10 Of the Best Oban Restaurants For Foodies
Explore Oban’s best restaurants: A handpicked guide to the harbour town’s best places to eat — from standout seafood and local flavours to relaxed, welcoming dining rooms. Perfect for unhurried lunches, memorable dinners, and evenings shaped by ferry arrivals, coastal days, and the rhythms of the West Coast.
By: Lesley Stewart
Oban’s restaurant scene is fast becoming a hotspot for foodies, its title as Scotland’s seafood capital complementing its already bustling harbour vibe. From refined, modern dining to casual seafood spots, Oban’s best restaurants offer a range of foodie experiences that showcase the very best of the West Coast’s produce.
Safe to say, some of our best meals as a couple have been devoured in Oban.
Each eatery embraces local, seasonal ingredients - and as you’d imagine, shellfish, seafood, and fresh fish straight off the boats are king.
But Oban’s dining scene isn’t just about langoustines and mussels, and you’ll also find elevated Scottish dishes, modern European plates, and Italian-inspired menus, all drawing on local produce.
Safe to say, Oban’s restaurants (much like its coffee shops) are worth planning your trip here around; as well as elegant bistros crafting fresh, elegant dishes, there’s exceptional seaside shacks serving casual fare by the sea.
Here’s our list of the best places to eat in Oban.
At A Glance: Oban’s Best Restaurants
A quick, no-nonsense guide to Oban’s best restaurants for busy travellers. We’re keeping this short and sweet, rounding up our absolute favourites - with the first five standing out as our top picks:
Porcini (best for traditional Italian)
EE-USK (best for elevated seafood with sea views)
Oban Brasserie (best for stylish Scottish plates)
Oban ‘Green’ Seafood Hut (best for takeaway seafood)
The Pierhouse (best for exceptional seafood in nearby Appin)
The Waterfront (best for informal waterfront seafood)
George Street Chip Shop (best for traditional fish & chips)
Cuan Mor (best for casual dining)
Hidden Steakhouse (best for steak and rich sides)
The Old Inn (best hearty, traditional pub grub, also Appin)
For more details, including booking tips, what to expect, and how to secure a table, see the full guide below.
Read next: our complete Oban travel guides, covering everything from the town’s best coffee shops and memorable boat trips to standout boutique hotels and an expertly planned one-day itinerary — plus a wider Scotland road trip guide for weaving Oban seamlessly into a longer journey (all coming soon).
Oban’s Best Restaurants
Porcini @ No17 The Promenade
Porcini promises authentic Italian fuses with West Coast produce in a stylish setting. And it absolutely delivers.
Characterful, bright, airy with sea views, Porcini is the kind of restaurant that elevates an Oban evening without ever feeling pretentious. Tucked inside No. 17 The Promenade, it has a warm, intimate atmosphere, with carefully curated décor and an extensive wine list that hints at the culinary experience to come.
The menu changes seasonally, but the focus is always on traditional Italian cuisine.
Seafood features prominently too - think crispy calamari, langoustines, and locally caught fish - alongside handmade Ravioli, Spaghetti allo Scoglio and Capesante made with Mull scallops.
We visited for lunch one sunny afternoon, started with a cocktail on the terrace, watched the Mull ferry sail by, and took advantage of the very reasonably priced early evening menu, three courses for £35.00, which included a brilliant tiramisu.
Porcini is ideal for a relaxed dinner with friends or a romantic night out. Reserving a table is a wise idea, particularly during summer evenings when the harbour views make it especially popular; book the window table for the best views.
Tip: If you can, stay the night in one of the stunning rooms upstairs. This boutique hotel is seriously stylish with sea views and cosy rooms, and is perfect for couples.
Oban Brasserie
The Oban Brasserie combines classic brasserie charm with a West Coast twist. Tucked away inside the Perle Oban Hotel, the space is bright and welcoming, with large windows letting in the harbour views and plenty of natural light.
We ate here for dinner this year after a whisky tasting at the neighbouring bar, and wow, the food was absolutely delicious.
The menu celebrates local produce in familiar, crowd-pleasing formats: fresh seafood, perfectly cooked steaks and chicken, and daily fish specials. Yet the kitchen balances comfort with creativity, and dishes are beautifully plated without being fussy.
Inside, the decor is lush, leafy, and green, with plenty of light streaming through the windows. It’s such a calm, unhurried spot that strikes the right balance of stylish yet comfortable.
The menu and food are approachable yet refined, making the Brasserie a great choice for most foodies. However, we think it’s a particularly good option for couples or groups who want a relaxed but polished dining experience near the waterfront.
EE-USK
EE-USK is one of Oban’s most recognisable restaurants; the bright red roof is a familiar sight from the harbour, and even acts as a beacon when you’re out on a boat trip across the bay.
This is very much a seafood and fish restaurant, and one that has become legendary for its grand seafood platters.
The generous sharing boards are a real West Coast experience - indulgent, impressive, and packed with the very best shellfish the region has to offer. They’re definitely a splurge, but for seafood lovers, they’re also unforgettable.
The rest of the menu is built around fresh, local catches: seared scallops, Loch Creran oysters, and a comforting haddock chowder sit alongside favourites like sea bass, langoustines, and monkfish.
Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping coastal views, giving the whole space an airy, waterfront feel that’s hard to beat.
EE-USK is a quintessential taste of West Coast Scotland; a polished but relaxed harbour restaurant, and an excellent choice for a special lunch or dinner.
The Waterfront
The Waterfront is one of Oban’s most dependable choices for a relaxed, good-value seafood meal right on the harbour. While its neighbour, EE-USK, leans towards a sleeker, more refined dining experience, The Waterfront keeps things unfussy and traditional.
Fresh local fish is still the backbone of the menu - expect classics like fish and chips, seafood chowder, mussels, and the catch of the day - but the style here is simple, with hearty portions and comforting dishes.
We haven’t eaten here yet, but our friends recommend The Waterfront as a good option for travellers who want to sample fresh local fish and have those all-important sea views, but without the formality or the price tag of a signature seafood restaurant.
Oban Seafood Hut (Green Shack)
We know, technically, this isn’t a restaurant (more of a humble, no-frills seafood shack), but it’s so good it couldn’t be left off the list. Often called the Green Shack, this small but mighty spot serves some of the freshest seafood you’ll find anywhere on the West Coast, straight from local boats to your plate.
Expect simple, perfectly executed scallops, mussels, langoustine tails, or freshly made prawn cocktails, served outdoors with picnic-style seating.
It’s a quintessential Oban experience and best kept for lunch time: casual, vibrant, and utterly delicious.
Bring a sense of adventure and a healthy appetite, and be sure to avoid peak time during the busy summer months - the queues are real! But the flavours here are worth every bite, and if you’re looking for a foodie experience, order the grand seafood platter, which comes, amongst other things, with a whole lobster.
Traditional Fish & Chips
If you’re wandering around town or have just left the ferry from Mull and you’re looking for something casual that doesn’t require a table booking, nothing beats a traditional fish and chips.
We like The Oban Fish & Chip Shop (in the town centre) and The George Street Fish Restaurant & Chip Shop (ignore the sit-down restaurant and head to the picnic benches on the pier). Both serve flaky fish and perfectly crisp chips—order with lashings of salt and vinegar.
Cuan Mor
Cuan Mor is one of Oban’s buzziest places to eat, sitting right in the heart of town with a lively, welcoming atmosphere that suits everything from a relaxed lunch to a busy evening meal.
Part brasserie, part bar, it’s known for its generous menu, broad selection of whisky and beer, and crowd-pleasing favourites. Expect well-executed Scottish classics, seafood dishes, burgers, and comfort-led plates that appeal to a wide range of travellers.
It’s informal, sociable, and often buzzing — a great choice if you want somewhere affordable on the waterfront.
The Hidden Steak House
Tucked discreetly away just off Oban’s main street, The Hidden Steak House lives up to its name with a cosy, intimate dining room that feels worlds away from the bustle outside.
This is a restaurant built around quality Scottish beef, cooked over a Josper grill, with rich sides and classic sauces.
While we haven't eaten here yet, we popped in recently and think the low lighting and a snug layout make it ideal for an unhurried evening meal, particularly if you’re in the mood for something hearty and satisfying. It’s also a firm favourite for steak lovers and a welcome alternative to Oban’s seafood-heavy menus.
Bonus eateries…
If you’re happy to venture a little beyond Oban, Appin rewards the effort with two outstanding dining experiences - both around a 30-minute drive north (roughly 20 miles) and well worth building into a coastal day trip or onward journey towards Glencoe and Fort William.
The Pierhouse at Appin
Set right on the water’s edge, The Pierhouse at Appin is one of the West Coast’s most celebrated seafood restaurants, with tables overlooking Loch Linnhe and a menu that showcases Scotland’s shellfish at its very best.
This is refined but unfussy dining, where langoustines, scallops, oysters, and beautifully cooked fish are allowed to shine through simple, elegant preparation. The atmosphere is calm and polished, and the setting alone makes it feel like a destination restaurant rather than just a place to eat.
As part of a boutique hotel, it’s perfect for a special occasion meal or a memorable overnight stop - a true highlight of the Argyll coast and one of the finest seafood experiences within easy reach of Oban.
The Old Inn at Appin
The Old Inn at Appin is one of those rare places that feels deeply rooted in its surroundings. Housed in a beautifully restored historic inn, the restaurant blends traditional character with quietly confident cooking, all framed by sweeping views across Loch Linnhe towards the Morvern hills.
The menu leans into seasonal, locally sourced produce, with seafood, Highland meat, and thoughtful vegetarian dishes changing regularly.
There’s a warmth to the experience — relaxed, welcoming, and unshowy — that makes it ideal for a long lunch or an unhurried dinner. With a small, charming hotel upstairs, it’s also a lovely option if you’re looking to turn dinner into an overnight stay.
Oban Restaurants: FAQs
What are the best restaurants in Oban for seafood?
Oban is widely known as Scotland’s seafood capital, and several restaurants showcase its exceptional seafood. EE-USK is a top choice for a refined seafood experience, particularly for its iconic grand seafood platters, Loch Creran oysters, and local shellfish. The Waterfront offers a more relaxed, traditional alternative with classic fish dishes and good-value portions, while the Oban Seafood Hut (Green Shack) is a must for ultra-fresh, no-frills seafood straight from the harbour.
Do I need to book restaurants in Oban in advance?
In peak season, yes - booking ahead is strongly recommended. Popular spots like EE-USK, Porcini (inside No17 The Promenade), and The Hidden Steak House often fill up several days in advance, especially for evening tables and weekends. More casual options may not take bookings, but queues are common during summer.
Are there good non-seafood restaurants in Oban?
Absolutely. While seafood dominates, Oban has excellent alternatives. Porcini offers an elevated menu that goes beyond fish, with beautifully executed seasonal dishes, while The Hidden Steak House is a favourite for quality Scottish beef. Cuan Mor is a reliable all-rounder with a broad menu that suits a range of tastes.
Where should I eat in Oban for a special occasion?
For something memorable, EE-USK is ideal for harbour views and indulgent seafood, while Porcini offers a more intimate, refined setting. Just outside Oban, The Pierhouse at Appin is worth the short drive for one of the West Coast’s finest seafood dining experiences.
Are there good casual places to eat in Oban?
Yes — Oban balances its destination restaurants with excellent casual options. The Waterfront and Cuan Mor are both relaxed and welcoming, while the Oban Seafood Hut is perfect for a quick, informal lunch with some of the freshest seafood you’ll find anywhere on the West Coast.
Read next: our complete Oban travel guides, which include:
The best coffee shops in Oban
The best boat trips in Oban
The best boutique hotels in Oban
The ultimate Oban one-day itinerary
The perfect Scotland road trip
