We might hop on the ferry to the beautiful island of Skye for the views that effortlessly melt all our worries away, but we stay for the incredible food that never fails to delight and satisfy our very soul. Scotland is well known for its rich supply of locally produced food (and drink, for all you whisky lovers out there), and nowhere is this truer than the Inner Hebrides’ largest island.
Whether perched on the coast where the deep blues of the sea surround you or nestled in the russet-coloured highland where Skye meets sky, this fairytale island has no shortage of enchanting spots for a meal. Here are just some of the best restaurants on Skye so you can start planning your foodie tour of this bewitching island.
The Three Chimneys
Overlooking the glassy waters of Loch Dunvegan, The Three Chimneys is a complete retreat into fine dining with tranquil views. Making the most of the ‘natural larder’ found on the Isle of Skye - a goal we can certainly get behind – head chef Scott Davies has created a menu that gently leads your tastebuds around the Scottish Highlands with each course, with a welcomed focus on the incredible local seafood from scorched langoustine to cured salmon. For an even deeper delve into this modern Scottish menu, the Kitchen Table really takes the cake. This unique experience immerses you in the bustling kitchen scene as each course of the oh-so-tempting tasting menu is served.
The Three Chimneys is the perfect refuge to refuel after a day exploring the inspiring heritage of Dunvegan Castle and Gardens on Skye.
Loch Bay
Nestled in the postcard-perfect fishing village of Stein, Loch Bay is the only Michelin star restaurant on Skye and boy, does it deserve this accolade. Despite its award-winning status, this cosy and utterly unpretentious restaurant welcomes you in for a deliciously relaxed evening that ends only when you want it to end – there are no turnovers here! Sit back and relax into the Scottish-with-a-French-twist menu, which features fresh seafood plucked from the very waters that surround you.
Stein Inn
Another gem hidden away on the Waternish peninsula, the 18th-century Stein Inn has been making foodie dreams come true for hundreds of years and as such stands proud as the oldest inn on the island. A traditional menu full of tatties, venison pie and fresh west coast mussels beckons, while the equally appetising whisky menu tempts you in with a lip-smacking 130 malt whiskies - don’t mind if we do! When the Scottish winds howl, you can hunker down in the cosy restaurant, or you can soak up the beautiful Loch Bay from the patio when the sun shines and turns the waters from steely grey to glorious blue.
Deli Gasta
We love a ‘best of both worlds’ situation, especially when it comes to a wee deli that’s packed with oodles of home-cooked love whether you’re joining them for a meal or taking your tasty treats to go. Deli Gasta is a welcoming, dog-friendly bolthole on the east coast of Skye that’s perfect for indulgent picnics or a light lunch after a romp along the iconic coastland… seriously, their sandwiches are perhaps more legendary than the islands’ feuding clans! Pick up the deliciously vegan Dunvegan the 2nd, which is packed with beetroot hummus and roasted red peppers, and head out to the very loch for which this delightful sandwich was named – bliss!
Sligachan
Looking for a place to warm up after a revitalising dip in Skye’s magical fairy pools or to cool down after a fiery climb of the surrounding hills? Sligachan has over 400 Scottish whiskies that are sure to warm the cockles of your heart in Seamus’ Bar (along with award-winning pub food). On the other end of the foodie spectrum, the Mackenzies Bar & Bistro offers bonny views out over the Cuillin mountains, which pairs perfectly with Cuillin Brewery ale-battered fish and chips or some haggis, neaps and tatties for the more traditional diner… when in Scotland after all!
Scorrybreac
After a day spent stomping across the lush and heather-topped landscape of Skye, you won’t find a more luxurious pitstop than Scorrybreac with its simple menu and elegant atmosphere. Named after the speckled rocks that line the encapsulating rugged coastline, this cosy retreat is perfectly nestled for some sea views to pair with your meal. On the menu, you’ll find an irresistible mix of Scottish cuisine with a dash of French influence, all curated using the freshest ingredients from locally foraged plants to wild venison. The tasting menu, in particular, is a superb arrangement of the very best Skye and the Highlands have to offer.
Kinloch Lodge
From hearty breakfasts that bring sudden understanding as to why the Scots swear by porridge to a stunning dinner and wine list that will leave you satisfied while inexplicably wanting more, Kinloch Lodge is a haven for quiet drinks and grand meals. Enjoy local shellfish sourced from the area and the heavenly Kinloch s’mores you can enjoy with a dram of whisky around the flickering firepit – yes, please! Alongside the soul-feeding menu, the astonishing surroundings are sure to set the spirit alight with its copper hills and beryl waters that shift and shimmer with the weather.
The Oyster Shed
This one’s a little added bonus for the list as while it’s not a restaurant in the strictest of terms, it’s got to be one of our favourite spots on Skye for a fresh-out-the-sea oyster. Just a few minutes away from the renowned Talisker distillery (one of the many distilleries on Skye) and stocking a veritable smorgasbord of fresh seafood and local produce, The Oyster Shed can be enjoyed out on the sun-soaked patio overlooking the island with a whisky in hand (we know how to make use of a BYOB policy) or back at your luxury retreat where you can settle into a dreamy meal in a dreamier locale.
The nearby Talisker beach with its towering cliffs swathed in green is one of Skye’s many magical walking spots and is perfect for an indulgent picnic chock-full of fresh seafood and crusty bread.
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our luxury cottages on Skye here.
