Places To Eat In Stornoway

When it comes to eating out in Stornoway, there are a number of places to eat. Many of these are open on a Sunday too which definitely makes it easier for those visiting the islands.

The majority of eateries in Stornoway are family and mobility friendly, although not often pet-friendly, with some being more so due to space.

The great thing about finding a place to eat in Stornoway is the fact that they are all relatively close together, so there’s never much walking involved if you need to make a quick change of plans because somewhere is full or closed unexpectedly.

Here’s our round up of where you need to be visiting for food.

Kopi Java

Kopi Java is our favourite cafe in Stornoway. A family-run business and while the decor may not look like much, they offer simple foods, done well. A good strong coffee along with really lovely homemade cakes and sandwiches.

You’ll find Kopi Java on Cromwell Street, with views across the harbour towards Lews Castle.

We highly recommend popping in here when you get the chance and trying some of their cakes. It’s important to note that Kopi Java does close earlier than most other coffee shops in the town, so get in earlier rather than later.

Street Food Cafe

One of the newest places in town and currently blowing up on social media with some of the most mouth watering food on offer is the Street Food Cafe.

Located just opposite Eleven, in the old No.30 restaurant, this place is quite unassuming from the outside and is actually joined on to the Park Guesthouse.

We haven’t tried this place yet, but be assured that it’s top of our list when we make the next trip over as Peter loves street food.

View their Facebook page to get a taste of what’s on offer.

The Fank

Another new one in Stornoway, this one you’ll find just opposite the Town Hall in Cromwell Street.

Now the food on offer here is something quite different as they are constantly changing and there’s no way of knowing what’s going to be served without checking their social media or website for the latest menu.

At the time of writing, they are currently doing a collab residency with Crust, to provide the people of Stornoway with some amazing sounding stonebaked pizzas.

Tables are very limited so be sure to book well in advance if you don’t want to be left disappointed.

HS-1 Cafe Bar & The Boatshed

A long-standing and family-friendly cafe bar in Stornoway.

Open early till late, they offer coffee, light lunches and evening meals along with drinks and cocktails.

While the food at HS-1 is quite nice, I do not rate the service. In my experience over recent years, you can often be left sitting for quite some time unnoticed which we don’t like, equally, this is somewhere that a lot of locals like to while away the time so it really depends on your take of it.

The Boatshed is adjoined to HS-1 and is much more of an upmarket meal in comparison. You’d probably choose to go here if you’re heading out for a nice evening meal, rather than a light lunch.

We headed into the Boatshed on one rainy day and were blown away by just how expensive some of the food was.

Read our review of The Boatshed in Stornoway here.

Woodlands Centre 

Set in the castle grounds, the Woodlands centre is not only a popular cafe for those taking a walk through the castle grounds, but it’s also often used as a music venue location.

Here, you’ll find the Woodlands Centre selling light meals along with coffee and cakes.

With plenty of tables, spread over two floors, this is a popular place for those with small children as it has a play park just outside of the building.

A great place to visit after or before taking a walk around the Castle grounds as mentioned earlier.

Eleven

Part of the Caladh Inn, Eleven is a carvery and buffet offering a variety of cuisines. Great for larger groups, good value for money and I have always enjoyed our visits there.

If you’re looking for a carvery in Stornoway, then this is the place to go.

A popular place, that’s often booked up in advance.

An Lanntair Café Bar

Part of the multi-arts venue in Stornoway and a popular meetup destination among tourists and locals.

Again, much like HS-1, the option of breakfasts, light lunches, meals, coffee, cake and alcoholic drinks are available.

Whilst I am not a fan of their coffees and would definitely choose to go elsewhere if I were craving some caffeine, they do a great bowl of sea salt and paprika chips.

Some of the tables offer wonderful views over the harbour, especially if you are lucky to visit on a bright day.

The Blue Lobster 

This is a lovely homeware store as I mentioned above but they do also have a small cafe for coffee and cake.

I consider this to be more of a grab-and-go premises, there is some seating outside should the weather be kind, otherwise, there is a small area of window seating inside.

My lovely grampa wasn’t too taken with the high seating, something I wouldn’t have given a second thought, but is maybe something to note.

Visitors are asked to make use of the (very) nearby public toilets.

Camerons Chip Shop 

Head into this popular chip shop for some ‘cheeky chips’ a half portion of chips and sausage  – A favourite of mine growing up and still something I enjoy now.

You’ll find Camerons up on Point Street.

The Thai Cafe

We love Thai food so we couldn’t miss this one from the list. A BYOB family-run restaurant in the town centre.

It’s somewhere that we’ve yet to go, but definitely seems very popular and is often very busy whenever we’ve gone by during opening hours.

You’ll find this one up on Church Street.

Artizan

Artizan is primarily a coffee house with lighter meals, but also sells artwork and gifts. Another favoured location among locals and tourists and more often than not, very busy, which is a testament to their popularity.

They do a great selection of cakes and sandwiches and it’s somewhere we’ve been enjoying visiting on our recent trips across especially if we’re looking for a coffee and cake stop later on in the afternoon.

The Storehouse Café

Located in Lews Castle, you will find the family-friendly Storehouse Café. The menu is good, from pancakes and waffles to burgers and quiches and afternoon teas, however, the service on any visit that we’ve had has been very slow and quite chaotic.

We may just be unlucky here though and it’s always worth making your own judgements by visiting somewhere at least once.

If you’re visiting Stornoway and looking for things to do, then check out our guide covering all the best tourist attractions in Stornoway.