United Kingdom Food Guide: 10 British food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Isle of Bute

September 21, 2020 Mikaela Didonna

Find out what British restaurants to try in Isle of Bute. Mount Stuart House is one of Britain’s finest pieces of Gothic revival domestic architecture and a popular visitor attraction. Interiors of the house are grand and elaborate and reflect the history and wealth of the Stuarts of Bute, who have been on the island for over 700 years. A quirky attraction at Rothesay harbour is the elaborately decorated Victorian public toilet.
Things to do in Isle of Bute

10. Mount Stuart Restaurant

Mount Stuart House, Rothesay Scotland British, Scottish Lunch, Breakfast Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Reservations +44 1700 503877 http://www.mountstuart.com/Visiting/Visitor_Centre/Restaurant
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 138 reviews

Mount Stuart Restaurant

Reviewed By familyD10

Simple lunch, Sandwiches, haggis and pork sausage rolls with good homemade soup with one slice of lovely bread (although when I asked for another slice for me and my son it was £1... really ?? for two slices of bread when we'd paid for lunch for 4) , nice selection of Halloween themed cakes . We did have to stand about for a couple of minutes after being served while the soup was going cold until a table who had finished took pity on us and got up and helped us clear the table. Think may be our timing clashed with a coach party who were killing time. It was too cold to sit outside.

9. Esplanade Hotel

4 High Street, Rothesay PA20 9AR Scotland Bar, British, Scottish Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service +44 1700 502001 http://www.esplanadebute.com/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 398 reviews

Esplanade Hotel

Reviewed By thesaltmarketeers

Booked a table, arrived on time. Other tables/walk-ins arrived after us and were served ahead of us. Waited 15 minutes for menus and to order a drink. Another 15 minutes to order food, which arrived half an hour later. Gave up on second drinks order that would be taken in "2 minutes" and didn't bother with puddings as could see how long people were waiting. Staff worked hard but overall a disappointing experience. Food was fine. Used to be a reliable place with decent food but gone downhill.

8. Ghillies Bistro

55 Victoria Street The Victoria Hotel, Rothesay PA20 0AP Scotland European, British, Scottish, Bar Lunch, Dinner, Brunch Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service [email protected] +44 1700 500016 http://www.victoriahotelbute.com/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 145 reviews

Ghillies Bistro

Bistro Restaurant

Reviewed By Dunyazade

Having had a somewhat bizarre experience at Victoria’s, we decided to give the menu another chance by dining at Ghillie’s, the downstairs bar with menu. It had been recommended for seafood, so I was surprised to see no seafood among the specials. We both opted for scampi and chips, which were done well enough. Even without the harbor view, I liked it better than Victoria’s for its nicer decor, Rev James real ale, and friendly server. The street scene visible through the big windows was entertaining enough.

7. Victoria's Restaurant

55 Victoria Street, Rothesay PA20 0AP Scotland British, Scottish Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Late Night Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service, Free Wifi +44 1700 500016 http://www.victoriahotelbute.com
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 173 reviews

Victoria's Restaurant

Victoria's Restaurant at The Victoria Hotel

Reviewed By Dunyazade

Our B&B host recommended that for seafood, we should eat at Ghillie’s rather than at Victoria’s although they share a menu and V’s has a fantastic view of Rothesay harbor. Now I know why. Although the food is good, the service is awkward and the ambience, if you’re not looking out the window, is stark and depressing. If it weren’t for the view, I’d want to give this place 3 starsFirst the food: I satisfied my seafood craving with the scallops, bacon, and black pudding as a main — 6 big scallops, delicious and well presented. My side, a mixed salad, had a good variety of greens etc. My companion had the Sunday roast as a 2-course meal and enjoyed his main. He ordered a cappuccino to go with his pudding, but it never came. We waited and waited, with no attention from the server, not even to present the bill, and finally gave up and we to the bar counter to pay.Our arrival was even more awkward and off-putting. After climbing the stairs, we saw no indication of a restaurant. Instead, there was a man sitting at a table with what appeared to bunch of receipts and a woman in an office behind him. She summoned a colleague to greet us, but instead of taking us to a table, she escorted us to a lounge packed with heavy dark seats. We had no idea whether we were waiting for a table or for how long, but it was Sunday evening with few choices so we stuck with the strange (to our ways) program. Drinks were ordered and brought, and we made our selections from the menu. Finally, with some relief, we were conducted to our table — getting our first view of the unadorned dining room — and were delighted to find that our table was by the window. The food came out immediately after that.How hard would it have been for the server to ask whether we wanted to wait in the lounge — a very unappealing room — or enjoy our drinks at our dining table without having to move in the middle of our visit? I think there is a training issue here, but also an overall lack of attention to the ambiance. It’s not just about the view.Thanks for your review and I am delighted that you enjoyed your meal. Whilst we do have an extensive menu our focus is on seafood and Ghillies Bistro & The Victoria Restaurant do indeed share the same menu and staff which offers a choice for dining with the restaurant being a little more formal.I am sorry that you found the service lacking which is not our normal and without having all the details it sounds like it was busy. Yes you can go straight to your table (if it is ready) or have a refreshment in the lounge whilst your table & food is being prepared. This is your choice and we normally always ask.Great to see that you gave us another visit this time in Ghillies, so we must be doing something good. Honestly we get mixed comments same say upstairs some say downstairs, the main thing for us is to continue to provide good food & service.We look forward to seeing you again.

6. the Kettledrum

32 East Princes Street, Rothesay PA20 9DN Scotland Cafe, British, Scottish Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch Seating, Highchairs Available, Table Service, Wheelchair Accessible +44 1700 502342
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 117 reviews

the Kettledrum

Reviewed By Mr H

Sadly, and despite me being there for an early lunch, the special was already finished. But it just shows that people know where to go for good food. So, a burger it was. And it was delicious, proper Bute ground beef patties. It's a busy place and the food is all cooked from scratch so don't pop in if you're in a hurry. But it was worth the wait. A real treat.

5. The Black Bull Inn

3 West Princess Street, Rothesay Scotland Bar, British, Pub, Scottish Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks Reservations, Seating, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service, Free Wifi, Live Music [email protected] +44 1700 502366 http://theblackbullrothesay.com
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 274 reviews

The Black Bull Inn

A Quaint old fashioned pub,serving a range of real ales and meal on the beautiful Isle of Bute oppostie the harbour and ferry port.

Reviewed By Billy R

My wife and I were staying in Rothesay last night and came across this place by accident. We popped in for a drink and ended up staying the whole evening! Lovely people, all very friendly, and great food! Live music too - which we loved. We'll be back.

4. The Bonnie Clyde

29 Gallowgate, Rothesay PA20 0HR Scotland Cafe, British, Grill, Scottish Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Table Service, BYOB +44 1700 503777 https://www.facebook.com/The-Bonnie-Clyde-formerly-the-scullery-368587926827164/
Food
Service
Value
Overall Ratings

4 based on 124 reviews

The Bonnie Clyde

Our restaurant is a dog friendly, family run restaurant. Warm and friendly ambience and great food to boot. From our braveheart breakfast to steak with all the trimmings or why not try our lovely high teas? You can nip in for a lovely cup of coffee and ca

Reviewed By Bruce M

Came in for a drink of water and daddy and uncle B had cappuccino and doughnut which they said were really good , excellent coffee they said and the doughnuts were obviously from a local baker and not mass produced junk from a factory.The place was very clean and the water was freshly poured for me delivered on a little mat to help with the splashing which you do when lapping .It was so good that we decided to come back for a fish tea before catching the boat back to the mainland.When we came back there were other dogs and their owners scoffing away , I got my usual water on the rocks and the humans had really nice fish and chips and a pot of tea . Really nicely cooked fish and very fresh, chips and green stuff, well everyone to their own, I tasted the fish and it was soooo good.The staff were nice and very helpful and obliging, the owner's human came out to chat and said all us dogs were welcome. The owner has a bed under a table but was out for the day but the place seemed very well run without him.Daddy said we will definitely know where to come for refreshments on our next visitLovely pictures of Clyde steamers adorned the walls and a big model of one called the Loch Fyne built in 1931 and uncle B said he used to go on it when it went to Ardrishaig, he's 69 in human years. The cafe is right on the seafront overlooking the splendid gardens and fountain.Excellent place for us dogs to eat and drink with great facilities for the humans to enjoy a lovely home cooked meal freshly cooked for them.Sam.

3. Kingarth Hotel Restaurant

A844, Kilchattan Bay PA20 9LU Scotland Bar, British, Pub, Scottish Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Breakfast, Late Night Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Free Wifi [email protected] +44 1700 831662 http://www.kingarthhotel.co.uk/dining-at-the-kingarth-hotel.html
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 328 reviews

Kingarth Hotel Restaurant

Reviewed By Spanielontour

We visited Kingarth yesterday for lunch and then went again in the evening for dinner.We have struggled to find anywhere to eat in Rothesay that will accept our spaniel.We were recommended Kingarth as dog friendly so thought we would give it a try.The food was delicious and home cooked. The owner was very generous with his time to all his guests. It had a very relaxed atmosphere.Definitely worth a visit.

2. Harry Haw's

23-25 High Street, Rothesay PA20 9AS Scotland European, British, Scottish Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +44 1700 505857 http://www.harryhawsbute.co.uk/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 725 reviews

Harry Haw's

Reviewed By Wisest-old-man

We arrived for an evening meal just after the chef had cleared up for the night and was ready for home. BUT.. unlike a nearby hotel restaurant we were shown a table, the chef switched on again and two meals were prepared off a reasonable cost menu which had plenty of choice. We enjoyed a bottle of non overpriced wine and our hostess made it plain that she and her staff were pleased to see us, late or not. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

1. Green Shutters Bistro

28 Bath Street On the promenade Bath Street at Fort Street 100m south of the ferry., Largs KA30 8BL Scotland Cafe, British, Scottish Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Table Service, Reservations [email protected] +44 1475 672252 http://www.greenshuttersbistro.com
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 259 reviews

Green Shutters Bistro

We are an independent family run business serving traditional favourite dishes in an authentic way. The definition of a bistro is a small inexpensive restaurant with quick service and a licence to sell alcohol with your meal. That is exactly what we do, k

Reviewed By MaryannM82

I went to Largs with my husband, granddaughter & great niece. Before going to the swing park we came in here for our lunch. As it was the holiday weekend & the weather was lovely the place was really busy. We eventually managed to get a seat inside. This is the first time we've been here. There menu is really good with lots of different things to pick from. Our meal was lovely, even though they were really busy the service was good. It's on the sea front so the view is great. We will definitely go back hereThank you Maryann for your kind comments. It can be difficult to maintain service when things are really busy so we appreciate your patience, understanding and kindness in taking the time to comment. I’m delighted that you enjoyed our food and the choices available. we are currently looking at revamping the menu to keep it fresh and seasonal with a few extra winter warmers on the way. I hope we will see you again next time you are in Largs. Very best wishes, Jim.

Where to eat Cafe food in Isle of Bute: The Best Restaurants and Bars

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