15 Best Restaurants On The Isle of Skye in 2024
Planning a trip to the Misty Isle and looking for a delicious place to eat? My guide to the best restaurants on the Isle of Skye features 15 of my favourite restaurants. These eateries serve a range of wonderful menus and delicious dining options, from seafood platters to fine dining to casual bites.
With its proximity to land and sea, the Isle of Skye is a food lovers paradise. Skye’s best restaurants are a testament to the abundance of seasonal ingredients available on the island - exceptional produce that has created a flourishing foodie scene.
In fact, I’d say that the foodie scene on Skye rivals any in the UK - and the restaurants on the island are easily amongst the best eateries in Scotland. From Michelin-starred fine dining to ancient inns and cosy cafes, you’re sure to find a wonderful place to eat on Skye.
But on island this size, with villages scattered across many miles of narrow roads, it can be overwhelming finding the best places to eat on Skye.
And trust me, you’ll need plenty of fuel for your adventures around this breathtaking island!
Skye Made Easy | Discover Scotland’s Most Beautiful Road Trip
Unlock the best kept secrets of Isle of Skye and West Coast Scotland with my carefully curated Google Map, showcasing 300+ accommodation, eateries, viewpoints, and unique experiences. Plus, a road trip itinerary from either Glasgow or Edinburgh.
Thankfully, most destinations have incredible restaurants and cafes.
Over years of visiting Skye, I’ve sampled some special eating places, and I have a list of favourites. This guide covers the best Skye restaurants, plus a few practical tips to help make the most of your dining experience.
So, here are the best restaurants on the Isle of Skye plus other equally incredible places to eat.
PLANNING A TRIP TO the Isle of Skye?
Here are my top picks for places to stay on the island:
The Bosville: for the best boutique hotel + harbour location in Portree
Taransay House: for the best lux adult-only small hotel in Portree
Skye Lair: for the best deluxe cottage in rural locale
Hame on Skye: for the best small stay near Dunvegan
15 best restaurants on the Isle of Skye
This list of the best restaurants on Skye isn’t just top-awarded or expensive eateries. Instead, it’s a combination of restaurants and cafes doing something special. And places to eat on Skye serving up an incredible dining experiences:
1. Fire Restaurant, The Dunvegan
Best for: Scottish classics with a twist
Location: Main Street, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye IV55 8WA
Located inside the stunning Dunvegan Hotel is Fire Restaurant, a beautiful Skye restaurants serving Scottish produce with an Argentinian twist.
They serve a lunch and dinner menu and every dish is made using fresh, local ingredients. Including bread they bake in house and homemade preserves & pickles. It’s one of the best restaurants on Skye, especially if you fancy something a little bit different.
The Fire Restaurant menu is a mix of classic Scottish dishes like Skye scallops and Highland beef, as well as more creative options like BBQ fish and mussel popcorn.
It’s Argentinean influences are evident across the menu, with many elements from meat to vegetables cooked over fire or given a taste of smoke. And you have to try the whitebait cornalitos (a traditional Argentine beach snack).
2. The Old Inn
Best for: Seafood and a friendly vibe
Location: Carbost, Isle of Skye IV47 8SR
Specialising in locally caught seafood, the Old Inn also serves a varied menu including haggis bon bons (I can confirm these are dangerously moreish) and burgers. Plus, there’s an extensive daily specials board. Perfect for lunch (or dinner), we happily hid from the rain here and devoured a platter of pate, cheese, and homemade oatcakes by a roaring fire.
Whilst you can walk in and nab a table, the Old Inn does get busy and I’d recommend you book in advance.
3. The Ferry Inn
Best for: Sharing platters, local produce, and incredible location
Location: Uig, Isle of Skye, Scotland, IV51 9XP
Food at the Ferry Inn is based around seasonality, with an intentionally small menu of local and regional produce. Their speciality is sharing platters and small plates, making it one of the most creative and best restaurants on Skye. Plus, upstairs have gorgeous boutique bedrooms meaning you have more time to explore this beautiful location.
Whilst I haven’t eaten here yet (it’s always been fully booked), The Ferry Inn is incredibly highly rated and very much on my list of places to eat on Skye.
4. Dulse & Brose
Best for: Cosy + delicious dining in Portree
Location: Bosville Hotel, 13 Bosville Terrace, Portree IV51 9DG
Portree is the island’s capital and beautiful place to stay. So its no surprise that there’s a handful of seriously good eating places to choose from. One of Portree’s most popular restaurants is Dulse & Brose, a modern restaurant inside the Bosville Hotel.
Dulse & Brose is open for dinner, with a menu of classic dishes including fish & chips, smoked duck salad, and a Skye seafood platter. Overlooking Portree harbour, you don’t get a more central spot, and alongside a simple yet delicious menu it’s known as one of Skye’s best restaurants. As it’s so popular, I recommend you book in advance.
Fine dining Restaurants on Skye
5. Loch Bay
Best for: seafood and special occasions
Location: MacLeod's Terrace, Stein, Waternish, Isle of Skye, IV55, 8GA
Michael Smith’s restaurant in the pretty fishing village of Stein is one of Skye’s best restaurants. Highly acclaimed with a relaxed vibe that stops it being stuffy, this Michelin-starred eatery serves a ‘contemporary Scottish with a French twist’ menu. Expect dishes like hand dived scallops and venison, with produce from the local waters and estates.
One you need to reserve in advance, Loch Bay might be a little more expensive than some other options on this list - but you’re guaranteed incredible food in a gorgeous waterfront location.
6. Edinbane Lodge
Best for: Special occasions, award winning food, and fine dining
Location: Old Dunvegan Road, Edinbane, IV51 9PW
Award winning Edinbane Lodge is home to one of Skye’s best restaurants - the Rosette and Michelin started restaurant of the same name. Isle of Skye born Calum Montgomery is head chef, and he brings both years of experience plus his network of island producers to this popular restaurant.
Edinbane Lodge does a lunch and a dinner service, both set tasting menus. Expect dishes like Lochalsh lamb with pickled carrots and hand dived scallops with smoked seaweed butter. This is a fine dining experience, so expect to pay more than some other places on this list. However, in return you’ll eat incredible food in a beautiful old Highland lodge.
7. The Three Chimneys
Best for: Special occasions and beautiful interiors
Location: Dunvegan, Colbost, Isle of Skye IV55 8ZT
A fine dining option, The Three Chimneys is one of Skye’s best known restaurants. They serve fine dining lunch and dinner menus, with a focus on seasonal produce that reflects the quality of Skye’s “natural larder” from land to sea. Expect to see dishes like Loch Dunvegan Langoustines and hand dived scallops.
This is the perfect choice if you’re looking for an experience or celebrating a special occasion. Plus, for a real treat, stay in their 5-star accommodation - the views over Loch Dunvegan are breathtaking. Reservations are a must.
Cafes & Casual PLaces to Eats on The Isle of Skye
8. The Oyster Shed
Best for: Super fresh seafood
Location: Carbost Beag, Isle of Skye IV47 8SE
At the Oyster Shed, the clue’s in the name - enjoy fresh oysters by the dozen, grown in the crystal-clear waters of nearby Loch Harport. Seafood lovers will find themselves in heaven with other locally sourced goodies which include scallops, langoustines, and mussels.
If you’re not driving, then take advantage of Oyster Shed’s BYOB policy and enjoy with a mini whisky from neighbouring Talisker distillery.
Find it here.
9. Birch Cafe
Best for: light bites, lunch, cakes, and coffee
Location: Bayfield Rd, Portree IV51 9EL
Birch is a cosy café in the heart of Portree, only a few minutes walk from the famous harbour. I ate here almost every day during a trip to Portree, and can confirm Birch is a real gem.
One of the best cafes on Skye, they specialise in freshly ground coffee, light bites, and utterly delicious cakes. The menu is a mix of breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes including granola, chia seed pudding, French toast, and sourdough sandwiches.
Inside is a beautifully minimalist and light space, and though a popular spot Birch also offer takeaway.
Find it here.
10. The Coffee Bothy
Best for: Coffee, cakes, and lunch
Location: Harrapool, Broadford, Isle of Skye IV49 9AE
This cute cafe in Broadford is one of the best places to eat on Skye. Visit for lunch or a sweet treat - the homemade cakes are delicious, coffee excellent, and lunch options very tasty. There’s a roaring fire too, which makes this Skye restaurants the perfect place to hide from the rain.
Find out more here.
11. Cuillin Coffee Co @ Glenbrittle Cafe
Best for: Breakfast and excellent coffee
Location: Glenbrittle Campsite, Isle of Skye, IV47 8TA
A slightly further away drive, near the Fairy Pools, speciality coffee roaster Cuillin Coffee Co is one of the best cafes on Skye. Tucked away in the Glenbrittle campsite, they serve speciality coffee and a delicious breakfast menu of hot rolls and freshly baked croissants.
Find it here.
12. Deli Gasta, Broadford
Best for: A quick bite, varied menu, and lunch
Location: The Old Mill, Broadford, Isle of Skye IV49 9AQ
A good casual option for lunch, Deli Gasta are known for their homemade and wholesome food. Come here for artisan coffee and delicious bagels using locally sourced produce.
This rustic café also serves the best eggs and avocado for brunch and is a great spot for breakfast or lunch.
Find out more here.
13. Lean To Coffee, Broadford
Best for: excellent coffee & cake
Location: 8 Ashaig, near Broadford, IV42 8PZ
Skye’s latest coffee shop, the very cool Lean To Coffee is lots of fun and utterly charming.
Specialising in Artisan coffee, this independent coffee shop is a welcome edition to the cafe scene on Skye. As well as excellent coffee, there’s also a selection of toasties for lunch and tempting sweet treats for afters.
Inside is rustic and minimalist but beautifully decorated with a handful of seats scattered around long tables. Sit in or takeaway for your journey through Skye.
Note that Lean To Coffee closes over winter, so check opening times here.
14. Café Cùil
Best for: lunch and brunch
Location: Satran, Carbost, IV47 8SU
Sadly I haven’t managed to eat at Cafe Cùil yet, but reviews of this Hebridean inspired cafe-restuarant are so excellent I had to include it.
The perfect place to eat on Skye for brunch or lunch, dishes include Scottish smoked mackerel on sourdough, Highland shakshuka, and poached eggs with parma and wild garlic pesto.
Inside is bright and airy, with big windows letting those gorgeous Skye views flood in.
See the menu here.
15. Siaway Fish and Chips
Best for: traditional fish & chips
Location: Shore Road, Broadford, IV49 9AB
Finally, for those looking for a super easy, or quick eat, dinner option then Siaway Fish & Chips is the answer.
Without a doubt, a strong contender for Scotland’s best chip shop. The fish is fresh, the chips delicious. You can sit in, but I recommend taking away to eat by the lovely Lochcarron just across the road.
Find it here.
Isle of Skye restaurant tips
Being a larger island than most people think, visiting restaurants scattered across Skye often involves a long and winding drive - so be sure to plan ahead.
If you’re looking for a base, then colourful town Portree is the best option. As well as places to eat, you’ll also find heaps of hotels in this quaint harbour town.
Many of Skye’s best restaurants and popular and tables fill quickly, especially in summer. Always, always book in advance.
If you’re new to driving on Skye’s remote road network, read my guide to single-track roads for tips.
If you’re looking for what to see and do on your visit, be sure to check out this Isle of Skye travel guide (coming soon).
ENJOY THE BEST RESTAURANTS On SKye
Enjoying the restaurants on Skye is part of the whole experience of visiting the misty isle - there’re heaps of cosy cafes and wonderful restaurants, serving local produce and exceptional food.
If you’re planning to visit Skye, have a read of my Portree guide. Whilst my Portree restaurants list will help you choose where to eat in the island’s capital.
Posts on this site may contain affiliate links that help support my business in creating content. If you purchase using one of these links, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Read my disclaimer for more information.
If you’ve found this guide helpful, you can buy me a ‘virtual’ mug of Earl Grey here.
