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Dining Out on Islay

Places to eat on Islay, and you can expect to be well-fed and well-watered, with a fabulous choice of places to dine. All you need to do is decide where you want to visit. Dine in a distillery, enjoy top pizza from our island pizzeria, sample seafood, enjoy some great pub grub and more. Below is a guide to some of our recommendations of where you can go for some good food and drink so you can stay fuelled up while on holiday.

And if you would prefer a takeaway? Bridgend Hotel (Bridgend) offers a great takeaway menu. Ellen’s Wok, Chinese takeaway, (Port Ellen), the Taj Mahal, (Bowmore) Indian restaurant and takeaway, Islay’s Plaice (Bowmore), an excellent fish and chip shop, and The Golden Dragon (Bowmore), offer takeaway. A lot of the local hotels have takeaway options so do give them a ring to find out what is on offer.

Islay Oysters, Craigens Farm

(45 mins by car from Persabus)

Islay’s exciting new seafood restaurant at Craigens Farm, Loch Gruinart. Enjoy choosing from a delicious menu of oysters, grown and farmed just down on the shore below, crab, pulled beef, and lamb. Homemade breads and soups, and delicious home baking.

The Oyster Shed is Open Thursday to Monday with lunches served between 12noon and 2.45pm

Enjoy lunches, teas, coffees and home baking! Do book your table in advance to avoid disappointment For more information call 07376781214 or visit The Oyster Shed

Ballygrant Inn a fabulous dining experience close to Persabus

Ballygrant Inn is just five minutes by car from Persabus, or on a lovely summer’s evening why not build up an appetite by walking? It is about 45 minutes to Ballygrant Inn on foot, and you can walk on the path beside the main road. For a taxi, contact Attic Cabs, (07944873323) situated handily in the village of Bowmore.

This is a great place to eat, and is close to Persabus? Enjoy David’s delicious home made curries, seafood, steaks and pies. Enjoy dining out at one of Islay’s best whisky bars, with a huge selection of malts to accompany your dinner.

Ballygrant Inn & Restaurant | Family run Inn on the Isle of Islay (ballygrant-inn.com) Serving delicious home baking and coffees. Bar food and restaurant menu.

Ardbeg Distillery : The Old Kiln Café

(45 min drive from Persabus) Old Kiln Café Open Monday to Friday 10:00am – 12noon for coffees, breakfast rolls and home baking. Lunches from 12noon, last orders 4.15pm Open Mon to Fri until the end of March, and seven days a week April – October.

Tel 01496 302244 for any further information and to book a table

Peatzeria

(20min drive from Persabus)

From November the restaurant will be closed Monday and Sunday and open Tues-Wed 5pm-9pm and Friday and Sat 12.30 – 9pm.

Sharon and Paul and their team will look after you at Peatzeria. An excellent restaurant with consistently high reviews, delicious home made Italian food, this is not a restaurant to be missed! Definitely book well in advance it is a very popular choice among locals and visitors. If you can’t get a booking, order one of their delicious takeaways and head to the beach.

Peatzeria Call to book a table or order takeaway 01496 810810. www.peatzeria.com

Bowmore Hotel

Bowmore Hotel is a 20 minute drive from Persabus.

Restaurant and Bar serving an extensive and delicious menu. For more information visit www.bowmorehotel.co.uk Email [email protected] or call 01496 810416

Bridgend Hotel and Restaurant

The award winning Bridgend Hotel serves delicious food and is handily only a 10 to 15 minute drive from Persabus.

Enjoy lunches and evening meals. With a cocktail bar, or a warm welcome in Katie’s Bar, Bridgend Hotel is a popular place with the locals. The Bridgend Hotel – Isle of Islay (bridgend-hotel.com)

Celtic House, Shore Street, Bowmore:

The Celtic House (Roys) are open Monday-Saturday, 10am-4:30pm, serving a range of coffees, teas, milkshakes, smoothies and more, as well as a selection of cakes. There are gluten/dairy free options as well as some vegan options. Open on a first come first served basis, there is no need to phone and book ahead. +44 (0)1496 810304 www.theceltichouse.co.uk

Lochindaal Seafood Kitchen

(30 min drive from Persabus) Open evenings Tues – Sunday 6pm – 8.30pm, lunches 12 – 2pm Friday – Sunday Closed Mondays. Bookings are advisable, call 01496 850000 to make a reservation.

Islay Studio

The studio and gallery in Islay square also serves hot drinks, coffees, teas and hot chocolate and selected cakes is open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm, but the opening hours are likely to be extended as we get closer to the summer. https://islaystudios.co.uk

Kilchoman Distillery

(40 min drive from Persabus)Café open 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. Enjoy soups, paninis, salads and more, as well as delicious home baking.

For more details or to book go online Islay Distillery Tours | Whisky Distillery Tours at Kilchoman | Visiting Us (kilchomandistillery.com)

Email [email protected] or telephone 01496 850011.

Labels, Shore Street, Bowmore

(20 min drive from Persabus) Open 9-5 Monday to Saturday and Sunday 11-4pm, for coffee, pies, scones, cakes and gifts. Sit in or take away.

The Loch Indaal Hotel, Port Charlotte

(40 minute drive from Persabus) Bar and food served. Lunches 12.30 – 3pm and evening meals 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Booking advised. Please pre-order seafood 24 hours in advance.

Machrie Hotel

(30 min drive from Persabus) 18- Restaurant and Bar, The Machrie Hotel Open daily for breakfast (7am to 10am); lunch (noon – 2.30pm) dinner (6pm to 9.30pm) Soup and Sweet Treats. For reservations call 01496302310 or email [email protected]

Craigard Kitchen, Ballygrant

(5 mins by car from Persabus, or a 45 min walk) Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm

Enjoy delicious light lunches, fabulous home baking, and afternoon teas. This incredibly popular coffee shop offers a warm and friendly welcome and absolute delicious treats. For more info Craigard Kitchen

Order delicious Charcuterie and Cheese Graze Boxes to take away (order 24 hours in advance). These are fabulous sharing platters to enjoy with a dram or glass of wine, a great option if you fancy a night in on the farm, or take them on your island adventures to the beaches and beyond.

Port Charlotte Hotel:

(40 min drive from Persabus) Bar and restaurant open 7 days a week. All day for coffee and cakes and drinks. Lunch: 12-2pm. Evening meals: 5.30pm to 9pm (last order).Takeaway Friday and Saturday nights available to pick up between 5.30pm and 7pm. One menu throughout the hotel (Bar, dining room, conservatory) There is an outside terrace overlooking the bay and seating at the front of the hotel. Outside tables on the terrace can be booked for meals. Booking advisable. Please phone 01496 850360 to book a table or order takeaway. Menus on the website www.portcharlottehotel.co.uk

Flossie’s Kitchen, Port Charlotte

(45min drive from Persabus) Licensed Community café adjacent to campsite. Open 8.30am – 5pm for food. Breakfasts, lunch and dinner served . Takeaway also available. Booking is recommended so please call 01496 850121

Sea Salt Bistro and Takeaway, Port Ellen

(30 min drive from Persabus) Open 7 days a week. Breakfast/coffees 10 – 11.30am; lunch 12 – 2.30. Evening meals 5 – 8.45pm Booking essential. Takeaway available during opening hours. Call 01496 300300

The Balaclava Byre

The Balaclava Byre is a 30 minute drive from Persabus in the village of Port Ellen. Serving local Lamb, Venison, Pork, Beef and Seafood

Open Mon 11am-2pm and 5pm-8pm, Wed 5pm – 8pm, Thurs 5pm – 8pm, Fri 11am – 2pm, and 5pm – 8pm, Sat 11am -2pm and 5pm – 8pm, Sun 11am -2pm and 5pm – 8pm

Taj Mahal, Bowmore

(20 min drive from Persabus) Enjoy fantastic Indian cuisine. The Taj Mahal is open 7 days a week and offers dine-in or takeaway options. If you like Indian food we recommend you try the Taj Mahal. 01496 810033. Taj Mahal, Bowmore , Islay | Facebook

Islay’s Plaice Fish and Chips

A 20 minute drive from Persabus, based in Bowmore. Enjoy sit in breakfasts between 9am and 12noon. Daily lunch specials are served between 12noon and 2.30pm or takeaway fish and chips, burgers, kebabs, and wraps.

Open Mon – Thurs 9am to 9pm, Fri and Sat 9am -10pm and Sun 4pm – 9pm

Port Askaig Hotel

(5min drive from Persabus) Bars open for drinks including freshly brewed coffees and speciality teas daily from 11am until 11pm inside. Beer garden till late. We will be open for lunches in both bars and beer garden – with fab views – from 12 – 2.30 last orders. Evening Meals 6 – 8.30PM last orders. Tables should, where possible, be booked in advance. 01496840245 or email [email protected]

An Tigh Seinnse

Portnahaven, a 45 minute drive from Persabus

Tucked away in the picturesque coastal village of Portnahaven, An Tigh Seinnse is an absolute treasure and well worth a visit. A true village pub full of local charm and character, An Tigh Seinnse serve excellent food throughout the year. It is definitely worth booking as space can be limited during busy times.

Tel: 01496 860725

Jura Hotel, Craighhouse, Jura

Head across on the Jura Ferry and enjoy some delicious food. It is always worth booking in advance and just checking the Hotel will be open and serving food, before heading off. Bar and beer garden open to non residents for coffees, lunches and evening meals. Please call to book on 01496 820243. Please check the website for current opening times www.jurahotel.co.uk

The Antlers Ice Cream Cafe, Craighouse, Jura

Open 8am to 6pm – lunches, snacks, drinks, ice creams. Please book by calling 01496 3053Islay Sea Adventures

Now offer (bookable) seafood specials on their boat trips and tours. Enjoy tucking into a tasty seafood platter as you cruise around the islands. Seafood Special Trip – Islay Sea Adventures (islay-sea-adventures.co.uk)

Accommodation

Explore our delightful Islay accommodation where we have a fabulous choice of country accommodation on this beautiful island.

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Things to Do

There is so much to see and do on the beautiful island of Islay and we have a section to help you decide what to do when you visit here.

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Testimonials

Just come back from a wonderful long weekend on Islay (our first visit) and so pleased we chose to stay at Persabus in the B&B suite. Rosemary and Donald are lovely owners and were extremely helpful with suggestions on places to eat which was particularly helpful with us staying off season! Location perfect for walking to Ardnahoe and Bunnahabhain distilleries. Absolutely delicious bacon (and tattie scone!) rolls and coffee every morning. Very comfy bed. I can’t fault it. Will be our base for inevitable future visits. Thank you so much.