15 Best Restaurants On The Isle of Skye For 2025
Our favourite thing to do on Skye? Explore its exceptional food scene. We spend a lot of time on this magical Scottish island, and below, you’ll find our take on the best restaurants on the Isle of Skye.
By: Lesley Stewart | Updated April 2025
The dining room in Edinbane Lodge.
If there’s something synonymous with the Isle of Skye, other than its iconic sights, it’s food. With its proximity to land and sea, Skye’s best restaurants are a testament to the exceptional local produce that has created a flourishing culinary scene.
In fact, I’d say the restaurants on Skye are easily amongst the best eateries in Scotland.
Somewhere between the charming streets of Carbost, the wilds of Waternish, and harbourfront Portree are restaurants and cafes doing something special, from dining at Michelin-starred and recommended restaurants to ancient inns and everything in between.
The diverse foodie experience is part of the Misty Isle's appeal; there’s something for everyone, and always an opportunity to feel immersed in Skye’s natural larder.
Skye is a destination that I return to time and time again, and eating my way through the island is one of my favourite ways to experience it. Over countless road trips and weekend getaways, I’ve sampled some superb food.
And safe to say, I have a list of firm favourites.
But on an island this size, with villages scattered across many miles of narrow roads, finding the best places to eat on Skye can be overwhelming. That’s where this guide comes in - to make planning your trip easy, we’re covering the best Skye restaurants and locations, plus a few practical tips to help make the most of your experience.
Here’s our take on the best restaurants on the Isle of Skye.
Foodie tip: Looking for your next caffeine fix? Explore the island’s array of coffee shops and speciality roasters on your next trip.
Short on time? Here’s an overview of Skye’s best restaurants:
Here’s all the places I recommend to eat on the Isle of Skye (full booking details and menus below):
Edinbane Lodge, Edinbane
Dulse & Brose, Portree
The Old Inn, Carbost
Chargrill, Portree
Loch Bay, Waternish
The Three Chimneys at Talisker, Carbost
Gasta Port Righ, Portree
Cafe Cùil, Carbost
The Oyster Shed, Carbost
Scorrybreac, Portree
Birch, Portree
The Hungry Gull, Staffin
Lean To, Broadford
The Dunvegan, Dunvegan
The Stein Inn, Waternish
/
Planning a trip to the Isle of Skye?
Here are my top picks for places to stay on the island with exceptional restaurants:
Edinbane Lodge, Edinbane: exceptional small stay with an award-winning restaurant.
The Bosville, Portree: harbourfront hotel with modern Scottish eatery.
Marmalade Hotel, Portree: stylish stay with chic grill.
/
Helpful Skye trip-planning guides:
If you want to make the most of your time on the island, read my Isle of Skye for first time visitors guide, Portree travel guide, Portree hotel guide, Portree eateries, and Skye road trip itinerary. Or plan a truly exceptional trip with our boutique Skye guide.
/
Travel tip: The best way to explore Scotland is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Scotland, choose full-coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Hertz and Sixt. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
The exceptional restaurant at Edinbane Lodge.
15 best restaurants on the Isle of Skye, Scotland
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.
Edinbane Lodge, Edinbane
Best for: Serious foodies, experiantial dining, local produce.
Location: Old Dunvegan Road, Edinbane, IV51 9PW
Award-winning Edinbane Lodge is home to one of Skye’s best restaurants - the Rosette and Michelin-recommended restaurant of the same name.
Chef patron Calum Montgomery was born on the Isle of Skye, and his love of the island is wonderfully evident. His network of top-notch island producers is integral to the set tasting menu, which is complemented by foraged ingredients and herbs and vegetables from his kitchen garden.
Provenance, then, is key at Edinbane Lodge, and the list accompanying the menu that details the fishermen, foragers and farms by name is clever and wholly immersive - it submerses you completely in the culinary journey from the get-go. It’s a beautiful kind of thing.
We ate here on our most recent Skye trip, and the food was, simply put, immaculate.
Course after course of sublime combinations, each dish beautifully presented and as delicious as you might expect from Scotland’s MCGB ‘Scotland Chef of the Year’ and a restaurant in the top 200 on La Liste.
The staff seamlessly guided us through each magical course: buttery hand-dived scallops with smoked dulse, whipped creel-caught lobster with almond and dill that was almost too pretty to eat, and insanely good wagyu beef with wild garlic, asparagus, and melting soft shin.
Then there were the delicate snacks to start: seaweed and scallop roe crisps so light they melted in your mouth and pretty canape tarts presented to be enjoyed in single bites of explosive flavour.
This is fine dining at the highest level, and Edinbane Lodge delivers a foodie experience you’ll remember for a very long time.
The dining room is befitting of the thoughtfully renovated old lodge it occupies - cosy, dimly lit, and delivering the right balance of upscale yet not pretentious. It’s an intimate setting that gets strangers talking across the room, and we oohed and ahhed with fellow diners we’d met over a pre-dinner aperitif in the lounge.
To complete the experience, if you can, stay in one of Edinbane Lodge’s six rooms. I can attest to the Riverside King as the perfect couples getaway—overlooking a babbling river and complete with a fire pit on your private patio, it's a relaxing retreat after a busy day of exploring the island.
You can read my full Edinbane Lodge review here (coming soon), including all the reasons why I think this restaurant is well deserving of a star…
Dulse & Brose, Portree
Best for: Cosy + delicious dining in Portree
Location: Bosville Hotel, 13 Bosville Terrace, Portree IV51 9DG
Portree is the island’s capital and a beautiful place to stay, so it's no surprise that there are a handful of seriously good eating places here. One of the most popular is Dulse & Brose, a stylish restaurant inside the Bosville Hotel.
One of Skye’s best restaurants, Dulse & Brose is open for dinner, and serves classic Scottish dishes - all done exceptionally well. The menu is seasonal and ever-changing but includes favourites like fish and chips, wild boar sausages with mash, and seared venison loin. If it’s on the menu, order the smoked duck and grapefruit salad, the local catch of the day, and the Scottish cheese board.
Overlooking Portree Harbour, you don’t get a more central spot, and alongside the delicious menu, the next-door bar is a late-night haven for nightcaps.
The Old Inn, Carbost
Best for: Seasonal specials and a friendly vibe
Location: Carbost, Isle of Skye, IV47 8SR
Specialising in locally caught seafood, the Old Inn serves a varied pub menu, including haggis bon bons (dangerously moreish) and crowd-pleasers like burgers. Plus, there’s an extensive daily specials board.
We’ve visited twice, and it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed lunch; we happily hid from the rain here and devoured a platter of pate, cheese, and homemade oatcakes by a roaring fire.
However, the aforementioned specials board around dinner time is where the Old Inn shines, promoting this cosy eatery as one of my absolute favourite places to eat on Skye. Trev devoured the baked North Sea cod with mussels and baby potatoes and said it was excellent. But the slow-cooked beef with buttery mash and greens was so good, it was one of the highlights of our road trip.
Just along the road, Talisker Distillery is a must-visit for whisky lovers; pop in for a pre-dinner tasting or dram.
While you can walk in and be lucky to nab an empty table, the Old Inn gets busy, and I recommend booking in advance.
Chargrill Restaurant, Portree
Best for: steak, seafood, and bold flavours in a stylish setting
Location: Marmalade Hotel, Home Farm Rd, Portree, IV51 9LX
You’ll find Chargrill tucked away inside the uber-stylish Marmalade Hotel. One of our favourite spots for dinner in Portree, the food here is inspired by Skye’s local larder, with dishes based around perfectly grilled steak, chicken, veg, and seafood.
The varied menu features crowd-pleasing favourites; we loved the cornfed chicken with corn puree & charred corn and the mouthwatering rib eye steak. The accompanying sides were utterly delicious, all with unique twists and bold flavours.
With an equally brilliant wine menu, friendly staff, and contemporary design, it’s little wonder that this Skye restaurant (and hotel) made our exclusive ‘Scotland Handpicked’ list. Chargrill is open to residents and non-residents, and is an easy 5-minute walk from Portree town centre.
Loch Bay, Waternish
Best for: seafood and special occasions
Location: 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. We’ve yet to eat here (it’s on my Skye bucket list), but this Michelin-starred eatery is highly acclaimed.
Delivering a relaxed vibe, Loch Bay serves a ‘contemporary Scottish with a French twist’ menu. Expect truly special dishes like hand-dived scallops and venison, with produce from the local waters and the West Coast’s best estates.
One you need to reserve in advance, Loch Bay delivers incredible food and a unique dining experience wrapped up in a gorgeous waterfront location.
The Three Chimneys At Talisker, Carbost
Best for: Seafood and beautiful interiors
Location: Carbost, Isle of Skye, IV47 8SR
Michelin-recommended eatery The Three Chimneys is one of Skye’s best-known restaurants — and it's a serious contender for those pursuing a fine dining experience or celebrating a special occasion.
However, those seeking an altogether more casual affair with equally excellent seafood should make a beeline for The Three Chimneys at Talisker.
This unique collaboration between the renowned eatery and iconic whisky distillery offers a delicious a la carte menu and casual dining with spectacular views over Loch Harport. Located in the charming village of Carbost, we think this Skye restaurant is best combined with a walk to the Fairy Pools or Talisker Bay.
They serve an upmarket lunch and early dinner menu, focusing on seasonal produce that reflects the quality of Skye’s “natural larder”. Inspired by land to sea, expect to see dishes like locally sourced langoustines, oysters, and mussels. While we loved the seafood (and it is excellent, especially the Isle of Lewis Mussels), we also devoured the Dunvegan black pudding bon bons and ham hock terrine.
There’s a solid drinks menu on offer, too, with cocktails, mocktails, wines, and, of course, endless drams of Talisker.
As always, reservations are a must.
Gasta Port Righ, Portree
Best for: authentic, wood-fired pizza
Location: Isle of Skye Candle Co., Portree, IV51 9EU
You’ll find Gasta Port Righ hidden inside the visitor centre at the Isle of Skye Candle Co in Portree. Being a 20-minute walk outside the town, it’s something of a hidden gem - but their wood-fired, hand-stretched, Neapolitan-style pizzas are out of this world.
They also serve bagels, filled croissants, salads, and toasted ciabattas. But my top tip for travellers is to stop here for breakfast before a big day of exploring Skye’s iconic sights - the fully loaded breakfast bagels and coffee will set you up for the day!
Café Cùil, Carbost
Best for: lunch, brunch, cake, and coffee
Location: Satran, Carbost, IV47 8SU
If I had to choose just one Skye restaurant for a casual daytime bite, it would be Cafe Cùil. This Hebridean-inspired cafe is, in a word, excellent - and the perfect place to eat on Skye for brunch or lunch.
The menu changes with the seasons, but expect dishes like Scottish smoked mackerel on sourdough, Highland shakshuka, and poached eggs with parma and wild garlic pesto.
The star of the show? The slow-cooked Lochalsh beef brisket rarebit - made with Orkney cheddar sauce, poached egg and onion jam it’s seriously delicious. But we also debated (and regret not ordering) the Scotch pancakes with highland rhubarb, gingernut crumble & gorse mascarpone which come highly recommended.
We also devoured some pastries that were almost too pretty to eat (can we take a moment to appreciate the mini berry pavlova above?), followed by really good flat whites.
Inside is bright and airy, with big windows letting those gorgeous Skye views flood in. Outside, the now iconic red roof is a welcome beacon amongst Skye’s wild landscapes and often wild weather. I recommend visiting after an early morning trip to the Fairy Pools or Talisker Bay; nearby picturesque village Carbost is a foodie heaven so arrive hungry!
The Oyster Shed, Carbost
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.
This seafood eatery is tucked away up a hill in Carbost, but it's well worth the walk. At the top, you’ll find a small food shack with rustic outdoor seating, perfect for a takeaway bite before tours and tasting at nearby Talisker Distillery.
I’d say these are some of the freshest oysters I’ve ever tasted; plus, you get to watch the staff shuck them at super fast speeds!
Scorrybreac, Portree
Best for: Fine-dining Scottish cuisine
Location: 7 Bosville Terrace, Portree IV51 9DG
If you’re looking for exceptional seafood and classic Scottish cuisine in a more formal setting, head to Scorrybreac. Michelin-recommended, this beautifully designed restaurant is a must-book for serious foodies.
Fine dining meets the finest seasonal produce and ingredients so local that chef Calum Munro and his team often forage in the local bay. After dinner, head upstairs, where you’ll find an intimate and relaxed little bar serving cocktails, local gins, and single malts with beautiful views over the town’s pretty harbour.
This Skye restaurant is very much on our bucket list, as we’ve yet to get a table booking - be sure to reserve your spot well in advance.
Birch Cafe, Portree
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 eat here every time I visit Portree, and its my go-to spot for brunch and lunch in the town.
One of the best cafes on Skye, they specialise in freshly ground coffee, light bites, and pastries. 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 that gives seriously cool Scandi-vibes. You’ll find their sister-cafe in Inverness and Birch roasted coffee in many other cafes across Skye. A must-visit in Portree.
The Hungry Gull, Staffin
Best for: delicious brunch, lunch & dinner on the Trotternish road.
Location: Staffin, Portree, IV51 9JU
The Hungry Gull is the place to eat on Skye if you’re road-tripping the popular Trotternish coastal loop in the island’s northernmost region.
Essentially a brunch and lunch cafe, the Hungry Gull is a community-run cafe in the quaint village of Staffin that’s gained a serious reputation amongst foodies in the last few years. We weren’t sure what to expect from this relaxed spot, but wow, the food was excellent.
Expect big and bold flavours alongside inventive twists on traditional favourites —we especially loved the venison chorizo tattie hash (so good), highland Turkish eggs (excellent), and black pudding eggs beni (another level).
Tables are first come, first served, and this is a popular part of the island. So if you want to eat here without queuing, get in early. My top tip? Hike The Storr at sunrise and head straight to the Hungry Gull for a well-deserved brunch before heading up the Quiraing or An Corran beach, skipping the queues and crowds at all places!
In addition to bigger plates, there are phenomenal cakes, simpler daytime takeaway options, and occasional evening services. Also, the Hungry Gull is open seasonally, so check their socials for opening hours.
Lean To Coffee, Broadford
Best for: toasties, excellent coffee, and cake
Location: 8 Ashaig, near Broadford, IV42 8PZ
Skye’s trendy coffee shop, the very cool Lean To Coffee is both quirky and charming. Specialising in artisan roasts, this independent spot is a welcome addition to the cafe scene on Skye. As well as excellent frothy flat whites and hot chocolates, there’s also a selection of toasties for lunch and tempting sweet treats for afters.
Inside, it is rustic and minimalist but beautifully decorated, with a handful of seats scattered around long tables. If I’m arriving on the island via the Skye Road Bridge, this is my go-to for a casual but tasty lunch or a pick-me-up coffee and cake.
Lean To Coffee closes over winter, so check opening times here.
The Dunvegan, Dunvegan
Best for: Scottish classics with a twist / deli lunch & coffee
Location: Main Street, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye, IV55 8WA
Located inside the Dunvegan Hotel is a contemporary restaurant serving Skye produce with an Argentinian fire-cooked twist.
Dedicated to running a sustainable restaurant, the team here on an admirable journey to become a zero-waste business, which is reflected in their ever-changing and seasonally influenced menu.
They serve a set menu for £75 per person, and every dish is made using fresh, local ingredients - we’d say it’s one of the best restaurants on Skye, especially if you fancy eating somewhere with a creative menu.
Dishes include classic Scottish options like Skye scallops, lobster, and langoustines, alongside Highland pork, beef, and lamb. Mains are served with innovative sides like ember-cooked aubergine babaganoush, with vegetarian and pescatarian menus on offer.
We popped in when visiting the coffee shop and deli next door (which I highly recommend for lunch; the focaccia sandwiches are delicious). The space is stylish and relaxed, welcoming long dinners over good food and big glasses of wine.
The Stein Inn, Waternish
Best for: Seafood, local produce, and idyllic location
Location: Macleods Terrace, Stein, IV55 8GA
The oldest inn on the Isle of Skye, the Stein Inn, is something of an island institution. Located in idyllic Waternish and overlooking the tranquil waters of Loch Bay, the inn's gleaming whitewashed facade is a beacon for foodies, who’ve been flocking to it for decades.
Based around seasonality and Skye’s natural larder, the intentionally small menu is seafood-focused, fitting given its waterside location. Shellfish and fish arrive fresh daily on the nearby pier - think lobsters, mussels, langoustines and crabs, served with delicious sides like hisbi cabbage and salty fries.
Whilst I haven’t eaten here yet (it’s always been fully booked, a testament to its popularity), we were lucky enough to grab drinks in the waterside garden. A peek inside revealed a treasure trove of cosy rooms, quirky decor, and a phenomenal specials menu.
The Stein Inn is incredibly highly rated, ever-popular, and very much on my list of places to eat on Skye; though you can walk in, it’s best to book a table in advance. I should mention that prices here are on the higher side, so think of this eatery as a treat.
Wrap up: Skye’s best places to eat.
Enjoying the restaurants on Skye is integral to the island experience. There’s a vibrant culinary scene here, a beautiful blend of seriously good food and West Coast Scotland's best produce.
Skye’s best restaurants and eateries are scattered throughout the island, so planning where to eat before your trip is essential. You could spend a week here and still not eat in them all!
My advice? Choose a mix of excellent cafes for brunch and lunch (Cafe Cuil or The Hubgry Gull) and something delicious for dinner, like a contemporary take on Scottish classics (Dulse & Brose) or a casual spot to unwind (Gasta Port Right).
And, if you can, an experiential culinary stay such as the gorgeous Edinbane Lodge is a must for foodies.
But that’s the beauty of Skye’s restaurants; there’s something for everyone on this magical island, whether you're looking for fine dining or seafood shacks.
Read next:
Ultimate guide to the Isle of Skye, Scotland
The perfect day trip to Carbost, Skye
The perfect day trip to Waternish, Skye
/
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. Posts may also contain gifted stays and paid ads. However, all opinions are my own, and I only recommend places I genuinely love. Read my disclaimer for more information.
