Restaurants in Kirkwall
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A
Kirkwall Hotel
This grand old hotel on the waterfront is one of Kirkwall’s best dining places. The elegant bar and eating area packs out; it’s a favourite spot for an evening out with the clan. There’s a fairly standard pub-food list that’s complemented by a seasonal menu featuring local seafood and meat – the lamb is delicious.
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B
Reel
Part music shop and part cafe, Kirkwall’s best coffee-stop sits alongside St Magnus Cathedral, and bravely puts tables outside at the slightest threat of sunshine. It’s a relaxed spot that’s good for morning-after debriefing, as well as lunchtime panini and musically named sandwiches (as well as its cheese one: Skara Brie). It’s a centre for local folk musicians, with regular evening sessions.
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C
Dil Se
Upbeat and inventive, this main-street subcontinental choice tries to steer Orcadians away from the clichéd curry classics in favour of baltis – the spinach one is fabulous – and other creations. The late opening means you can enjoy those long summer evenings outdoors and not go hungry at the end of them.
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D
Shore
This popular harbourside eatery brings the gastropub concept to Kirkwall, offering bar meals combined with more adventurous fare in the restaurant section. It's run with a customer-comes-first attitude, and the seafood is especially good.
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E
Bothy Bar
In the Albert Hotel, the Bothy looks very smart these days with its modish floor and B&W photos of old-time Orcadian farming, but its low tables provide the customary cheer and sustaining food: think sausages, haddock and stews – good pub grub.
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F
Peppermill Deli
The best place in town to grab a takeaway lunch: the selection of fillings for paninis, baguettes, wraps and toasties is almost limitless. It’s also numero uno for coffee and you can grab smoked seafoods and cheeses here for picnics.
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G
Busters Diner
A perpetually busy, American-style diner churning out generous portions of hot dogs, pizza and burgers, and Tex-Mex such as enchiladas and tacos. Busters is popular with the younger crowd.
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H
St Magnus Café
Old-fashioned food hall serving cheap, honest food such as toasties and bacon rolls.
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International Takeaway
Fires out some kicking kebabs and decent fish and chips.
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J
Judith Glue Real Food Cafe
At the back of a lively craft shop opposite the cathedral, this cafe serves toothsome sandwiches and salads, as well as daily specials and succulent seafood platters. There's an emphasis on sustainable and organic ingredients, but put the feelgood factor aside for a moment to fight for a table.
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Foveran
Three miles from Kirkwall on the Orphir road, this is one of Orkney's best dining options, but surprisingly affordable for the quality on offer. In a tranquil location with a cosy eating area overlooking the sea, it's at its best presenting classic Orcadian ingredients – the steak with haggis and whisky sauce is feted throughout the region, while the North Ronaldsay lamb comes with meat from four different cuts and is deliciously tender. A medley of toothsome vegetables accompanies the mains, and interesting wines complement the dishes. If you like the spot – and why wouldn't you? – there are rooms available (single/double £78/116).
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