Known as the gateway to the isles, Oban is a thriving coastal town on the western edge of the Highlands.
Oban has incredible scenery and a rich history which makes it a great place for tourists to base themselves when exploring both the Highlands and Islands.
Hiking, wildlife and island hopping are just some activities that tourists immerse themselves in when visiting this popular Highland town.
All those hiking and boat trips make you hungry though and fortunately, there’s no shortage of excellent places to eat in Oban.
Here’s a selection of where to eat when visiting Oban:
EE-Usk
Oban sits perfectly between lochs, mountains and the inner Hebrides which makes this a perfect destination for seafood lovers.
Located on the North Pier you’ll find EE-Usk which provides phenomenal views of the bay.
This place is all about the food:
- Lobster
- Oysters
- Crab
- Langoustines
Reservations are advised to ensure you get a great view of the bay.
Cuan Mor
Located on George Street in Oban Town, Cuan Mor blends modern Scottish cuisine with a real focus on sustainability. The menu showcases the best local produce that Oban has to offer from Haggis-stuffed chicken, tender meats and of course, fresh fantastic seafood.
Cuan Mor also has its own craft brewery and it’s a popular locale for both diners and drinkers alike.
Coast Restaurant
A local favourite located on George Street, Coast Restaurant sits in a former bank building and offers a cosy and intimate setting perfectly suited for special occasions.
The menu is seasonal and ever-changing but popular dishes have included seafood risottos, slow-cooked beef cheeks and a haunch of venison in a red wine jus.
Diners praise Coast Restaurant for its outstanding hospitality and high-quality dishes.
Contemporary, yet relaxed, Coast Restaurant certainly deserves consideration as you eat your way around Oban!
Oban Seafood Hut
Sometimes the freshest seafood isn’t found in premium restaurants but in pop-ups right at the water’s edge.
This is the case for Oban Seafood Hut, an unassuming local gem situated right by the ferry port for the freshest seafood you’ll find in Oban.
All the classics at Oban Seafood Hut: oysters, lobster, crab, langoustines, salmon.
Just be aware that this place is cash only!
Markie Dans
Did someone say fish and chips?
Markie Dans is a festive local pub that runs live music throughout the year and offers a classic Scottish pub food menu.
Family run since the year 2000, Markie Dans offers down-to-earth pub fare from tacos, steak and Guinness pies, and of course: battered haddock fish and chips!
Porcini Restaurant
Right on the promenade is one of Oban’s best spots for Italian food.
Porcino at 17 The Promenade brings seasonal Italian menus using the best of local produce. Experienced chefs serve up delicious dishes such as hand made ravioli, dressed crab, and a slowcooked 12 hour ragu.
Porcini also celebrates a great Italian custom: the Aperitivo!
Aprerols, Negroni, Lillet Blanc. Porcini makes all of the classic pre-meal cocktails and from just £4.00, offers exceptional value for money.
Piazza
Porcini isn’t the only Italian game in town though and Piazza provides fierce competition which can only be a good thing for Italian-food-loving tourists.
Piazza lays claim to offering Oban’s finest pizza and pasta.
Whether that’s true is subject to opinion of course, but Piazza certainly packs a punch in its menu offering the pasta classics such as carbonara, lasagne and spaghetti bolognese.
A true Italian meal has pasta as one of the first dishes of course, so should you be really hungry you might want to tuck into their half-warm lobster in garlic butter, or oven-baked seabass in a creamy mushroom and leek sauce.
What are some of your favourite dining spots in Oban and why?
Let us know in the comments below!
