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Best restaurants on Skye

There’s something magical about Skye, the island that has captured so many people's hearts it’s now near impossible to get yourself a booking come summer. If you’re one of the few lucky ones who have snaffled a cottage for a short break away, you’re probably going to want to treat yourself to eating at some of the best restaurants in Skye. Produce here is king, so eating out is wonderfully luxurious thanks to the bounty of the island’s shores. Most places serve crab, lobster and scallops as standard, and there’s incredible game from the hillsides too.

Updated on 19 January 2024

It might seem unexpected, but Skye is a bit of a foodie destination. Tucked away on the northwest coast of Scotland, this once remote island is now joined to the mainland by a bridge, meaning accessibility is now much easier than it once was. While the locals might have a thing or two to say about the tourists, we do have the heavy footfall to thank for the number of top-class restaurants that are now available on the island. Having to cater to an international crowd has meant that the hospitality pros of the area have stepped up to the plate (if you’ll pardon the pun) to attract affluent diners to their establishments.

The restaurants on Skye are greatly varied, with current and previous Michelin star winners amongst the selection offering up unique, high-end Scottish cookery. Naturally, though, you’re not always in the mood for tasting menus, starched linens, and long wine lists – sometimes you just want something easy and delicious. To make sure we’re covering something for everyone we’ve asked the locals for their top tips on pubs, cafes and bars to come up with the ultimate insiders’ guide to the best restaurants on Skye. We've rounded up the best restaurants on Skye to visit next time you're in the area, from fine-dining spots through to cosy cafes. 

A word of warning for those visiting the island. Whilst mountain ranges and picturesque coastline make Skye a top destination throughout the year, you may find that a large number of the restaurants are closed throughout the winter (often from November until March). Even during the summer many of these choices have very limited availability offering only a couple of tables for each sitting. We'd hate for you to travel all that way to be met with 'closed' signs or to be told there's no free seats for weeks! 

Be sure to book ahead at one of these restaurants below in this round up of the very best that the island has to offer.

Scorrybreac

Scorrybreac

7 Bosville Terrace, Isle of Skye, Highlands & Islands, IV51 9DG

Looking down across Portree harbour, Scorrybreac’s simple dining room has a restrained elegance about it. Expect local produce handled deftly – from shoreline herbs and foraged veggies through to a bunch of fishy dishes.

Over £80
Scottish
French
The Dunvegan Skye

The Dunvegan Skye

Old Dunvegan Hotel, Isle of Skye, Highlands & Islands, IV55 8WA

The impeccably decorated Dunvegan has recently been refurbished and is a favourite of locals. The main restaurant takes inspiration from Argentine cuisine, using an Asado grill and wood oven to cook up a five-course dinner menu.

£50 - £79
Scottish
South American
Birlinn at the Eilean Iarmain Hotel Skye

Birlinn at the Eilean Iarmain Hotel Skye

Sleat, Isle of Skye, Highlands & Islands, IV43 8QR

For a proper taste of something local, Eilean Iarmain is setback on a stunning cove and has a big emphasis on Gaelic culture and language. Homemade gin, glossed floors, open fires, real ales, and a warm welcome are all part of the package.

£30 - £49
Scottish
Fish
Edinbane Lodge

Edinbane Lodge

Old Dunvegan Road, Isle of Skye, Highlands & Islands, IV51 9PW

Local chef Calum Montgomery has forged relationships with the best suppliers on the island to ensure a menu of sparklingly fresh food. Tasting menus here are around the £125 mark, so not cheap, but very much worth the spend.

Over £80
Scottish
Fish
Loch Bay

Loch Bay

1 Macleods Terrace, Isle of Skye, Highlands & Islands, IV55 8GA

A Michelin-starred joint in the north west of the island, Loch Bay has two seating times for its tasting menu. With only six tables available you'll want to book ahead to make sure you get a taste of the Skye 'fruits de mer' menu. 

Over £80
British
French
Fish
Red Skye Restaurant

Red Skye Restaurant

The Old Schoolhouse, Isle of Skye, Highlands & Islands, IV42 8PY

Located just minutes from the Skye Bridge, why not make this your first stop off once you've reached the island? Hearty dishes of Scottish comfort food fill the menu, including Cullen Skink, homemade soups and a must-try sticky toffee pudding.

£30 - £49
Scottish
Cuillin Hills Hotel

Cuillin Hills Hotel

Portree, Isle of Skye, Highlands & Islands, IV51 9QU

With idyllic views across Portree Bay, the dining room at Cuillin Hills Hotel is a must visit for those looking to sit back and relax in a stylish setting. Tuck into some excellent Scottish cuisine and stay a night or two with equally spectacular views from the rooms.

£30 - £49
Scottish
Seumas’ Bar Skye

Seumas’ Bar Skye

Sligachan Hotel, Isle of Skye, Highlands & Islands, IV47 8SW

Serving up award-winning pub grub seven days a week, Seumas’ bar is a whisky lover’s dream. With 400 malts from all over Scotland the food plays second fiddle to the booze. To line your stomach there’s local seafood and comfort food classics.

£30 - £49
Scottish
Duisdale House Hotel

Duisdale House Hotel

Sleat, Isle of Skye , Highlands & Islands, IV43 8QW

Delicately plated dishes of local produce are made all the better by the views available at Duisdale House. Al fresco dining on the garden deck is a must, as long as the weather permits, with options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

£50 - £79
Scottish
Coruisk House

Coruisk House

Elgol, Isle of Skye , Highlands & Islands, IV49 9BL

You may not be familiar with the village of Elgol, but the idyllic coves at Loch Coruisk combined with the offerings at Coruisk House restaurant are more than enough to make your visit worthwhile. With just one sitting available every evening, enjoy four courses of seasonal produce with a daily changing menu.

Over £80
Scottish
The Crofters

The Crofters' Bite Skye

Isle of Skye, Highlands & Islands,

A true locals’ spot. If you want to see three generations of men hanging out in matching blue overalls and are curious to know how the sheep prices are faring this week, head to The Crofters Bite.

Under £30
Scottish
The Three Chimneys

The Three Chimneys

Colbost, Isle of Skye, Highlands & Islands, IV55 8ZT

Feeling like it’s sitting on the edge of the world, The Three Chimneys is famous for all the right reasons - top-class service, seasonally led cooking, and a view to die for. There are a few rooms too if you fancy staying the night.

£50 - £79
Modern European
Scottish
Pizza in the Skye

Pizza in the Skye

Struan Road, Isle of Skye, Highlands & Islands, IV51 9EG

It doesn’t matter where in the world you are; pizza is always a good idea. With loads of toppings and crisp wood-fired bases, the team at Pizza in the Skye make some of the island’s best pies. Takeaway means you can enjoy your spoils in any scenic spot that takes your fancy.

Under £30
Pizza
Bog Myrtle Skye

Bog Myrtle Skye

Struan , Isle of Skye, Highlands & Islands, IV568FB

For something a bit more lowkey, be sure to try Bog Myrtle: a quaint cafe that's beloved by locals and just exudes charm. Enjoying lunch here is like taking tea in a library, with books and teapots everywhere, and interesting chatter going on all around you.

Under £30
International
Dulse & Brose

Dulse & Brose

Bosville Terrace, Isle of Skye, Highlands & Islands, IV51 9DG

Dulse & Brose - at the Bosville hotel - brings a bit of London’s east end to the southernmost tip of Scotland with its hipster vibe and rustic décor. Expect posh pub grub that is centred around local produce, like Skye ale battered fish or a Scottish seafood curry.

£30 - £49
Scottish
Kinloch Lodge

Kinloch Lodge

Sleat, Isle of Skye, Highlands & Islands, IV43 8QY

Family-owned Kinloch Lodge is one of Skye’s best high-end restaurants. Menus change daily so you never quite know what you’re in for, but you can surely finish the evening with a tipple under the stars, or in front of the roaring fireplace.

Over £80
Modern European
The Ferry Inn Skye

The Ferry Inn Skye

Uig, Isle of Skye, Highlands & Islands, IV51 9XP

If you head far enough north you're sure to end up at The Ferry Inn, a cosy restaurant that has swapped set menus for sharable small plates. The onsite bar and restaurant creates a vibrant atmosphere with local cuisine, drinks and occasional live music.

£30 - £49
Scottish
Sea Breezes Skye

Sea Breezes Skye

Quay Street, Isle of Skye, Highlands & Islands, IV51 9DE

There might not be bells and whistles at Sea Breezes, but that’s all part of the charm. Rustic, hearty plates piled up with seafood and served with a smile is the order of the day. The cosy atmosphere encourages you to linger over dinner.

£30 - £49
Scottish
Fish

If our selection of restaurants on Skye has got you in the mood for travelling then be sure to take a tour across the country with our roundup of the best restaurants in Scotland. From Fife to Aberdeen to Inverness, we’ve got a vast selection from all corners and islands serving up the very best of Scottish cuisine.

Once you've tackled the countryside, be sure to take in the buzz of one of the big cities. Why not visit one of Edinburgh's best restaurants or one of our top picks for the best restaurants in Glasgow?

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