appearance in the TV series The Beauty and the Geek! Modest sized parking area at the rear and excellent food in the bar and restaurant. Need to make reservations for weekend nights a few weeks in advance if you want a table in the restaurant. The terrace doesn't take bookings, it's first come first served, but you'll have no chance unless you arrive before 7 at the weekend. http://www.elliots-prestwick.com/welc...
**The information above was taken from the following forum thread: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-...
