Where To Eat In Fort William: Restaurants & Cafes
Are you planning a trip to Fort William and looking for delicious places to eat? My guide to the best Fort William restaurants features my favourite eateries from trips to the Highland town, from top-notch seafood to wood-fired pizzas and incredible bakeries.
Written by: Lesley Stewart | Updated June 2025
I’m lucky enough to call the Scottish Highlands home, and no matter where the road takes me, my travels often lead back to Fort William. The largest town in the area, it’s a hub for many travellers on a Highland adventure and as such there are fantastic places to eat in the town.
Whether you’re craving seafood, something hearty after a long hike, or just a casual bite with a coffee, you’ll find some of the best restaurants in Fort William right in the town centre.
Set in the heart of the Highlands, Fort William is a hub for hikers, best known for its stunning landscapes, outdoor adventures, mountains, and extensive walking trails. But I think the unassuming food scene is also a real highlight of a trip here.
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Planning a trip through the Scottish Highlands?
My digital Highlands guide is essential for first-time travellers and includes everything you need make exploring easy and unforgettable: from scenic stops and must-see sights, to hidden gems worth detouring for. It includes great spots to visit, eat, and explore, plus a handy pinned Google Map to navigate on the go! Or get in touch for something more custom. Download the guide here.
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There’s more to taste in Fort William than the traditional Scottish fare you might expect. The city is also home to incredible wood-fired pizzas and seafood fresh off the boat, several top-notch bakeries, and street food specialists. All that to say, there are heaps of really great places to eat in Fort William, and what I love most is how well the town caters to all kinds of travellers.
You can grab a casual meal at a laid-back craft beer bar or settle into a table with beautifully plated langoustines and a view of Loch Linnhe. And yes, I absolutely recommend planning at least one meal at the foot of mighty Ben Nevis, so you can sit and take in the stunning view of the mountain.
Then there are the bakeries and cafes, perfect for a lunch or a sweet treat with a coffee stop.
Over the years, I’ve sampled plenty of lunches and dinners across town. This guide brings together my go-to spots, the ones I return to time and again. So, if you're planning your visit, this guide will help you decide which places to reserve in advance and where to eat while there. Here’s my list of the town’s best dining destinations, and the restaurants you don’t want to miss in Fort William.
Read next >>> Be sure to check out my full guide to things to do in Fort William and my roundup of the best pubs for local beer, gin and whisky.
Short on Time? Here’s the best places to eat in Fort William:
Here’s a quick round-up of my favourite places to eat in Fort William, Scottish Highlands (full details on everything below!):
Crannog at Garrison West
Blas Na Mara seafood shack
Black Isle Bar
Silly Goose
Highland Cinema
Ben Nevis Bar
Caorann Restaurant
Nevis Bank Inn
Ben Nevis Inn
The Geographer
Fishy Fish
Wildcat
Farine Bakery
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Staying in Fort William
The Garrison: for the best small hotel stay in the centre of town.
Nevis Bank Inn: for the best small hotel near Ben Nevis.
Lime Tree: for the best boutique stay overlooking Loch Linnhe.
Inverlochy Castle Hotel: best luxury stay, rooms are stylish and lux.
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Travel tip: The best way to explore the Scottish Highlands is absolutely by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our car rental in Scotland, which offers the most flexible and affordable car rental options alongside trusted companies like Hertz or Sixt. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
Best Fort William Restaurants
These are the best Fort William restaurants, from classic Scottish menus to towering burgers and seafood platters. We’re starting with restaurants, then cafes, and finishing with bakeries:
1. Crannog at Garrison West
The Crannog is the go-to spot in Fort William for seafood lovers.
Recently relocated from its iconic waterside setting to a new home in the town centre, it may have lost the loch views for now, but the outstanding menu remains the same.
Expect west coast favourites like Mallaig langoustines, Kinlochleven mussels, Loch Creran oysters, and Isle of Barra crab. The standout is the grand seafood platter - a generous spread of lobster, crab, scallops, langoustines, mussels, and oysters.
Not a seafood fan? There are also land-based options, such as steak, lamb, and vegetarian dishes, but seafood is the main event here, and the menu reflects that. Be sure to book in advance to guarantee a table; this is a popular and busy spot.
All the foodie photos above are from Garrison West, and the elegant dishes included haggis bonbons, scallops, and a goat’s cheese & beetroot salad that was super delicious.
2. Blas Na Mara seafood stand
If you’re after a more informal seafood option, head along the High Street to Blas Na Mara. While it’s not a restaurant, this little wooden food shack more than deserves a mention.
Open during the day, it serves up exceptional locally caught seafood - think buckets of langoustines, lobster tails, loaded salads, and seafood subs. Everything is fresh, flavourful, and absolutely worth stopping for.
You’ll find it at the end of the High Street, next to the cruise ticket office.
3. Black Isle Bar
Tucked just off the main street, Black Isle Bar blends craft beer culture with easygoing dining. It’s one of the best spots in Fort William for a laid-back meal with friends.
The small but well-considered menu features standout wood-fired pizzas and shareable options, such as salads and garlic bread. I highly recommend both the pepperoni and the nduja & honey pizzas.
This is my go-to for a casual bite to eat when I’m passing through the town, and the pizza is always a winner.
If the beer menu feels overwhelming, don’t stress. The team here are some of the friendliest around and are always happy to walk you through the options. I love their blonde ale, but you can sample a few until you land on your favourite.
You can’t book, but there’s usually space at the communal tables. It’s dog-friendly, and the outdoor beer garden is lively, especially in summer.
4. Silly Goose at The Lime Tree
For something special, Silly Goose is my top pick. It's tucked inside The Lime Tree Hotel, just a few minutes from the High Street and absolutely worth the short walk.
Run by David and Kylie Hickman, this restaurant champions seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The menu is Scottish at heart, with a refined French influence, featuring elegant dishes such as pan-seared duck with salted beetroot, local langoustines, and charred goat’s cheese with Puy lentils.
It's refined but unfussy, a real gem in Fort William’s dining scene. Be sure to book your table in advance.
5. Highland Cinema
Inside the charming Highland Cinema, you’ll find a relaxed dining space that serves tasty food all day. The menu includes wood-fired pizzas, gourmet hot dogs, sides, and a particularly satisfying chilli nachos dish that I find hard to resist.
The interior is inspired by a Highland bothy, with high stone walls, cosy lighting, and a log-burning fire. It’s warm, welcoming, and especially ideal for solo travellers.
I’m also a big fan of the drinks menu, and there are lots of Scottish gins, craft beers, and cocktails to try. While you can generally walk in at lunchtime, for dinner you’ll need to book in advance.
6. Ben Nevis Bar
A longstanding favourite with both locals and visitors, The Ben Nevis Bar is a classic Highland pub right on the High Street. It’s a reliable choice for generous portions, warm service, and a relaxed atmosphere. And the perfect place to eat in Fort William, especially after a day out exploring.
The menu features all the pub staples and favourites, including fish & chips, burgers, scampi, and hearty daily specials. It’s unfussy, comforting food that hits the spot, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available too.
What really sets it apart is the drinks list. The whisky selection is one of the most extensive in town, with a great range of Highland and island malts to try. There’s also a solid line-up of Scottish beers and ales on tap, which I’ve covered in more detail in my Fort William pubs guide.
This is a popular spot, be sure to reserve in advance to guarantee a table.
7. Caorann Restaurant
Just behind the High Street, Caorann is one of the best places in town to sample traditional Scottish ingredients in hearty, satisfying dishes.
The menu includes favourites like venison burgers, ham hock terrine, and crispy onion rings. But if you're sharing, go for the Great Highland Charcuterie Platter, a feast of smoked venison, highland brie, salami, chutneys, oatcakes, and crusty bread. Yum.
8. Browns at Nevis Bank Inn
Located just outside the town centre, Browns is a solid option for classic dishes with a Scottish twist. Their varied menu features mains like pan-seared duck, lamb chop, cod fillet, and venison burgers, alongside tempting starters such as haggis bonbons and filo goats ’s cheese pastries.
Though I haven’t eaten here yet, it’s still one of my recommended places to eat in Fort William, with top reviews for their beautifully presented dishes.
9. Ben Nevis Inn
Set at the foot of Ben Nevis, this 200-year-old converted barn is something of a local institution and a must-visit after a day on the trails.
Inside, it’s rustic and inviting with stone walls, long tables, and big windows. In summer, grab a seat outside and soak up the views. The menu is equally rustic and crowd-pleasing, with hearty dishes such as ale-battered haddock, pastrami sandwiches and fries, crispy calamari, and excellent burgers.
Don’t miss the Parmesan fries, they are so good!
It’s well worth the short drive from town, and an absolute must if you’ve just come down from the Ben Nevis summit. You should book a table or expect to wait for a table.
10. The Geographer
Right in the heart of town, The Geographer is a firm favourite, and the constant evening queues reflect its popularity.
Expect to wait in line for a table, as it’s a very popular stop, but it’s well worth the wait.
Inspired by the owners’ travels, the eclectic menu is full of flavour. There’s everything from seabass with sweet potato and chimichurri to a bowl of local mussels and crispy calamari. My go-to is the herb and parmesan fried chicken burger with skinny fries and garlic mayo, which is a total standout.
11. Fishy Fish
For a classic fish and chip experience, Fishy Fish delivers. Located right on the High Street, this eatery has been attracting both tourists and locals alike since it opened last year.
The batter is light and crispy, the chips are thick and fluffy, and everything is cooked to order. Alongside the usual chippy suspects, if youre sitting in you’ll also find fancier options like locally landed langoustines. Portions are generous, and there's the option to eat in or take away.
It’s no-frills, reliably tasty, and exactly what you want when you’re craving proper fish and chips in the Highlands.
12. The Wildcat
Located on the high street, The Wildcat is an independent cafe focused on providing vegan-friendly options, with sustainability at its heart.
There’s a brilliant selection of breakfast items, including an all-day big breakfast, avo toast, and muesli.
And if you’re looking for lunch, this cosy cafe also serves toasties, soup, and wraps throughout the day. But it’s their coffee and cake that are especially delicious; I recommend the lemon drizzle. Both the setting and the dishes are fun and unfussy.
13. Farine Bakery
New to Fort William’s food scene this year, Farine is an artisan bakery that serves up some of the best sourdough in the Highlands, along with flaky croissants, glossy fruit tarts, and generously filled sandwiches.
Their menu changes daily based on what’s fresh and seasonal, but expect crepes, focaccia stuffed with roasted vegetables and pastries filled with homemade custard. It’s the perfect stop for a light breakfast, a takeaway lunch, or a really delicious sweet treat.
Outside, the pastry-laden window is a temptation, and inside is the most aesthetic spot in town.
The café is small and often busy, and yes, prices are on the expensive side. But everything is made with obvious care, and there’s no denying the patisseries and pastries (made in-house daily) are incredible.
If there’s one downside, it’s the coffee. It’s machine-made, so don’t expect a barista-level flat white, and sadly, they don’t use local beans (which is a crime considering there are so many amazing highland-roasted options).
14. Larder Cafe at the Highland Soap Company
Lastly, but by no means least, is Larder Cafe at the Highland Soap Company. Just outside of town, this is one of my favourite places to eat in Fort William for breakfast or lunch. A modern, airy space with tons of light and a pastry selection that’s difficult to walk past, it’s worth it to sit down for a full brunch.
The menu features brunch classics, croissants, cakes, and other larger plates, and the coffee is reliably good.
Although there’s heaps of seating both inside and out, this is a popular cafe and a table is worth waiting for. During the wait, you can pop into the Soap Company gift store next door for lush toiletries, homewares, locally sourced foodie treats and more.
Walk or cycle here along the cycle path, or it’s a short 5-minute drive.
