This is the first in a new series of articles exploring the best of what Ayrshire has to offer.

We’ll be bringing you our top choices from restaurants and overnight stays to where you can pick up the perfect gift.

Each week you’ll be able to take your pick from a showcase of awesome activities, the best bars or cracking coffee shops all of which can be found across Ayrshire.

Beat the January blues by treating yourself to some good food. We’ve picked out five of the best restaurants in Ayrshire offering delicious, freshly prepared meals to help eat yourself happy...

The Blair

With a mouth-watering selection of meats, fish and class Scottish produce, The Blair has been hailed as Ayrshire’s best kept secret.

The restaurant has a wide variety of menus to choose from but also assures customers that chefs are more than happy to accommodate to suit individual preference or dietary requirements.

The Blair promotes quality food that is rivalled only by quality service, with staff sure to approach you with a smile and a passion to deliver excellent customer service.

If you like a cosy, cottage-like vibe with a modern take on typical Scottish dishes, The Blair is a great choice.

The Corner House

The Corner House prides itself on ‘simple dishes, big flavours’ making it a foodie favourite for those in or around Kilwinning.

A trendy spot with ultra-modern furnishing and a chic, sophisticated feel to it, The Corner House goes in for casual lunches as well as lavish dinners, with an all-day menu and private dining area to hire out for a party or celebration.

The wine and cocktail list along with spirits, liqueurs and a fantastic selection of beers from draught to craft makes the restaurant a great choice if you’re opting for more of a liquid lunch.

All-in-all, if you are looking for exceptional service, spacious and contemporary surroundings and an establishment which adds a touch of class and style to your meal, The Corner House is the destination for you.

Lochside House Hotel

Overlooking The Loch of the Lowes, with its glass walls and a wraparound terrace, the Afton Bar and Restaurant’s design means that diners can enjoy the magnificent views of the surrounding Ayrshire countryside paired with exquisite dishes.

As well as the sublime surroundings, the Afton offers the opportunity for relaxed and formal dining, afternoon tea or drinks at the bar.

Head chef Nicola Irving is passionate about quality produce sourced locally when it comes to menu design.

Mouthwatering 6oz burgers and slow braised beef sit alongside more adventurous dishes.

The eclectic offering ranges from baked salmon with lobster and lemon oil to pan fried duck breast with raspberry and elderflower jus.

For meat lovers, The Afton offers a delicious Grill Night where the kitchen serves up sirloin steak and skewers of fiery blackened chicken each Thursday.

But don’t let this give you the wrong idea, the staff are more than happy to cater to vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diners.

Tinto Tapas

An authentic Spanish tapas restaurant situated just off Largs’ Main Street, Tinto Tapas offers outstanding traditional Spanish tapas, giving you a true taste of the Mediterranean.

From paella to patatas bravas, an extensive menu means that you will not be struggling for choice when it comes to deciding what delicious small dish to go for.

The option is there to sit in-house or takeaway, but it is certainly worth dining in-house with a glass of sangria or Spanish beer in hand to really get the most out of your trip to Tinto.

With Latin-American music really setting the tone for the overall feel of the restaurant, who needs Málaga when you have Largs?

The Tree House

This urban restaurant goes in for fresh ingredients and a seamless day-to-night atmosphere, meaning you can pop in to for the express lunch menu when a casual brunch or lunch is on the cards or indulge in a leisurely meal when it is more of a special occasion.

The restaurant offers vegan options including Vegan Chilli and Dirty Vegan Burger, various vegetarian options and an extensive Gluten free menu. Drinks wise, there are a wide variety of gins, wines, cocktails and craft beers.

For those opting for a non-alcoholic option, The Tree House offers tasty soft drinks including the Hawaiian Cooler and the Lemon Rock Shandy.

A chill ambience made better by live music and quiz nights throughout the week.