Location: Ballachulish
Top Restaurants in Ballachulish
Ballachulish Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Ballachulish
The village of Ballachulish (/ˌbæləˈxuːlɪʃ/ BAL-ə-KHOO-lish or /ˌbæləˈhuːlɪʃ/, from Scottish Gaelic Baile a' Chaolais [baləˈxɯːlˠ̪ɪʃ]) in Lochaber, Highland, Scotland, is centred on former slate quarries. The name Ballachulish (Ballecheles, 1522 – Straits town,) was more correctly applied to the area now called North Ballachulish, to the north of Loch Leven, but was usurped for the quarry villages at East Laroch and West Laroch, either side of the River Laroch, which were actually within Glencoe and South Ballachulish respectively.
Things to do in Ballachulish
1. The Holly Tree Seafood Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 422 reviews
Reviewed By UncleMatt69 - Msida, Malta
Came here with my mum - she had scallops for starters and she had venison for mains & I had a seafood platter , mine was excellent my wife wasn't keen on her venison it was rather overcooked and the gravy overpowered it. We informed the service staff that she wasn't keen on dish and without thinking twice they took her new order a fresh salmon fillet and was replaced in minutes. Exemplary service staff.
2. Lochleven Seafood Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Lochleven Seafood Café, Deli and Gift Shop is situated on the north shores of beautiful Loch Leven (on the B86 in North Ballachulish) on the west coast in the Highlands of Scotland. Allowing the sea loch and mountain views to take centre stage alongside our simple yet elegant seafood dishes, our café is designed modest and unamusing. Live shellfish for our family run Restaurant and Deli is kept in onsite seawater tanks where the water is pumped continuously from the cold clean sea-loch on our shore. After being caught locally by our own fishing boats, the shellfish is stored in these tanks. This allows our Chefs to access the freshest possible west coast seafood for the Restaurant and our Deli. NEW for 2018 glass fronted Coffee Shop, Bar & Waiting are with stunning view.
Reviewed By BigDaddyDave55138 - Knoxville, Tennessee
We had really been looking forward to dinner at the Lochleven Seafood Café near our hotel in Ballachulish Scotland. The only question was…would the meal match the hype surrounding this restaurant?
An adjacent big green building houses the café’s sister company, Lochleven Shellfish. They have been exporting live shellfish to Europe and the Far East for many years. What started as a place where some locals could buy fresh shellfish and later some simple meals eaten outside on picnic tables evolved into the idea of a restaurant. Thus was born the Lochleven Seafood Café! It opened in 2006…
The interior of the Lochleven Seafood Café has a modern touch…simple and straightforward with some interesting wall mounted sculptures to set the tone.
We started out with a couple of pints of River Leven Blonde…and excellent light lager. It’s brewed in Kinlochleven, a small village about 6 miles up the road at the head of Loch Leven. We consumed a couple of bread baskets with some great rolls and olive oil for dipping. (1.25 pounds sterling/$1.60 U.S.) We preferred butter with the rolls and we were provided with an ample supply as soon as we asked…
I’m not into olives but everyone else at the table was…especially the ladies. This order of Mixed Olives from the “Side Dishes and Nibbles” portion of the menu satisfied everyone’s desire for these treats. It was a lot of olives for 3.00 pounds sterling/$3.90 U.S.
Appetizers included a bowl of Palourdes (carpet clams) grilled with garlic butter was very well received by everyone. (7.95 pounds sterling/$10.30 U.S.) Then there was a beautiful bowl of Shellfish Soup! (7.95 pounds sterling/10.30 U.S.) It was another winner! …and of course someone had to go for a half dozen Loch Creran Oysters! (9 pounds sterling/$11.70 U.S.) So fresh! Another early choice was a bowl of Cullen Skink. (5.25 pounds sterling/6.80 U.S.) It was terrific!
So what the heck is Cullen Skink soup? It isn’t the most appetizing name but this thick Scottish soup is full of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. This is true rainy weather comfort food!
My better half ordered the Roasted Langoustines for her entrée. (22.95 pounds sterling/$29.80 U.S.) She made short work out of this large pile of fresh shellfish! After all of the starters and nibbles, my wife's sister Bonnie decided to order a light dinner. She had a Grilled Half Lobster with garlic butter and a House Salad. (19.95 pounds sterling/$25.90 U.S.) It was excellent!
I got a little exotic…at least by my standards. I ordered the Diver Harvested Scallops dinner with Bacon. (21.50 pounds sterling/$27.95 U.S.) These large scallops were the best I’ve had in many years! Bill loves shellfish and he couldn’t resist the most humongous entrée! It was the Shellfish Platter for one with 3 dipping sauces. (40.00 pounds sterling/$52.00 U.S.) It contained lobster, clams, oysters, mussels, langoustines, etc., everything that can be served on ice. Bill stayed with it and didn’t talk much as he demolished his delicious shellfish extravaganza!
What the heck… We just had to overdo it a bit more didn’t we? Laurie and I shared a Traditional Scottish Cranachan. (5.50 pounds sterling/$7.15 U.S.) FYI...Cranachan is a dessert that is usually made from a mixture of whipped cream, whisky, honey and fresh raspberries with toasted oatmeal soaked in the little bit of whisky. It was very good!
For their dessert, Bonnie and Bill ordered a selection of luscious Handmade Oban Chocolates. (3.00 pounds sterling/$3.90 U.S.) Like everything else at the Lochleven Seafood Café, they were excellent!
The Lochleven Seafood Café was easily the best restaurant that we experienced in Scotland…and we ate in some really good restaurants! While it was expensive, this is one instance where we really got what we paid for…really fresh top notch seafood! This is a MUST DINE restaurant for any travel itinerary covering western Scotland…
3. Glencoe Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 691 reviews
A warm welcome awaits you at Glencoe Cafe, the coffee shop in the quiet village of Glencoe. Along with a welcoming smile, we offer you - -quality coffee, roasted in Scotland -loose leaf tea, imported by our Scottish suppliers who also grow their own tea in Scotland! -delicious lunchtime snacks and breakfasts -fresh home baking including our terrific scones -a glass of wine or beer with your lunch -FREE WIFI -a range of selected gifts, books and maps We look forward to seeing you soon
Reviewed By Py M - North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
If in the area or passing through you must visit this very welcoming cafe.We enjoyed excellent coffee and delicious home made scones whilst watching the birds feed right up at our window. We also enjoyed interesting conversation with the very friendly owner, clearly like us, a bird lover!
Highly recommend!
4. The Inn at Ardgour
Overall Ratings
4 based on 151 reviews
Family-run, loch-side Scottish Inn. Stunning views across the water to the Mountains beyond and the entrance to the Great Glen. We offer traditional Scottish Pub food made using quality ingredients. No nouveau cuisine here, just good old-fashioned, tasty pub grub to warm and fill you on a West Highland day.
Reviewed By Elaine R - Monmouth Junction, New Jersey
My girlfriends and I enjoyed our one night stay at this quaint coastal inn. We were fortunate to make it on the last ferry. I didn't realize that we needed to take one to the inn (my fault for not knowing). The inn was very accommodating and serve us a bowl a soup and rolls, despite our late arrival and the kitchen being closed. We were very thankful. The beds, shower and breakfast were quite good. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to enjoy our stay, because we were back on the road by morning after breakfast.
5. The Laroch Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 687 reviews
Reviewed By squiremaguire87 - Bellshill, United Kingdom
Myself and my wife had a gorgeous meal at The Laroch in February while away on a birthday weekend. This restaurant is a must for anyone staying anywhere near the area. This is fine dining at its best. From the attentiveness of the lovely staff to the top quality produce this is a five star plus restaurant. I can’t wait to return. Well done The Laroch
6. Clachaig Inn
Overall Ratings
4 based on 299 reviews
Reviewed By JimmyJackk - San Marcos, California
Nice pub just outside of Glencoe Village. It was dark and had some trouble locating it but it was good. Had very quiet dinner with good service. Loved the tomato basil soup.
7. Crafts & Things
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
Reviewed By Annick R - London, United Kingdom
I visited the café on numerous occasions and really enjoyed the fresh food, the scones are delicious but so are their sandwiches, soups and coffee.
The staff was always in a good mood and super friendly and I understand why the place has so much success with locals and tourists alike.
The little shop is very nice too, I bought a few items there and enjoyed a nice chat with the staff there too.
It's a real gem in Glencoe, I like everything about it and that's why I went back so many times during my stay.
8. Onich Tearoom
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Tearoom And Gift Shop. We Serve Freshly Cooked Food And Teas And Coffees. Home Baking Including Scones And Cakes. We Also Provide Gluten Free Food.
Reviewed By Benjamindrfranklin - Abha, Saudi Arabia
Sausage, black pudding and bacon bap for £3 Great pit stop coffee whilst driving north with pretty views of the nearby loch Also a chance to get souvenirs and postcards - post box available Highly recommended Enjoy :-)Thank you so much for your lovely review which is much appreciated.
9. The Ivy Room
Overall Ratings
4 based on 14 reviews
Delightful cafe and bar situated within a beautiful golf course in the heart of the highlands of Scotland. Serving freshly prepared home baking and home cooking. The Ivy Room also offers a fantastic opertunity for private dining, private functions and events - please contact us with any enquires.
Reviewed By TracyG274 - Tain, Scotland, United Kingdom
Great wee snack stop, lovely place to stop on my trip from Glasgow to Inverness via Fort William. Good range of tasty food, scrummy home baking, super coffee all very good value served by friendly staff. Pity I don't live closer - it would definitely be one of my regular coffee destinations if I did, but I will certainly be stopping off here again on future trips this way.
10. Highland Getaway Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By Kitty_karate - Manchester
The food is well presented bar food, served in a restaurant area above the bar that looks out over the river to the hills. There are daily specials and a core menu. There is a short wine list, and a chance to drink beers from the local 'River Leven' brewery.
It can get very busy in peak season, so make a reservation if you want to eat at peak times.
