This restaurant deserves several Michelin stars. The atmosphere is full of music of the Scottish Gàidhlig tradition. Every single item of the food I ate even down to the modest chips (fries) was an absolute work of art. The team is incredibly tasteful not only with their presentation of the food but with their service style and welcoming vibe. If I could rate it 10 stars I would!
The food was absolutely delicious. Extremely well cooked, nicely arranged and unique combinations. We didn’t have a reservation but were lucky to get a table as we came quite early (around 5pm) for dinner. It became packed very quickly afterwards which made the air in the place very stuffy - this would be my only negative remark. Everything else 10/10 recommend.
Lovely little restaurant. I visited for dinner with my colleague after a hard day in the field. Food was delicious and well presented. I had smoked mussels and sea bass. Very tasty! Would definitely be back if I am in Stornoway again!
02/23 update. The use of high quality products, mastery of flavour and cooking techniques, personally of the Chef and team, value for money and a consistent quality of food and experience. Some Chefs have come out if the covid era lethargic and uninspired. That is the exact opposite here. The smoked mussel starter I had was a perfect example of the incredible high standard and attentive detail on offer.
Still Lovely restaurant with an open plan view of the the kitchen. Staff friendly and attentive and a nice atmosphere. Chef was working on his own and the food came out promptly. Surprised that this restaurant/Chef has not had a mention in the michelin guide. Was blown away but the flavour profiles. Would be foolish to not visit this restaurant in my opinion. Easy 5 stars. Make sure you book as they are popular
Dined here on 10 November 2022. We had calamari as the starter. Spiced cod and ribeye for mains. This was probably the best calamari we’ve ever had. Batter was light and it wasn’t fried to death. The sauces and pickled cucumber that accompanied the calamari made the dish even more special for us. Steak was seasoned perfectly and had a good sear. The skin on the cod fillet was crisp and the flesh was firm and flaky. The restaurant also has a good selection of Scottish gins.
Best food I had in Stornoway. A mainly seafood restaurant but there are vegetarian/vegan options which I chose. All three courses were absolutely fantastic. Reasonably priced too as 3 courses and a cocktail came to just over £40.
Simply superb. Excellent quality for the price.
If you are visiting, or even just passing through, you should ensure you make time you eat here. The food is simply exquisite. It is worth travelling to Stornoway just to sample the delights of the Harbour Kitchen as it is a destination in itself.
One minor detail to consider: the wine list does not seem to match the foods stratospherically high standards. I do not blame the restaurant, I blame Brexit and the subsequent trade barriers the UK has imposed on itself. The wine is not terrible, I just found it ordinary.
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Their menu although fairly small is perfectly formed and is predominantly seafood with one or two dishes catering to vegetarians and those that like meat. They also have a Specials Menu listing tantalizing dishes based on that days catch. We were exceptionally lucky to order the last half lobster.
We ordered a whole load of dishes, as I have found this is my preferred relaxed way of eating. I like to mix n match, nibble here, a spoonful there.
From the starters and sides we chose :
Heritage Tomato, peach, whipped ricotta and black olive crumb (£7.50)
Sauteed Asparagus with garlic and chickpeas (£3.80)
Homemade Chunky Chips (£4.00)
Crispy Potato Rosti, wild mushroom, onion and thyme broth (£7.00)
The tomato salad was well balanced with the big juicy sweetness of the tomatoes sitting well against the earthiness of the olive crumb and the whipped ricotta there to marry all the flavours together.
The asparagus and chunky chips went down a treat with lovely contrasting textures but it was the potato rosti that was the star of these few dishes. Although sitting centre a pool of hot tasty broth, the rosti didn’t loose its crunch and every bite was incredible.
We couldn’t resist having a seafood feast when all this incredible fresh seafood available. I mean who wouldn’t right?!
The Mussels with garlic, white wine and cream (half kilo £9.50 or 1 kilo £19.00) came in steaming hot pot with some of the fattest, freshest, juiciest, most scrumptious mussels I have eaten in a long time. The garlic wine cream sauce was a beautiful consistency, not watered down at all, and it lovingly caressed the mussels gathering in pools within the shells.
The Half Lobster (£29.00) was like a gorgeous ruby jewel loaded with sweet lobster meat including the claw! (note that not all restaurants give you the claw meat). I drizzled the hot garlic butter over the entire lobster and let it smother the delicate tender meat. Seriously well cooked!
With chunky chips, freshly baked bread and a potato rosti available for dunking, moping and slurping up all the sweet lobster garlic butter and the mussel cream, this became a very memorable meal.
The staff were tremendous, very friendly and when asked about availability, seasonality and locality of their ingredients, they passed with a 10/10. There’s also a light friendly banter that they have perfected that immediately puts you at ease and encourages a very relaxed ambience.
The Harbour Kitchen may be located in Stornoway, and it might be a wee bit of a trek to get there, but by golly gosh it’s worth the drive, and the ferry boat trip!
Came here based on reviews and was not disappointed. The potato was rosti was complete comfort food and the scallops were the best I’ve had in my life! Great find in an otherwise maybe sleepy town. Deserves more recognition.
Excellent meal served by bright bubbly staff, wine list is inexpensive in comparison to food. I think I'd feel a bit done if I'd gone for 3 courses@ £52 when the main was just fish and chips. Careful choice, provided well presented tasty dishes but meant a restricted choice. Not sure I like the concept of a price for two or three courses when a number of items carry a surcharge. Salmon and crab starter with steak made £52 into £61 without any difficulty. Bill was twice what we paid at Fank next door and I'm not sure it was so much better. Maybe the chefs "performing" justifies the price.
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