Nestled in the far North of Scotland in the beautiful county of Caithness, is the Royal Burgh of Wick which is a former Viking settlement that sits along the River Wick and Wick Bay. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a walking enthusiast, Wick packs a punch despite its small size.
It’s true, Wick has plenty to offer! From taking a stroll up to the stunning cliff-edge castle or walking along the beach and looking out for puffins and seabirds. You can also find Old Pulteney Whisky Distillery close by if you want to taste some local Scotch Whiskey.
Having once been the herring fishing capital of Europe, Wick has a rich maritime heritage and is a spectacular area for fresh, decadent seafood. The soul of Wick is captured amongst its restaurants and eateries, where a strong focus on local produce and sustainability is baked into the status quo.
Without further ado, here are some of the best eats when visiting Wick and the surrounding area:
The Printers Rest
At The Printers Rest, you’ll not only encounter excellent, seasonal menus but also a photography studio and a glassmaking business!
Jack of all trades, master of none is not the case for this thriving small business where the menus are seasonal and local. The produce here often encompasses fresh seafood such as fried whitebait, tuna fishcakes and stuffed squid.
The current Summer menu which will be due to change shortly includes a Maltese theme which the owners are keen to show off, despite being one of the lesser-known Mediterranean cuisines.
This includes a plethora of ‘tapas’ style dishes to share with your table. Think Pulpetti (Maltese meatballs), Brajoli (a Maltese national dish which utilises slowly braised stuffed bundles of beef) and other dishes with an Italian influence, such as pizza and pasta.
Building on the success, the restaurant opened its doors following its previous award-winning cafe ‘Whaligoe Steps Café and Restaurant’. They’ve kept some of their popular menu items but have added new additions to shake things up. If you’re planning on dining at The Printers Rest, be sure to bring your favourite bottle of wine as they have a BYOB (bring your own booze) policy.
No. 1 Bistro
The No. 1 Bistro has one of Wick’s best restaurants which sets their standard high on great quality service, impeccable quality food and the perfect ambience.
The No. 1 Bistro has lunch and evening menus to choose from with items such as the traditional Scottish dish of Cullen Skink, Roasted Pigeon Breast and the fan favourite Fish and Chips.
This restaurant is on the River Wick so you’ll get gorgeous views whilst you’re dining with sustainable dishes. If you’re looking for a fancier lunchtime treat, they also do afternoon tea with flavours that will take you back to your childhood.
Puldagon Farm Shop and Restaurant
Puldagon Farm Shop and Restaurant are a family-run business located just three miles away from Wick. The owners recently refurbished their barn and turned it into a farm shop and restaurant which has surged in popularity in just a year.
The farm sits on 60 acres of land and has an upstairs seating option for you to gaze over the stunning landscape. The menu serves breakfast and lunch until 4 pm, with items such as a Traditional Scottish Breakfast, Salmon, Scrambled Eggs and Oatcakes, a selection of sandwiches and the classic ‘Puldagon’ Burger.
The Puldagon believe that ingredients should be locally sourced so they get all of theirs from their own farm or local farms maintaining Wick‘s passion for sustainable eating. After you’ve finished eating, you can take a look around their farm shop for local artisan and craft products.
Where are your favourite places to eat in Wick and why?
Let us know in the comments below!
