Restaurant of the week: The Riverside, Stirling Rd, Dunblane

If you’re passing by when the sun’s out, the lovely riverside terrace is a great spot for a relaxing lunch with friends.

Location

A stone’s throw from the train station and, as the name suggests, it sits on the edge of the Allan, the river that runs through the town.

First Impressions

Bright, spotless and beautifully furnished. The day’s home baking sits enticingly on a table, underlining the Riverside’s status as a coffee house as well as a pub and restaurant.

Service

It’s a warm welcome from the moment we step in with our five-month-old pup. We’re given a nice spot in the corner away from the buzz so as not to excite the wee man too much, and staff even bring over a bowl of water and dog biscuit for him. Staff are just as attentive to us as they recommended options from the menus.

Menu

An incredible eight menus – breakfast, lunch, dinner, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kids, and afternoon tea – ensures there is something for all tastes.

Taste

We each opt for the Moroccan-style roulade, a tasty and lightly-spiced blend of turmeric pastry blended with chickpea chutney and loads of veg. For mains, we choose the hand-battered cauliflower scampi, which comes with twice-fried chips, crushed peas, fresh mint, tartar and lemon, and the impossible vegan burger which comes on a handmade brioche bun with chips. The portion sizes are good. There is obviously a lot of love and attention paid to the food.

Price

Mains vary from £10-£15, so fairly standard city centre prices. This is food and service worthy of any big city centre establishment.

Ambience

It feels friendly and neighbourly. The outdoor patio, overlooking the river, is a gorgeous, relaxing spot and perfect for sunny summer nights.

Toilets

In keeping with the rest of the place, these are modern, kitted out to a high level and clean.