TOP 10 PLACES FOR SEAFOOD ON THE NC500
Given the proximity of the NC500 route to Scotland’s majestic lochs, rivers and oceans, it seems only right to maximise all the opportunities to sample some of the region’s finest seafood on the NC500. Here are ten top spots on the route to enjoy a range of local offerings, from shellfish and seafood platters to the classic fish-and-chips
Kylesku Hotel, Wester Ross
Nestled on the shores on Loch Glendhu in the rural northwest, Kylesku doubles up as both a boutique hotel and specialist in ultra-local seafood and produce. Making the most of the abundance of the surrounding waters, the hotel exclusively creel catches its lobsters, langoustines, and crabs from the loch, whilst scallops and fish are sourced from the Scottish coast.
Ness Walk, Inverness
Bringing quality seafood to Inverness, Ness Walk is home to the innovative Torrish Restaurant, which offers both serene views over the River Ness and delectable food from sea to fork. In fact, the restaurant even takes its name from the colourful Torrish fly, which has been used to catch salmon for centuries.
Applecross Smokehouse, Wester Ross
Overlooking Loch Torridon, Applecross Smokehouse combines artisan methods with state-of-the-art equipment to create unique seafood. Marinaded in the smokehouse’s own recipe, salmon and sea trout are then smoked using whisky-soaked oak shavings, which are responsible for the distinctive flavour of the products and helped them win Great Taste Award stars for two consecutive years.
Peet’s Restaurant
A popular locally-owned lunch and dinner spot, Peet’s Restaurant, situated in the peaceful fishing village of Lochinver, prides itself on its warm and friendly welcome, laidback atmosphere and of course the quality of its authentic Scottish fare, which includes customer favourite and signature dish ‘Peet’s Seafood Chowder’. A firm favourite for seafood on the NC500!
The Redshank
Bringing street food to the Highland capital is The Redshank, which provides quality seafood on the go. Each week the menu is crafted around what’s available locally, to align with the company’s focus on freshness and sustainability, and The Redshank can be found popping up in various locations around Inverness. If you are looking to sample delicious seafood on the NC500 then The Redshank is a must!
Royal Marine Hotel
The appropriately-named Royal Marine Hotel can be found in the seaside town of Brora and, along with vegetarian and vegan options, its restaurant offers a plethora of seafood options, including a ‘fruits of the sea’ platter. The restaurant was in fact christened ‘the Curing Yard’ to reflect the history of the town’s thriving waterways and harbour, which was home to Brora’s resident fish-curer until 1922.
Ben Loyal Hotel
With it’s spectacular views overlooking the beautiful Kyle of Tongue, the Queen of Scottish Mountains – Ben Loyal, and the historic Castle Varich, the Ben Loyal Hotel is the perfect spot to stop for a bite to eat on the NC500. Ben Loyal Hotel is a small locally owned hotel with a well-stocked lively bar including a wide range of malt whisky, gins and craft beers as well as regular live music. Couple this with a cosy log burning stove and some fantastic local produce and seafood on their lunch and dinner menu, then what you get is a cultural treat! And if that wasn’t enough, as well as their lovely welcoming hotel, they also have glamping pods on site if you fancy stopping over.
Seaforth Fish and Chips, Ullapool
When the picturesque village of Ullapool was founded back in 1778, the building which now houses the Seaforth Fish and Chip Shop was built along with it. Over the years it has undergone various transformations, having been used as a fish and coal store for the seaboats which used to depart from Ullapool, as well as a chandlery and a smokehouse. Nowadays it serves as the village’s highly popular fish and chip shop, home to award-winning fish and hand-cut chips as well as gluten-free and vegan alternatives.
Kishorn Seafood Bar
Seafood doesn’t get more locally sourced than at Kishorn Seafood Bar on the banks of Loch Kishorn, where you can sit and admire the very same waters from which the restaurant’s shellfish is procured. With beautiful vistas of Skye and the Applecross hills, Kishorn is the perfect setting for a relaxed evening enjoying some of the best seafood and surroundings that Scotland has to offer – the local stags might even pay you a visit to complete the perfect panorama.
This is just a taste of what’s available! You will not be stuck if looking to enjoy seafood on the NC500 with everything from restaurants to street food trailers serving up deliciously fresh produce. Let us know if you try our suggestions by tagging us on social media or using #NC500.
Enjoy!
