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dining help on Isle of Skye

We will be visiting the Isle of Skye in October and I’d like to make reservations for one nice meal there. Per Skyegirl’s helpful response to another poster’s inquiry, I have the following list:

  • Lochbay
  • Edinbane Lodge
  • Ferry Inn at Uig

My husband typically has a hearty appetite and I know sometimes nicer restaurants have smaller portions. Can anyone advise which of the three choices might have heartier portions??

Also, can anyone recommend a taxi service from Portree that we could reserve if we decide to have some drinks?

Thanks!!

Posted by
7354 posts

My “2 pence” worth, as I haven’t been to any of those -yet. Not every establishment may provide unlimited bread, and he might not want to fill up on bread anyway, but many places will provide more really good bread or rolls for the asking. Might be an extra cost, depending on the situation,

On our Skye trip a few years ago, our fine dining experience was at the Three Chimneys, in a relatively remote part of the island. We ate at the Chef’s Table in the back of the kitchen, watching the kitchen crew preparing meals, and were joined by other guests from around he world at a single big table. Driving back to our B&B after dinner, we had to stop for a bit, as sheep were lying down in the road. So be ready for a wooly roadblock when you least expect it!

Posted by
2375 posts

I think I would just go to the place that appeals more, and order more food.

Posted by
676 posts

Cyn, thanks for the tip on the bread and too funny on the sheep! That's my kind of roadblock :)

LIZinPA, they all sound very good and the menus posted on their websites are just sample menus - I don't know what they'll have the actual day that we'll be there and they're popular enough we need to make reservations in advance. I may be wrong but it looks like the first two places are set menu only.

Maybe they're all similar but I just wanted to ask in case the serving styles vary and we'd have better luck at one place over another.

Posted by
671 posts

We ate at Number 1 Bosville Terrace and had a wonderful dinner. As I recall, the portions were great for all of us (2 couples). If you aren't sure, you can always start with an appetizer. We were lucky to get in without reservations, but if you know your schedule, I would recommend reservations.

Posted by
2109 posts

My husband typically has a hearty appetite and I know sometimes nicer restaurants have smaller portions. Can anyone advise which of the three choices might have heartier portions??

I'm reminded of the classic Woody Allen line: "The food here is terrible and the portions are too small."

Posted by
1376 posts

Hi, Julie,

There's a really good takeaway chippy on Quay Street, down by the harbour. It's next to the Lower Deck, and I believe that it's also where you can buy tickets for their sea eagle tour. There's always a long line for the fish and chips. Sea Breezes, also on Quay Street, has received some really good reviews, although I can't speak from personal experience.

Perhaps Jacqui (Skyegirl) can give some recommendations for fish & chips in Portree.

We used to enjoy the Waterfront chippy in Broadford. However, it's under new ownership since we were there last year (It's now Siaway Fish & Chips), and has received mixed reviews. Any RS forum reader reviews would be appreciated.

Bon appetit!

Mike (Auchterless)

Posted by
676 posts

Hi Mike! Thanks for the recommendations!! I’m sure my husband will be very happy eating some fish and chips. We’d love Jacqui’s recommendations on picking between those three restaurants. I’m leaning towards Lochbay or Ferry Inn right now.

Posted by
1117 posts

Hi Julie

You will have a fantastic time at whichever of these you choose. The Ferry Inn is the most pub like of the 3. Portions are probably slightly more on the hearty side.

The Lochbay is my personal favourite. If you choose the tasting menu then yes the portions are smaller, but still plenty (I am always full and I'm not a size 2 - you can probably add a zero to that!). If you have the 3 course menu then portions are larger. The service is wonderful and the food is fantastic (IMO) as is the location.

The Edinbane Lodge is my husband's favourite and is also number 1 on trip advisor at the moment. They only do a tasting menu and there are many courses so you won't leave feeling hungry!

Any of these places will, I'm pretty sure, be happy to supply more bread free of charge. Oh and at the Lochbay you get wonderful seafood nibbles to accompany your menu deliberations.

I ate at the Three Chimneys (very close to my house) earlier this week and would now have to add it to my list - having removed it last year! The change of ownership seems to have freed the wonderful chef Scott Davies to do his own thing with aplomb. The food (we had the 3 course dinner menu) was excellent, although service is somewhat amateur. I think this is because they struggle to keep staff due to the more remote location.

Of all these, Edinbane Lodge is closest to Portree.

Sadly I can't recommend a taxi company as I never use them. But I'm sure your B&B or Hotel would be happy to help you out.
Would love to know what you decide and what you think when you get there.

Best wishes
Jacqui (Skyegirl)

Posted by
676 posts

Thanks Jacqui!! Super helpful. I will keep you posted on what we end up doing. Need to make a decision this week.

Posted by
1117 posts

Hi again Julie

You may already have left it too late for some places. I know the Lochbay gets booked up far ahead. We are going there tomorrow night and I booked 3 months ago.

Jacqui

Posted by
676 posts

Jacqui, thanks for the heads up and prompt to move on reservations...I’ve just reached out to Ferry Inn and Lochbay both. We will see what responses I get!