After a long day of traveling, we rolled into Inverness, Scotland, hungry and ready to relax. While our hotel had some on-site dining options, we were traveling with a toddler and needed something a little more casual and fun. Pizza sounded like the best idea, and after a bit of online digging, we found Cheese & Tomatin — a charming, artisan pizzeria nestled just off the main drag in the heart of Inverness.
Let me tell you, this place did not disappoint.
A Local Favorite
Cheese & Tomatin is well-loved by locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re staying in Inverness for a few nights or passing through on your Highlands adventure, it’s a great spot for a laid-back but elevated dining experience.
Planning on visiting Scotland? Check out our Complete Guide to Visiting Scotland here!
Cheese & Tomatin Information:
- Address: 10 Stephens Brae, Inverness IV2 3JN, United Kingdom
- Phone Number: +44 1463 223752
- Website: cheeseandtomatin.co.uk
Hours of Operation:
- Tuesday – Saturday: 5:00 PM–9:30 PM
- Sunday and Monday : Closed
Ratings:
Overall: 5/5
Food: 5/5
Cleanliness/Ambiance: 5/5
Customer Service: 5/5
Kid/Family Friendliness: 4/5
Accessibility: 4/5
Pricing per person: $10-$20
First Impressions & Atmosphere
When you walk in, you’re greeted with the warm, comforting scent of wood-fired dough and melted cheese. The interior is small but cozy, with rustic wooden tables, soft lighting, and a casual but trendy vibe. The name “Cheese & Tomatin” pays homage to the humble beginnings of pizza (cheese and tomato sauce) but adds a Scottish twist with locally sourced ingredients and a bold menu. Tomatin is also a nearby town known for its whisky distillery, and they do serve it on the menu!
What We Ordered
We asked our server for something traditional and something adventurous. She suggested the Diavola and the Four Cheese Pickled Walnut Pizza — and wow, did that walnut pizza surprise us! The combo of rich cheeses, especially the blue, with tangy pickled walnuts made it unique and absolutely addictive.
Other standouts on the menu include:
- Margherita—A classic done perfectly.
- “Scotch,” aka Highland Haggis Pizza—yes, you read that right. It’s local, bold, and worth a try.
- Shroom Surprise—a fan favorite for mushroom lovers.
- Bruschetta and Cheesy Garlic Bread—if you’re looking to share or add sides.
The kids’ pepperoni pizza was just the right size and hit all the right notes for our little one. The crust here deserves a spotlight of its own — crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, with a lovely charred edge from the wood-fired oven.
Don’t know what kinds of food you should try when visiting Scotland? Check out this European Food Guide for all of your foodie needs!
Pricing
For a sit-down restaurant in the city center, pricing was more than fair. Expect to spend around £10–£20 per person depending on drinks and add-ons.
Service & Staff
The staff were all friendly, quick, and helpful. Our server was fantastic with suggestions and super accommodating, even with a wiggly toddler in tow.
There are a couple of kids’ options on the menu, which is just right for a pizza place—not overwhelming, but kid-approved.
Accessibility & Parking
Here’s the only downside: parking can be a bit tricky. There was construction going on during our visit, so that may have contributed, and the nearby parking garage was closed. We ended up parking on a nearby street with metered parking. If you’re visiting on a weekend, try to arrive early to snag a spot!
The restaurant itself is on a slight incline (Stephens Brae), and while the interior is cozy, it’s not super spacious for large strollers or wheelchairs. Still, it’s doable with a bit of maneuvering.
Final Thoughts on Cheese & Tomatin
Delicious food, great service, and a cozy atmosphere — Cheese & Tomatin absolutely hit the spot. We’ll definitely be back next time we’re in Inverness. If you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Inverness, this is your place.
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