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

The town of Fort William is the perfect launchpad for exploring the Highlands.

Published 1st May 2023
Updated 31 st Oct 2023

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 Silly Goose at 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.

In 2022, husband and wife chefs team Kylie and David Hickman turned the restaurant into the Silly Goose at The Lime Tree.

Diners can expect seasonal, local produce at reasonable prices. The restaurant and hotel display local artist's work on their walls making this an interesting and delicious place to visit.

6 of the best restaurants in 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. Not to be missed if you're a seafood lover.

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

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 over 25 years.

Starters average at around £7.95 with most mains under £20.

Island cafe with stunning views to team up with Michelin-recommended Edinburgh restaurant for one-off supper club
Tex Mex and other favourites are on offer at the Grog and Gruel (Photo: The Grog and Gruel)

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.

Michel Roux Jr at Inverlochy Castle offers a unique Highlands dining experience, with the famous chef's team 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.

Lat year Michel Roux Jr launched Seasgair, a new, immersive dining experience at the castle. 

Seasgair, which is the Gaelic for warm, cosy and comfortable, is inspired by when the 19th century castle was occupied as a private country house by Grete Hobbs. Her cook was Mary Shaw, who served guests for a short time when they opened as a hotel in 1969.

New Scottish restaurants added to the Good Food Guide
The decor at Inverlochy Castle is a must see and a brilliant location for a meal (Photo: Inverlochy Castle Hotel)

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 both lunch and dinner menus on offer.

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 (Photo: Ben Nevis Inn)

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 travels, The Geographer takes Scottish ingredients and delivers delicious international dishes.

Located on Fort William’s High Street, The Geographer regularly features local shellfish specials throughout the summer, which can be enjoyed at an affordable price in a quirky dining room.

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

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)

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

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.

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

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 Cullen skink and crispy fish cakes, and main courses that include a range of fish and well as chicken, steak and veggie options.

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

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

Picture: Nevis Bank Inn

Known for cake making, experimental jam recipes, Champagne, whisky and gin drinking (and the inability to cook Gnocchi), Rosalind is the Food and Drink Editor and whisky writer for The Scotsman, as well as hosting Scran, The Scotsman's food and drink podcast.
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