Whether you’re looking for a small snack, a hearty breakfast, delicious lunch, or want to dine in style, we’ve got it covered!
Sit, relax, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings and stunning canal views from the restaurants’ indoors or outside seating areas. Plan your trip to our unique, world class attractions which you will find on our canals, The Kelpies and The Falkirk Wheel.
Here are some suggestions of the best places to eat along the Falkirk area‘s canals. Visit our food and drink page to discover more.
The Horsebox and Kelpies visitor centre Café
The majestic Kelpies are a must stop when walking or cycling along the Forth and Clyde Canal, and that’s the perfect point for a much deserved break.
The Horsebox Café and Gift Shop serves the most amazing ice cream produced by Falkirk-based Milk Barn plus they have a range of drinks and homemade snacks. All profits generated by The Horsebox will be reinvested in the canals to safeguard their rich heritage for future generations to enjoy.
The Helix visitor centre café offers a great menu including cakes, soup, sandwiches and pizza, all handmade on site by their team of cooks, using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible.
You will also find The Plaza Café, a perfect spot for an al fresco drink and snack, overlooking the Lagoon and close to the Adventure Zone play park.
Discover more here
Dine in style with canal views at Gambero Rosso
Just a 10 minute cycle along the Forth and Clyde canal from The Kelpies and 5 minutes from Falkirk town centre, you will find Gambero Rosso, one of the best Italian restaurants in Central Scotland.
Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine with canal views. The owners of this family run restaurant take great pride in their Italian authenticity, which can be seen from the quality of their food, sourcing the freshest of ingredients and their menu contains many seafood specialities.
Its elegant interior and outdoor seating area by the canal attract many locals and visitors alike.
Visit Gambero Rosso
Family meal at a former Whisky distillery warehouse
On the Forth and Clyde canal, located opposite the Rosebank Distillery, which is currently being brought back to life, you will find The Rosebank Beefeater restaurant. Once the former distillery’s warehouse, this popular steak restaurant offers plenty of great-value meals with a range of family favourites including, steaks to fresh fish and salads.
Relax and enjoy a drink or meal in their garden with views over the canal and watch the progress of the exciting Rosebank Distillery renovation.
Visit The Rosebank Beefeater
Auntie Katie’s - Union Inn
Known to the locals as Auntie Katie’s, the historic Union Inn is a Landmark pub which sits beside Lock 16 of the Forth & Clyde Canal.
The Union Inn was built around 1822, just when the canals were completed, and it was thought the Union Inn was built to capitalise on the passing trade. At the height of the canal’s era, it was one of the best-known hostelries in Scotland.
The Inn has recently undergone a refurbishment, with the creation of a large beer garden and updated interior, in keeping with the building’s history and heritage.
Enjoy an al fresco meal or drink in one of their Covid safe beer garden pods and some great live music will keep you entertained. Once there, take the time to have a leisurely canalside stroll.
Visit Auntie Katie's
Food and drink at The Fakirk Wheel
Feeling peckish while enjoying a fantastic day out at The Falkirk Wheel? With so much to do for the whole family on site (boat tours, bike hire and woodland walk, children's activity zone, and much more!), you will need to rest up and enjoy some fab food and drink to keep you going the rest of the day.
Whether you are eating outdoors or in, you’re spoilt for choice! Grab some food and drink at the airstream food truck and the wood-fired pizza oven. Or sit inside and enjoy lunch at the visitor centre café and watch the Wheel in operation. Great coffee, wood-fired pizza, artisan ice-cream, homebaking, salads, soups and sandwiches, they have it all!
Discover more here
MBK Canalside – Formerly The Canalside Pub & Grill
Located on the outskirts of Falkirk town centre (10 minutes drive or 18 minutes cycle) along the Union Canal you will find the recently refurbished MBK Canalside. The owner a professional chef with over 25 years’ experience ensures that everyone who visits leaves happy and satisfied.
Indulge in some delicious pub classics, with an innovative twist, beautifully presented and great value for money. This is also a great place to enjoy live music, fresh beverages & public quizzes.
Visit MBK Canalside
Bridge 49
If you walk along the Union canal, on the John Muir Way, Bridge 49 is a must visit. It’s a café and bistro located on the banks of the canal (next to the Causewayend Marina) near the spectacular Avon Aqueduct and Muiravonside Country Park.
Open from 2013, this family owned and run bistro offers the very best in food and wine. Set in lovely, modern surroundings the Bistro and terrace have great views overlooking the canal.
You can enjoy a delicious meal and afternoon tea in their new outdoor dining pods, without worrying about our weather and of course are Covid safe!
They also have a children’s play area to keep the little ones amused during your visit.
Visit Bridge 49
Discover more places to eat and drink
A few minutes away from the Forth and Clyde canal you can find the Westfield Café in Falkirk Stadium (often used as overflow parking for the Helix Park), Cook's Bar & Kitchen at the Grange Manor Hotel, Masala Ram, Arnotdale House and Cafe at Dollar Park, The Copper Top, Boardwalk by the Falkirk Wheel, to name a few.
And close to the Union canal you will find Café at Canada Wood and The Milk Barn both in Callendar Estates.
Falkirk Town centre, is just a stone’s throw from the canals, and you will find a great variety of eateries catering for all tastes including thai, vegan, Indian, Scottish plus lots more. Discover more here.
