Food & Drink on Islay

Lochindaal Seafood Kitchen is truly exceptional, run with huge heart by Jack and his father Iain — seafood platters from the local fishermen's catch, featuring local oysters, langoustines, crab, and mussels among others. You do need to order the full platter 24 hours ahead, but it's really worth planning around. Small, cosy venue in Port Charlotte with two bars. Book ahead — it fills fast. Our guests consistently rave about this place. Also a great whisky selection if you just want to drop in for a pint or a dram.

Scottish fare and an outstanding whisky bar with 300+ bottles on their single malt menu. The restaurant takes bookings (advised), but the bar is walk-in. Good Sunday roasts. Traditional Scottish live music on Wednesdays and Sundays is popular and a lovely way to spend an evening by a roaring log fire, dram in hand. We send guests here regularly, and they're never disappointed.

An Tigh Seinnse — Traditional little village pub at the end of the Rhinns, with home-cooked food and local charm in possibly Islay's most remote coastal village. Small, authentic, popular with locals and visitors. Book ahead — it's worth the 20-minute drive from Bruichladdich. You can nearly always spot seals in Portnahaven harbour, just outside the pub.

Peatzeria, Bowmore — Wood-fired pizzas with lobster, scallops and whisky-infused sauces - sounds odd but it works. Casual, family-friendly, good for a relaxed dinner when you don't want to book ahead. You can't go wrong here.

• The Cottage, Bowmore — Burgers, fries, jacket potatoes, and good comfort grub.
• Islay's Plaice, Bowmore — Fresh fish and chips cooked perfectly by Andy and Islay!
• Bowmore town centre — Chinese and Indian takeaways, bakery, butcher. Useful for stocking up or grabbing quick meals when you don't want to cook or book ahead.

• The Copper Still, Port Ellen — Amazing home-roasted coffee, handmade deli sandwiches, cakes, soup and the best brownies on the planet; run with love by Mari and Joe; by the ferry terminal.
• SeaSalt Bistro, Port Ellen — Pizza, pasta, seafood and steaks on the Port Ellen waterfront.

• Ardbeg — great café, excellent lunch stop on any south coast distillery day
• Ardnahoe — visitor centre with food & drinks, great views across the Sound of Islay
• Kilchoman — café at the farm distillery, excellent for lunch

Aileen's Mini-Market, Bruichladdich (5-minute walk from our properties) Coffee, bacon rolls, newspapers, basic groceries, post office. We love Aileen and our guests absolutely rave about this place — start your morning here with a coffee and bacon roll, particularly after a heavy day of distillery tours! Aileen's (known locally as Debbie's!) is a Bruichladdich institution.

Co-op, Bowmore (15-minute drive) The biggest "supermarket" on Islay — small but sufficient, with fresh produce, meat, alcohol, household supplies. This is your main grocery stop for stocking the kitchen.

Co-op, Port Ellen (45-minute drive) Another smaller Co-op supermarket on the seafront at Port Ellen stocking essentials.

Port Charlotte Stores (5-minute drive from our properties) All-round basic shop, post office and petrol pump for essentials.

Jean visits the villages weekly with fresh fish and seafood straight off the boats. Check local schedules - she'll often come right to the door.

Most guests tend to cook several meals during their stay. Our kitchens are fully equipped with everything you need if that's your preference. Dining out every night adds up quickly on Islay — expect £40-60 per person for dinner with drinks.

Islay's restaurants are small, popular, and on an island — there is no overflow option if your first choice is full. Our firm advice: plan your restaurant evenings before you leave home. The Lochindaal Seafood Kitchen requires 24 hours' notice for the full platter and is worth planning your whole day around — don't just turn up. The Port Charlotte Hotel restaurant fills on music nights (Wednesday and Sunday); book ahead if you want a table rather than eating at the bar. An Tigh Seinnse in Portnahaven is tiny and gets busy regardless of season. Even the distillery cafés can fill at peak lunchtimes in summer.

Most venues can be booked by phone or a direct message. Online booking exists at some but not all. When in doubt, call. And if you struggle to get through to anyone, ask us — we know these venues well and can often help.

Many Islay venues operate reduced or seasonal hours, particularly November to March. Opening days and times can change, and smaller venues occasionally close without much notice if the chef is unavailable or supplies don't arrive on the ferry. Our practical advice: check before you drive anywhere. The Port Charlotte Hotel is the most reliably open year-round. Distillery cafés operate during distillery visiting hours — check ahead in winter, when those hours may be reduced or paused entirely.

If you're planning a specific meal on a specific night, particularly for a celebration or a special occasion, tell us when you book and we'll help you get it right.

RSPB Loch Gruinart combines naturally with an early start — the dawn barnacle geese flight at the RSPB reserve is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in Scotland, and the Oyster Shed opens from 10am for the best oysters on the island. That combination makes one of the best half-days on Islay. See the wildlife guide for geese timings and reserve access details.