It’s fine dining, but without serious fuss. Inspired by Pamela’s stints at Noma and Faviken restaurants, her food is a Hebredian take on New Nordic-style cooking. While her dedication to provenance and reducing waste earned her Scotland’s only green Michelin star. The forageable landscape is reflected in the regularly changing menu, but expect dishes like mussels, chickpeas and spinach broth or brill with sea kale and seaweed alongside the freshest Loch Fyne oysters, langoustines and crab.
Address: Strathlachlan, Strachur, Argyll, PA27 8BU
Website: inverrestaurant.co.uk
Neil Skinner
The Colintraive Hotel
Among moreish starters like crispy haggis bonbons and hearty langoustines from the nearby Isle of Gigha or Tarbet in simple garlic butter, there are often really exciting dishes here that you won’t find on other menus in the area, such as sticky Korean chicken wings, doused in sesame seeds, or pork brawn terrine.
Much of its food is cooked on a Japanese grill and quality local produce – especially seafood – really shines. Joe and Clare took over in 2019 after moving from London, although Clare is from near-ish Greenock. The dining room is a relaxed mismatch of vintage furniture and modern art prints, and the Kyles of Bute waterway is visible from practically all tables.
Address: Colintraive, Argyll PA22 3AS
Website: colintraivehotel.com
The Oyster Catcher
Another right-on-the-water’s edge pub, the Oyster Catcher is on the easterly side of Loch Fyne at Otter Ferry. When the sun shines at this incredible setting, it comes into its element as its outside picnic tables are even closer to the loch. If you’re here at sunset in summer, you’re in for a show.
Run by Phoebe and Steve Keene, front of house and chef respectively, the menu is elevated pub food, with classics like fruit de mer landed from Tarbet or fish and chips as well as seasonal local game, from mallard to partridge and venison. It’s modern dishes done well.
