Maggie and I are keen epicureans – to paraphrase the ‘greatest good is to seek modest pleasures in order to attain a state of tranquility’ – and we do this by seeking out good food and drink!
We have been asked to recommend our local favourites on many occasions so below is a selection of places we have enjoyed in Argyll in no particular order:-
The Ben Cruachan Inn, Lochawe 01838 200880
The nearest and newest pub in the area. Opened in April 2017 to the relief of all locals and visitors alike! A 3 minute walk from the Tower serving great local ales and a menu that changes with the seasons. Our favourite and they have super friendly staff.
The Inveraray Inn, Inveraray 01499 302 466
Pub food on one side and a restaurant on the other. Advisable to book the restaurant in advance.
Ocho, Inveraray 01499 305 181
Small plates and tapas style restaurant with a wonderful unique approach and with views over the loch. A new favourite of ours! A small number of tables so advisable to book in advance and do check the opening hours which are seasonal.
Samphire, Inveraray 01499 302 321
Continuing the seafood theme is this lovely little restaurant just a little walk away beyond The George. Great seafood but booking ahead is usually recommended.
Loch Fyne Oyster Bar and restaurant, Cairndow 01499 600482
Fresh oysters and other seafood straight from Loch Fyne. Very popular in summer so well worth booking in advance. Next door they have a well stocked deli counter.
Fyne Ales Brewery and Bar, Cairndow 01499 600120
Cracking craft beer specialist – our favourite tipple is Jarl – with the bar and brewery located on a turning just beyond the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar. They also run a lovely small scale music festival in early June.
Eeusk, Oban 01631 565666
Freshly caught seafood is a speciality in a contemporary setting – right on the small harbour with a great view of the ferries, yachts and the setting sun! The seafood platter is glorious.
The Waterfront Fishouse Restaurant, Oban 01631 563110
Located near the train station on the pier. A great seafood restaurant with very good prices and rapid service. Bookings can be made online.
Cuan Mor, Oban 01631 565078
Situated on George Street, the main shopping street in Oban, this casual restaurant serves up bar food and has it’s own brewery on site.
Coast, Oban 01631 569900
Also situated on George Street, the main shopping street in Oban, this is a slightly more formal restaurant with a good wine list and even better seafood – the Langoustines are a must! Booking advised.
Inver, Stracthlachlan, Strachur 01369 860537
A little bit further afield (a 55 minute drive) but it has been named by The Sunday Times as one of the UK’s top 20 waterside restaurants. Tiny place with a very creative locally sourced menu but must be booked in advance. Absolutely amazing food but it is the most expensive on this list. The chef, Pam Brunton, had a stint at Noma in Copenhagen and you can definitely see the the Scandi influence in the cooking! Sometimes closes for winter but you can still book ahead online.
The Barn Bar, Cologin (south of Oban) 01631 565721
Located a few miles south of Oban this is a small pub and restaurant with a good selection of food. Great sirloin steak!
The Pierhouse, Port Appin 01631 730 302
Cracking specialist fish restaurant on the shore of Loch Linnhe, by the pier with a ferry that heads to the Island of Lismore. Wonderful setting and well worth the 45 minute drive!