On the Southern tip of Loch Ness and one of the gateways of the great Caledonian Canal lies beautiful Fort Augustus.
Halfway between Fort William and Inverness, Fort Augustus is a charming Highland village with incredible scenery, heritage, and local charm. With its location, it’s perfectly suited for those who want to explore the famous Loch Ness and the surrounding area whilst being in a smaller, more intimate village.
Don’t let its small size fool you though, along with great cultural gems and an extraordinary abundance of outdoor pursuits, Fort Augustus is home to great eats too.
Here are some great eating options for you after a busy day exploring the region:
The Lock Inn
A cosy, welcoming pub perched right on the edge of the Caledonian Canal, The Lock Inn provides a rustic, local atmosphere with well-served pub classics of gigantic proportions!
Particularly praised are the venison burgers, fish and chips, and of course, the hearty Highland Scottish Haggis!
With live music throughout the year and a well-stocked bar of local ales and Scotch whiskies, The Lock Inn is a great local choice for visitors stopping by in Fort Augustus.
The Boathouse Restaurant
For views out of this world, the Boathouse Restaurant sits at the edge of the legendary Loch Ness. With panoramic views of the mountains and Loch Ness, the Boathouse are particularly renowned for their mixed kebabs, and fresh Scottish seafood.
Eat some comforting food, have a drink, and watch the world go by. Sometimes, pictures don’t do it justice!
Who knows, you might even spot Nessie whilst tucking into your mixed kebab!
The Lovat Hotel & Restaurant
For fine dining that showcases the bountiful natural larder that is the Highlands, look no further than the Lovat Hotel and Restaurant.
Station Road is the hotel’s high-end eating experience which offers premium tasting menus that change throughout the seasons to reflect the best and freshest of local produce.
The ‘Mòr’ Tasting Menu for example might include a seaweed custard with smoked eel, wild halibut with shetland mussels, or a Fassfern Estate Venison with elderberries and rosehip to name just a few.
This is for the true foodies who are happy to dig deep into their wallets to take their taste buds on an indulgent adventure.
Inch Hotel Restaurant
The team at Inch Hotel Restaurant are passionate about Scotland’s world-class fish, meat and wild game with their a la carte menus reflecting this abundance that the land offers.
Inch works with local farms and suppliers to create refreshed seasonal menus but a glance at the food reflects that there’s something for everyone here.
Current highlights on offer include a slow braised local beef cheek bourguignon, pan-seared Hebridean salmon, and a selection of 11-inch pizzas.
Highland Hideout
Spent all your money on world-class single malt whiskies or the golf courses of the Highlands?
Highland Hideout provides a no-nonsense menu of hearty food that’s excellent value for money.
Local favourites include the full Scottish Breakfast, humongous burgers with chunky chips, and battered fish and chips.
Make sure you come hungry though, the portions at Highland Hideout are said to be huge!
Miele’s Gelateria
It’s not easy to find Italian-style gelato in the Scottish Highlands but Miele’s provides just that.
Made in the heart of Inverness, the Miele’s have been learning from the world’s best gelato chefs and honing their craft through four generations.
You can find their gelato in several towns in the region and their Fort Augustus branch is just what the doctor has ordered on a (rare) warm summer day.
Gelato, Caledonian Canal, Loch Ness. Perfect!
What are some of your favourite spots to dine in Fort Augustus and why?
Let us know in the comments below!
