Top 5 Places to Eat in Isle of Skye

Written by Graham Smith, Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Karen Price
28/08/2025
Stunning landscape of the Old Man of Storr in Isle of Skye, Scotland.
chris clark, Pexels

The Isle of Skye's dining scene emphasizes its abundant local produce, especially fresh seafood, offering experiences from Michelin-starred fine dining to relaxed, traditional pub settings and casual seafood shacks.

1. Loch Bay Restaurant

Cuisine: Modern Scottish seafood with a French twist

Nestled in the quaint fishing village of Stein, this intimate, Michelin-starred restaurant offers an exceptional 'Skye Fruits de Mer' tasting menu. Every dish highlights the freshest local seafood, often caught from the surrounding waters, prepared with precision and artistry. The small setting creates a welcoming and unpretentious atmosphere, making each meal a memorable journey through Skye's culinary landscape. Reservations are essential and often require upfront payment.

Price: £160 per person (tasting menu)

Getting There: Located in Stein on the Waternish Peninsula. A car is recommended for access, approximately a 30-minute drive from Portree.

2. The Three Chimneys

Cuisine: Contemporary Scottish, local produce, seafood and game

Housed in a charming old croft cottage on the shores of Loch Dunvegan, The Three Chimneys provides a luxurious fine dining experience. The menu features exquisite modern Scottish dishes crafted from the finest local fish, shellfish, game, and foraged ingredients. The setting is elegant yet comfortable, and the multi-course tasting menus beautifully showcase the island's natural bounty. A unique 'chef's table' experience is also available for those interested in the kitchen's craft.

Price: £95 per person (tasting menu); lunch à la carte from £60 for two courses

Getting There: Situated in Colbost, Dunvegan. Access requires a car, as it is located in a more remote part of the island.

3. Sea Breezes

Cuisine: Fresh local seafood

Perched on Portree Pier, Sea Breezes is a popular and cozy restaurant specializing in incredibly fresh, locally-caught seafood. Diners can enjoy generous platters of langoustines, mussels, oysters, and salmon, along with other fish and meat options. The atmosphere is charmingly rustic with views of the harbour, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed meal. Due to its popularity, booking a table in advance is highly recommended.

Price: Mains typically £20-£30

Getting There: Located on Quay Street in Portree, making it easily accessible by foot from most accommodations in the town.

4. The Old Inn, Carbost

Cuisine: Wholesome Scottish pub food

This traditional free house pub, situated on the picturesque shores of Loch Harport, offers a warm Highland welcome. It serves hearty Scottish pub classics, including delicious fish and chips and venison burgers, all made with abundant local fish and meat. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, often featuring a crackling fire and traditional music, providing a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring.

Price: Mains typically £12-£20

Getting There: Located in Carbost, next to the Talisker Distillery. Reaching it generally requires a car.

5. The Oyster Shed

Cuisine: Fresh, casual seafood

Perched on a hill above the Talisker Distillery, The Oyster Shed offers a unique, no-frills seafood experience. This casual spot provides self-service fresh seafood, including oysters, scallops, lobster, and prawns, at remarkably reasonable prices. Diners can enjoy their meal outdoors around barrels, taking in views of Loch Harport, or as a takeaway picnic. It embodies a truly fresh, unpretentious seafood experience. Bringing your own bottle is an option.

Price: £2-£15 per item (e.g., £12 for a dozen oysters, £13.50 for half a lobster)

Getting There: Located in Carbost Beag, Carbost, just above the Talisker Distillery. A car is needed to reach this location.

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