Café Cùil
A forever favourite: Lochalsh beef brisket rarebit
Every time we’re on Skye, we make a point of stopping at Café Cùil.
Perched just outside Carbost, this red-roofed café is run by Skye-born chef Clare Coghill, who first opened the original Cùil in East London before bringing it home to the island. It’s now a firm favourite (ours included) for a relaxed, seasonal brunch or lunch in the west of Skye.
The space itself is bright and calm, with big windows that look out over Skye’s rugged landscape, and a menu that changes with the seasons.
Think Scottish smoked mackerel on sourdough, Scotch pancakes with highland rhubarb, gingernut crumble, and gorse mascarpone, or the utterly delicious Lochalsh beef brisket rarebit topped with poached egg and Orkney cheddar.
I never leave without ordering one of their beautiful pastries (almost too pretty to eat), and I love their house-made soft drinks; the Cùil-Aid is a standout, made with rhubarb and rose.
There’s no need to book, just turn up and soak it all in. The team are friendly, the atmosphere is easygoing, and the food is always excellent. Cafe Cùil is open Thursday to Monday, 10am–4pm, but note they run a seasonal schedule, so it’s worth checking ahead if you're visiting in winter.
It’s the perfect stop after a walk at the Fairy Pools or while exploring Carbost and Talisker Distillery. A total gem, and one we’ll never skip.
