Isle of Skye Restaurants to Try on Your Next Trip

I would be remiss if I didn’t start this list of Isle of Skye restaurants without an overall plea to please go there on your next trip to Scotland. It remains one of my favorite areas of this beautiful, serene, little country. I initially put Isle of Skye on our itinerary for the fairy pools and fairy glen, but we found the isle to have so much more to offer, including food and drink. 

Here are our favorite restaurants around the Isle of Skye, and some others that have been recommended by fellow travelers.

Isle of Skye Restaurants – Portree

1. Antlers Bar & Grill

The Portree Hotel is nestled right in Portree Square, you can’t miss it as you drive into town. We decided to give it a try one evening while staying nearby. The menu is of the typical meat and potato variety. Mains include duck, beef, salmon, and fish & chips. 

When we visited they had a haggis bon bons appetizer so we gave that a whirl. I can’t honestly say I enjoyed it or recommend it, but I’m glad we tried the national dish of Scotland regardless. I did enjoy the fish & chips very much. And the raspberry gin cocktail from the bar was the perfect pairing.

If you’re not in a rush and you’re looking for a home-cooked, local meal in a cozy space, stop in for lunch or dinner.

2. The Isles Inn

This inn holds such a special place in my heart. Staying here gave us the opportunity to truly experience the local culture. We met so many wonderful folks, including a postman enjoying the bank holiday. 

In staying here, we got to experience a tasty and filling breakfast. Both of my sisters were dealing with allergies and gluten intolerance, and our hosts went out of their way to go out in the morning and get fresh baked gluten-free bread! That Highland hospitality is alive and well.

We also chose to have dinner here when we got in on our first night, and it did not disappoint. You can’t go wrong with a steak & ale pie and a classic sticky pudding.

3. The Chippy

This one isn’t a fancy dinner choice or a cozy bar, but a must-visit nonetheless. Many Isle of Skye restaurants offer fish and chips, and at some, that’s really all they’re known for. There are a few chip shops in town but we found that we liked this one best for a few reasons.

We found the food here to be good. The service was quick and those who helped us were very kind. And finally, they take cards whereas other places only take cash.

4. The Lower Deck Seafood Restaurant

This is a decent seafood option along the harbor in Portree. You can get typical meal starters like mussels and cullen skink. They specialize in fish dinners. It seems that their hours have been a little wonky this past year, so I would double-check them by calling or stopping by.

If you do go, go early to avoid the dinner rush. It’s the best way to ensure you get a table and that you have your choice of dishes.

5. Scorrybreac Restaurant

 And now, for something completely different…and unexpected. Scorrybreac, meaning “speckled rock” is known for its tasting menus. By using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients they’re able to create modern, creative cuisine that goes beyond the standard meat pie and fried fish.

A tasting menu there may start with canapes and bread and butter, then roll into unique interpretations of hake, cod, and lamb. Desserts will finish off with ingredients like rhubarb, chocolate, and local cheese. For a special meal out in Portree, make a reservation here online.

6. Caberfeidh Bar and Restaurant

Sometimes you need to mix up your meals. This is where Caberfeidh comes in. There’s no shortage of Isle of Skye restaurants, but pizza is a little less common than we foreigners are used to. 

You can get a margherita pizza here if you’re homesick, but I’d rather try one of their more unusual offerings, like the Seafood (with mozzarella, smoked mussels and a saffron bechamel sauce) or the Spicy (with candied jalapenos, hot honey, and pepperoni).

7. Restaurant Rosedale

This harborview Isle of Skye restaurant does not have a huge menu but what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. Breakfast is only available to those guests staying at the Rosedale Hotel, but dinner is open to everyone. 

Currently there’s a mix of surf and turf on the menu, including a venison burger and seafood linguine. They also have a vegetarian haggis, which is surely something unique to try. Guests swear by the seafood chowder and scallops.

8. Chargrill Restaurant Portree

Like many Isle of Skye restaurants, the next on our list is located inside a hotel. In this case, it’s Marmalade, a historic Manor house with 34 well-appointed guest rooms and suites.

Currently, they have some contemporary twists on local ingredients including a lobster croque madame, and a stuffed cabbage with cranberry, pistachio, and wild rice. 

Despite the small menu, this is also a good choice for vegetarians. They have a smoked tofu entree, and vegetarian accompaniments like apple and walnut salad, ratatouille, artichoke, and mushrooms. They even list their local suppliers on the menu, so you know exactly where your food is coming from.

9. The wee Isle of Skye ice cream shop

Okay so this may not count as an Isle of Skye restaurant, but who doesn’t love ice cream while vacationing? Even though we visited in May and it wasn’t quite frozen-treat weather, I still needed to try this place for myself.  

Be prepared to queue up as it can get quite busy, but it’s totally worth it. Their rotating flavors include mainstays like strawberry, maple, and salted caramel. The list can also include unexpected flavors like brambleberry white chocolate chip, gingerbread & custard, green apple, or cranachan.

Cranachan is a traditional Scottish dessert made with raspberries, oats, honey, and whisky. Make sure you try it on your next trip to Scotland!

If you have your pup with you, be sure to grab them a doggie treat on the way out!

10. Pier Hotel Restaurant

The colorful buildings may draw you into the harbor in Portree, but you’ll stay for the local food and fun. Visitors like the Pier Hotel Restaurant for its unpretentious vibes and reasonable prices. Guests enjoy the mussels, seafood pie, and scallops. 

The restaurant does get busy and they do not take reservations, so we encourage you to go early and put your name in.  You could even enjoy a pint at the adjacent bar in the meantime – sometimes they even have live music!

Uig & Northern Isle of Skye Restaurants

Locals we met jokingly poked fun at Uig, describing it as a place for country hillbillies. A few Deliverance lines were exchanged as well.  This made me laugh because frankly, all of Skye was pretty rural to me, who lived in New York City at the time.

This area is home to a very popular sight called The Fairy Glen. It is not to be missed.  Be sure to also check out Rha Waterfalls.

11. The Galley Cafe & Takeaway

This striking blue takeaway is open five days a week, from Tuesday to Saturday. The waterfront views are gorgeous and they have plenty of parking, a perfect stop before or after your northern Skye adventures.

Unlike other Isle of Skye restaurants, The Galley has a pretty extensive menu, with a nice variety of starts and mains. Patrons rave about the scampi and chips, langoustine, and venison chili burger, as well as desserts like sticky toffee pudding.

12. The Ferry Inn

About a mile north, you’ll find the Ferry Inn. The full restaurant is open seasonally, so in the winter, they serve drinks and small snacks on Friday and Saturday evenings. You can find the snack menu on their website. It includes things like brussels sprouts, potato wedges, baked brie, smoked mackerel pate, and cheese boards. 

Call me crazy, but a few of those snacks paired with an espresso martini or a local ale sounds like a fantastic little meal to me. Dogs are welcome here as long as they are well-behaved. Their resident dog Mac is always in the bar and this good boy will gladly share his toys and treats.

13. Monkstadt 1745

Here’s another Isle of Skye restaurant nestled inside a luxury accommodation. Their team of chefs serves Scottish and world cuisine. Breakfast is available at 8 am. 

Dinner features a 5-course tasting menu or a 5-course vegan tasting menu for £84.95 per person. The current sample menu online lists a sweet potato soup, scallops, a seafood chef special, and a white chocolate and saffron cheesecake. 

14. Columba 1400

You may find yourself in the Staffin area of Skye if you’re visiting Kilt Rock, Lealt Falls, An Corran Beach, or any other cliffside sight. This Isle of Skye restaurant is open weekdays from 10 am – 4 pm. 

One experience not to miss is their afternoon tea, which can be booked in advance. If not making an afternoon of it, be sure to at least stop for their daily soups and toasties. It’s the perfect little lunch for a day of sightseeing.

If you like to see your hard-earned dollars put to good use, every cent spent here is invested back into Columba 1400, an organization on a mission to empower and support young people.

Northwestern Isle of Skye Restaurants

15. Edinbane Inn

Head west on A850 and you’ll pass through Edinbane. On your way to the fairy bridge or perhaps a hike? The Inn’s restaurant bakes its own bread daily for breakfast and dinner service. And the culinary team strives to serve up simple, tasty dishes by making everything from scratch.

The small but varied menu caters to all dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free. The menu changes frequently based on what fresh ingredients are available, but options may include black pudding, squid, a lentil sweet potato burger, or a pulled pork, leek, and mustard pie.

16. Edinbane Lodge

Not to be confused with the last Isle of Skye restaurant on our list, this is another historic lodge with a fittingly charming restaurant. Like others nearby, the hours shift with the seasons so be sure to check online or call. Their dinner window shrinks from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm from April to October, to 6 pm to 8 pm from November to March.

The menu here is meant to take guests’ tastebuds on a culinary exploration of Skye by using flavor, texture, and color. To say ingredients here are local is sort of an understatement as most suppliers are long-time friends and relatives of their chef Calum.

Guests describe the food here as high quality and delicate, and the service impeccable. Choose Edinbane Lodge for a luxurious or romantic night out.

17. The Three Chimneys

Lunch at the Three Chimneys is served from 12 pm – 2 pm, with a choice between a two or three-course fixed-price menu. Dinner features a four-course menu. The Three Chimneys team has partnered with a local family of fishermen for over three decades. Ingredients are truly sea to table, with Head Chef Scott Davies collecting langoustine and crab immediately after they are caught. 

Though the menus change, plates can include delicacies like Shetland black beef lasagna, Loch Creran oysters, steamed halibut, and baked ricotta. For an even MORE unique dining experience, groups of up to 8 can book the Kitchen Table, an immersive experience and menu of seven courses.

18. West Pier Restaurant – Skeabost House Hotel

This Isle of Skye restaurant doesn’t have much nearby competition but it’s still a good choice in the Skeabost area. Presentation here is definitely a huge pro. Each dish is a little work of art. Visitors describe portion sizes as disappointingly small, but that may be in comparison to the very large dishes they’re used to back at home. 

The Skeabost House Hotel itself is also stunning, and the restaurant is no different, with views out onto River Snizort. Its history as a Victorian hunting lodge dates back to 1871, so this is a great stop for history buffs as well.

Western and Southwestern Skye

19. The Dunvegan

Traveling even further west, Dunvegan is found on a Loch of the same name. If you visit during the tourist season (April – October), you can pop over to Dunvegan Castle before or after your meal. 

The Dunvegan uses similar local ingredients, but they’re cooked using smoke and fire on an Asado grill, inspired by their Argentinian roots. This differentiator sets some of their dishes like charcoal-fired seabass filet apart from other Isle of Skye restaurants.

I personally love any fusion-type cuisine, so I hope to experience The Dunvegan for myself on my next trip to the Isle of Skye.

20. The Old Inn Pub

After a long day of exploring sometimes the last thing you want is a fancy meal. The Old Inn Pub is one Isle of Skye restaurant where you can kick back with a Skye ale and a comforting burger. As icing on the cake, you can enjoy live music at the pub on select nights.

Those who have visited describe it as an authentic Scottish experience, with superb, friendly service. Meals exceed expectations, and guests feel at home. All of this, plus an extensive drink menu? I’m ready to tuck in here for a cozy evening.

21. The Crofters’ Bite

From casual pub to even more casual food stand, we find ourselves at The Crofters’ Bite. According to Google their hours are limited, so be sure to check their Facebook page for hours and daily specials. 

Visitors describe this takeaway as a godsend since restaurant options are less plentiful in the western part of Skye. They praise their fish and chips and hot and spicy chicken. Save room for their homemade trifles! 

22. The Oyster Shed

Couple this stop with a visit to the Talisker Distillery next door. Luckily they are open year round too, only closing on Sundays. There’s no guaranteeing what the shed will be serving up each day but menu staples include oysters (obviously), hot smoked salmon & chips, prawn tails, grilled scallops, and dressed crab.

23. Coruisk House

This Michelin Guide Isle of Skye restaurant is almost as far south on Skye as you can go, bordering numerous lesser-known lochs. Nearby Elgol Beach is a great jumping-off point to take a boat trip to Loch Coruisk.

Make a reservation for dinner (at least 24 hours in advance) starting at 7 pm and you’ll be treated to a four-course dinner for £75 per person. Be aware that the restaurant closes from mid-December to mid-January. Only private dining is offered for November and the first two weeks of December. 

The reviews here are absolutely glowing! Best yet, you can choose to sleep over here at Coruisk House for a reasonable rate.

Southern & Southeastern Skye

24. Cafe Sia & Siaway

Vegetarians and pizza lovers rejoice! Wood-fired pies include Deamhan (Gaelic for demon) Meat Feast (venison salami, bresaola, Milano salami, Mortadella, Pepperoni, fresh Scotch bonnet chili oil), Over the sea to Skye (anchovies, seaweed, Hebridean hot & cold smoked salmon, prawns, and mussels), and Glasrach, which is Gaelic for vegetarian (artichokes, red peppers, mushrooms, marinated tomatoes, leeks, olives, and pesto base).

Cafe Sia serves a light menu of other bites like Tuscan beans on toast, club sandwiches, and antipasti. Their dessert pizza is topped with bananas caramelized with mascarpone cheese, mini marshmallows, and chocolate sauce.

25. Red Skye Restaurant

Just six minutes over the Skye Bridge, the quaint town of Broadford is waiting to welcome you. Red Sky Restaurant is a former primary schoolhouse built in 1876. Start your meal here with curried parsnip soup or black pudding bon bons. Continue on with a Moroccan spice lamb burger, mushroom risotto, or a salmon filet. The perfect finish for dessert could be an apple rhubarb crumble or a Scottish cheese board.

They are open every day but Sunday and you can make a reservation by calling.

26. Smokin’Skye BBQ

And now for something completely different. This is a three-hour BBQ experience, only available at specific times throughout the year, and only by advanced reservation. The Smokin’Skye hut can fit up to 12 persons and is tucked away amongst woodland and waterfalls.

The experience costs £39.99 per person. Choose from chicken, pork sausage, or vegetarian skewers. Enjoy those alongside potato salad, rolls, roasted vegetables, fresh strawberries, and marshmallows for roasting. Included drinks are tea, coffee, and lemon water. Email or call to claim your spot today.

27. Kinloch Lodge Restaurant

Staff at the Lodge have been doing Highland hospitality for 51 years. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and they also serve Sunday Roast. Sunday Roast has got to be one of my favorite traditions in the UK. And they aren’t messing around at the Kinloch Lodge. Diners can choose from lemon & thyme roast chicken, lamb shoulder, venison, aged sirloin beef, or truffled mushroom & goat cheese Wellington. 

These are served with potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and gravy. The meal also starts with a choice of wild garlic & potato veloute, mussels, or crispy ox cheek nugget. Desserts like lemon posset and orange chocolate pave are comparatively unique. All three courses can be enjoyed for £42 per person.

28. Deli Gasta

It seems like almost every Isle of Skye restaurant is attached to an inn, lodge, or hotel.  If you don’t happen to be staying in one of those, you may find yourself searching for a quick breakfast or lunch on the go. 

Deli Gasta is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and you can even order online. They have a little bit of everything including coffee drinks, smoothies, egg dishes, sandwiches, bagels, soup, and cakes.

29. Bar Am Praban

Hotel Eilean Iarmain does have a full-service restaurant, complete with candlelight and roaring fireplaces. If this is the atmosphere you’re looking for, check them out.

But, we think the hotel’s bar, Am Praban is more our speed, with award-winning Gaelic whiskies and gins, and regular live music. Not that we don’t love fine dining, but this sounds like a party! 

The bar serves lunch, dinner, and Sunday Roast. Lamb or pork serve as Sunday Roast choices plus a multitude of vegetable and potato sides, and a sticky toffee pudding for dessert. Lunch and dinner also offer similar meat and fish dishes, plus soups and salads.

30. Restaurant at the Duisdale

Dine inside this Victorian mansion built in 1865, and you’ll understand why guests describe the food as incredible, and the overall experience as true luxury. Duisdale House Hotel has a 2AA rosette restaurant and the Chart Room bar.

It is surrounded by 35 acres of landscaped gardens, so no doubt the beauty on your plate will be quickly rivaled by the beauty outside your window. If you stay here, or just need a break from the traditional Scottish breakfast, you won’t be disappointed by their choices. Breakfast specials include buckie kippers, traditional Scottish pancakes, and smoked haddock.

31. The Coffee Bothy

This is a relatively new cafe, offering breakfast and lunch. This is a great option for lighter, healthier fare. Order a breakfast bowl of yogurt, granola, and fruit, or a buddha bowl with salad, couscous, fruit, tomatoes, and your choice of protein. 

Their baked goods and coffees are also very popular and come highly recommended.

FAQ – Isle of Skye Restaurants

What food is Isle of Skye famous for?

Scottish cuisine does not always get a lot of love, but on the Isle of Skye, visitors are treated to a foodie paradise of locally sourced ingredients. Surrounded by water, the isle’s fishermen provide locally caught fish, oysters, langoustines, and more. They also have a bounty of local produce and meat like venison, beef, and lamb. 

If you’re feeling adventurous you can try haggis.  A safer bet is fish & chips or salmon. Wash it all down with a locally made whisky or beer, both of which are produced right on the Isle of Skye. There’s also no shortage of bakers and most restaurants bake their own bread and cakes.

Why is Isle of Skye so famous?

The Isle of Skye has become more famous over the years due to its many tourist attractions. The fairy pools and fairy glen are both magical and unique. Visitors also like to discover its many historic castles and buildings, and admire its natural wonders like The Storr and Kilt Rock. 

Its charming and quaint towns are also a draw for those looking to escape and relax somewhere quiet.

What is the best month to visit the Isle of Skye?

In general, summer in Europe is high season and prices and availability will be reflected. I recommend going during the shoulder seasons. We visited the Isle of Skye in May and the weather, while still a bit chilly, was sunny and pleasant for hiking and exploring.

We found that during this season, sights were uncrowded and we could easily find places to eat and stop along our way without issue.

Featured Photo by Johnny Briggs

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