Orrin Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Scotland

The food is amazing, but the service is so bad it is so frustrating, its just not worth going to Orrin. Especially for the price you are paying.

We had reservations and arrived on a Friday night. The restaurant was about 75% full. There were 4 people in my party, and one of my guests had a milestone birthday. They asked for details via email in advance, yet nothing was done at all for the birthday celebrations, even though they were reminded multiple times, and they specifically asked in advance.

When we arrived, they told us they accidentally gave our table away, and seated us at another table (this was an unneccesary addition). It took them 10 minutes to get us a menu and we had to ask. We were served bread before we had a menu. It took 35 minutes to take our drink order and 45 to take our meal order. The Bartender actually acted like it was a surprise we wanted a drink. He was cordial, but not friendly.

We didn't get our food until we had been seated for an hour and 20 minutes. We had to ask repeatedly if we wanted anything and were treated like a nuisance when we did. We ordered a bottle of wine and the bartender opened it like he had never opened a bottle of wine before. We actually had to go up to the bar and get our own water more than once.

3 of the wait staff and the bartender had a lively conversation behind the bar while cleaning glasses in front of everyone (the bar is in the centre of the restaurant). They seemed to be having a great time just chatting. There was a large party who had to go up to the bar TWICE to order drinks and bottles of wine from their room in the back, and they were treated like they were interupting their conversation. We honestly didn't even know what to say, the service was so brutal. I've never seen anything like it.

I feel terrible for the Chef because the food was really incredible. Despite our plates being burning hot like they had been under heat lamps for a long time, all of our meals were amazing. Each of us was very happy with our order and our meal.

Sadly, despite the food, I would never recommend this place to anyone. The service was probably the worst I have ever experienced, and defintely not on trend with the other incredible restaurants in Scotland. Not worth the price or the...

Orrin Restaurant is, in a word, PERFECTION! And somehow, that word falls short to describe the true excellence of Orrin. My husband and I held our wedding reception at Orrin in May of this year, and the experience could not have been better: the food was excellent, the staff were incredible, and the atmosphere was heavenly. The lovely and ever-patient Jacob worked closely with us up to a year prior to our wedding, helping us to organize all of the details, menu options, table decor and flowers, and even helped to arrange whiskey favors for our guests from the amazing Glen Moray distillery. Jacob kindly offered so many incredible suggestions as we worked our way through the overwhelm of the planning process with calm and grace, and we were extremely grateful for him. We were lucky enough to experience the exquisite cuisine of Chef Elliot, a master of his craft, who prepared the best three course meal we have probably ever eaten in our lives, and that is no exaggeration. Aberdeenshire beef cooked and seasoned to perfection, vegetables prepared to rival Eden, and a dessert course that left everyone wanting more. Not only did the planned meal and decor come together beautifully with the help of Orrin's expert staff, but the restaurant itself is absolutely stunning - embellished with botanical and contemporary colors and accouterment, it fit perfectly with the vibe of our wedding. During our event, Orrin was so on top of everything that the stress of the day fell completely away - they were kind and accommodating, helpful and the excellent customer service was almost beyond belief. Orrin even surprised us with an exceptionally talented bagpiper to "pipe" us in as we arrived. Our experience at Orrin couldn't have been matched, it is a very special place and will hold our hearts for years to come. We would like to express our gratitude to the wonderful staff at Orrin for hosting us and taking care of us on the happiest day of our lives. A special thank you to Jacob for making it so incredibly memorable. We cannot wait to come back! -...

As you approach from a distance, the facade of Orrin is unassuming enough, it blends in with the town of Elgin, and you think perhaps the well worn, elegant green store front is yet another whisky store...

But as you approach, the interior becomes clearer, and you are taken away from the quaint roads of the Scottish town you find yourself in...

It's suddenly the 40s or maybe the 20s... the art deco aesthetic is subtle enough that it's both classy and timeless. Soft jazzy yet hip music filters in through unseen speakers, and a welcoming staff offers your a hand crafted cocktail.

"Where am I?" you think to yourself.

You're in Orrin. And you are most certainly welcome.

Orrin is a transportive experience in what some may consider a far off location. The atmosphere is subtle yet magical and effective. It's classy without being stuffy. It's fun without being boisterous. It's an incredible break from its surroundings without being disruptive.

In short, it's perfect. And you haven't even tasted the food yet.

Head Chef Andy is doing something special in Orrin. He's taking favourites, (scallops, monkfish, and pork belly among many others) and turning them into something new through a kind of magic that is beyond my understanding.

It's food that welcomes you with a warm smile, asks you to have a seat, and then surprises you over and over with how inventive, delicious, and familiar it all feels. Not unlike the Orrin itself.

The Orrin is a gem, a restaurant that would be a success in any city in the world, and it's nestled in the beautiful town of Elgin. It's proof that the world is still exciting and unique, something you can't predict or plan for, something you should just repeatedly say yes to.

Orrin is a massive yes for me. It should be for...