Hi, all.
We'll be traveling Scotland by car in mid to late May, and I'm starting to think about dinner reservations. We'll be staying at The Witchery in Edinburgh for two nights, near Culloden for two nights, on the Isle of Skye for one night, and in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull for two nights, with a final airport night at EDI. All recommendations are most welcome!
Many thanks,
Marjie Gowdy
Where are you staying on Skye? And where do you plan to spend your sightseeing time while on the island? I doubt that you're going to want to travel way out of your way for lunch or dinner.
Edited to add: My travel mate and I were pleased with the seafood we had on several occasions in Scotland. Although restaurant prices weren't bargains, it seemed as if seafood was at least not that much more expensive than it is at home (I'm in Washington DC).
I can't resist commenting that I don't understand going to Skye for just one night.
Hi Marjie
What sort of dining recommendations are you after? Do you want casual/pub style food, or are you also interested in fine dining recommendations? And yes, on Skye it would be useful to know whereabouts you are staying as the good restaurants are well spaced! The best two restaurants in my opinion are about an hour from Portree for example.
And for Culloden you are probably looking at going into Inverness or Nairn to get good food.
Best wishes
Jacqui (Skyegirl)
All good questions as well. (I'm the gal on the London forum who just whittled down our location for more relevant advice:). We leave on the train from London to Edinburgh for the remainder of the trip (flying open jaw).
'Tis all my fault for the one night only on Skye - I really want time in and around Inverness and Culloden, and as for Skye, we're not hikers in any way, and I also have my heart set on Iona.
Yes, we both love seafood and fresh fish, and companion also is willing to try unusual tastes. He's also quite the Scotch drinker. He's never been to the UK before.
Thanks in advance,
Marjie
I forgot to say that we're staying at an inn in Sleat on Skye, the Eileen Larmain, which does seem to have a lovely restaurant.
Good tip, Jacqui, on dining re: Culloden.
Many thanks.
We are not foodies and our preference is pub dining. If that sounds good to you, we really enjoyed Teuchters In Edinburgh. We “discovered “ it when we first arrived and then were surprised when we began our Rick Steves tour and the group had dinner there. Both times were good and the atmosphere was more neighborhood than tourist. Find it at 26 William Street.
If you are staying at The Witchery make sure to dine in their restaurant.
I don't often make restaurant recommendations because I tend to just stop somewhere when I'm hungry, which doesn't generally lead to particularly good outcomes. But sometimes I luck into a good spot, and this was one: Cafe St. Honore on Thistle Street in Edinburgh's New Town area. As you can see, the menu is quite small; I think it may have been a bit broader pre-pandemic. I ate there in 2019. I was passing by early in the evening and was able to snag a table, but a reservation would be prudent and I assume absolutely necessary if you aren't interested in eating both early and quickly.
I'm not a Michelin-star sort of person, so take this recommendation with a grain of salt if that's the type of place you like to go! And as for wine, I'm clueless.
If you like smoked salmon, Scotland seems to be a good place to get it at reasonable prices. It even showed up a breakfast a couple of times, and I stay at budget-level places.
Hi again Marjie
For Skye I think you will do just fine dining at your hotel. It has a decent reputation although I have not eaten there.
Best wishes
Jacqui
If your flight home is not an early morning one, you would be better staying in Edinburgh that last night!
It's only a short drive/taxi/tram ride to the airport from town.
A lot of it depends on whether you have a car or not.
I can recommend two restaurants on your itinerary, however one is two years out of date and the other four. The first is Lorrimers in Inverness. Best fish and chips I've had in a while, Scotland does haddock, I prefer cod and they do cod.
The other is Galleon Bistro in Tobermory. Tobermory though for a place of its size does not skimp on the choices, but they are pricey.
Thanks to all of you. I'm overwhelmed by these thoughtful and delicious choices, everyone of which sounds right up our alley. Open to additional ideas as well!
All the best,
Marjie
If you are feeling adventurous be sure to try Haggis, Neeps & Tatties. We were pleasantly surprised they were quite good. We had them at the Royal Mile tavern. Even my picky eater kids liked them!
You can see the photobook of our trip in my profile.
