The beautiful Isle of Skye is one of our most popular tour destinations. If you’re a fan of delicious food and drink, then you’ll love the Scottish cuisine available on the magical isle.
Here, you’ll find fine dining options as well as more casual places for a leisurely meal.
As a visitor to the island, you’ll quickly discover that most restaurants offer a wide variety of incredible locally sourced seafood and produce.
Our handy guide features 10 of the very best restaurants to try on your next adventure to the Isle of Skye.
Kyleakin, Isle of Skye
After crossing the Skye Bridge from the Scottish mainland, the village of Kyleakin will likely be your first port of call. This small harbour is the site of the now ruined 14th century Castle Moil.
Today, Kyleakin is a fantastic place to sample some of Scotland’s freshest seafood and vibrant culture. Here are a few of our top restaurants picks in the area:
1. Castle Moil Restaurant (££)
Castle Moil Restaurant is an excellent place to try local Isle of Skye cuisine while enjoying spectacular views over the water. In the summer months, sitting outdoors and watching the boats is the perfect way to spend your evening.
Treat yourself to some tantalising smoked salmon or fresh mussels, and if you’re in the sharing mood why not opt for a seafood platter with a great variety of local catches to get a real taste of it all.
2. The King Haakon Bar (££)
Located right next door to Castle Moil Restaurant, The King Haakon Bar is the place to go in Kyleakin for some classic Scottish pub grub. They have an excellent selection of beers, wines and malt whiskies.
Most weekends the bar hosts live music events in the evenings, where Scottish music and dancing is the norm. Relax, soak up the culture and tuck into the highly recommended freshly made fish and chips.
3. Waterside Restaurant (££)
If you’re looking for a charming and comfortable place to dine, look no further than the family-run Waterside Restaurant.
The owners pride themselves on their passion for seafood and sustainability. All produce is caught on Loch Carron which the restaurant looks right out onto. A range of carefully handpicked local food suppliers and producers deliver the very best flavours of the Isle of Skye.
From freshly caught salmon to crab, queenies and langoustines, the Waterside Restaurant offers plenty of choice. Feasting on some of the finest Scottish seafood by the harbour is one of the best ways to spend your evening.
Broadford, Isle of Skye
Travel a little further up the east coast from the Skye Bridge and Kyleakin, and you’ll come to the quaint town of Broadford. With incredible views of the Red Cuillin Mountains it’s hard not to feel at peace in this tranquil town.
You can explore these incredible mountains yourself on our Skye and the Scottish Highlands tour.
As a hub for hikers and hill-walkers, Broadford is a great location to try out local Isle of Skye cuisine for yourself. Here are a few of our favourite restaurants in the area:
4. Siaway Fish & Chips (£)
Described as “unpretentious”, this waterfront counter shop serves quality fish ‘n’ chips the traditional Scottish way.
Siaway Fish & Chips takes pride in providing delicious fish that has been ethically and sustainably sourced. Along with the traditional frying methods, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are also available.
Your trip to Scotland wouldn't be complete without a trip to a local ‘chippy’. Don’t forget to dodge the seagulls though!
5. Claymore Restaurant (££)
The Claymore Restaurant offers a warm, welcoming and homey atmosphere. If you’ve come to the Isle of Skye to sample the local beers, then this is the place to do it.
With a great selection of hand pump beers and ales from the Isle of Skye Brewing Company you’ll be absolutely spoiled for choice.
Soak up the ambience of this traditional Scottish bar and restaurant and enjoy delicious food and drink all evening long.
6. Red Skye Restaurant (££)
Located just a short drive outside Broadford, the Red Skye Restaurant can be found in the nearby village of Lower Breakish. First built in 1876, the restaurant was originally a schoolhouse.
Today, diners can immerse themselves in the building’s history while feasting on seasonal Scottish fare along with wine, gin and single malt whisky. The Red Skye Restaurant uses seasonal produce and regularly changes their menu to showcase the finest ingredients and flavours of the Inner Hebrides.
Enjoy an evening of exquisite food and drink while taking in the breathtaking views of the Cuillin Ranges and Applecross Hills at the Red Skye Restaurant.
Portree, Isle of Skye
Overlooking a sheltered bay on the northeast of the island, Portree is the capital of the Isle of Skye.
Our Isle of Skye and Jacobite Steam Train tour gives you the perfect opportunity to see this beautiful coastal village for ourself.
Discover a variety of local bars, cafes and restaurants to accommodate every taste and occasion. Here are a few of our favourite restaurants in Portree:
7. Cuchullin Restaurant (££-£££)
If you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or experience fine dining on the Isle of Skye, then the Cuchullin Restaurant is an excellent choice.
With a wide selection of fresh seafood and locally sourced meat dishes you won’t be let down by the meals on offer. If you’re looking for some inspiration, the chef recommends the superb salmon entree.
Cuchullin Restaurant is a popular destination for locals and visitors to the island, so we would advise making a reservation beforehand to avoid any disappointment. The restaurant really is one of the top-rated restaurants in Portree for a reason.
8. Scorrybreac Restaurant (£££)
The name ‘scorrybreac’ translates from Scottish Gaelic as ‘speckled rock’, which perfectly describes the dark and stoney cliffs along the bay from where this restaurant is situated. Set in a beautiful location above the harbour in Portree, Scorrybreac delivers a fine dining experience like no other.
Enjoy modern Scottish cuisine with a French twist made with the finest seasonal produce and irresistible local meats, such as venison. You’ll be in for an elegant and sophisticated evening topped-off perfectly with a fantastic selection of L'art du vin wine and Scottish single malt whiskies.
9. The Granary Restaurant & Coffeeshop (££)
Located right in the very heart of Portree, The Granary offers a range of baked goods and sweets, along with homemade soups and daily specials.
Relax and unwind with a wide variety of specialty coffees and teas coupled with a delicious cake or scone. The pleasant and welcoming atmosphere makes for the perfect place to recharge your batteries and have a good old chat.
If you’ve got things to see and places to be, taking food to go is always an option too!
10. No 2 (Down the Lane) (££)
No 2 (Down the Lane) is a modern and casual eatery located centrally in Portree. Whether you want to sit and have a leisurely meal or you just want to grab a quick bite to eat, this restaurant is an excellent option.
Open for lunch and dinner, No 2 (Down the Lane) offers traditional Scottish meals, like Scottish sirloin steaks and locally produced cheese platters, as well as international foods like pizzas and burgers. This warm and inviting restaurant delivers an excellent variety of meals at great value for money.
Incredible Food on the Isle of Skye Awaits
For more information on the Isle of Skye check out our handy Destination Guide.
At Scottish Tours, we make it easy for you to discover the very best that Scotland has to offer.
Whether you want to try some of the freshest and most delectable seafood or you want to sample some of the best local beers, ales and malt whiskies, the Isle of Skye is the place to do it.
Explore Scottish Tours today.