An important part of many visitors holiday – choose from some a selection of interesting places to eat.
This is only a sampling of some of the fine coffee shops, cafes and restaurants dotted around Cowal and the north of Loch Fyne. No matter what direction you head in you will find some interesting places to eat.
The Goil Inn - Lochgoilhead
Lochgoilhead – PA24 8AA ? 01301 703208
Where is it:
In the village – you can’t miss it.
What they say:
“A traditional Scottish inn set in the most idyllic location imaginable. Enjoy a drink overlooking the breathtaking Loch Goil”
This friendly old coaching inn is set in the heart of the village of Lochgoilhead with the most extraordinary views of Loch Goil. Newly refurbished, it is host to its very own bar, restaurant and great outdoor patio with loch views. Free WiFi in Bar/Lounge, and regular live entertainment.
What I say:
At the time of updating this listing (November 2917) The Goil Inn is benefiting from a good manager and an equally good chef. Customer feedback is positive on both the service and food. What more can you ask for.
The Drimsynie Estate Holiday Village - Lochgoilhead
Lochgoilhead – PA24 8AD ? 01301 703344
Where is it:
One mile from the village – well sign-posted.
What they say:
Visit our onsite restaurants and enjoy the best local produce. Our brand new menus offer all the firm favourites like Steak Pie and West Coast Fish & Chips with some tasty new options.
What I say:
Choose from the The View Restaurant or DC’s Take-Away.
Part of the holiday park facilities, they add a number of eating out options in our area.
Cairndow Stagecoach Inn by Loch Fyne
Cairndow PA26 8BN ? 01499 600286
Where is it:
On the way to Inveraray. 21 miles from Lochgoilhead
What they say:
We offer a full Menu every day from noon until 9pm between our Stables Restaurant, Bar, Lounge areas and weather permitting even in our Garden. Our Chefs aim to use the best of local produce to create a Menu to cater for all palates.
Set on the shores of Loch Fyne with views of mountains and woodlands, this family-run hotel in an 18th-century former coaching inn is a 4-minute walk from Ardkinglas Woodland Garden and 9.9 miles from Inveraray.
There is a lochside restaurant with exposed beams and views over the water and hills, plus a bar and a beer garden.
What I say:
I have a particular liking for old coaching inns which are still the main watering hole for the locals. This original Highland Coaching Inn has its history displayed on the walls in the bar and restaurant. Feels authentic. A mix of locals and visitors with a welcoming feel about the place. They have a beer garden by the loch which is especially welcome on a sunny summer day.
Portavadie Marina
Millhouse, Portavadie, Loch Fyne PA21 2DA ? 01700 811075
Where is it:
Tucked away in the south-west of Cowal, Portavadie is 40 miles from Lochgoilhead.
What they say:
Marina Restaurant and Bar
Enjoy waterfront dining in the Marina Restaurant and Bar. With award-winning cuisine and panoramic views of Loch Fyne. Linger over lunch or dinner and watch the yachts sail by.
Floor-to-ceiling glass awaits you, and every table offers a view of the marina and beyond. This is shore-side dining at its best. Sample a wide selection of produce from ’Argyll`s larder’.
Enjoy al fresco dining on the terrace when weather permits, or wrap up warm and enjoy a hot chocolate as you watch the ever-changing skies roll in over Loch Fyne.
What I say:
As part of a day out touring the Cowal Peninsula, this complex comes as quite a surprise considering the single track roads you’ve taken to get here. Modern and contemporary throughout, plus a stunning Spa & Pool complex – open to the public. Portavadie can be a destination for a day out if you plan on using the facilities, or even call in for a snack or meal in their beautiful restaurant area.
The Village Inn, Arrochar
Loch Long, Shore Road, Arrochar G83 7AX ? 01301 702279
Where is it:
On the road going from Arrochar down to Helensburgh – not on the main route through the village. 14 miles from Lochgoilhead.
What they say:
As you would expect to find from a warm and friendly, family pub, our food and drink menus offer great quality and range no matter when you visit us.
From a generous Sunday roast with the family (we offer free top ups on roasties, yorkies and gravy!) to a hearty lunch with friends.
What I say:
I call in to the beer garden after walking in the area for the fabulous view of The Cobbler. At 2946 ft high this famous peak in the Arrochar Alps has the most distinctive outline of any mountain in the Southern Highlands. This is what people come to Scotland for. Pick your day and head on over.
Of course, don’t just call in, stay and have a drink and a meal. No reason to hurry when you have a view like they do.
Inver Restaurant by Castle Lachlan
Stracthlachlan, Strachur PA27 8BU ? 01369 860537
Where is it:
On the shores of Loch Fyne. A scenic 20 miles drive from Lochgoilhead
What they say:
Inver is a small, characterful restaurant on the shores of Loch Fyne, on Scotland’s west coast.
In the evening we serve a fixed, four course menu. Using current cooking techniques and the very best local wild and farmed ingredients we offer a contemporary take on traditional and forgotten Scottish dishes.
Our a la carte dinner and lunch menus feature simply prepared fresh seafood and native meat and game in season. We have a cosy bar serving craft ale, natural wine and fancy drinks. Our coffee is roasted nearby and served morning and afternoon with our scones, cakes and cookies. There’s also a small shop selling our own sourdough bread, cultured butter and preserves and our own beer, brewed with friends at nearby Fyne Ales.
What I say:
Great feedback from guests.
A restaurant in a lochside setting run by food professionals who have chosen to base themselves by Loch Fyne and create what is fast being recognised as one of the coolest restaurants in Scotland.
Creggans Inn - Strachur
Strachur PA27 8BX ? 01369 860 279
Where is it:
At the entrance to Strachur village coming from Lochgoilhead – 14 miles
What they say:
For many years The Creggans Inn has been serving some of Argyll’s finest food and drink with diners travelling from far and wide to enjoy a meal by the shores of Loch Fyne.
Many of our guests have been coming to stay and eat with us for generations, Granny and Grandpa now bring their Grandchildren having brought their own children to visit many years before.
Our menu is supplemented with daily specials, which allows us to offer the best seasonal & local produce available. Lunch is served between 12.00 & 2.30pm and evening meals between 6.00 and 8.30pm.
What I say:
Two options for places to eat in this historic inn on the shores of Loch Fyne.
Fine dining in the 2 AA Rosette Loch Fyne Dining Room. Try for one of the window tables. The views down Loch Fyne are superb. This is the place to go for a special treat, birthday or anniversary.
Creggans is an award-winning, family-run hotel.
The other option is MacPhunn’s Bar offering a bistro style menu where you are welcome to bring your dog.
Brewery Tap at Loch Fyne Ales - Loch Fyne
Achadunan, A83, Cairndow PA26 8BJ ? 01499 600120
Where is it:
Head to the top end of Loch Fyne and look out for their sign. 11 miles from Lochgoilhead.
What they say:
Our beers taste at their very best when they are fresh, for this reason we decided to build a bar right at our brewery where you can sample Fyne Ales as they are meant to be.
Our bar has five taps dedicated to Fyne Ales beers with our permanent beers, seasonal and specials rotating across the taps. Our full range of bottled beers is always available just in case your favourite is not available in cask on the bar.
Enjoy the sun in the courtyard or hide from the famous Argyll weather and enjoy a pint of Fyne Ales with some delicious local food, such as steak pies and venison sausage rolls made from the produce of our farm.
Open 7 days a week 10 am – 6 pm
What I say:
Not so much a restaurant, but we like to call into the Brewery Tap Room for a coffee and snack when we’ve been walking in the area. They have done a great job in creating a relaxing place to have a break at the same time as checking over their range of beers brewed on the premises. Their walls are full of awards, so they must be doing something right. Treat for any real ale enthusiast.
The George Hotel - Inveraray
1 Main St E, Inveraray PA32 8TT ? 01499 302111
Where is it:
Park in Inveraray and walk to the top of the High Street. Easy to find. 20 miles from Lochgoilhead.
What they say:
The George has always had an enviable reputation for ambience, friendliness and its cuisine. With its original solid stone flagstoned floors and four roaring log and peat fires, the George is a lively haunt for both local characters and visitors alike with a wide choice of real ales, 100 malt whiskies and an extensive wine list. It deservedly earns its place in the good pub guide and the good beer guide.
The emphasis on the menu is using the very best of local quality, well hung West Highland beef and lamb. Seafood and fish bought from the local fishing port of Tarbert and the famous Loch Fyne salmon. These ingredients are used imaginatively and simply to produce well cooked meals at a fair and reasonable price.
Food is served all day from 12 noon to 9pm.
Open 7 days a week 10 am – 6 pm
What I say:
The George has been a magnet to visitors for many years. The bar & restaurant has a great ambience and the food matches the warm and comfortable feel of the place. No airs and graces here. It’s a place to come and relax, soak up the atmosphere and tuck into a hearty meal. Dating from 1770 it features flagstone floors and 4 fireplaces. You’ll not be cold.
Loch Fyne Oysters - Loch Fyne
Clachan, Cairndow PA26 8BL ? 01499 600483
Where is it:
On the way to Invereray – 11 miles from Lochgoilhead.
What they say:
The Loch Fyne Oyster Bar is one of Scotland’s genuine gastronomic icons. We like to keep our menu simple with clean, unfussy textures and flavours, allowing the quality and freshness of the food to do the talking
What I say:
So famous it hardly needs a mention. This bright & airy restaurant is a real treat. Superb choice of the freshest seafood, beautifully presented. Once you’ve eaten call into the adjoining shop which offers Fish & Shellfish, a Deli Counter, as well as Food from Argyll. Easy to find, its on the road to Inveraray.
They have an excellent website including special offers, their history and menus. They have made it easy to book a table online – go to their website.
The Colintraive Hotel - near the Bute Ferry
Kyles of Bute, Colintraive PA22 3AS ? 01700 841207
Where is it:
Just passed the Bute Ferry – 35 miles from Lochgoilhead.
What they say:
We try our best to offer all locally sourced products which I am sure you will agree, are of the finest quality. Macintyre Bute butcher, Fyne fish, Mary for Scallops, Neil for the Langoustines, Fyne Ales from Loch Fyne, wines from Argyll Vintners of Dunoon, Fish from Ritchies of Rothesay, Winston for the venison & when the fire is roaring we thank Roddy for the logs.
What I say:
Drive a bit further on past the Bute Ferry to the owner run Inn at Colintraive. It’s also a nice drive following the single track coast road along the shores of the Kyles of Bute up by Loch Striven.
This bar and restaurant are a handy and welcoming place to stop. Views over the Kyles of Bute towards the Isle of Bute from the patio area. Pet welcome.
The Oystercatcher - Otter Ferry
3 Otter Ferry Salmon, Otter Ferry, Tighnabruaich PA21 2DH ? 01700 821229
Where is it:
Make your way to Otter Ferry and you;ll see it – 29 miles from Lochgoilhead.
What they say:
We try our best to offer all locally sourced products which I am sure you will agree, are of the finest quality. Macintyre Bute butcher, Fyne fish, Mary for Scallops, Neil for the Langoustines, Fyne Ales from Loch Fyne, wines from Argyll Vintners of Dunoon, Fish from Ritchies of Rothesay, Winston for the venison & when the fire is roaring we thank Roddy for the logs.
What I say:
A welcome sight at the end of the single track road heading south by the shores of Loch Fyne. Good outside space and a nice bar and dining room to enjoy a refreshment.
Ban Diuc Indian Restaurant - Inveraray
Quay Close, Inveraray PA32 8XA ? 01499 302997
Where is it:
In Inveraray close to the Pier – 20 miles from Lochgoilhead.
What they say:
Not a lot…
No website, no online business listing.
What I say:
An Indian (may be more Bangladesh) Restaurant in a not obvious location. The dining room is on the ground floor of one of the fine original building. Very pleasant.
Coffee Shops in Inveraray
Where is it:
Various locations – 20 miles from Lochgoilhead.
What they say:
There are a number of busy coffee shops in Inveraray.
One of the most popular on the High Street is Brambles Restaurant. This Inveraray restaurant sticks to what they know and believe in – fantastic, fresh food and home baking using the very best local suppliers. From traditional Scottish fayre to light snacks this restaurant is frequently recommend by locals and visitors to Inveraray. ? 01499 302252
There is also a tea room at Invereray Castle (Easter to October). The tearoom has cups of tea or coffee and racks of home-baking. Soup, sandwiches, scones and butter, cakes and sponges. The home baking is prepared locally using family and traditional recipes with the love and care that only true baking fanatics can provide. ? 01499 302203
What I say:
With such a great choice of small independent coffee shops and restaurants, you are spoilt for choice.