Harr Restaurant Named Restaurant of the Year

The St Andrews-based Haar Restaurant with Rooms was awarded Restaurant of the Year at the 2026 Scottish Excellence Awards, alongside chef patron Dean Banks, who received the Chef of the Year award.

The ceremony was held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh on Thursday 26 March, 2026. Held annually, the awards recognise achievements across Scotland’s hospitality and culinary industry, celebrating excellence in hotels, restaurants and food services.

The Restaurant of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Lyreco Nespresso Professional, highlights exceptional quality and innovation.

The judges praised Haar Restaurant and the chef as “a restaurant with a clear and confident culinary identity,” according to The Herald. The team was commended for their creative and consistent showcase of fine Scottish produce. Chef Banks has credited his own team for the achievement, emphasising the commitment and passion of the staff.

Haar Restaurant is located on Golf Place in St Andrews, owned by the Dean Banks Group, and has become known for its innovative approach to fine dining. The restaurant places a strong emphasis on local ingredients and seafood with a curated menu that has a Nordic edge reflecting Dean Banks’ travels. According to the Michelin Guide, it has already earned four AA Rosettes and has been listed as one of the 1,000 best restaurants around the world in 2025. The venue is also included in the Michelin Guide, one of the most prestigious restaurant guides globally.

Owner and Chef, Banks is one of Scotland’s most recognised chefs, who had previously participated in Masterchef: The Professionals in 2018, reaching the finals against other recognised chefs such as Laurence Henry and Matthew Ryle.

Banks has been vocal about multiple challenges facing the hospitality sector, and has called for VAT reductions and business rates relief. His double victory provided him with a platform to highlight these ongoing issues.

Photo by Smilla Spasic