From rooftop cocktails to Nonna’s cannoli: Kaye Dinsley shares her St Andrews go-to spots for a dreamy weekend escape
Welcome back to Quine Magazine’s ‘My City’, our interview series where we gather insider recommendations for the best hidden gems, eateries, boutiques, and the places to be from our favourite movers and shakers across Scotland.
Vegan foodie and fashion enthusiast Kaye Dinsley spills the tea on her favourite spots in Scotland’s most picturesque seaside town.
From family-run cafés and rooftop bars with views of the Old Course to iconic toasties and the best matcha in town, Kaye Dinsley’s guide is your ultimate weekend itinerary for St Andrews. Whether you’re heading for a mini-break or just looking for some insider tips, her stylish picks will help you eat well, relax, and soak up all the charm this coastal gem has to offer.
What are your top five go-to restaurants and bars in St Andrews that more people need to know about?
St Andrews has such a mix when it comes to restaurants and bars – from beautiful five-star hotels to small independent spots! These are my top five absolute must-visits:
The Bridge, inside the Rusacks Hotel, serves delicious Mediterranean food with views of the Old Course. It has a light and airy Hampton feel, but with a ‘home of golf’ twist – the walls are lined with portraits of golfing legends. The 18 bar above The Bridge also has a private putting green on the rooftop terrace, so don’t miss it if you’re in for a drink or a meal!
If you’re in the mood for home-cooked Italian food, Little Italy is not to be missed. It’s one to book in advance as they’re always super busy – but I think that speaks for itself.
The Physician is a great spot for cocktails. It’s named after physician and photographic pioneer Dr John Adamson, and they’ve got loads of fun signature drinks – including “The Physician,” which is a personal favourite.
The Hide is a secret bar that not many people seem to know about! It’s above Mitchell’s, and not only do they offer late-night drinks, they often have live music on in their cosy bar. If you like a French martini – they do a great one!
If you want a more casual vibe, we love The Criterion. It’s got an old pub-style feel to it, but still with that touch of St Andrews charm. Their staple menu item is the iconic Cri-Pie – think everything inside a pie. Unreal.
When you’re in the mood for a cute brunch spot, where’s your absolute fave?
One of my favourite things to do in town is grab a cake and coffee (or matcha), and St Andrews is full of great wee cafés.
If I were to recommend anywhere, it’d be Palompo’s – 100%! A family-run coffee shop is always somewhere I want to support, and the fact it’s as stylish in taste as it is in design ticks all the boxes for me. If you visit on a Wednesday, it’s homemade cannoli day – often made by Nonna herself!
For the best matcha in town, Spoiled Life is hands down the winner. They’ve got a proper matcha menu, and once you’re done with your cake and drink, you can browse their gorgeous homeware and clothing – they stock brands like Damson Madder and loads of unique interior pieces too.
What’s your ultimate hidden gem in St Andrews – whether it’s a cosy café, a dreamy spa, a cool vintage shop, or even a fun workout class – that deserves way more hype?
For the best views of the Old Course and the beach, one place I always recommend is the West Deck.
It opened in 2024 and is part of the Old Course Hotel – but it’s one of those places you probably wouldn’t stumble upon unless you knew it was there. It’s well worth tracking down! They’ve got glass domes, cosy blankets and fires for when it’s a bit chilly or windy, but in summer it’s such a lovely spot to sit outside with a glass of wine and take in the views.
For something a little different, what’s a fun or unexpected activity in St Andrews that people might not know about?
One of our favourite things to do – especially as we get into the warmer months – is play at the Himalayas Putting Green. And of course I’m no golfer, but when in Rome! It’s around £4 each and a perfect activity for all ages. Plus, who wouldn’t want to say they played golf in the home of golf? If you’re after something outdoorsy, definitely add it to your list.
Finally, if you wanted someone to leave St Andrews thinking, “Okay, that was unreal,” what’s the one experience they have to try?
You can’t visit St Andrews and not go to Cheesy Toast Shack. I’m sure most people have heard of them – whether it’s their OG mac and cheese toastie, their TV appearance or their (slightly chaotic!) social media posts. Everything they do is iconic. They’re also great with dietary options and do both vegan and gluten-free toasties, which is always a win. After you grab your toastie, take a walk along East Sands beach towards the harbour and town, along South Street.
And I can’t not mention Jannettas Gelateria – a five-generation gelato shop and something you’ll regularly see people queueing for. Is it worth the hype? I’d wait in line for their vegan chocolate gelato no matter the weather – so in short, yes!
Follow Kaye on Instagram @kayedinsleyx for more food picks, hidden gems, and weekend inspiration in and around St Andrews.
