The Sun Dancer has become Scotland’s Hidden Gem after winning a national competition voted for by the public.

The Sun Dancer which specialises in seafood and is situated on Nairn’s east beach scooped the title at the Scotsman Food & Drinks Awards.

The team were also nominated in the Best Dining Experience category but lost out to Glasgow-based Eusebi Delicatessen. Lee Jack, owner of the restaurant which opened two years ago said he was delighted to have won the Hidden Gem award: “We are truly thrilled to win an award like this, this is our first ever award and we are gobsmacked. We were up against such great competition in both categories from across the whole of Scotland, that we did not think we would win, however, we worked hard to rally our loyal customers and it’s really down to them, as they are the ones who have voted.”

Business development

Lee who started working in the hospitality industry when he was 15 added: “We are now two years in business and we want to keep the business growing and develop it further. We have a vibrant team of 28 staff members who work tirelessly to ensure our customers have a great experience. We are also working behind the scenes to bring a few more bespoke events to the venue.”

He added: “Securing the win is also a huge testament to the hard work of the team. We are a relatively young restaurant, but we have placed ourselves on the map for being one of the best places to east in the North East. With our sensational seafood creations and our classic menu with a modern twist all topped off with the location which offers our diners panoramic views over the Moray Firth, we really do have something special.”

The Sun Dancer opened in August 2016 on the site of a former games arcade and ice cream shop of the same name.

The development of the modern building has helped to transform the area and the restaurant which also comprises and take away and café is now popular with locals and tourists alike.

Back to Newsroom