Seafood with a view in Oban & Lorn

Oban and Lorn has miles of glorious coastline, with myriad islands sitting off its shores. It’s not only a beautiful coastline, it’s a productive one too, with a fabulous array of fish and seafood hauled fresh from the surrounding waters. There’s no better place to sample Scotland’s sumptuous seafood in stunning surroundings. You’ll find a host of restaurants, pubs and hotels serving up local seafood in breathtakingly beautiful coastal locations. So if you’d like to enjoy scallops by the sparkling sea, mussels by a moonlit bay or lobster by the loch, head to Oban and Lorn.

Oban's Top Seafood Restaurants

The fishing port of Oban, known as ‘Scotland’s Seafood Capital,’ is the place to sample the region’s fresh seafood. The setting of this bustling town on the Firth of Lorn couldn’t be more scenic. Oban Bay is a near-perfect horseshoe, protected by the island of Kerrera, and beyond Kerrera lies the Isle of Mull. To the north is the island of Lismore. From award-winning fine dining to family-friendly gastro pubs to the freshest fish and chips, there's seafood for all tastes and budgets in Oban.

The Waterfront Fishouse

Across on Oban’s South Pier you’ll find one of the town’s top fish restaurants. Housed on the top floor of a converted seamen’s mission, the Waterfront Fishouse serves up the finest fish and shellfish landed at the quay just a few metres away. The menu ranges from classic haddock and chips to fresh oysters and scallops. Treat yourself to a plate of local langoustine (caught that day by ‘Gordon the Prawn’), Isle of Mull scallops or a seafood taster platter. Or how about oysters from the clear waters of Loch Creran just north of Oban? Try them naturally with beetroot piccalilli, grilled with smoked paprika butter or deep-fried with seaweed mayonnaise. Make sure you check out the blackboard for daily ‘just landed’ specials. The views from the restaurant are tremendous, looking out to Kerrera, Lismore, and the mountains of Mull and Morven beyond. Enjoy a seafood feast to remember while the sun sets behind the islands.

The Green Shack

For more fresh seafood head to Oban’s famous Green Shack on the CalMac Pier. This Oban institution was set up by fisherman John Ogden in 1990 to sell seafood caught by local fishermen. It’s an alfresco dining and takeaway-only shack which serves enormous seafood platters, sizzling scallops, whole cooked lobster and the best crab sandwiches you’ll ever taste, all at incredibly affordable prices. It doesn't get much better than this for the seafood lover! The views over Oban Harbour are phenomenal too. Take a seat at the outdoor communal table, tuck into your crab claws and watch the ferries to the Hebrides coming and going.

The View

The View is Oban's versatile Scottish restaurant and bar. Enjoy fish and chips overlooking the harbour on their popular waterfront terrace and stay on for a traditional Scottish ceilidh or live music.

Seafood Restaurants That are Worth the Short Drive

Creagan Inn

The cosy pub Creagan Inn is only a short drive from Oban. The contemporary Scottish pub by Loch Creran in the village of Appin, serves honest pub food to suit all tastes. It also has a fantastic whisky bar with a wide varity of local Scottish whiskies, gin and more. So, grab a seat on the outdoor terrace, pour yourself a wee dram and take in the stunning views over Loch Creran.

The Pierhouse Hotel at Port Appin

For more spectacular coastal views and sensational seafood, head north to the Pierhouse Hotel at Port Appin. Sitting on the shores of Loch Linnhe with views of Lismore and Mull, the setting couldn’t be better. The hotel has an award-winning seafood restaurant. Dine on fresh, local produce simply cooked to perfection - and served with an unbeatable sea view.

The oysters are from Loch Creran oyster beds, the mussels and langoustines are harvested from Loch Linnhe and Loch Etive while the lobsters and crab are kept mouth-wateringly fresh in creels at the end of the pier. For something more relaxed head to the Ferry Bar; the outside terrace is a great place to enjoy a meal on a sunny day with views down the Lynn of Lorn.

Loch Melfort Hotel at Arduaine

Head south to the Loch Melfort Hotel at Arduaine for yet more great seafood complemented by wonderful coastal views. The hotel’s two restaurants include the 2 AA Rosette Asknish Bay Restaurant and the Chartroom II Bistro. Both offer local seafood in stunning surroundings. The view over Asknish Bay and out to Shuna and Jura is simply breathtaking.

Staying longer? Plan a weekend getaway to Oban & Lorn and explore the stunning area. There is a wide range of accommodation available, from self-catering to luxurious hotels.