Business Details
11 Years
experience
Your Trusted Italian Restaurant in Newton Stewart
We are Andrea and Morag Cuomo, proud owners of The Pheasant, a family-run restaurant rooted in rural Scotland with Italian heritage. Established in 2015, our journey began with a vision to blend Andrea's Neapolitan culinary traditions with Scotland's local produce. Over the years, we've earned recognition including Scottish Food Awards South West Restaurant of the Year 2022 and Food Awards Scotland Finalist 2024. Our philosophy centres on creating an intimate dining experience where guests feel at home, with dishes crafted using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.Despite temporary closures for pop-up events in 2026, we remain committed to quality, sustainability, and fostering community connections through food. Our team, like family, ensures every visit reflects our dedication to authenticity, innovation, and the warmth of Italian hospitality.
Services
Italian Restaurant
Pop-Up Dining Events
Seasonal Menus
Local Produce Catering
Private Dining Experiences
Eco-Friendly Dining
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We combine Andrea's Neapolitan culinary heritage with Scotland's finest local produce.
- Our seasonal menus feature dishes made from 100% locally sourced ingredients.
- Award-winning restaurant with recognition from Scottish Food Awards 2022 and 2024.
- We maintain a minimum waste policy and prioritise sustainable practices.
- Our family-run ethos ensures a warm, personalised dining experience.
Services
Italian Restaurant
Our Italian restaurant offers a unique blend of traditional Neapolitan dishes and contemporary Scottish-inspired cuisine. Each meal is crafted using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring freshness and sustainability. The intimate, family-run atmosphere provides a welcoming environment where guests experience the warmth of Italian hospitality paired with innovative culinary techniques.
Pop-Up Dining Events
In 2026, we will host exclusive pop-up dining events across South Scotland, bringing our signature Italian-Scottish fusion cuisine to new locations. These events will feature limited-edition menus and interactive culinary experiences, allowing guests to enjoy The Pheasant's award-winning dishes beyond our physical restaurant space while maintaining our commitment to quality and sustainability.
Seasonal Menus
Our menus change with the seasons to reflect the best local produce available in Dumfries and Galloway. This approach ensures optimal ingredient freshness, supports regional farmers, and reduces environmental impact. Dishes combine Andrea's traditional Italian cooking methods with creative, contemporary flavour pairings that highlight Scotland's natural larder throughout the year.
Eco-Friendly Dining
We implement a minimum waste policy through frequent small deliveries of fresh produce and comprehensive recycling programs. Our commitment to sustainability extends to sourcing ingredients locally, reducing transportation emissions, and utilising eco-conscious kitchen practices without compromising on the quality or authenticity of our Italian-Scottish cuisine.
Private Dining Experiences
For special occasions, we offer tailored private dining experiences that showcase our culinary expertise. These events feature customised menus blending Italian traditions with Scottish seasonal ingredients, all served in an intimate setting that reflects our family-run ethos and dedication to creating memorable gastronomic journeys for every guest.
People
Andrea Cuomo
Head Chef & Co-Owner
Born in Naples, Andrea brings traditional Italian culinary techniques to The Pheasant, blending them with Scottish seasonal ingredients. With over 13 years in Edinburgh's restaurant scene and a year in Italy, he specialises in creating innovative dishes like cocoa ravioli with smoked salmon while maintaining authentic methods passed down through generations.
Morag Cuomo
Co-Owner & Operations Manager
Morag co-founded The Pheasant after careers in project management and motherhood. She oversees daily operations, balancing administrative challenges with customer engagement. Her local knowledge and dedication to quality ensure the restaurant maintains its commitment to excellence while supporting the Galloway community through sustainable practices.
Questions
Is The Pheasant currently open for dining?
The Pheasant is temporarily closed but will operate pop-up events in 2026. Join our mailing list for updates.
What type of cuisine does The Pheasant serve?
We specialise in Italian cuisine with a modern twist, using seasonal Scottish ingredients inspired by Andrea's Neapolitan roots.
Can I book a table at The Pheasant?
Bookings are available via phone at 01988 850 270 during operational periods. Check our website for pop-up event reservations.
Does The Pheasant support local suppliers?
Yes, we prioritise locally sourced produce from Dumfries and Galloway to support regional farmers and reduce environmental impact.
Are pets allowed at The Pheasant?
Yes, we are dog-friendly, welcoming well-behaved pets in designated areas of the restaurant.
What awards has The Pheasant won?
We've received accolades including Scottish Food Awards South West Restaurant of the Year 2022 and Food Awards Scotland Finalist 2024.
Reviews (6)
Jeanette Duncanson
Dec 22, 2021
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Excellent food beautifully presented. As always, a great welcome from the family and team. It was so nice to visit once again.
Kelly Roberts
Nov 28, 2021
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Really lovely takeaway pizzas and fantastic service! We treated ourselves on the last night of our holiday. We found the menu in the welcome pack in the holiday cottage we were staying in near the White Loch of Myrton.
Sheena Ayrton
Sep 25, 2021
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What a lovely little place. It deserves the 5 stars for the food alone. I'd give 6 for the dessert which was just divine! Lovely little authentic Italian with a small menu but well executed. I'd go back if we were here long enough!
Mike Meineck
Sep 08, 2021
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The food was excellent, the wine was lovely, the staff were friendly and the room was very pleasant. Our meal here was the highlight of our holiday in Galloway
Vanessa Collins
Sep 01, 2021
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What a gem - we had a large family group here for lunch during the week, and the team were so warm, attentive and welcoming. Delicious Italian food, fresh pasta, beautiful produce and made with such care. The desserts were delicious, the children's portions perfect. A very lucky find on our holiday- jealous of the locals who have this restaurant in their doorstep.
Fran Matthews
Aug 25, 2021
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Great place to eat out, family and dog friendly.
Enjoyed a super 3 course dinner. My dessert was The Lemon and Rosemary pudding with Sweet Basil frozen yoghurt, good flavour combination, brilliant !
Enjoyed a super 3 course dinner. My dessert was The Lemon and Rosemary pudding with Sweet Basil frozen yoghurt, good flavour combination, brilliant !