Mairi Thomson - Reading time: 2 minutes
The Outer Hebrides offers a rich and diverse culinary landscape, whether you're indulging in a fine dining experience, enjoying a casual meal in a local cafe-bar, grabbing a bite from a food truck, or exploring community shops for local produce.
So, if you're a food connoisseur or simply someone who appreciates good, honest food, the Outer Hebrides has something to satisfy every palate.
We have put together a "taster" of unmissable food and drink experiences for you!
RESTAURANTS
1. North Harbour Bistro
Scalpay, Isle of Harris
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Image: North Harbour Bistro
Nestled in the picturesque Scalpay, Isle of Harris, North Harbour Bistro offers a delightful seafood dining experience.
Renowned for its fresh, locally-sourced seafood, the bistro serves up exquisite dishes that capture the essence of the Hebrides. With stunning harbour views and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for to savour the flavours of the sea!
2. The Boatshed at the Royal Hotel
Stornoway, Isle of Lewis
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Image: The Boatshed
No visit to Stornoway is complete without dining at the Boatshed Restaurant in the historic Royal Hotel.
Enjoy fresh, locally caught seafood, Scottish beef, and award-winning Stornoway black pudding. With stunning views of Stornoway Harbour and Lews Castle, The Boatshed offers a cosy yet elegant atmosphere. Exceptional service and a varied wine selection make every meal memorable.
4. HS-1 Cafe Bar, Royal Hotel
Stornoway, Isle of Lewis
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Image: HS-1 Cafe Bar
For a relaxed dining experience in Stornoway, visit HS-1. Located in the town centre, it offers stunning views of Stornoway Marina and Lews Castle.
Enjoy a café-style atmosphere with friendly service. The menu features diverse dishes like Murgh Makhani wraps, juicy burgers, and fresh local mussels. Complement your meal with cocktails, local gins, or beers.
5. Eleven at the Caladh Inn
Stornoway, Isle of Lewis
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Image: Eleven
Eleven Restaurant at the Caladh Inn in Stornoway is a local favourite, known for its warm atmosphere and friendly service.
The highlight is its renowned carvery, offering succulent roast beef, turkey, and pork with traditional side dishes. The buffet caters to all tastes with a variety of dishes, and the dessert bar features irresistible treats.
6. Cleaver at the Cabarfeidh Hotel
Stornoway, Isle of Lewis
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Image: Cleaver
Cleaver Seafood and Grill at the 4-star Cabarfeidh Hotel offers seasonal menus with daily fish options.
Enjoy Leurbost mussels, Hebridean langoustines, scallops, braised blade of beef, and pan-fried duck breast. Complement your meal with a carefully selected wine. Indulge in elegant afternoon tea on selected days, featuring finger sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats.
FOOD TRUCK
6. Lochmaddy Bay Prawns
Clachan Sands, North Uist
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Image: Lochmaddy Bay Prawns
Lochmaddy Bay Prawns 2GO offers sustainable, creel-caught Scottish langoustine and prawns in creative, homemade dishes.
Check the latest menu for daily catches like squat lobster and dressed crab. Special occasion seafood platters are available with 48 hours’ notice, tailored to your requests.
COMMUNITY SHOP
7. Bùth Bharraigh
Castlebay, Barra
Image: Bùth Bharraigh
Bùth Bharraigh, established in 2013, evolved from Barra and Vatersay’s monthly markets into a year-round hub for local produce and crafts.
This volunteer-run social enterprise offers islanders and visitors access to food and drink, wholefoods, books, and craft supplies, while also providing free WiFi, a laundrette, and craft workshops. Profits are reinvested into the community, making Bùth Bharraigh a vibrant part of island life and an essential visit.
DISTILLERS
8. Isle of Lewis Gin
Uig, Isle of Lewis
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Image: Isle of Lewis Gin
Inspired by the unique machair of south-west Lewis, Iain and Laura founded Isle of Lewis Gin in 2022. Their gin blends local botanicals like mint, wild thyme, and heather with pure Lewis water, creating a refreshing, flavourful spirit.
Isle of Lewis gin captures the essence of Lewis, offering a perfect serve or cocktail addition for you to enjoy!
DON'T FORGET....
You can find a full list here of Food and Drink places in the Outer Hebrides. You can also check out our downloadable Eat Drink Hebrides Trail Guide and Map here. If you are interested in Outer Hebrides Food and Drink recipes, click here to view our Taste of the Hebrides e-book.
Related
Community local produce shop selling quality products from Barra & Vatersay including fish, meat, bread, jams and chutneys, eggs, homebaking and much more. Also stocks wholefood, books, wool & craft supplies. Free Wifi and laundrette.
Discover the spirit of Lewis - Mint, wild thyme, rhubarb root and heather blended with Isle of Lewis water create a light and refreshing gin.
North Harbour Bistro is a small and unique restaurant located in Scalpay on the Isle of Harris which has amazing views of the local harbour.
Lochmaddy Bay Prawns 2GO serve exclusively sustainable creel caught Scottish Langoustine/Prawns in a variety of creative dishes all homemade/prepared.
No visit to Stornoway is complete without dining at the Boatshed Restaurant, located within the historic Royal Hotel. This esteemed restaurant offers meticulously curated lunch and dinner menus that celebrate the best of locally sourced produce. Guests can indulge in fresh, locally caught shellfish and seafood from the pristine waters of the Hebrides, as well as savour the finest Scottish beef and the award winning Stornoway black pudding. Every dish at the Boatshed is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the region, showcasing the unique flavours and ingredients that define Hebridean cuisine.
If you’re looking for a relaxed and casual dining experience, then look no further than HS1. Located in the heart of Stornoway town centre, HS1 offers stunning views across Stornoway Marina towards Lews Castle and its picturesque grounds. This prime location makes HS1 the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring everything the islands have to offer. The café style atmosphere, combined with friendly customer service, ensures that you will feel right at home from the moment you step inside.
Eleven Restaurant, nestled within the Caladh Inn in Stornoway, offers a delightful dining experience that has become a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Known for its warm and inviting atmosphere, the restaurant is a place where guests can enjoy an array of delicious options, all served with a friendly smile.
Menus at Cleaver change regularly to reflect the seasons and ingredient availability with fish options changing daily depending on catches. Feast on exquisite Leurbost Mussels, succulent Hebridean langoustines and scallops alongside hearty Scottish braised blade of beef and pan-fried duck breast.
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