Islay, a small island located off the west coast of Scotland, is famous for its peaty whiskies, rugged landscapes, and rich history. However, the island’s culinary scene is also worth exploring, with a range of restaurants serving up delicious local produce and traditional Scottish dishes. In this article, we’ll take a culinary journey through Islay’s best restaurants and explore the unique flavors of the island.
The Peat Inn
The Peat Inn is a cozy and elegant restaurant located in the heart of Islay. The restaurant’s menu focuses on locally sourced ingredients, with an emphasis on seafood and game. The Peat Inn’s signature dish is the Islay Crab, which is served with a creamy sauce and fresh herbs. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list, featuring both local and international wines.
One of the standout dishes at The Peat Inn is the Venison Loin, which is served with a sweet potato puree, braised red cabbage, and a red wine jus. The venison is cooked to perfection, with a tender and juicy texture that pairs perfectly with the rich and savory sauce. For dessert, try the Warm Apple Tart with Islay Whisky Cream, a delicious and comforting treat that showcases the island’s famous whisky.
The Harbour Inn
The Harbour Inn is a traditional Scottish pub located in the village of Bowmore. The pub’s menu features classic pub fare, such as fish and chips and burgers, as well as local seafood dishes like Islay Crab and Lobster. The Harbour Inn also offers a selection of Islay’s famous whiskies, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a dram or two after a long day of exploring the island.
One of the most popular dishes at The Harbour Inn is the Seafood Platter, which features a variety of fresh seafood including oysters, mussels, langoustines, and crab. The platter is perfect for sharing and is a great way to sample some of Islay’s best seafood. The pub also offers a range of vegetarian options, including a delicious Mushroom and Spinach Risotto.
The Machrie Hotel
The Machrie Hotel is a luxury hotel located on the west coast of Islay. The hotel’s restaurant offers stunning views of the island’s rugged coastline and serves up a range of modern Scottish cuisine. The menu features a variety of dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including seafood, game, and vegetables.
One of the standout dishes at The Machrie Hotel is the Grilled Langoustines, which are served with a garlic and herb butter and a side of crispy fries. The langoustines are perfectly cooked, with a sweet and succulent flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich and buttery sauce. For dessert, try the Sticky Toffee Pudding with Islay Whisky Cream, a classic Scottish dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
The Islay Hotel
The Islay Hotel is a historic hotel located in the picturesque village of Port Ellen. The hotel’s restaurant offers a range of classic Scottish dishes, as well as a selection of international cuisine. The menu features locally sourced ingredients, with an emphasis on seafood and game.
One of the standout dishes at The Islay Hotel is the Islay Lamb, which is served with roasted root vegetables and a redcurrant jus. The lamb is cooked to perfection, with a tender and juicy texture that is perfectly complemented by the tangy and slightly sweet sauce. The restaurant also offers a range of vegetarian options, including a delicious Mushroom and Truffle Risotto.
The Bridgend Hotel
The Bridgend Hotel is a charming hotel and restaurant located in the heart of Islay. The hotel’s restaurant offers a range of traditional Scottish dishes, as well as a selection of international cuisine. The menu features locally sourced ingredients, with an emphasis on seafood, game, and vegetables.
One of the standout dishes at The Bridgend Hotel is the Cullen Skink, a classic Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, onions, and cream. The soup is rich and creamy, with a smoky and savory flavor that is perfect for a cold day on the island. For the main course, try the Braised Venison Shank, which is served with mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, and a red wine jus. The venison is cooked to perfection, with a tender and juicy texture that is full of flavor.
The Lochside Hotel
The Lochside Hotel is a family-run hotel and restaurant located on the banks of Loch Indaal. The restaurant offers a range of traditional Scottish dishes, as well as a selection of international cuisine. The menu features locally sourced ingredients, with an emphasis on seafood, game, and vegetables.
One of the standout dishes at The Lochside Hotel is the Islay Scallops, which are served with black pudding, pea puree, and crispy pancetta. The scallops are perfectly cooked, with a delicate and sweet flavor that is perfectly complemented by the rich and savory black pudding. For the main course, try the Roasted Pheasant Breast, which is served with a chestnut and bacon stuffing, roasted root vegetables, and a red wine jus. The pheasant is tender and flavorful, with a rich and earthy taste that is perfect for a cozy night in.
The Harbour Inn at Bowmore
The Harbour Inn at Bowmore is a traditional Scottish pub located in the heart of the village of Bowmore. The pub’s menu features classic pub fare, such as fish and chips and burgers, as well as local seafood dishes like Islay Crab and Lobster. The Harbour Inn also offers a selection of Islay’s famous whiskies, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a dram or two after a long day of exploring the island.
One of the most popular dishes at The Harbour Inn is the Seafood Platter, which features a variety of fresh seafood including oysters, mussels, langoustines, and crab. The platter is perfect for sharing and is a great way to sample some of Islay’s best seafood. The pub also offers a range of vegetarian options, including a delicious Mushroom and Spinach Risotto.
The Old Kiln Café
The Old Kiln Café is a charming café located in the village of Ardbeg. The café’s menu features a range of homemade soups, sandwiches, and cakes, as well as a selection of teas and coffees. The café also offers a range of vegetarian and gluten-free options.
One of the standout dishes at The Old Kiln Café is the Cullen Skink, a classic Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, onions, and cream. The soup is rich and creamy, with a smoky and savory flavor that is perfect for a cold day on the island. For something sweet, try the homemade Carrot Cake, which is moist and flavorful, with a creamy frosting that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
The Islay Seafood Company
The Islay Seafood Company is a family-run business located in the village of Port Charlotte. The company’s restaurant offers a range of fresh seafood dishes, as well as a selection of local meats and vegetarian options. The menu changes daily depending on the catch of the day, ensuring that the seafood is always fresh and flavorful.
One of the standout dishes at The Islay Seafood Company is the Crab Linguine, which features fresh Islay crab, garlic, chili, and parsley. The dish is simple yet delicious, with a delicate and sweet flavor that highlights the freshness of the crab. For something more substantial, try the Pan-Fried Hake with Buttered Leeks and Bacon, a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold evening on the island.
The Bridgend Hotel
The Bridgend Hotel is a charming hotel and restaurant located in the heart of Islay. The hotel’s restaurant offers a range of traditional Scottish dishes, as well as a selection of international cuisine. The menu features locally sourced ingredients, with an emphasis on seafood, game, and vegetables.
One of the standout dishes at The Bridgend Hotel is the Cullen Skink, a classic Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, onions, and cream. The soup is rich and creamy, with a smoky and savory flavor that is perfect for a cold day on the island. For the main course, try the Braised Venison Shank, which is served with mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, and a red wine jus. The venison is cooked to perfection, with a tender and juicy texture that is full of flavor.
The Lochside Hotel
The Lochside Hotel is a family-run hotel and restaurant located on the banks of Loch Indaal. The restaurant offers a range of traditional Scottish dishes, as well as a selection of international cuisine. The menu features locally sourced ingredients, with an emphasis on seafood, game, and vegetables.
One of the standout dishes at The Lochside Hotel is the Islay Scallops, which are served with black pudding, pea puree, and crispy pancetta. The scallops are perfectly cooked, with a delicate and sweet flavor that is perfectly complemented by the rich and savory black pudding. For the main course, try the Roasted Pheasant Breast, which is served with a chestnut and bacon stuffing, roasted root vegetables, and a red wine jus. The pheasant is tender and flavorful, with a rich and earthy taste that is perfect for a cozy night in.
The Peatzeria
The Peatzeria is a unique restaurant located in the village of Port Ellen. The restaurant offers a range of pizzas, made with locally sourced ingredients and baked in a wood-fired oven. The Peatzeria’s pizzas are unlike any other, with toppings such as Islay Smoked Salmon, Islay Crab, and Venison Sausage.
One of the standout pizzas at The Peatzeria is the Islay Smoked Salmon Pizza, which features smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, and red onion. The pizza is light and flavorful, with a delicate smoky flavor that is perfectly complemented by the creamy cheese and tangy capers. For something more substantial, try the Venison Sausage Pizza, which features locally sourced venison sausage, roasted red peppers, and a rich tomato sauce.
The Ardbeg Café
The Ardbeg Café is a cozy café located in the village of Ardbeg. The café’s menu features a range of homemade soups, sandwiches, and cakes, as well as a selection of teas and coffees. The café also offers a range of vegetarian and gluten-free options.
One of the standout dishes at The Ardbeg Café is the Homemade Beef Burger, which features a juicy beef patty, caramelized onions, and a side of crispy fries. The burger is simple yet delicious, with a rich and savory flavor that is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner. For something sweet, try is perfectly complemented by the rich and savory black pudding. For the main course, try the Roasted Pheasant Breast, which is served with a chestnut and bacon stuffing, roasted root vegetables, and a red wine jus. The pheasant is tender and flavorful, with a rich and earthy taste that is perfect for a cozy night in.
The Islay House
The Islay House is a stunning country house hotel located in the village of Bridgend. The hotel’s restaurant offers a range of modern Scottish cuisine, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes seasonally, ensuring that the dishes are always fresh and in season.
One of the standout dishes at The Islay House is the Pan-Seared Halibut with Herb and Lemon Butter, which is served with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables. The halibut is perfectly cooked, with a delicate and buttery flavor that is complemented by the zesty herb and lemon butter. For dessert, try the Dark Chocolate and Whisky Mousse with Honeycomb, a decadent and indulgent treat that is the perfect way to end your meal.
The Ardbeg Distillery Café
The Ardbeg Distillery Café is located at the Ardbeg Distillery, one of the most famous whisky distilleries on Islay. The café offers a range of light meals, snacks, and cakes, as well as a selection of Ardbeg whiskies. The café also offers distillery tours, where you can learn about the history and production of the famous Islay whisky.
One of the standout dishes at The Ardbeg Distillery Café is the Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel, which features fresh Islay smoked salmon and creamy cream cheese on a soft and chewy bagel. The dish is simple yet delicious, with a smoky and savory flavor that is perfect for a quick lunch. For dessert, try the Sticky Toffee Pudding, a classic Scottish dessert that is rich and indulgent.
The Finlaggan Café
The Finlaggan Café is located in the village of Port Askaig and offers a range of light meals, snacks, and cakes. The café’s menu features locally sourced ingredients, with an emphasis on seafood and game. The café also offers a range of vegetarian and gluten-free options.
One of the standout dishes at The Finlaggan Café is the Islay Crab Salad, which features fresh Islay crab, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. The salad is light and refreshing, with a delicate and sweet flavor that is perfect for a sunny day on the island. For something more substantial, try the Venison Burger with Red Onion Marmalade and Blue Cheese, a hearty and flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Conclusion
Islay’s culinary scene is rich and diverse, with a range of restaurants and cafés offering delicious local produce and traditional Scottish dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, game, or vegetarian cuisine, there’s something for everyone on Islay. So, next time you visit the island, be sure to explore its vibrant culinary scene and sample some of the unique flavors that make Islay so special.
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