We are delighted to officially announce the opening of Dunes Restaurant & Bar, the beautifully refurbished new restaurant at The Waterside Hotel & Spa.

Overlooking our private gardens and out towards the Ayrshire coastline, Dunes offers a relaxed yet refined dining experience, whether you’re joining us for breakfast with sea views, a long leisurely lunch, sunset cocktails on the veranda or an indulgent evening meal.

The opening of Dunes forms part of a significant £3 million investment at The Waterside, which has also seen the addition of 17 new bedrooms and the launch of the luxurious Si! Spa, now open.

The restaurant itself has been completely refurbished throughout, creating a warm, contemporary coastal space inspired by its natural surroundings. Soft neutral tones, textured finishes and relaxed lounge seating areas make Dunes as welcoming for morning coffee as it is for evening celebrations.

A highlight of the transformation is our newly extended veranda, the perfect spot to dine while enjoying views across our landscaped gardens to the sea. Comfortable lounge seating also provides an inviting setting for cocktails, wine and relaxed gatherings.

We’re also pleased to offer a dedicated dog-friendly area, ensuring four-legged friends can join you for coastal catch-ups too.

Executive Chef Ewan McAllister has curated menus that celebrate the best of Scottish produce, balanced with global flavours and modern flair. Across breakfast, lunch and dinner, the focus is on quality ingredients, bold flavours and dishes that feel both comforting and thoughtfully crafted.

Breakfast & Brunch 

The breakfast menu blends classic Scottish favourites with contemporary brunch dishes.

Guests can enjoy everything from a traditional Full Scottish and Highlander Eggs to lighter options such as granola with fresh berries or scrambled eggs with hot smoked salmon on sourdough.

For something indulgent, pancake or French toast stacks with toppings like Biscoff and white chocolate, or buttermilk fried chicken with maple glaze, offer a relaxed coastal brunch experience.

Lunch at Dunes

Showcases a mix of light plates, salads, gourmet burgers and hearty mains. Start with Scottish seafood chowder, West Coast mussels marinière or duck liver parfait, before moving on to dishes such as:

• Waterside Steak Pie with creamed potatoes and seasonal vegetables
• South Indian Goan coconut curry
• Steak frites with green peppercorn sauce
• Fresh seafood linguini with king prawns, mussels and salmon
• Gourmet smash beef or buttermilk chicken burgers

There is a strong coastal influence throughout, complemented by thoughtful vegetarian and vegan options, including mezze bowls, heirloom tomato tart and plant-based burgers.

Evening Dining

In the evening, Dunes takes on a more refined feel while maintaining its welcoming atmosphere.

Guests can enjoy dishes such as:

• Pan seared Scottish king scallops
• Roast breast of duck with port and amarena cherry jus
• Chargrilled ribeye or fillet of beef from the chargrill
• Roast fillet of Scottish salmon with mussel hollandaise
• Waterside Steak Pie — a firm favourite

Desserts include SimpsInns’ famous sticky toffee pudding with Arran Dairies tablet ice cream, dark chocolate truffle torte, and a selection of Scottish and continental cheeses.

Cocktails, Coffee & Coastal Views

Dunes Restaurant & Bar isn’t just about dining, it’s a space designed for every part of the day.

Enjoy speciality coffees and traybakes in the morning, relaxed afternoon drinks on the veranda, or handcrafted cocktails in our lounge seating areas.

Whether you’re staying in one of our new bedrooms, visiting Si! Spa, or joining us locally, Dunes offers a new social heart for The Waterside.

We look forward to welcoming you to Dunes Restaurant & Bar soon.