Restaurant Bookings in Portree for Solo Traveler in Early May Necessary?

I would. It doesn’t hurt - and you can be assured of a good meal. Three years ago, I ate from the grocery store (which was fine) on a Sunday because I didn’t have a reservation somewhere.

We were in Scotland two summers ago. We found it quite difficult and stressful to find restaurants. I'd try to get something on the schedule in order to ease my mind.

It's not just fancy places where you'll need a reservation to be sure of a table.

If you opt not to make reservations, your best bet is to be waiting outside a restaurant when it opens. It will only be more challenging later in the evening. That worked for my travel mate and me one night; the next night we ended up at the Fat Panda Takeaway for Chinese carryout, and it was fine.

I see a couple of Indian restaurants with Google ratings of 2.7 and 3.0. I love Indian food, but I really wouldn't want to end up at one of those places.

Thanks for the information. I didn’t want to commit right now, but I’ll go ahead and make reservations for the two nights. It looks like we can expect to get to our accommodations about 6pm. I guess I should make dinner reservations for about 7-7:30 pm. Again, than you.

The public bar at the Highland Hotel is worth walking on by.....the Tongadale is a far far nicer spot for a drink.
Do take a walk up "the Lump" there's a jokey map of Portree and surrounds in Somerled Square where Rabbies and all the buses depart from.

Pizzas at Skye candles visitor centre are very good. Worth a reservation for an evening table.

There are not that many options in Portree. The antler bar and grill in the Portree hotel on the main square is Ok. You’d need a reservation.

Also the bar 1820 just by the Visitor Info centre does basic pub grub but there’s the chance of love traditional music. The vibe there is decent. You’d not need to have a reservation there.

Hi, Emma,

If all else fails, there's always the chippie down at the harbour, or as Texas Travel Mom suggested, a sandwich, drink, and dessert from the Co-op on Bank Street in town. We had a really good meal at Isle of Skye Candle last July, without a reservation. Skyegirl recommends it, as well. It's a bit of a walk from downtown Portree, but worth it.

Mike (Auchterless)

Update: The Co-op on Bank Street is temporarily closed, according to their website. The big Co-op on the Dunvegan Road (A87) is still open for business. It's a bit of a hike from central Portree, but you'd work up an appetite getting there!

Can be a nice walk to the big Co Op.
Walk by the playing field and childs playground in Portree.
Cut down to the river...there's well made paths.
Stay on the right bank.
It brings you out by some allotments,the Co Op is now in sight.
Stay above the allotments and a faint path cuts thru to the road by the CoOp.
Road walking it feels a long way...been there done it a few times.
I can well imagine it will be full of Bluebells in spring.
CoOp malted milk ( chocolate) are the crack cocaine of biscuits by the way..

Thanks again for all the information. I went ahead and made reservations.