6 Best Restaurants in Isle of Skye, The Northern Highlands and the Western Isles

This excellent little bakery–café serves house-made cakes, tray bakes, and pastries, along with artisan coffee and an array of tempting foodie gifts and souvenirs—all to be enjoyed with a stunning vista of Eilean Donan Castle. In summer, the café also displays evocative works by local artist Lorraine Tolmie. It's 8 miles east of Kyle of Lochalsh.

Situated right on the waterfront, this distinctive black-and-white restaurant, where the island's top chefs come to unwind on their nights off, is a Skye foodie favorite. The seafood is freshly caught and simply prepared by renowned chef Michael Smith, with the aim of enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients rather than overwhelming them with superfluous sauces. The six-course "Skye Fruits de Mer" set menu costs £110 and is constantly changing, depending on what's fresh and available.

Perhaps the Isle of Skye's biggest culinary draw, this old stone-walled restaurant on the banks of Loch Dunvegan serves consistently daring, well-crafted food. Head chef Scott Davies's belief in quality Scottish ingredients is evident in every dish, from the locally sourced game to the sublime Scottish seafood, with most dishes available as part of a multicourse meal or à la carte. When aligned with the chic, minimalist interior—all crisp white walls and exposed brickwork—it makes for a luxury dining experience you won't soon forget. If you're too full to move after your meal, you'll find six luxurious (but pricey) guest rooms at the House Over-By next door. Reservations are essential; book well ahead and reconfirm the day before.

Up a steep flight of stairs, this laid-back café has window seats with great views over Portree Harbour. It uses only local produce (whatever is "fresh, local, and available") and is a good no-frills option for hearty breakfasts, as well as lunchtime favorites—from locally caught scallops to creamy summer risotto. There's also an especially varied vegetarian menu, and the cakes are great, too.

This rustic little deli-café, in an old mill on the edge of Broadford, serves delicious coffee, cakes, and savory snacks ranging from toasted sandwiches and baked potatoes to soups and salads. Come early for the Eggs Royale made with locally smoked Scottish salmon.

It may be tiny, but this upscale, 20-seater restaurant is packed every night of the week. The vibe is relaxed and informal, while the cooking is imaginative and varied, with unexpected marriages such as coffee-crusted venison or hake with coconut. All the ingredients are locally sourced and very Scottish, enlivened with a light French touch. But at £85 for the evening tasting menu (without drinks), prepare for a sizeable bill at the end of the night.