Where to Eat in Mallaig, Scotland | Best Cafés & Seafood Spots
Before heading over the sea to Skye, I always make a point of soaking up the food scene in Mallaig — something that is quietly brilliant. There are some incredible places to Mallaig, from seafood restaurants to boujee bakeries, and my favourites are listed below.
Written by: Lesley Stewart | August 2025
Over the years, I’ve learned that Mallaig isn’t just a place to pass through on your way to the Skye ferry - it’s somewhere worth arriving early for the food scene.
It’s true that Mallaig is best known as the ferry port to Skye or the final stop on the Jacobite steam train. Yet the harbour town is more than just a gateway. Set around a working port where fishing boats still unload their daily catch, it has quietly earned a reputation for quality dining and high-quality fresh produce.
Some of Mallaig’s best restaurants and cafes are amongst my absolute favourites, and these days I arrive way before the ferry is due, specifically to grab something delicious.
West Coast & Skye Favourites
As someone who’s spent years road-tripping Scotland’s coastal gems, I’ve collected the very best spots into one easy-to-use resource: my Skye & West Coast Travel Guide. It includes 200+ personally tested recommendations - from seafood restaurants and cafés to scenic routes, hikes, and stays - with all the local tips and a detailed route you won’t find anywhere else. You can download the full guide HERE.
Alongside traditional seafood restaurants like the Cornerstone, you’ll find modern lunch stops like The Bakehouse and Bloom & Graze - places doing something a little different, with flaky pastries, city-grade coffee, and flavour-packed toasties made with care.
Whether you’re stepping off the train, waiting to board the ferry, or road-tripping the stunning Road to the Isles, Mallaig is well worth slowing down for. From cinnamon buns with a sea view to langoustines fresh off the boat, here are my go-to food spots, all just a few minutes’ walk from the water.
Quick Mallaig Food Guide
Here’s a snapshot of the best places to eat in Mallaig. Scroll down for full details on how to find them and when to book a table:
The Bakehouse: Harbour-view bakery and café with incredible pastries.
Bloom & Graze: Colourful lunch van with salads, toasties, and top-notch coffee.
The Cornerstone: Cosy seafood restaurant with langoustines and harbour views
The Crab & Creel: Local seafood cooked simply, daily-changing specials.
The Tea Garden: Classic sit-down café perfect for Jacobite train passengers.
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Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip
Planning a trip to Mallaig, Skye or the Scottish West Coast? Don’t miss my Skye guides, 5 - 7 West Coast road trip itinerary, and my in-depth guide on the best hotels to stay on Skye.
Travel tip: The best way to explore Scotland is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our car rental in Scotland, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Hertz, Enterprise, or Sixt. Renting a car in Scotland is straightforward, and driving in the Highlands is easy, though you’re best off knowing about our single-track roads. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
Where to Eat in Mallaig
The Bakehouse
My go-to before the ferry and a true gem. The Bakehouse is a superb bakery in every way - from its gorgeous harbour view terrace to its truly delicious bakery.
Specialising in long fermented sourdoughs and viennoiserie, their pastries, filled focaccia breads, and cakes are consistently excellent, and my mission is to buy at least one glazed cinnamon bun and pecan danish before they sell out (which is often).
There’s a small lunch menu if you want something more substantial, and superb sourdough pizzas at weekends with a range of delicious toppings to take away from the adjacent Crannog Pizzeria on the quay.
Outside, the harbour-facing terrace is an incredible spot on a sunny day, but with limited seating, it’s often full. For me, it’s the perfect opportunity to grab a few favourites and put together a picnic or lunch to enjoy on the ferry, steam train, or overlooking one of the nearby wild beaches.
My go-to Mallaig eatery, all of the boujee bakery photos in this post were taken in The Bakehouse!
Top tip: If you're heading to Skye, you can leave your car in the ferry queue and stroll over here while you wait.
Bloom & Graze
A newer addition to Mallaig, this is a brilliant option if you're after something fresh and a little different. Bloom & Graze operates out of a cheerful pastel-hued food van not far from the harbour, instantly recognisable by its floral signage and colourful specials board.
It's small and seasonal but packs a punch!
This unique little takeaway van specialises in deli-style graze boxes, epic cakes with twists, filled sandwiches, coffee, and generous platters packed with local cheeses, meats, crackers, and other goodies.
The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly, with a small cluster of benches and tables in the little terrace garden. Very cute, very delicious.
Top tip: There’s a small outdoor seating area, or you can simply perch by the water. Or, for a real treat, take away and eat on the ferry or steam train. Check their socials for current opening hours, as they’re seasonal.
The Cornerstone Seafood Restaurant
Set on the high street and overlooking the harbour, The Cornerstone does exactly what you'd hope - great local seafood served simply in a relaxed setting. Inside, it’s intimate and comfortable with warm lighting, wooden tables, nautical décor touches, and large windows that frame the harbour views.
It’s unpretentious and friendly, the kind of place where you can relax after a day exploring the west coast and take your time over a glass of wine and a plate of langoustines. The extensive menu leans local and seasonal, with mussels, scallops, and fish mains taking centre stage.
Top tip: It’s a small place, so book ahead if you’re staying in the town overnight. They also offer takeaway, including classic chip shop fare if you’re after something quicker.
The Crab & Creel
As the name suggests, this tiny seafood spot specialises in the catch of the day, prepared with minimal fuss - think crispy squid, mussels, local langoustines, and the occasional lobster. The menu changes depending on the boats, but it’s always fresh, simple, and packed with flavour.
The interior is compact and unfussy, often bustling with activity, with just a handful of seats inside and a few outside when the weather plays nice. But what it lacks in space, it makes up for in flavour.
Top tip: It gets busy, especially when the steam train arrives, and there are no reservations, so time your visit to avoid the crowds if possible.
The Tea Garden
A long-standing favourite just across from the train station, The Tea Garden is a classic, family-friendly café in Mallaig. Inside, the décor is simple and welcoming, with cheerful and charming decor, chalkboard menus, and plenty of natural light streaming in from the big front windows.
The menu is a mix of Scottish staples and café classics—think Cullen skink, fish and chips, toasties, and generous slices of home-baked cake. Service is friendly and quick, and it’s the kind of place that always feels easy, whether you’re on your own or with a group.
Top tip: Popular with Jacobite steam train passengers, so there’s often a gentle bustle just after arrival—but tables usually turn over quickly.
Wrap up: Mallaig Foodie Guide
Whether you’re stopping in for a quick pastry before the ferry or lingering over langoustines, Mallaig is a brilliant place to soak up the flavours of the West Coast.
If you’re continuing your journey onwards to the Isle of Skye or south through Lochaber along the stunning Road to the Isles, don’t miss my West Coast road trip itinerary, which features Mallaig alongside hidden beaches, scenic drives, and charming Highland stops. This post is part of my Skye and West Coast travel series, designed to help you plan a route filled with local gems and unforgettable detours.
Finally, if you have any questions about the destination above or are looking for something custom, get in touch!
Lesley x
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