For such a small village, there are some excellent places to eat in Arisaig. You’ll notice that seafood features heavily on the menus and it’s as fresh as can be. Cafes and restaurants in Arisaig tend to use as much local produce as possible.
When choosing where to eat in Arisaig, remember that food is served during certain hours rather than all day in most places. It’s best to check when the place you want to visit opens.
Where to eat in Arisaig, Scotland
Sound Bites
Sound Bites is a relative newcomer to the Arisaig food scene but definitely one to visit on your trip. They offer a varied menu, including vegetarian and vegan. Pop in for a full Scottish for breakfast, morning coffee and a strawberry tart, delicious Cullen skink or wrap for lunch or fish and chips for dinner.
Those are just a few suggestions. They also have great shakes and desserts and lots more.
They open every day from 10am to 4pm and offer takeaway on Wednesdays and Fridays from 5pm to 7:30pm. Check their social media for updates. Find them on Facebook and on Instagram.
- Indoor seating: Yes
- Outdoor seating: minimal and depending on weather
- Dogs allowed: Yes
- Licensed: Yes
- Location: Next to Spar, Main road (the village)
Arisaig Hotel/ Crofter’s Rest
They also have a great menu and offer some traditional dishes with a twist. We’re creatures of habit and our favourites are scampi and chips, macaroni cheese and a pint of prawns.
They have a lovely covered terrace as well as indoor seating. It can get busy, so it’s better to book ahead in peak season. You can do that on the Arisaig Hotel website or give them a call on 01687 450210.
The Crofter’s Rest often has live music, especially Friday night and Sunday afternoon and a monthly open mic night, making it one of the liveliest Arisaig restaurants. You can check for upcoming events on their website and social media. Find them on Facebook and on Instagram.
- Indoor seating: Yes
- Outdoor seating: Yes
- Licensed: Yes
- Dogs allowed: Yes
- Location: Arisaig Hotel, Main road (the village)
Shellfish Shack
If you are a seafood lover, this is one you absolutely shouldn’t miss. Their crustacean creations with homemade dressings are an absolute delight, as are their pates. One of their most popular menu items is the Shack Platter for two, perfect for sharing on an Arisaig beach.
The Shellfish Shack is for takeaway only and is currently open Fridays to Sundays, 10am-3pm. Check their social media for updates. Find this Arisaig food gem on Facebook and on Instagram.
- Indoor seating: no
- Outdoor seating: no but there are a few benches nearby
- Location: next to Arisaig Hotel, Main road (the village)
The Old Library Lodge
The Old Library Lodge is a long-standing popular dining option for locals and visitors in Arisaig. An example of what you might order for lunch is smoked salmon pate with oatcakes, then a venison burger or mussels cooked in wine, followed by Arran ice cream.
It is recommended to book a table in advance. See more at The Old Library Lodge website or call 01687 450651 to make a reservation. Follow The Old Library in Arisaig on Facebook.
- Indoor seating: Yes
- Outdoor seating: Yes
- Licensed: Yes
- Dogs allowed:
- Location: Main road (the village)
The Boathouse (Arisaig Marina)
Last but not least on our list of places to eat in Arisaig is The Boathouse. The cafe inside the marina wins when it comes to the view. You can enjoy soup, sandwiches, scones and cakes with a coffee, shake or smoothie while looking across Loch Nan Ceall. It’s the perfect breakfast spot if you’re heading out on the MV Sheerwater to the Small Isles and you can also get a take-away for the boat.
The Boathouse opens from 9 am to 4:30pm on weekdays and to 3pm at the weekend. They also have a fabulous gift shop. Find this Arisaig cafe on Facebook and on Instagram.
- Indoor seating: Yes
- Outdoor seating: Yes
- Licensed: No
- Dogs allowed: in the outdoor area
- Location: Arisaig Marina
Not somewhere to eat in but, when it comes to Arisaig food, don’t forget Arisaig Bread Shed for great baked items. Advance order is required. Find them on Facebook and on Instagram.
That rounds up our overview of where to eat in Arisaig but if you’re really unlucky and everywhere is full or closed, you can always get a Costa coffee and a meal deal at the Spar!
Where to eat in Mallaig and Morar
Here’s a quick list of places to eat in Mallaig and Morar:
- The Cornerstone Restaurant, Station Rd, dine-in and takeaway, licensed, dog-friendly, view over harbour, fish and chips, etc.
- The Tea Garden, Station Rd, dine-in and takeaway, indoor and outdoor seating, licensed, varied menu, dog-friendly, view over harbour
- The Fish Market, Station Rd, seafood restaurant, dine-in and takeaway, licensed
- The Cabin Restaurant, Davie’s Brae, seafood restaurant, dine-in and takeaway, licensed
- The Steam Inn, Davie’s Brae, pub/restaurant, indoor and outdoor seating, licensed, beer garden, dogs allowed in the bar only
- Bloom and Graze, Davie’s Brae, coffee stand with small terrace, dine-in and takeaway, sandwiches and bakes
- Chlachain Inn, Davie’s Brae, dine-in and takeaway, indoor (limited) and outdoor seating, licensed, varied menu, dog-friendly
- The Terrace, West Highland Hotel, varied menu, dine-in only, licensed, views over Mallaig and sea
- Jaffy’s Fish and Chips, Mallaig railway station, dine-in and takeaway, also sells scoop ice-cream, dog-friendly
- Jac-O-Bites cafe, Mallaig Harbour road, dine-in and takeaway, dog-friendly
- The Bakehouse & Crannog, Station Rd, bakery, pizza on Saturdays, takeaway
- An Cala Coffee House, Mallaig Harbour road, dine-in and takeaway, Mallaig Harbour
- The Silver Sands Restaurant, Morar, varied menu, dine-in, indoor and outdoor seating, licensed, sea views
- Sunset Thai Food, Morar, take-away only, order in advance
(Davie’s Brae is the road going up the hill from the benches at the harbour)
If you liked this guide to restaurants in Arisaig, you might also like Food Shopping in Arisaig and Mallaig.
These all look so delicious! I had such good food when I visited Scotland but didn’t make it to Arasaig. I think the Boathouse would be my top pick for that view!