Lochcarron is situated in the North West corner of the Highlands right upon the sea loch of its namesake.
Whilst it is a small village of less than a thousand inhabitants, it’s an undiscovered gem that could be a great option for Highland visitors who want to stay somewhere more quiet and peaceful than the larger tourist towns and cities in the area.
Lochcarron offers nature, local craftsmanship and various activities.
We’re not here to talk about that though, we’re here to talk about the food!
So where would one eat when in Lochcarron and the local area? Let’s dive in and talk about the best eating spots:
Lochcarron Bistro
Lochcarron Bistro is a lovely dining spot offering a modern twist on quintessentially traditionally Scottish cuisine. Guests speak highly of the quality of ingredients used in crafting great dishes.
Scottish flavours with international influences are aplenty at Lochcarron Bistro with many popular reviews highlighting the scallops with sweet potato chips as a great example of this modern Scottish fusion.
Patrons praise the seafood in particular here which is perhaps unsurprising upon inspection of where Lochcarron lies. Mussels and langoustines go down a treat here and generous portions leave diners satisfied.
Prices are somewhat on the higher end here, but many consider this to be fair game given the quality of the food and ingredients used.
Carron Restaurant
Offering a simple but delightful dining experience is the Carron Restaurant. Venison Haggis Pie, Hunter’s Chicken, and Highland Tea are particular standout menu items that go down well with the mostly local crowd.
Whilst the restaurant doesn’t try to be premium, the picturesque scenic location speaks for itself and is a great draw.
Carron Restaurant is dog friendly and their beloved dog Bessie is often around playing fetch with visitors.
There’s even an on-site gift shop for souvenirs!
Rockvilla Hotel Restaurant
Rockvilla Hotel‘s restaurant is one that offers guests and passers-by a pleasant surprise. Don’t be fooled by the basic, humble interior, Rockvilla’s restaurant does the basics very well!
Duck, chicken, Goan curry, Rockvilla’s chef pumps out great meals that whilst they aren’t pretentious they do utilise great ingredients and rich flavours. A diverse menu is complementary to a warm staff welcome making it a surprisingly popular local jaunt for tourists and locals alike.
Throw in a good beer menu and an abundance of whiskies (standard up here), and you get a locale that executes the basics very well.
Murphy’s Cafe
Situated by Lochcarron Golf Club, Murphy’s Café is a popular spot for those driving the legendary NC500 (North Coast 500 miles) journey.
The breakfasts in particular are popular at Murphy’s and are served all day with one recent customer describing their vegetarian breakfast as the best in all of Scotland.
Throw in scones with clotted cream and great views all around, it’s no wonder that visitors love to stop off at Murphy’s Cafe when in and around the Lochcarron area.
The Thistle Bar & Restaurant
Further out of Lochcarron and towards Achintee, the Thistle Bar and Restaurant is a character-filled spot that’s popular among travellers. A scenic location and inviting atmosphere make for a great place for tourers and travellers to relax after a tiring day.
A husband and wife team are highly regarded for their hospitality with many patrons speaking highly of the friendly service and intimate dining environment.
Speaking of dining, the food at the Thistle goes down well with Cullen skink, traditional soups and smoked haddock being popular among the crowd.
Locally brewed ale and phenomenal bacon rolls keep the travellers consistently returning to Thistle Bar & Restaurant over and over.
Where do you like to dine out when you’re in Lochcarron, and why?
Let us know your favourites in the comments below!
