The Sun Dancer

June’s member of the month is the Sun Dancer Restaurant on Nairn Seafront.

The Sun Dancer, opened in 2016, is a well-known beach front restaurant in Nairn. It has a beautiful dining room with panoramic views of the Moray Firth and a cosy, dog friendly café, located downstairs from the main restaurant.
Famed for its seafood and locally sourced produce, The Sun Dancer has also won its share of awards over the years.

• Scotland’s Hidden Gem in the Scotsman Food & Drink Awards in September 2018
•  Best Seafood Restaurant 2018 – Highlands and Islands in the Lux Life Food & Drink Awards
• Best Restaurant at the Inverness Business Awards 2019
• Restaurant of the Year at the Highlands and Islands Food & Drink Awards 2023

The restaurant, which is named after an old fish wife’s tale of a dolphin that would jump in the Moray Firth until sunset and named the “Sun Dancer Dolphin”, has a team of 28 who excel in welcoming customers and ensuring each dining experience is truly memorable. The ethos of The Sun Dancer is to provide a welcoming atmosphere, produce beautiful dishes utilising local and fresh produce all served against the beautiful backdrop of the Moray Firth.

In April 2024, The Sun Dancer changed hands to become co-owned by Cru Hospitality and the Cobbs group. Despite the change of hands, The Sun Dancer continues to produce the same expertly prepared dishes and warm welcome it always has. The team strive to give a wonderful experience to visitors and regulars alike.

There have been a few changes including the appointment of a new General Manager after Lee Jack passed on the torch. Bill Marr, who has many years of hospitality experience, including some former Sun Dancer experience, has taken the helm to continue to steer The Sun Dancer onwards.

“I feel it is important to let the people of Nairn know that although some changes have occurred behind the scenes, The Sun Dancer is still the same restaurant and café that people know and love. Chef Pete is still working his magic in the kitchen with his team and service with a smile is still the order of the day.”

“We have new a new cocktail menu on the way that will streamline our drinks offering, along with welcoming some new brands behind the bar.

“We love the community in Nairn and their continued support. We also love the variety of tourists who choose our small town to be their vacation destination and support our local economy.

Bill is looking forward to taking part in the whole town events that Nairn BID stages, including next year’s Taste of Nairn, of course! You can book a table at the Sun Dancer on their website here.