Seven unforgettable Argyll food destinations you can do in a day from Glasgow
Gourmets from across the globe visit Argyll and the Isles to experience the region’s incredible food and drink. From the freshest seafood to traditional delicacies, and world-class distilleries to venison from the hills, there’s a huge array of delicious local produce on offer. What’s more, there are countless restaurants and cafés serving up this fine fayre. Some of these are just a hop and a skip from Glasgow. Escape the city, enjoy stunning scenery and treat yourself to an Argyll culinary experience – all in a day from Glasgow.
Ocho, Inverarary
The Georgian town of Inveraray is around an hour and a half’s drive from Glasgow and offers a choice of great places to eat. Ocho Inveraray offers a delicious seasonal menu featuring the freshest seafood, sandwiches and cakes. Relax in the warm atmosphere of the restaurant whilst enjoying the exceptional views over Loch Fyne and surrounding rolling hills. Make sure you visit Inveraray Jail and Inveraray Castle while you’re in town.
Mount Stuart, Bute
Bute is Argyll’s most accessible island. It’s easily reached from the Central Belt of Scotland and makes an excellent day trip from Glasgow. Hop on the train at Glasgow and you’ll be in Wemyss Bay in around 50 minutes. From here, the ferry crossing to Rothesay on Bute takes about 45 minutes. You’ll find loads of great options for eating, but for something really special head south to Mount Stuart, an incredible 19th-century manor house. Work up an appetite with a stroll through the glorious gardens before enjoying a delicious lunch at the Courtyard Cafe.
The Loch Fyne Oyster Bar & Restaurant
For seafood fresh from the loch, you can’t beat the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar. Sitting at the head of Loch Fyne on the Cowal Peninsula, this seafood restaurant is just over an hour’s drive from Glasgow via the famous Rest and Be Thankful mountain pass. Loch Fyne Oysters produces seafood in the loch, as well as smoking fish on site, all of which is served up in the beautiful restaurant. Feast on local seafood, from oysters straight out of the clear water of Loch Fyne to Loch Fyne kippers. Just up the road is Fyne Ales, where you can take a brewery tour and buy beer as well as beef from the estate’s Highland cows to take home.
Inver, Mid Argyll
For world-class dining, a trip to Inver on Lachlan Bay is a must. It will take a little longer to get there – it’s about an hour and a half from Glasgow – but it’s well worth the effort. Voted among the ‘Top 5 seafood restaurants on the UK coast’ by Condé Nast Traveller, you’ll find stunning dishes on the menu, featuring lots of local seafood, meat and game. Enjoy a simple lunch of fresh seafood and home-made sourdough bread for lunch. For dinner it’s a fixed, four course menu of modern, creative Scottish cooking. There’s also the option to stay over – Inver offers luxury bothy accommodation.
The Blairmore, Cowal
Located only a short drive from Dunoon, you'll find The Blairmore on the shores of Loch Long across from Blairmore Pier. The fully licensed Cafe/Bistro offers a wide selection of locally sourced produce, full range of breakfast dishes, lots of home-baking, light meals, speciality coffees and teas, wine, cocktails, Loch Fyne ales and local spirits. All served with a smile and a warm welcome. Sit in, sit out or takeaway.
On your way back to the ferry, stop for a quick takeaway treat at Coast Coffee, located at Dunoon Pier.
Waterfront Fishhouse, Oban
The fishing port of Oban, known as ‘Scotland’s Seafood Capital,’ is a fantastic foodie day trip from Glasgow. The train journey from Glasgow to Oban, part of the scenic West Highland Line, takes around three hours. Oban is packed with great places to eat and drink. Take a stroll to Oban’s South Pier, where you’ll find one of the town’s top fish restaurants, the Waterfront Fishouse. Treat yourself to fish and shellfish landed at the quay just a few metres away. Feast on a plate of oysters from nearby Loch Creran, try some Isle of Mull scallops or a seafood taster platter. For exceptionally fresh seafood try Oban’s famous Green Shack on the CalMac Pier. It’s an al fresco dining and takeaway-only shack serving up sensational seafood platters.
Five West, Tighnabruaich
Image: Hidden Scotland
Based in the idyllic coastal village of Tighnabruaich, Five West has been a thriving community hub since 2020. The café is a fantastic place to recharge after exploring Argyll's Secret Coast. Choose from a wide selection of sandwiches, wraps, and lunch specials. You can even try some of the award-winning Argyll Coffee!
