The Best Restaurants in the Scottish Highlands
- MemoirsofaMountainGirl
- Jan 15, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 7, 2020
Any top trip requires top grub in my opinion and I am always trying to seek out the best local cuisine when I travel. I think it is important to fully immerse ourselves into a culture when we visit somewhere and a big part of any culture is the food. How it is sourced, how it is prepared, how it is cooked and how it is served. The Highlands are all about locally sourced produce from the land to the sea - so don't mind me if I indulge in the best of Aberdeen beef or Loch Lomond Lobster. (Happy Dance)
If you can make it to any of these restaurants on your big Scottish Road-trip, I think you will be delighted. Go on - treat yo self!
Side Note: During peak Season between June - August most of these restaurants require prior booking (especially for dinner reservations) so I would advise booking ahead to avoid disappointment!
Located right at the edge of the Glendhu Loch, in the NorthWest Scottish Highlands, the secluded Kylesku Hotel is the perfect stop off for anyone road-tripping on the infamous North Coast 500 Route or in search of a fresh catch of the day. The restaurant setting is idyllic as guests can look out the large bay windows onto the loch with the towering mountains behind, or on a sunny day, avail of the large outside terrace. It is really tranquil here, I could have stayed for hours. (Except in peak season it really is quite busy so don't expect to have your table for much longer than two hours). Stop here for the seafood, the local gins and the scenery.
Location: Kylesku Hotel Kylesku Sutherland, Lairg IV27 4HW
2. Raasay House
Raasay House is a hidden Gem, located on the Isle of Raasay, a small Island between the Isle of Skye and mainland Scotland. The only way to access Raasay is by boat / ferry so if you are not staying on the island - be sure not to miss that last boat! The House itself is full of History, and managed and owned by a local co-op of local residents on the island who maintain both the house and the beautiful grounds. Raasay house has a beautiful view looking onto the onto the Loch. The kitchen specialises in locally sourced food from land and sea. Try the Venison and those Haggis Bon Bons are a treat!
Location: Isle of Raasay, Raasay IV40 8PB
Situated on the blue shores of Loch Leven (as you might expect) on the West Coast of the Scottish Highlands, Loch Leven Seafood Cafe in Glencoe is a short drive from Fort William. This is a no frills - no-nonsense seafood cafe serving up some of the best Shellfish that can be found in the Scottish Highlands. I went for the lobster, naturally because I am a Lobster Fiend!
Location: B863, Onich, Fort William PH33 6SA
Located in the sleepy fishing village of Ullapool, (one of my favorite destinations in all of the highlands) the Seafood Shack is a local treasure. A Relaxed restaurant 'shack' with a great big beer garden is perfect to enjoy some of the freshly caught fish from local trawlers.
Location: 9 W Argyle St, Ullapool IV26 2TY
5. Ardanaiseig
The Award-Winning Ardanaiseig House Hotel is located in Argyll in the Highlands with views out over Loch Awe and Beinn Cruachan. The house itself has a rich history and is architecturally stunning, a Grade II listed building it is worth visiting this hotel even to get a view of the stunning grounds. It's restaurant is another testament to the very best of local produce serving classical, seasonal dishes. There is no scrimping of portions here - expect a lot of delicious carbs and sides to accompany your main meal.
Location: Kilchrenan, Taynuilt PA35 1HE
The Glenelg Inn, is a traditional hotel in the Highlands, with uninterrupted views of the loch. It has dated decor but it has charm and a real local feel to it. Local fishermen drop off their catch, the menu is a chalkboard and can change throughout the day but you can take comfort in that you are getting the freshest local, seasonal produce. There is live music and Ceilidhs on most evenings during peak season and the atmosphere is good fun.
Location: Kirkton, Kyle IV40 8JR
Ceilidh Place is located in the heart of Ullapool, a little fishing village on the North West Coast of Scotland. I had heard a lot about this place so I though i better check it out for myself. A bookshop, music venue, hotel and restaurant all in one - this really is the go to place in Ullapool. I picked up a few little books in the quirky bookshop before sitting down to dinner in the restaurant. the Restaurant was incredibly busy but that didn't detract from the service or our experience. We were happy to sit with a bottle of red listening to the live music before our steaks arrived. By this stage I had eaten most of the seafood in Scotland from my indulgent week long trip so I was delighted for some local red meat.
Location: 14 W Argyle St, Ullapool IV26 2TY
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