Where to Eat in Helensburgh: The Best Restaurants and Bars

November 26, 2017 Venice Greaves

Helensburgh (/ˈhɛlənzbrə/; Scottish Gaelic: Baile Eilidh, lit. 'town (or burgh) of Helen') is a town within the Helensburgh and Lomond Area of Argyll and Bute Council, Scotland. It also has its own Community Council. Until local government reorganisation in 1996 Helensburgh was in Dumbarton District and hence also in Strathclyde Region; prior to 1975 it was a small burgh with its own town council within Dunbartonshire. In the Middle Ages it was within the Earldom of Lennox, an area sometimes referred to as The Lennox. It lies on the north shore of the Firth of Clyde and the mouth of the Gareloch is close to the western boundary of the town.
Things to do in Helensburgh

1. The Upper Crust

88A West Clyde Street, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Helensburgh G84 8BB, Scotland Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Seating, Accepts Credit Cards French, Scottish Dinner HK$102 - HK$385 +44 1436 678035
Excellent
70%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 56 reviews

The Upper Crust

Good Food in a relaxed atmosphere. Great ambience for family gatherings or romantic evenings.

Reviewed By Margaret M - Helensburgh, United Kingdom

WOW! Great meal, great service. Mary & Roger, were fantastic. Had arranged this for my daughters birthday and the friendliness of their approach was so comfortable. As we were eating early they accommodated all my requests, the service of the party of 24, was efficient. The food was amazing. It is a forgotten gem. I will be back.

2. Mira Mare

82 West Clyde Street, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Helensburgh G84 8BB, Scotland Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Highchairs Available Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$8 +44 1436 673766
Excellent
70%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 184 reviews

Mira Mare

Reviewed By tgmcdonald - Helensburgh

The bruschetta and lasagne were of excellent quality, although presentation of the lasagne could have been much better.
What lets this place down is the very poor condition of the decor. The carpet is so worn that it looks dirty. The ceiling and walls are dated and the clutter of tacky ornaments needs cleared.

3. Mandarin

86 West Princes Street, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Helensburgh G84 8XD, Scotland Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Chinese, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +44 1436 672228
Excellent
54%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 182 reviews

Mandarin

Reviewed By milinky2017 - Dumbarton, United Kingdom

A regular visitor to the Mandarin, always good. Service friendly although this time was very slow and seemed Takeout took priority over restaurant orders. Tasty meal and will definitely be back. Beef in Mandarin Sauce highly recommended.

4. The Commodore

112-117 West Clyde Street, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Helensburgh G84 8ES, Scotland Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Bar, British, Pub, Scottish, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +44 1436 676924
Excellent
41%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
6%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 431 reviews

The Commodore

Embracing the rural charm of its tranquil, scenic setting, The Commodore offers a modern twist on traditional country pub dining. As well as offering a beer garden for enjoying summertime dining, the cosy dining room is filled with rustic original features and toasty fires for warming winter dining. Championing favourite British recipes, guests can enjoy evenings devoted to the inn's freshly-baked pies, as well as gourmet roast dinners and seasonal cocktail mixes.

Reviewed By RockingRicky - Helensburgh, United Kingdom

I am just back from The Commodore after having a very nice two course lunch consisting of a duo of pate for a starter followed by the Chicken/Thyme pie.Food hot, very tasty and well priced with excellent service from pleasant staff.Two of my favourite beers on tap so all in all an excellent lunch which will be finished of with a catnap.

5. The Wee Kelpie

82 West Clyde Street, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Helensburgh G84 8BB, Scotland Takeout, Wheelchair Accessible Seafood, Fast Food, British, Scottish, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +44 1436 675000
Excellent
69%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
5%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 471 reviews

The Wee Kelpie

Selection of Fish and Chips cooked to order. Gluten free available at all times. Childrens menu and special offers available.

Reviewed By TheBroonsofBrum - Birmingham, United Kingdom

My family bought dinner from here on our recent visit to Helensburgh. I was really looking forward to trying The Wee Kelpie based on previous reviews but unfortunately we were all disappointed with our meals. The chips and haggis were very greasy and the haddock nothing special, the best bit was the mushy peas. I've had a better chippie from The Sun for a lot less. Maybe we were unlucky and had an off night but I don't think I will try it again on a future visit.

6. Cafe at Kilcreggan

Princes Terrace Shore Road | Shore Rd, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Helensburgh G84 0JJ, Scotland Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Delivery, Reservations, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wifi Cafe, British, Scottish, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Dinner, Late Night +44 1436 842022
Excellent
57%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 161 reviews

Cafe at Kilcreggan

Reviewed By Bilco747 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

During a visit to Helensburgh, we decided to drive round the Roseneath Peninsula. Stopping at Kilcreggan to visit and photograph the small Pier, we noticed the Cafe.
We ordered tea and toasted teacakes. The teacakes were delicious, served with lashings of butter which melted in. Absolutely delicious!
This is a very nice Cafe, not just serving teacakes, but offering a wide range of food, including seafood.
The Staff were friendly and efficient.
Well worth stopping for if in the area.

7. La Barca Spanish Tapas & Wine Bar

33 West Clyde Street | nr Loch Lomond, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Helensburgh G84 8AW, Scotland Outdoor Seating, Buffet, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi, Reservations, Full Bar Mediterranean, European, Spanish, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Drinks HK$55 - HK$220 +44 1436 268518
Excellent
67%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 777 reviews

La Barca Spanish Tapas & Wine Bar

La Barca Spanish Tapas And Wine Bar is officially Scotland's Best Mediterranean Restaurant three years running. You can find three tapas from £9.95 daily till 6pm. This multi award winning restaurant offers vibrant, authentic taste of Spain in luxurious, colourful and cosy surroundings. La Barca boasts a boat shaped bar, beautiful harbour scene mural and a generously stocked feature wine cellar. Relax in the luxurious surroundings and enjoy delicious tapas and paellas prepared by Spanish chefs and served by friendly, attentive staff. Check out the board for their list of local suppliers including eggs and sausages from their local farm and butcher. Not just a place to eat, La Barca is perfect for a glass of wine, cocktail or coffee. Tapas served daily from 12noon to 10pm with 3 tapas from £9.95. Hasta Luego x

Reviewed By JamesMAlexander - Dublin, Ireland

Three of us ate at La Barça in Helensburgh today. Fantastic choices on the menu and a great deal of €9.95 for three tapas dishes.
We had the following dishes and all ate parts of them - patatas bravas, albondigas, garlic prawns, chicken tempura in batter, the fish in batter, mushroom balls, lion of pork on Catalan bread, and the polenta crusted halloumi chips. We all really enjoyed all food, tasty and fresh.
Two of us had desserts - sticky toffee pudding and the mint chocolate ice cream. Again, we enjoyed them.
Lovely place inside, spacious and comfy yet smart. Lovely views overlooking the Clyde. The staff were pleasant and attentive, service was quick too.

8. Masala Twist Helensburgh

29 James Street, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Helensburgh G84 8AS, Scotland Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards Indian, Asian, Balti, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$102 - HK$275 +44 1436 676665
Excellent
60%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 443 reviews

Masala Twist Helensburgh

Reviewed By Nicole J - Glasgow, United Kingdom

Ate here with a table of 6, 4 adults two kids, really nice atmosphere and comfortable setting, food was delicious, very well made, proper authentic curries and tasted very fresh. I had two Gins both of which were reasonably sized measures for a decent price. All staff were attentive and friendly when asked for anything. Will definitely be back.

9. Riverhill Courtyard Restaurant & Bar

26 West Princes Street, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Helensburgh G84 8TD, Scotland Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards Scottish, International, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$55 - HK$220 +44 1436 676730
Excellent
64%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 450 reviews

Riverhill Courtyard Restaurant & Bar

We strive to produce delicious food and serve delectable coffee in stylish surroundings. We are a group of like minded souls who want to champion the cause for nutritious, moreish grub and freshly roasted coffee ground to order.

Reviewed By _michaeltcotterell - Helensburgh, United Kingdom

It was my Birthday so my family treated me to an afternoon visit to the Riverhill. Our Grandchildren were provided with crayons and colouring sheets, so while they were occupied we enjoyed cocktails. Most enjoyable visitt.

10. Dino's Cafe

31 West Clyde Street, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Helensburgh G84 8AW, Scotland Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible Cafe +44 1436 674667
Excellent
53%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
3%
Terrible
13%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 81 reviews

Dino's Cafe

Reviewed By Julie R

Bought two ice creams that were priced very reasonably. The Mint choc chip icecream was full of wee icy bits which wasnt great. Staff member was very polite.

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