New venues in Dundee: December 2022

Chaiiwala

Over the last few years, Dundee’s Reform Street has been branded as the city’s new food haven. Various restaurants have come and gone in the same space of time, but the latest aiming to cement its place in Dundee’s city centre is Chaiiwala. The popular tearoom and Indian street food venue has locations across Scotland, including in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Its hot and cold drinks like chai teas and mango and rose faloodas (milkshakes with ice cream) are solid tastebud tinglers. One of its most popular food options is the desi breakfast, which comes with daal, chana masala, spiced beans, a masala omelette plus a roti and drink all for under £10. Burgers and naan wraps are also available, but make sure to leave room for its desserts like galub jamun deep fried doughballs. 42-44 Reform Street, DD1 1RT

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Milas

A short stroll past the Overgate and around the corner onto Whitehall Street will take you to Milas, one of the city’s few Turkish restaurants. This venue may not be as lively at posting on social media as others, but Dundonians have been flocking here in numbers for all manner of occasions. Spacious inside, grilled meats pair with Turkish and Middle Eastern meze delicacies on the restaurant’s diverse menu. Its chef special dishes like incik (lamb shanks) are ideal for those seeking authentic flavours, while the lahmacun – a crispy, flatbread-style Turkish pizza – offers an ideal gateway for beginners in Turkish cuisine. 5 Whitehall St, Dundee DD1 4AA

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Espresso Lab

Espresso Lab is a very inviting new coffee house based on Commercial Street (it’s also right next to Waterstones which makes for a perfect coffee and book afternoon). Coffee lovers are in for a treat here. Since opening earlier this year, the venue has seen a surge in popularity. Espresso Lab takes its brews seriously, sourcing its coffee beans from locations all around the world. Its Kyoto-style cold brew coffee – which takes a full day to make – is one of its specialities that’s served on ice and well worth a try, and pairs well with its enticing range of Italian desserts. A great addition to Dundee’s coffee shop scene. 31 Commercial St, Dundee DD1 3DA

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Wrecking Ball Doughnuts

A literal stone’s throw from Espresso Lab will take you to another new gem that’s been quickly making a name for itself. Wrecking Ball Doughnuts is housed on Exchange Street, which may be small in size, but its cluster of independent businesses give the street its rich character. Run by the people behind The Newport Bakery and Daily Grind Coffee Co, deliciously dirty doughnuts are the port of call here. Sweet, sugary, fun to look at and available in all kinds of flavours, sweet treats in Dundee just got a whole lot more eye-catching. Open Friday to Sunday only. 12 Exchange St, Dundee DD1 3DL

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The Newport Restaurant

If you fancy a short break from the hubbub of the city, then The Newport Restaurant situated on the opposite side of the River Tay offers some of the best food in the region. Its kitchen is run by Masterchef winner Jamie Scott. Yes, this is a bit fancier than most restaurants, with some of its tasting options coming in at fairly lofty prices – but don’t be deterred. The venue’s welcoming vibe is wholly accessible for all kinds of diners. Its locally sourced food is outstanding, and its three-course market menu is ideal if you’re keen to dine out without breaking the bank. 1 High St, Newport-on-Tay, DD6 8AB