Best Food and Drink on the NC500
Discover the best restaurants, cafes, pubs, and whisky distilleries along the North Coast 500 — from fresh seafood to craft beer and fine dining.
A Foodie Road Trip
The NC500 might be known for its scenery, but the food and drink scene has come into its own in recent years. Fresh seafood pulled from the waters you’re driving past, Highland venison and beef, artisan bakeries, and a string of excellent distilleries make this route a genuine culinary adventure. You won’t find a Michelin-starred restaurant on every corner, but what you will find is honest, high-quality produce prepared with care.
Seafood Highlights
The NC500 coastline is a seafood lover’s paradise. The waters off the north and west coasts supply some of the finest shellfish in Europe, and much of it ends up on plates within hours of being caught.
The Lochinver Larder is legendary for its pies — the fish pie and venison pie are outstanding and the perfect takeaway lunch for eating at a viewpoint. In Ullapool, the Seafood Shack serves freshly caught langoustines, crab, and fish from a converted shipping container by the harbour. It’s simple, sustainable, and delicious.
The Kylesku Hotel sits by a bridge overlooking Loch Glencoul and serves mussels, scallops, and oysters sourced from local boats. Applecross Inn is a must-stop — their king prawns with garlic butter and hand-dived scallops are legendary, and the setting overlooking the bay towards Skye is hard to beat. Book ahead in summer or you won’t get a table.
On the east coast, the Captain’s Galley in Scrabster sources fish directly from the nearby harbour and serves a set menu that changes daily based on the catch. It’s a proper seafood dining experience without pretension.
Cafes and Bakeries
Small cafes and bakeries dot the route and provide welcome refuelling stops between drives. The Cocoa Mountain chocolate shop and cafe in Durness is an unexpected delight — artisan truffles and hot chocolate in one of Britain’s most remote villages. The Shorehouse in Tarbet, near Scourie, serves excellent coffee and cakes with views over the harbour.
The Mountain Coffee Company in Gairloch is a popular pit stop for hikers and drivers alike, with strong coffee and generous portions. Further around the east coast, the Storehouse of Foulis near Dingwall is a farm shop and cafe that does outstanding baking and a hearty lunch menu.
For breakfast, many B&Bs along the route serve a full Scottish — black pudding, haggis, eggs, bacon, and tattie scones — that’ll keep you going until dinner.
Pubs Worth Visiting
Highland pubs are social hubs, and stopping in for a pint is one of the best ways to soak up local culture. The Arch Inn in Ullapool has live music several nights a week and a good selection of Scottish ales. The Anderson in Fortrose, near the start or end of the route, is a well-regarded gastropub with rooms.
The Ben Loyal Hotel in Tongue serves hearty pub food and local ales in a relaxed setting. The Old Inn at Gairloch is a classic Highland pub with an open fire, real ales, and a menu heavy on local seafood and game. In Applecross, the inn doubles as the social centre of the entire peninsula — expect a lively atmosphere and friendly locals.
Whisky Distilleries
No NC500 trip is complete without a distillery visit. The route passes several, each with its own character. Glenmorangie in Tain offers well-run tours through one of Scotland’s best-known distilleries, with tastings of their core range and limited editions. Clynelish in Brora produces a waxy, complex single malt that whisky enthusiasts rate highly — tours are available and the visitor centre is welcoming.
Old Pulteney in Wick is one of the most northerly mainland distilleries and produces a distinctly maritime whisky that reflects its coastal setting. Wolfburn, also near Thurso, is a newer operation with an excellent reputation for quality. On the west side, Balblair near Invergordon is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland and worth a detour.
If whisky isn’t your thing, craft gin has exploded in the Highlands. Dunnet Bay Distillery near Thurso produces Rock Rose gin, made with locally foraged botanicals, and offers tours and tastings.
Fine Dining and Special Meals
For a special night out, the Torridon Hotel’s dining room serves a tasting menu focused on Highland ingredients — venison, shellfish, and foraged herbs. Prices reflect the quality, but it’s a memorable experience. The Albannach in Lochinver is another fine-dining option in a spectacular setting, offering a daily-changing menu built around whatever’s freshest.
Practical Tips
Opening hours can be unpredictable outside summer, so check ahead before building your day around a particular restaurant. Many places close one or two days per week even in high season. Book evening meals in advance whenever possible — in small villages, there may only be one place serving dinner and it fills up fast. Carry snacks and water in the car, because there can be long stretches with nothing open, particularly on the north coast between Durness and Thurso.