In this stunning area of Scotland, there are several possibilities for eating.
Because it is not included in Scotland's North Coast 500 route, south Argyll has several advantages. Instead, it's on the west coast, which is much quieter, but it's often forgotten because Loch Lomond and the Isles of Skye and Mull are so close. It shouldn't be, though.
It is wild, mountainous, lush, and scarcely inhabited. It distinguishes itself from other regions of Scotland with a sense of mysticism. The weather is humid and pleasant; ferns cover the ground; old woods' trees are coated in moss and lichen; and rocks in valleys with water pouring over them look as though they were formed during the Jurassic period. Its captivating ambiance is only enhanced by the low-lying clouds that frequently envelop the magnificent rocky shoreline. Even though Glasgow is only a few hours away by car, this place has an otherworldly atmosphere, and it's simple to feel disconnected because the phone coverage is spotty.
Latest byline is a dreamy one on @condenasttraveller 🤩
— Emma Henderson (@Emmalouisehendy) January 26, 2023
Next time you find yourself in the very beautiful and rural west coast of #Scotland (!), here’s where to eat and drink https://t.co/01O8KvMyrL
Being dominated by the sea, Argyll is inaccessible from the air due to the numerous canals that form fingers of land. Instead of taking the long, twisting road, use a boat or ferry. Fortunately, many of the eateries in south Argyll are situated by the sea and are reachable by boat. It certainly won't come as a surprise that the dish of the moment is seafood, which is always as fresh as it can be. Menus also frequently feature classic Scottish dishes like haggis, langoustines, venison, and trout.
Since it's among Britain's best, Loch Fyne's seafood is sent to London and other countries in large quantities. But it's only recently that other people have learned to appreciate and start enjoying what's on this abundant doorstep exactly where it comes from. In an underappreciated gastronomic hotspot, these are the locations worth visiting.
Inver
Inver is the jewel of south Argyll, led by Pamela Brunton in the kitchen and partner Rob Latimer in front of the house. Given that it is located at the border of Loch Fyne, its name, which means "the meeting of the water," is appropriate. The Lachlan castle ruins across the street or the close-by bothies and shepherd cottages serve as its only true neighbors. The old crofters' cottage is hidden from the little undulating single-track road, which has since been replaced.
Fine eating is served here, yet there is little fuss. Her cuisine is a Hebredian interpretation of New Nordic cookery, inspired by Pamela's time spent working at Noma and Faviken restaurants. She was awarded Scotland's sole green Michelin star for her commitment to provenance and waste minimization. The menu changes frequently to reflect the foraging-friendly environment, but you can always count on the freshest Loch Fyne oysters, langoustines, and crab, as well as dishes like mussels, chickpeas, and spinach broth or brill with sea kale and seaweed.
Postal Code: PA27 8BU Strathlachlan, Strachur, Argyll
URL: inverrestaurant.co.uk
The Colintraive Hotel
Starters like crispy haggis bonbons and hearty langoustines from the nearby Isle of Gigha or Tarbet in simple garlic butter are delicious. There are often really exciting dishes here that you won't find on other menus in the area, like sticky Korean chicken wings covered in sesame seeds or pork brawn terrine.
Most of the food is cooked on a Japanese grill, and high-quality local ingredients, especially seafood, stand out. While Clare is from a somewhat nearby town of Greenock, Joe and Clare took over in 2019 after relocating from London. The Kyles of Bute canal can be seen from virtually every table in the dining area, which is a casual mishmash of antique furniture and contemporary artworks.
Address: Colintraive, Argyll PA22 3AS
URL: colintraivehotel.com
Oyster Catcher
The Oyster Catcher is another waterfront bar located near Otter Ferry on the eastern side of Loch Fyne. Its outdoor picnic tables are even closer to the loch when the sun is shining in this breathtaking setting. In the summer, if you're here at sunset, you're in for a show.
The restaurant is owned and operated by Phoebe and Steve Keene, who work as the front of house and chef, respectively. The menu features enhanced versions of traditional pub fare, including fish and chips and seasonal local games like duck, partridge, and deer. It's contemporary food done well.
Address: 3 Otter Ferry Salmon, Otter Ferry, Tighnabruaich, PA21 2DH
Internet address: theoystercatcherotterferry.co.uk
"The Starfish"
The ancient fishing community of Tarbet, which still maintains a working fleet, is located west of Loch Fyne. With hardware, butchers, galleries, and other independent enterprises, it's maintained a neighborhood vibe.
The white walls and strikingly brilliant blue shutters of the Starfish restaurant and gallery make it easy to identify, inside, there is a gallery wall of locally produced art that is for sale. The catch of the day is brought in so near to the harbor that you can see it from outside the restaurant, and specials are listed on the large chalkboards that hang over the counter. Starters like Cullen skink, haggis croquettes, Thai sea bass, and monkfish and chickpea curry are just a few of the dishes offered.
Place of residence: Castle Street, Tarbert, PA29 6UH
URL: starfishtarbert.com
"The Royal and Lochan"
Tighnabruaich, unlike other comparable waterside communities, didn't start as a fishing community but rather as a vacation destination for Victorian Glaswegian entrepreneurs. As a result, there are several Victorian houses bordering the water's edge, many of which are now used as vacation homes.
The Royal Lochan makes tribute to nostalgia with its tiled floor entryway and tartan stairway. The restaurant is bright and simple, with modern art inspired by water and white tablecloths. Modern water-inspired art and white tablecloths decorate the restaurant, which overlooks the lake and the Isle of Bute. The restaurant is light and airy, with contemporary water-inspired art and white tablecloths. The straightforward meals are the greatest; the fish and chips and juicy oysters are some of the freshest and tastiest in the region.
Address: Shore Road, Tighnabruaich PA21 2BE
Internet address: theroyalanlochan.co.uk
Loch Fyne Oyster Bar and Deli
One of the most well-known restaurants in the region is located right at the top of Loch Fyne. Its name is similar to that of a countrywide restaurant chain, but that is the only similarity. Oyster platters are displayed inside, and the menu offers a variety of ways to eat the bivalves, from basic lemon and shallots to deep-fried. Other contemporary classics may include haggis to fishcakes with creamy lobster bisque and delicious scallops with pea puree. Order several appetizers to share because they are substantial and heavier than the main courses.
You can't leave without passing by the deli/gift store, which is stocked with excellent local goods including fresh fish and cheese from the nearby Isle of Arran. It also has local gin, whisky, and biscuits.
Postal Code: PA29 6UH Castle Street Tarbert, Loch Fyne
URL: lochfyne.com
Loch Fyne Ales
The family-run microbrewery on a farm, Loch Fyne Ales, is only a few hundred yards from the Oyster Bar. There are only a few tables in the tiny, cozy pub, and the staff is relaxed and helpful. Palettes are transformed into rustic garden chairs outside in the courtyard, and some beer barrels are placed there because the Scottish sun never gets too hot for them. Go for the beer flight instead of picking one of the five or so Fyne Ales; if you can't decide, have some substantial nachos prepared with farm-raised beef or venison instead. Our favorite is the pale ale Avalanche. You can even take your favorite miniature keg from home with you thanks to the store. If you're in the area in early June, it also hosts a modest but expanding music and beer festival.
Address: Achadunan, Cairndow, Argyll PA26 8BJ, Fyne Ales
URL: fyneales.com
Skipness Meal Cabin
This quaint wooden food cabin, located closer to the Isle of Arran, began as a trailer in the 1980s that only sold tea and crab rolls. Rolling on, it has occupied this location permanently since 1990. From May to October, it is open seasonally and prides itself on having some of the finest seafood in the area. It offers straightforward crab rolls, salads, and platters that can be taken out or enjoyed outside on the wooden seats while watching the lake (where else?).
It makes the most of the neighborhood smokehouses by using creel pots rather than trawlers, which don't harm the seabed. Salmon is smoked at the Skipness smokehouse and kippers are smoked in adjacent Tarbet. While mussels, scallops, and oysters are all native to Loch Fyne. It is regional and offers some of the most reasonably priced seafood you can find.
Location: Skipness, close to Tarbert, Argyll PA29 6XU
URL: skipnessseafoodcabin.co.uk