Stirling's best eateries include award-winning Brea Scottish restaurant, specialising in delicious dishes using locally-sourced ingredients.
Family-run Fletcher's Bar & Rooms serves a range of Scottish and international dishes, while pub classics with a twist can be found at Nicky Tam's Bar & Bothy and the Kilted Kangaroo. Nawab is a very popular Indian restaurant with locals and visitors alike.
For fine dining, try Cronies Restaurant at the Golden Lion hotel, or treat yourself to Chez Roux at Cromlix near Dunblane. The Gallery is also a unique and excellent fine dining experience, based on the campus of Forth Valley College (with fabulous views) and prepared and served by its students. Austrian-themed Herrmann's is also well worth a try. Stirling's fine dining options are numerous and varied, going well beyond what you might expect for a city of its size.
Informal cafe options for a delicious breakfast or brunch include Flip 'n' Shake, specialising in American-style pancakes and waffles.
For drinks, Friar's Wynd wine bar is excellent, or try an incredible range of brewed-in-house beers at Allanwater Brewhouse at Bridge of Allan. Visits to Deanston (for whisky) and Stirling (for gin) distilleries are also highly recommended.