Places to eat
The west coast of Scotland is renowned for its high quality fresh local produce and what better larder than the abundant sea waters of Loch Sunart and the fresh waters of Loch Shiel?
During your visit, fish-lovers can try fresh fish and shellfish caught from sea, lochs and local rivers, meat-lovers can sample venison, beef and lamb all reared in the hills and glens as well as wild game from the heaths and moorland and everyone can enjoy local organic fruit and vegetables, jams, chutneys and other preserves, fresh and smoked local cheeses, freshly baked breads, pastries and cakes and traditionally smoked salmon.
Now we’ve whet your appetite, you’re probably wondering where you can sample this delicious cuisine. Although the location is remote, there are still plenty of places to dine out in the Ardnamurchan area. Amidst the beautiful scenery, there are a range of great seafood restaurants, bistros and cafes that have menus to suit a variety of tastes and budgets.
Places to eat
Here are our five favourite places to dine out in and around Ardnamurchan:
1. Ariundle Centre
This licensed restaurant and tea room sits at the gateway to the Ariundle Nature Reserve and is open all day as well as year round. They grow their own produce and use this as much as possible across their menu. You can enjoy breakfast, coffee, light lunches, afternoon tea, home baked cakes, bar meals and romantic suppers at the Ariundle Centre and they can even provide meals to takeaway, packed lunches and food hampers if you contact them in advance.
Find them here: Strontian, Acharacle, PH36 4JA
Or visit their website to find out more: ariundlecentre.co.uk
2. The Highlander Cafe and Takeaway
The Highlander Café and Takeaway/café is conveniently situated in the centre of Acharacle and they serve delicious fish and chips, sandwiches, teas, coffees and snacks. The café is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 11am to 4pm, Thursdays and Fridays from 11am to 7:30pm and on Saturdays from 5pm to 7:30pm – just in time for a treat of fish and chips takeaway for dinner. The café is closed on Tuesdays and Sundays.
Find them here: Acharacle Village Centre, Acharacle, PH36 4HZ
3. Loch Shiel Hotel
Offering a varied menu of traditional dishes made with local produce including locally-grown salads and vegetables, locally-caught fish and shellfish, meat sourced from local farms and cheeses from Mull and Arran. The restaurant boasts a sun lounge as well as a dining room and bar, all of which have gorgeous views across Loch Shiel to complement your meal. They are open daily for lunch and evening meals.
Find them here: Loch Shiel Hotel, Acharacle, PH36 4JL
Or visit their website to find out information: lochshielhotel.com
4. Ardshealach Lodge
This lovely restaurant sits among beautiful gardens with views down to Loch Shiel and out to Ben Resipole. They serve a varied seasonal menu using local produce and fruit and vegetables that are grown in their extensive kitchen garden. The restaurant is open all year round and is popular with visitors and locals, and both always get a warm welcome.
Find them here: Ardshealach Lodge, Acharacle, PH36 4JL
Or visit their website to find out information: ardshealach-lodge.co.uk
5. Cafe Sunart
A quaint café situated in Smart Oakwoods in Strontian that serves good quality English and Scottish cuisine. They have some outdoor seatin with a lovely place to sit and enjoy the scenery with a cup of tea and cake or a hot meal in front of you. The café is open every day during summer season.
Find them here: Smart Oakwoods, Strontian, PH36 4HZ
Stay on the shores on Loch Sunart
If you’re keen on taking a trip to the area we can offer luxury self-catering accommodation right on the shoreline. Our cottages are nestled in a secluded spot and each cottage has been designed for convenience and comfort. We offer all the home comforts, plus a few extra special touches, to make your experience of Loch Sunart personal.
Find out more about Sunart Adventures self-catering cottages.