26th May 2018
These top 5 restaurants are all close to the sea and in beautiful settings (which is pretty much true of all of Skye, to be honest). They are great examples of restaurants that utilise the best Scotland has to offer and ideal for exploring as much of the island as possible.
Loch Bay, Waternish
The Loch Bay was purchased in 2016 by Michelin starred chef Michael Smith who you may recognise from TV shows like the Great British Menu. Michael used to be Head Chef at the Three Chimneys and has previously worked in restaurants like Le Gavroche in London. The Loch Bay won a Michelin star within 18 months of opening, which speaks volumes about the quality of food Michael produces. The restaurant is small and welcoming offering a 5-course seafood degustation and a set 3-course meal.
Ferry Inn, Uig
The Ferry Inn is the new kid on the block. It has a fun wee bar that you can visit in its own right and a great restaurant where I recently had one of the best steaks I’ve ever eaten. They’re going for a relaxed members club vibe and have totally nailed it.
Coruisk House, Elgol
Since 2011 Ian and Claire have been turning their croft house into a small, intimate six-table restaurant on the wild side of Skye in Elgol. They serve local Skye ingredients prepared and presented with style and simplicity. I highly recommend ordering the scallops if they are on the menu.
Kinloch Lodge, Sleat
To the South of the island is Kinloch lodge which is owned by cookery writer Lady Claire MacDonald and family. It’s one of the original fine-dining restaurants that helped establish Skye as a foodie destination. The building was originally a hunting lodge dating back to the 17th century and has been in MacDonald clan ownership for eight generations.
Three Chimneys, Colbost
I couldn’t write a list of the top 5 restaurants on Skye without including the Three Chimneys! Shirley and Eddie set the restaurant up in 1984 before Skye was fashionable, before there was a bridge, and before most people cared about seasonality. It has been heralded as one of the biggest contributing factors to Skye becoming the amazing food destination it is, and I couldn’t agree more. It’s a must-visit if you are touring Skye’s restaurants.
*New Addition* Edinbane Lodge
At the time we wrote this blog the Edinbane Lodge had not opened, hence why this is the 6th restaurant on a list of five. The cooking at Edinbane Lodge uses the freshest local ingredients and uses them to inspire the most inventive tasting menus. Personally when it comes to tasting menus I prefer ones that are not only executed to perfection but that also have a playful side to them, with certain dishes that surprise or awaken the palate. Edinbane Lodge ticks all these boxes and more.
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