Restaurants in Orkney Islands
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A
Kirkwall Hotel
This grand old hotel on the waterfront is one of Kirkwall’s best places to dine. The elegant bar and eating area packs out; it’s one of Kirkwall’s favourite spots 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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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 (along with their cheese one: Skara Brie). It’s a centre for local folk musicians, with regular evening sessions.
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Hamnavoe Restaurant
Tucked away off the main street, this Stromness favourite specialises in excellent local seafood backed up by professional service. There’s always something good off the boats, and the chef prides himself on his lobster. Booking is a must. From November to March, it’s only open Saturday and Sunday for dinner; in summer it also opens for lobster lunches on Saturday.
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Pierowall Hotel
The heart of this island community, the local pub is famous throughout Orkney for its popular fish and chips – the fish is caught fresh by the hotel’s boats and whatever has turned up in the day’s catch is displayed on the blackboard. There are also some curries available, but the sea is the way to go here.
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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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Julia’s Café & Bistro
This cafe with a conservatory, opposite the port, keeps all-comers happy, with massive fry-ups offset on the cardiac karma scale by the wraps, salads and tempting vegetarian dishes such as nut roast or couscous. In summer it opens for dinner with elaborate fare (£10 to £13) on offer.
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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 a little hit-and-miss, but the local chefs are assured when it comes to the sea – monkfish is always a good bet.
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Pier Restaurant
Just above the ferry, this simple place does burgers and standard bar meals, and is good for a coffee or a whisky while waiting for the boat or a chat and a game of pool after a long day’s walking. There’s also internet access and a list of local residents who offer B&B.
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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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Stromness Hotel
This central hotel does excellent seafood dishes fused with tastes of the Orient, and there are vegetarian options. There’s a lounge bar with harbour views, or the earthier, convivial Flattie Bar downstairs.
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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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Bistro 76
This is an intimate cellar restaurant with a standout menu that will entice most palates through the door (from steak lovers to vegetarians). It’s located under the Orca Hotel.
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Stromness Cafe-Bar
This quirky little space, with attached shop, is good for a snack or even something more substantial. Orkney beer is available and best enjoyed on the back terrace overlooking the water.
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Stromabank Hotel
The small, atmosphericStromabankoffers tasty home-cooked meals using lots of local produce, from its small menu.
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St Magnus Café
Old-fashioned food hall serving cheap, honest food such as toasties and bacon rolls.
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Pump House Cafe
Housed in the Scapa Flow Visitor Centre, this wartime-style canteen serves hearty homemade soups, homebaked cakes and tea and coffee (don't expect an espresso machine, though).
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Haff Yok Cafe
Pierowall's only cafe is the village's social hub and information centre, offering a selection of homebaked cakes, decadent Westray tablet (Scottish candy made with sugar and butter) and cups of tea served in granny's best china. There's soup and sandwiches for lunch, and a selection of cards, gifts, books and maps for sale. ('Haff yok' is local slang for a labourer's tea break.)
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