Islay..Restaurants/Pubs in Bowmore or Port Ellen

True confession, I’m horribly jealous you’re headed to Islay, a special place in my heart and the world. The following may come across as 1) snarky 2) condescending or 3) arrogant. Couldn’t be further from the truth. I’m just working through my emotional shortcomings of not going with you. It’s like the magical island…..

Stop googling yelp reviews. File the Michelin guide. Islay covers a lot of ground connected by one lane roads over ran with gangs of roving sheep and hairy kuhs looking to hold you up around every unsuspecting corner. It will take you about 45 minutes to make it from Port Ellen to Port Charlotte . Distances are longer than they seem. The island’s history is the who’s who of peaty, smoky scotch spread across some 11 or 12 distilleries now. The island focuses on the whisky and is a little on the back foot when it comes to accommodating the tourism interests that whisky drives. Also consider the islands entire population is just over 3000 and declining. It all works out to way more tourism demand than supply. You don’t have a lot of selection but it will all be memorable wherever you go. Ask you host where to go. Depending on the day of the week, you’ll only have one or two choices in each village and without reservations you might find yourself out of luck period. That includes at the pub.

I’ve based out of Port Charlotte on Islay. I heartedly recommend Lochindaal Inn. They have the restaurant side and the pub side; both excellent. Pre-order the seafood platter 24 hours in advance. Or the Port Charlotte Hotel which was more refined but not the moxie of Lochindaal. Both unfortunately a good drive from you.

Islay has a homegrown website with info on and about the island. It’s islayinfo.com.

Raise a dram for me at Laphroaig. Hug “Old Betty” still at Bruichladdich. Get a nibble at the Old Kiln Cafe at Ardbeg. Your watch may run a few minutes late when your here. It happens. You’re on Islay time.

Thank you thenosbigs! I suspected Islay was exactly what you described ;-). Based on other postings on the forum, I realized that reservations are a must many places. I appreciate the recommendations and always love being on "Islay time"! Cheers!

Hi, jodyt,

Our host recommended the Machrie Hotel or Peatzeria for dinner. However, he wasn't aware of our budgetary restrictions. First night, we got sandwich meal deals from the Co-op in Port Ellen. Second night, we had an excellent meal at Labels in Bowmore. Third night was takeout from Ellen's Wok in Port Ellen. Very well satisfied with all, and not too much out of pocket. Enjoy Islay - it's beautiful!

Safe travels,

Mike (Auchterless)

Thank you, Auchterless!