11 of the best places to eat in and around Fort William

Located on the stunning shores of Loch Linnhe at the gateway to Ben Nevis – the UK’s tallest peak – and Glen Nevis valley, home to Steall Falls, it’s no wonder Fort William attracts plenty of hungry hikers looking for a good feed.

Here’s our pick of the best restaurants and cafes to fuel-up in Fort William.

The Lime Tree

(The Old Manse, Achintore Road, Fort William PH33 6RQ)

Listed in the Michelin Guide 2019, The Lime Tree is a culinary institution with dishes built around fresh Scottish produce, including Loch Fyne oysters, Loch Awe trout and Ardnamurchan venison.

The restaurant is also home to an art gallery, so you can mix dinner with culture. Not overly expensive, with starters at just under £8 and mains starting at £16, it’s a great option for any foodie visiting Fort William.

Picture: The Lime Tree

Crannog

(Town Centre Pier, Fort William PH33 6DB)

This seafood restaurant wins the award for having the best location in Fort William.

Perched on the pier where boats head across Loch Eir to Camusnagaul, Crannog offers up scallops, prawns and langoustines, with starters at around £8 and larger mains starting at £15.

Not to be missed if you’re a seafood lover.

Crannog in Fort William is renowned for its seafood, including scallops. (Picture: Crannog)

The Grog & Gruel

(66 High St, Fort William PH33 6AD)

There is something for everyone at this proudly Scottish real-ale pub, which houses a lively restaurant serving pies, burgers, pizzas and Tex Mex cuisine upstairs.

With fish and chips, chilli, enchiladas and classic pub grub on the menu, you won’t go far wrong at The Grog & Gruel, which has been in town for 25 years.

Starters average at around £6 with most mains under £13.

Tex Mex and other favourites are on offer at the Grog and Gruel (Picture: The Grog and Gruel).

Inverlochy Castle

(Torlundy, Fort William PH33 6SN)

A fine-dining option for those looking to treat themselves.

Albert and Michel Roux Jr at Inverlochy Castle offers a unique Highlands dining experience, with the legendary father and son duo serving up modern, British cuisine with French influences.

Boasting three AA Rosettes, the restaurant has three dining areas featuring period decor and elaborate furniture, which were presented as gifts to the castle by the King of Norway.

A three-course meal comes in at £75 per person. 

The decor at Inverlochy Castle is a must-see and it’s a brilliant location for a special meal (Picture: Inverlochy Castle Hotel).

Ben Nevis Inn

(Achintee Rd, Fort William PH33 6TE)

Located at the bottom of the mountain path on Ben Nevis, this traditional pub serves quintessential Scottish dishes such as haggis and cullen skink.

It’s the perfect place to recharge after hiking, with a three-course meal setting you back just £25 to £30.

On Tuesday nights during the summer, the pub features live music acts, with visitors encouraged to bring their own instruments along to join in.

The Ben Nevis Inn is a fantastic place to recharge after climbing Scotland’s tallest mountain (Picture: Ben Nevis Inn).

The Geographer

(88 High Street, Fort William, PH33 6AD)

Inspired by Asian eating habits and culture, The Geographer takes Scottish ingredients and delivers delicious international dishes.

Located on Fort William’s High Street, The Geographer regularly features specials such as Jordanian lamb mansaf, cajun gumbos, and beef rendang – all enjoyed at an affordable price in a quirky dining room.

Sea bass fillets, spiced sweet potato and olives at The Geographer (Picture: The Geographer).

Glen Nevis Restaurant

(Glen Nevis, Fort William PH33 6SX)

A perfect choice for those looking to enjoy the sites of Ben Nevis and the surrounding valley in a relaxed atmosphere.

Glen Nevis Restaurant is situated around 40 minutes’ drive away from Fort William, close to the Glen Nevis self catering and caravan and camping parks.

It has a good reputation for using local ingredients and has a varied menu available in the evening, which includes burgers, pies and Scottish classics.

Chicken caesar salad at Glen Nevis restaurant (Picture: Glen Nevis Restaurant and Bar)

Cobbs

(High St, Fort William PH33 6EU)

Next to the historic Old Fort which stood as a waterside fortress for centuries, Cobbs is a friendly pub and bistro specialising in classic pub food including steak and ale pie, steak, and fish and chips.

The bar is also home to a good selection of real ale in the main bar, with a cafe open for lunch and breakfast.

Mains start at around £9, with starters around £5.

Fish and chips at Cobbs (Picture: Cobbs at Nevisport)

The Stables

(Dudley Road, Fort William, PH33 6JB)

The Stables Restaurant and Grill is an award-winning restaurant and was crowned overall restaurant of the year at the Scottish Hospitality Awards in 2018 and prides itself on using local produce.

Seasonal specials are often available alongside more traditional options such as garlic bread, burgers and chicken wings.

Starters average around £6, with mains between £14 and £18.

Lochaber scallops at The Stables (Picture: The Stables Restaurant & Grill)

Garrison West

(4 Cameron Square, Fort William, PH33 6AJ)

This cosy, traditionally decorated pub has an excellent reputation for its food.

Known for its excellent atmosphere and freshly prepared pub food, starters include options such as charred halloumi and fishcakes at around £6.50 with mains averaging around £12 per person.

Pomegranate glazed pork ribs at Garrison West (Picture: Garrison West)

Browns

(Belford Rd, Fort William PH33 6PF)

Based inside the Nevis Bank Inn hotel on the banks of the river Nevis, Browns is a recently refurbished, modern restaurant with sleek dark wood panelling and oak floors.

The restaurant has a large lunch and evening menu with a wide range of seafood, pastas, risottos and meat dishes available.

The menu changing with the seasons. Starters are around £8 with mains between £13 and £19.

The new fillet of cod on the Browns’ menu for summer (Picture: Nevis Bank Inn)

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Conor Matchett

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