A Slow Lunch At The Glenfinnan Dining Car
One of my favourite place to eat in Scotland, The Glenfinnan Dining Car is a real foodie treat!
After a morning spent visiting the incredible Glenfinnan Viaduct, I’d guarantee you’re looking for a hearty lunch, or a warming cup of coffee and cake in the perfect Highland setting. My recommendation? Be sure to stop for lunch at the delicious Glenfinnan Dining Car.
Here’s all the reasons you should visit this unique cafe - and my favourite dishes to order.
What to expect at the Glenfinnan Dining Car
We arrive at the Glenfinnan Dining Car on a particularly wet and gloomy day.
We weren’t planning to stop at Glenfinnan (we’re supposed to be hiking at Loch Awe) but a combination of pouring rain, fog, and an early start are all the reasons we need to make a new plan and detour north.
Personally, I am absolutely delighted with the change in plan - we arrive at the Glenfinnan Viaduct just in time to catch the Harry Potter steam train pass overhead.
We spend the morning exploring but with the rain falling steadily, it’s time to retreat to the Dining Car for much needed warmth, tea and cake.
Feeling like an ode to the golden age of travel, the Dining Car is a beautifully refurbished 1950’s railway carriage. Inside feels more like an eclectic, quirky cafe than a restaurant, and we’re instantly at home.
Before we’ve even struggled out of our waterproofs friendly staff are on hand to offer hot drinks and home baking. We order big pots of tea and sink into the vintage train seats. Blissful.
Where is the Glenfinnan Dining Car?
The Glenfinnan Dining Car is hidden on the hillside overlooking Loch Shiel on the A830, also known as the “Road to the Isles”.
Tucked up a small road just a 10-minute walk from the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, the Dining Car is next to the Station Museum. Either follow the trail from the Viaduct directly to the cafe, or drive the short distance to the car park. Note that the car park is small, with limited spaces.
Glenfinnan is a popular stop on any Scotland road trip and this unique cafe is perfectly placed for anyone exploring the West Highlands; nearby you’ll find Fort William and Glencoe, whilst the Mallaig to Skye ferry is less than an hour away.
The Glenfinnan Dining Car menu
Straightaway we spot that the focus here is on quality home cooked food and local produce. Despite the small kitchen, the menu is pretty extensive and has plenty of options for a unique lunch.
A semi-open kitchen cooks food that tastes as good as it smells. I want to come back for breakfast rolls, or the smoked salmon and lemon mayo sandwiches on the afternoon menu.
We decide to order the Dining Car’s take on classic grilled sandwiches, stuffed with melting cheese and black pudding. Despite being an unlikely combination (and probably heart-stopping) they’re absolutely delicious. It is completely indulgent and everything we hoped for on a cold, wet day.
As we mentioned, there are plenty of home baked goodies to revive the spirits of tired travellers. I consider myself something a cake aficionado and I can tell you that the fresh scones, smothered with cream and locally-made jam, are delicious.
Just be prepared to waddle back to your car (and maybe take a nap).
Inside the Glenfinnan Dining Car
The Glenfinnan Dining Car is completely unique, and there’s something about sitting in a steam train… it transports us to another, slower, time.
Old suitcases line the luggage racks and the carriage thrums with nostalgia. Close your eyes and you can almost imagine you’re on a 1950’s train, with it’s vintage touches.
Despite the serious golden-age of travel vibes, there’s no stuffiness here. Onboard, the atmosphere is warm and friendly. And no one seems to mind our waterproofs are dripping all over the floor, or that our boots are muddy. Our kind of place.
My guide to visiting Glenfinnan & THe Steam Train
Of course, less than a five-minute drive from the Dining Car sits the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Read my ‘Guide to Visiting the Glenfinnan Viaduct’ to find out more about the Glenfinnan Monument, how to photograph the steam train, stunning Loch Shiel, and the beautiful trails and walks in the area.
