Drink in the views at Scotland’s top waterside dining destinations this summer.
Scotland has more than 11,000 miles of stunning coastline, 31,460 freshwater lochs and 118 inhabited islands, so here’s a selection of the country’s finest foodie hotspots to whet your appetite this summer, including:
- Isle of Skye – Scotland’s Restaurant of the Year 2025 on the shores of Loch Dunvegan
- Argyll – ‘Seafood Heaven’ at Loch Linnhe, Port Appin (home to Scotland’s Chef of the Year 2025)
- Edinburgh – A new fish and seafood restaurant on Edinburgh’s waterfront, plus Scotland’s only five-star luxury floating hotel restaurant in the Port of Leith
- North Coast 500 – An award-winning destination restaurant at Loch Gleann Dubh
- Wester Ross – A traditional Highland inn famous for its ‘Plockton Prawns’, Loch Carron
- Ayrshire – A beachside hotel restaurant overlooking the Firth of Clyde and Isle of Arran
ISLE OF SKYE
1. The Three Chimneys, Colbost, Isle of Skye
Scotland’s Restaurant of the Year 2025 is the latest national award for The Three Chimneys and its world-renowned restaurant with rooms, which is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty at Colbost, on the shores of Loch Dunvegan, with the dramatic backdrop of Skye’s Duirinish peninsula.
Since opening as a restaurant in 1985, The Three Chimneys has been a trailblazer on the island, inspiring visitors to travel from all over the world to satisfy their appetite for the island’s fresh, local produce. The multi-award-winning five-star AA restaurant is included in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland, as well as The Good Food Guide.
Serving the best of Skye, land and sea, The Three Chimneys is based within an original Skye croft house. Inspirational dishes optimise the richness and variety of the island’s natural larder, including double-dived Sconser scallops from Loch Sligachan and locally reared lamb.
2. The Three Chimneys at Talisker, Loch Harport, Isle of Skye
The Three Chimneys and Skye’s oldest whisky distiller, Talisker, have come together to create a unique dining experience at the distillery, on the shores of Loch Harport, and celebrate Skye as a world-class food and travel destination.
The Three Chimneys at Talisker experience invites guests to fully immerse themselves in the rugged coastal landscape of Skye, through locally sourced food and drink and a shared commitment to local growers, crofters, producers and craftspeople on the island.
Inspiration for the menus is taken from Talisker Distillery’s unique location, on the Minginish peninsula, and an air that is filled with the salt and spray of the sea.
The Three Chimneys at Talisker’s à la carte menu for summer 2025 includes an array of locally caught langoustines, oysters, mussels and scallops and Skye-reared lamb.
Scottish Summer Ceilidh Dinner – 28th June. A three-course dinner followed by a traditional Ceilidh performance with local musicians, Peter Morrison and Seumas MacLennan. Experience some authentic and lively Scottish music on a beautiful evening overlooking Loch Harport and Talisker Distillery with The Three Chimneys at Talisker. The three course choice menu, including the Ceilidh performance is £75 per person with bookings available from 6pm till 7.45pm. Music will start from 8pm and finish approximately 10.45pm.
A Taste of Summer – 23rd August 2025. A sensational tasting experience, showcasing the very best of what The Three Chimneys has to offer but served at The Three Chimneys at Talisker venue. This specially curated summer tasting menu celebrates the finest seasonal ingredients with the stunning backdrop of Talisker and Loch Harport. Times available from 6pm to 7.45pm. Menu priced at £120 per person.
https://talisker.threechimneys.co.uk
PHOTOS of The Three Chimneys at Talisker:
ARGYLL
3. The Pierhouse Hotel & Seafood Restaurant, Port Appin, Argyll
The Pierhouse is home to Scotland’s Chef of the Year 2025 and is one of Argyll’s most iconic coastal hotels.
The renowned Scottish seafood restaurant is tucked away on the shores of Loch Linnhe, offering breathtaking views to the islands of Lismore and Mull.
Firm favourites on the Pierhouse menu include the freshest langoustines, mussels and lobsters, harvested from Loch Linnhe and Loch Etive, as well as fine oysters hand-picked from Loch Creran, just 10 minutes from the hotel.
The restaurant has two AA rosettes and is one of only three Argyll restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland.
Dogs are welcome in the bar and on the lochside terrace.
Pre-booking is essential as space is limited.
NORTH HIGHLANDS
4. Plockton Inn, Innes Street, Plockton, Wester Ross
The village of Plockton, affectionately known as the Jewel of the Highlands, is situated on a sheltered bay overlooking Loch Carron in Wester Ross.
Owned and operated by Highland Coast Hotels, the recently refurbished 80-cover Plockton Inn, restaurant and bar retains original period features, whilst taking contemporary design inspiration from its location, quality of light and fishing boats on the shores of Loch Carron.
New seasonal menus are brimming with fresh local produce – including the legendary Plockton Prawns (langoustines), which are landed daily just a stone’s throw from the restaurant.
The bar menu showcases a good selection of wines, beers and ciders, including local Plockton Ale. An eclectic cocktail list features the likes of West Coast Breeze, Craggy Toddy and Plockton Bloom, while a wide range of whiskies includes bottles from the nearby Isle of Raasay, Talisker and Torabhaig distilleries.
Pre-booking is advised.
Dogs are welcome in the lounge and bar areas.
www.highlandcoasthotels.com/dining
5. Kylesku Hotel, Sutherland, North Coast 500
Kylesku Hotel, located amidst the wild, rugged landscape of Assynt in the far north-west of Scotland, is home to one of the most idyllic lochside dining experiences on the world-famous North Coast 500 driving route.
The award-winning destination restaurant and its outdoor terrace offer uninterrupted panoramic views over Loch Gleann Dubh, near the landmark Kylesku Bridge.
The Kylesku menu celebrates the very best of the Scottish Highland larder, with a mouthwatering selection that includes langoustines, crab, lobster, and hand-dived scallops which are landed on the pier in front of the hotel. Selected dishes can be served on the outside terrace.
Kylesku Hotel is owned and operated by Highland Coast Hotels, which runs a collection of seven landmark venues located around the North Highlands, including Plockton, Kylesku, Tongue, Brora, Dornoch and Inverness.
Dogs are welcome in the lounge and bar areas, and on the lochside terrace.
Pre-booking is essential as space is limited.
https://www.highlandcoasthotels.com/dining
EDINBURGH
6. Barry Fish, 62 The Shore, Leith, Edinburgh (New for 2025)
One of Scotland’s most acclaimed chefs has opened the doors to his first independent fish restaurant on Edinburgh’s waterfront, at the Shore in Leith. Chef Barry Bryson has now made his permanent home in Edinburgh’s ‘coolest neighbourhood’ with the launch of Barry Fish, where he is now showcasing the best fish and seafood from Scotland.
The Low-Tide and Big Snacks menus include Barry Fish sea trout pastrami and Loch Fyne oysters. Eyemouth crab, sea bream and sea bass ceviche; octopus; and kedgeree dishes are also available. The evening dinner menu includes shelled half lobster; as well as whole sea bass or bream.
Diners can enjoy views directly into the open-plan working kitchen from the pass, as well as out over the Water of Leith from the comfort of the restaurant. The kitchen can also be viewed from the window by diners arriving from outside on the Shore.
The 34-cover restaurant and bar also serves a variety of dishes to suit non-fish eaters, as well as offering exceptional wines, cocktails, craft beer and Scottish cordials.
7. The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar, Fingal Hotel, Alexandra Dock, Leith, Edinburgh
Permanently berthed in Edinburgh’s historic Port of Leith, Fingal is Scotland’s only five-star luxury floating hotel and is a world-class foodie destination with a nautical twist.
Fingal has all the glamour and style of a superyacht, but with an air of old-world Art Deco luxury ocean liner elegance, inspired by the ship’s rich maritime heritage.
Fingal’s Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar has 2 AA rosettes for culinary excellence. The galley team is continuing to enhance the dining experience for the ship’s guests following the expansion of its award-winning restaurant, which offers the finest-quality Scottish menus that are bursting with seasonal flavours.
In partnership with Moët & Chandon, Fingal’s new Moët Deck is a space to gather, to toast a special occasion or savour a quiet moment of luxury for a leisurely afternoon. Every day at 17.43 (the year Moët & Chandon was founded) listen for the bell ringing to signal a taste of ice-cold Champagne for those out on the Deck. Clinking glasses set the rhythm with expertly crafted cocktails perfectly paired with beautifully curated sharing boards, laden with artisan cheeses, Scottish fish and vegetarian antipasto. Elevate every sip!
Re-launched as a luxury hotel, restaurant and bar in 2019, the former Northern Lighthouse Board tender is owned and operated by the award-winning team at The Royal Yacht Britannia, which is located just a 10-minute walk away.
Fingal’s Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar is open to non-residents for afternoon tea, dinner and cocktails, offering an outdoor deck and a choice of private dining booths for small pre-booked groups.
AYRSHIRE
8. The Waterside Hotel, Ardrossan Road, West Kilbride, Ayrshire
Buckets and spades at the ready, you can practically feel the sand between your toes as you walk in the door. This hotel’s beachside location means it has panoramic views across the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran, but it is only 40 minutes’ drive from Glasgow.
The hotel’s restaurant prides itself on serving the best local fare created from the freshest ingredients. On a sunny evening there is no better place to watch the sun dip below the horizon or indulge in a spot of casual alfresco dining than the beach hut-lined terrace and garden.
Dogs are welcome in selected areas of the restaurant at The Waterside. People can get social and share their photos on social media with the hashtag #SimpsInnsFurryFriends
Pre-booking is advised.
