I’ve never written this before, but right now Glencoe probably has a finer range of good eating places than anywhere else in the Highlands. I mean it.
From inexpensive bar meals near the cottage with the most stunning views, to multiple award winning restaurants, we now have everything, including a coffee shop with vis-iting stars of stage and screen. However like most things there is a down side. Prices in all eateries have gone up in the last year. Please check on line before booking to avoid post dinner shocks!! Prices below are accurate as of March 2023.
The astonishing emergence of The HollyTree Restaurant just 500yds walking distance up the road, after all its up and downs over the years, has made the difference. My family always use it. They offer a very fine value Bar Meal at £13.95 upwards for a main course (last time we tried). The sweets, desserts, coffees, drinks are all mostly as the main restaurant – but not extortionate. You’ll get that tremendous view over the loch, You can all drink as much as you like and walk home. Wow!
When this changes at the Holly Tree, and when the prices go up as they surely must, please tell us, would you? 01631740292 You must book.
The Laroch in Ballachulish provides excellent food under the management of its Michelin star chef and his wife. Booking ahead a must for a table.Currently open Wednesday to Sunday 12noon(Thursday 3pm/Sunday12.30pm) – 0100 hrs 01855 811940
The Pierhouse Hotel and Restaurant in Port Appin is another excellent eatery specialising in seafood. Booking essential 01631730302
These others are good, too.
The Lime Tree incorporating The Silly Goose Restaurant – on the roundabout at the entrance to Fort William. The restaurant is multi award winning – Relish Good Food Guide ‘Top Twenty Small Scottish Restaurants’, Visit Scotland ‘Taste of the Best’ award, Michelin and Good Food Guide listed.
We are going to work our way through the menu from the Mallaig cod, through the Angus beef to the poached Sea Bass – main dishes starting at £20. 01397 701806
Coffee shop, to top city standards without the high prices.
Crafts and Things Glencoe. Everyone who is anyone goes here, they don’t make a fuss even if they do see the celebrities of the day. When it rains, get into the car, buy a newspaper in Ballachulish, go on to Crafts and Things. Right hand side, before the Glencoe village turn off. Have their Scottish breakfasts, homemade cake, tea and coffee. Read the paper and thank your lucky stars that you are in beautiful Glencoe and not at work. No evening meals.
Stalker Castle View Wonderful, spectacular views from above Stalker Castle going South about 4 miles. Things have recently changed in that it is takeaway only and those great views have been lost to some degree.
In Oban try out Ee-Usk on the North Pier. Great views over the harbour. It has won the Seafood Restaurant of the Year, a big national competition. 01631 565 666 Various dishes from £13.95 up to £120 -Grand Platter for 2 people. Wonderful food, excellent service. Spend a day in the South, finish with a meal in Oban, just the thing. We recommend you book.
The Lochleven Sea Cafe is another establishment specialising in seafood. Reports in the past have been mixed from cottage guests where service and prices were called into question. Recent visits have indicated a vast improvement with several guests stating that it was the best meal they’d had locally. Worth a visit to see if things have changed.