Scotland, United Kingdom Food Guide: 10 Scottish food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Kirkwall

October 21, 2019 Jana Sager

Find out what Scottish restaurants to try in Kirkwall. Kirkwall (Scottish Gaelic: Bàgh na h-Eaglaise) is the largest settlement and capital of Orkney, an archipelago in the north of Scotland, as well as the most populous island settlement in Scotland. The city is first mentioned in Orkneyinga saga in the year 1046 when it is recorded as the residence of Rögnvald Brusason the Earl of Orkney, who was killed by his uncle Thorfinn the Mighty. In 1486, King James III of Scotland elevated Kirkwall to the status of a royal burgh; modern roadsigns still indicate "The City and Royal Burgh of Kirkwall".
Things to do in Kirkwall

10. Harbour Fry

3 Bridge Street, Kirkwall KW15 1HR Scotland Seafood, British, Fast Food, Scottish Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible +44 1856 873170
Food
Service
Value
Overall Ratings

4 based on 97 reviews

Harbour Fry

Reviewed By OntarioCanuck1

Friendly service, good fish and chips, both eat in and take away. Central location to ferries, worth a stop for a simple meal.

9. The Storehouse Restaurant With Rooms

Bridge Street Wynd, Kirkwall KW15 1JD Scotland Seafood, European, British, Scottish, Healthy Lunch, Dinner, Drinks Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Table Service, Private Dining, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards [email protected] +44 1856 252250 http://www.thestorehouserestaurantwithrooms.co.uk/
Food
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4 based on 170 reviews

The Storehouse Restaurant With Rooms

Opened in July 2018 this B Listed Old Store has been fully renovated by Judith Glue and David Spence and is situated in the centre of historic Kirkwall. It has been converted into a ground floor restaurant with bar serving Lunch and Dinner with 8 luxuriou

Reviewed By clairewickham1954

Lovely, stylish surroundings in a converted storehouse. Good acoustics and attentive staff. The menue focuses on local produce, especially fish. The Westray crab cakes and the marinaded mackerel were both delicious starters and the main courses were even better. Outstanding lemon sole with a creamy texture and huge hand-dived scallops. The scallops were the best I have ever tasted. I think we'll be back in 2 days time.Fantastic just what we like to hear and thank you very much for your 5 star review

8. Ayre Hotel & Restaurant

Ayre Road, Kirkwall KW15 1QX Scotland Bar, Scottish, Seafood, British Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Table Service [email protected] +44 1856 873001 http://www.ayrehotel.co.uk
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 256 reviews

Ayre Hotel & Restaurant

The Ayre Restaurant & Bar enjoys a sea front location and is only short walk to the shops and town centre. Our team of high experienced chefs bring you the best of local produce with no frills, just home made and hearty cooking. We have an extensive menu

Reviewed By MAM280

Cordon bleu it is not but the food is very tasty and the portions are large. The fish and chips is excellent as the fish is so fresh as are the scallops. Didn't try the desserts but the grimbister cheese starter and the smoked salmon were very good.The restaurant staff are mainly young people doing summer jobs and a bit disorganised at times in this very busy restaurant, which is very popular with locals. Ila is a star - always smiling and helpful whether at breakfast or dinner, and often both.The rooms are clean and comfortable with nice toiletries but since the showers are of the overhead type the provision of shower caps would have been good.Dear MAM280Thank you for your review. We are pleased you enjoyed the meal. Our food is always honest, home made and hearty. We do have a mix of all ages in our restaurant staff and being summer holidays, our young people are always keen and enthusiastic and looking forward to their dinner shifts. Ila is one of the pillars of our Ayre team and rightfully a star, always caring and efficient towards our guests including regulars. Its nice that you enjoyed your stay as well and we do some stock on request and would have gladly brought up a shower cap. Thank you for taking the time out for a constructive review and we hope to see you back in orkney soon.

7. Kirkwall Hotel Restaurant

Harbour Street, Kirkwall KW15 1LE Scotland European, British, Scottish Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Breakfast, Late Night Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +44 1856 872232 http://www.kirkwallhotel.com/restaurant.html
Food
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4 based on 786 reviews

Kirkwall Hotel Restaurant

Reviewed By pepich2019

6 people, 1 vegitarian, all were happy with their starters, mains, drinks and desserts. Everything would have been perfect... if there wouldn't have been 1 specific member of the serviceteam, who managed to mishear lemonade for whitewine, forget to note all starters, didnot remove dishes in time, remove full classes, and topped all of that with unfriendly behaviour.But... although one person can make and lasting bad impression, this place doesnot deserve this. I would visit this wonderful restaurant again.

6. St Magnus Cafe

Broad St, Kirkwall KW15 1DH Scotland Cafe, British, Scottish Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Takeout, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible +44 1856 873354
Food
Service
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 166 reviews

St Magnus Cafe

St magnus cafe is near the bottom of the website mentioned above

Reviewed By 44herbie71

Always a friendly welcome, great soup and a varied selection sandwiches and filled rolls. There scones and home bakes are fantastic. A very reasonable priced place to eat. Hi ThereThank you for your kind remarks I`m pleased that you enjoyed your visit to the café and will pass on your remarks to the rest of the staffThanks Peter

5. St Ola Hotel

Harbour Street, Kirkwall KW15 1LE Scotland Bar, British, Scottish, Pub Drinks, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch Reservations, Seating, Street Parking, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Cash Only, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Outdoor Seating, Highchairs Available [email protected] +44 1856 875090 http://www.stolahotel.co.uk
Food
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4 based on 208 reviews

St Ola Hotel

Reviewed By Orkho

After having an enjoyable evening meal in the St Ola during our last visit to Orkney in May, we opted for a lunch on this visit.Nothing has changed, a nicely varied menu, reasonable prices, a pleasant dining area, good quick friendly service and an enjoyable lunch.Recommended

4. Lynnfield Hotel

Holm Road St Ola, Kirkwall Scotland British, Scottish Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service, Free Wifi +44 1856 872505 http://lynnfieldhotel.com/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 253 reviews

Lynnfield Hotel

Reviewed By Anita37

Ate here twice during our 4 night stay on the island. Place has the feel of a slightly worn minor country house (which we liked) to it, menu whilst quite short still offered a good choice for everyone (we don't eat meat). Service was timely, food well prepared and presented, and whilst certainly priced on the higher side, offered good value for what you received and for the whole dining experience. Oh yes and a good wine choice too.

Kirkwall Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Kirkwall

3. Helgi's

14 Harbour Street, Kirkwall KW15 1LE Scotland Bar, British, Pub, Scottish, Gastropub Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night Buffet, Seating, Street Parking, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music [email protected] +44 1856 879293 http://www.helgis.co.uk
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 988 reviews

Helgi's

Firstly it is important for any new visitors trying to book or visit Helgi's to know that we are an over 18's only bar. That includes throughout the building and at all times. Helgi's is a small cosy pub overlooking the harbour. We serve good pub food of

Reviewed By chrisd199029

I was here last night for the first time with my aunt and we really enjoyed it the crab fondue was absolutely brilliant and the haggis macaroni chesse was brilliant as well I will definitely be back when I visit Orkney next year That's great to hear, glad you enjoyed it so much. We look forward to seeing you again next year!

What to do and see in Kirkwall, United Kingdom (UK): The Best Places and Tips

2. The Shore Restaurant

6-8 Shore Street, Kirkwall KW15 1LG Scotland European, British, Scottish Dinner, Lunch Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Table Service [email protected] +44 1856 872200 http://www.theshore.co.uk/restaurant.asp
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
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4 based on 353 reviews

The Shore Restaurant

Reviewed By rhondakdan

We loved this restaurant so much! The breakfast was simple but so yummy and cooked to order. Our dinner was absolutely amazing. In fact, the majority of the group said it was the best dinner we had throughout the 2 week trip!

Where to eat British food in Kirkwall: The Best Restaurants and Bars

1. The Foveran Restaurant

St.Ola, Kirkwall KW15 1SF Scotland European, British, Scottish Dinner Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Validated Parking, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +44 1856 872389 http://www.thefoveran.com
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 649 reviews

The Foveran Restaurant

At the Foveran, you can enjoy the finest Orkney produce in a relaxed and modern setting with stunning views across historic Scapa Flow. Superb seafood features on our menu along with prime beef and lamb. We work closely with local livestock farmers, fishe

Reviewed By davidwB6194TR

Second visit in eight days and many more over the years! The FOVERAN never disappoints and often brings pleasant surprises! Tonight was no exception - a warm welcome and service from local staff who knew the menu inside out and were always cheerful and helpful. The food was just out of this world - generous portions, freshly cooked vegetables served in a warm atmosphere where there was a buzz of conversation. Three fillet steaks and two lamb - preceded by a bisque and followed by delicious Orkney ice cream! Evenings to remember and cherish when we return to the deep sooth! THANK YOU to the chef and all the staff.

Most Popular European food in Kirkwall, Scotland, United Kingdom

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