There are plenty of places to eat out on the Island to suit every budget. The places we’ve listed are the ones we’ve visited, however, there are others and if we go to one those we’ll add our experiences here.
The Boat Shed
The restaurant is part of the Royal hotel in Stornoway and is accessed via the hotel’s main entrance. The restaurant itself is spacious and un-crowded with maritime decorative themes mixed with contemporary features. The menu consists of fine food for vegetarians and meat lovers but the emphasis on local fresh fish and shellfish is what is worth the visit. The restaurant has a fine wine selection with knowledgeable staff and an adequate non alcoholic range of drinks including mocktails. This is probably one of more expensive eating options on the island at around £140 for 2 people with starters main and 2 drinks.
Uig Sands
Situated on the cliffside at the world class Ardroil sands, this place is all about the view. This purpose built cliffside restaurant boasts a glass wall that overlooks the breathtaking scenery and despite the tasteful bar and exotic flower arrangements you wont be looking at any of it for long. Uig sands focuses much upon the local seafood and provides a set menu with daily specials that reflect the catch of the day. The staff are very friendly and seem intent on ensuring your experience is the best it can be. When we went the restaurant was running soft opening pre season. This allowed us to be very willing test subjects for some the non alcoholic offerings the restaurant intended to offer in season, all of which were free of charge. This restaurant is one of the more expensive places to eat but it’s worth it just for the view alone and if your lucky enough to time it right, you might get a spectacular sunset thrown in gratis.
Cleaver Seafood & Grill
Situated in the Cabarfeidh hotel in Stornoway, the Cleaver provides a full range of Scottish fare. The staff are friendly and professional. The bar has a wide range of Wines and Whiskeys. The food is presented well providing unique twists on traditional Scottish dishes. Pricing is slightly less than the restaurants above but still at the higher end.
HS1
HS1 is the smaller brother of the Boat Shed situated next door, a much less formal location for casual dining, HS1 offers a wide range of dishes -with more emphasis global influences than the local fayre big brother has to offer. Staff are friendly and helpful and the place has a vibrant feeling due in part to the acoustics and layout. Something which the menu reflects.
Chen’s
Chen’s is a cafe located in the centre of Stornoway, Chen’s offers full Scottish and full vegetarian breakfasts, hot drinks, lunches and sandwiches. Staff are friendly and helpful and the prices are very reasonable. Recently expanded into larger premises due to popularity you should be able to get a table!
The Borve hotel
The hotel at Borve has a nice restaurant, popular with the locals, they also provide takeaways. The menu is fluid and the fayre is well presented. Some dishes are extremely well put together and you get the impression that some considerable effort is put into the menu as a whole.