Esplanade Hotel in Argyll & Bute

Met up with a friend for lunch today. ALWAYS reliably happy with our meals at The Esplanade over the many years.... But today's young chef was very astute with his skills. We had *Cullen skink, the baguette was fresh and warmed....so often it is not; (it's the little things like this that make you come back,), *fish n chips, and *incredibly chunky steak pie, with a lid rising up to the ceiling I'm my opinion all 3 meals really were the best examples on the island. Well done to: *The Esplanade for keeping up the standards of quality which bring people back * The Chef * The always friendly and helpful waitress 😁 (Love the new curtains and furnishings 😁)

Don't know what to say other than we walked in and the entrance/lobby stank. It just had a horrible smell. We couldn't continue on upstairs after this so never had a meal. I knew I wasn't making it up in my head when a woman walked in 10 seconds after me and said 'oh what a smell' and turned back around. My sister in law who has loss of smell from long covid wasn't able to smell it so went on ahead so we had to call her back out. I actually came on here and was surprised that there wasn't a mention of it. Maybe I should give them the benefit of the doubt and assume this must be a one off and try again sometime. Although it smelled like a lingering smell that had been around a while. It was a shame as after looking at the reviews here the place seems to get good reviews for the food.

I had steak pie, potatoes and veg, I've had numerous pies over the years but that was the best pie I've ever had and the veg was cooked to perfection.

Excellent restaurant, food served hot and well cooked and very promptly. Friendly staff, nice view. We couldn't ask for more

Outstanding.Tremendous meal. Staff were excellent and prices were very reasonable. Will certainly be back as soon as possible.

We had 2 haddock and chips, one with mushy peas, the other with salad. The haddock was superb, crunchy to the end, something that is sadly lacking in a lot of restaurants nowadays. The salad was dressed, and the mushy peas were very tasty. All in all, a well cooked meal and with 2 soft drinks £28. Great value. The menu was extremely varied, and the specials board a great choice. We would most certainly go again.

We ate here initially as there are not many places in an evening to eat. We came twice and the main course portions were very good value but the puddings were very small portions. Staff we very pleasant and helpful. Recommend that you book on a weekend.

Really great meal at Esplanade hotel. Went to get a quick bite to eat on a Sunday when not many places were open. The food was delicious with very generous portions of traditional comfort food (we had the Sunday Roast, Scampi and a kids mac n cheese). The staff were friendly and helpful, the dining room is spacious with lovely views. Good value for money. Would visit again for sure.

We had a family lunch here yesterday to celebrate an 80th Birthday, service excellent, food was amazing with very big portions. A family of 5 plus drinks for under £70. We returned again today for lunch before we head back home to Watford. Will return again when we visit our family in a couple of months.

I wish there were more places like this these days. Unspoilt, period charm, not ruined as many places are, by being "updated" by faceless corporations. The soul of this delightful art deco hotel remains. We enjoyed the warmest of welcomes, delicious home made food with enough choice for any appetite. Great portions too. Please never change. Can't wait to return. Oh yes, and views over the harbour too.

Excellent value unpretentious hotel. Spotlessly clean, exceptionally lovely staff and very comfortable bed. A few minutes walk from the ferry and with great views..The reception isn't always manned but the system is well communicated and common on the islands and away from the large cities.

Don't be put off by the exterior of this place, the Sunday roast is amazing - the best roast potatoes I have ever tasted! Well worth a visit - especially for a Sunday roast.

Absolutely terrible hotel. Rooms so run down. Carpets a mess. Paid £80 defo not worth it. Complained got no where. Noise from the street was wild. Need double glazing. Leak in toilet. No one about to tell issue too. Tried call number , nothing. Messaged. Still nothing back. Stay clear this hotel.

First time using this place as my usual place for food was having issues. I now have a new place for food in Rothesay. Staff were friendly and attentive and very apologetic for the delays due to it being very busy but we were told this right at the start but in the end it wasn't too much of a wait. A nice menu with specials board as well. Food freshly cooked to order with a good sized portion which unfortunately left us full with no space for dessert from the nice selection available. Will defo be back again with the lovely view across the esplanade to the sea.

Dropped in on the off chance of getting a table on a Saturday early evening. The restaurant was busy but we got a table. The outside of the building is in need of a lick of paint and inside is a bit dated decor wise, but absolutely no complaints about the service or the food. The staff were excellent, just lovely, genuine folk. Good choice of options on the menu, and the food and drinks were served quickly. Portion sizes were generous and prices were very reasonable. Proper home cooked style food. Would have no hesitation on a return visit when in Rothesay again.

What a hidden gem! Just lovely, best meal we've had in ages. Friendly staff, couldn't do enough for you. Fantastic portion sizes. We'll definitely be going back.

Nice food with several vegetarian options. Service was extremely friendly and welcoming.

Arrived with 1 hour to spare for our dinner as a busy function had book out this place , all 3 meals were amazing and staff were great . Would recommend.

amazing service and huge delicious portions!

We visit Bute several times a year and come to the Esplanade for lunch every time. There is a wide selection of delicious meals to choose from and currently even a festive menu. We rate the macaroni cheese as the best we have had in Scotland! Sticky toffee pudding also delicious! First class, friendly service from the owner. Looking forward to our next visit.

Meal in the restaurant food good, service good quite a good atmosphere. Very busy. In need of a bit if updating. Centrally located on Rothesay.

Traditional Scottish restaurant, with a nice atmosphere. Staff were very friendly and welcoming to our large family group. Service was quick and efficient, with a good selection for everyone.

Lovely meal. Staff very helpful.Will be returning

Good Hospitality Staff and the cooks are professionally Highly recommended the Food was out of this would Me and my wee family would go back Thanks to yous all

Chips advertised as home cut they were frozen chips. Fish was the size of a tadpole awful/watery cold in middle was frozen fish even the mushy peas were watery in taste. Could not eat any of it. No Tarter/sauces out.

Nice first floor bar/restaurant overlooking the harbour and town square. Excellent comprehensive menu and reasonably priced with good selection of wines. Friendly staff and quite quick service despite being busy. We both had Cullen Skink and I had lasagne both of which were tasty. Nice Tempranillo wine to wash it all down

Fantastic for tasty varied menu to suit all. Scallops were super tasty and partners steak pie trully delicious. Staff brilliantly attentive and so good at their job

Excellent menu and friendly staff. Looks a bit run down from outside, but very cosy inside. Lovely food and very reasonably priced. Recommended.

Old building with a nice entrance and i liked the old bar inside. Ordered penne carbonara,kids chicken nuggets, fish cakes and a tuna wrap. Very nice with good service. Was going to mention dated signage but wife thinks that the whole of bute is the same so dont bother its part of the appeal. Highly recommended

Best steak pie going - delicious meat & gravy and top notch chips! Will definitely be returning. Lovely staff & very fast service.

Food is great but 1 member of the I.e. the owner perhaps need to learn some people skills. Very rude, bullies staff and slams cupboards right next to ur table. Feel for the young girl who was waiting on our table. As a resident if bute used to eat once twice a week but we have self barred ourselves due to the rudeness of the owner.

Dropped in for dinner - very friendly and attentive service. The food was fresh and delicious and extremely reasonable. It doesn’t look much from the outside but highly recommend trying it!

The Esplanade Hotel restaurant in Rothesay provides an excellent dining experience. The food is exceptional, with a wide variety of delicious options to choose from. The service is top-notch, as the staff is attentive and friendly, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable meal. The restaurant's location across from the ferry adds to its convenience, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists. If you're looking for a delightful dining experience in Rothesay, the Esplanade Hotel restaurant is definitely worth a visit.

Some of the best food, I think we have ever tasted, could not fault it in any way. We were welcomed by Angela who at once made us feel at home , very friendly and helpful, a little gem. Will visit again. Top marks.

Called in on a wild and windy night, where we were originally planning on another location that was full. Seen it advertised from the road and in through a bottom door up the stairs to the restaurant/lounge area. Waitress - Angela came over quickly with the menus and a warm welcome. Both had a soft drink, and Opted for the lentil soup, which was welcoming on such a horrible night. Starters came quickly again with a chat about the ferries and the weather, as you do. Mains were the chicken tempura and scampi, with both plates loaded with the food, so much that we both could not finish. Both plates were very good and rounding off with a coffee a bill just under £45. Would definitely visit again if we return to the island

We went with our children and grandchildren and friend for my husband’s birthday Wow service was amazing Angela and her staff work so hard to make everything perfect and they succeeded Food is amazing and such good value Can’t wait to visit again to this warm and welcoming restaurant

Looking for somewhere to eat on a Monday night visit to Rothesay we decided to go to one of our go to restaurants. The food was fantastic as per previous visits. Tempura Chicken with chips and Penne Carbonara with Garlic Bread with a couple of drinks hit the spot. Service was great as well. Loved our visit again.

We arrived in Bute today and are staying at the Victoria. Dinner service tonight was available at the Esplanade, so we thought we would try it. We have been in Scotland for three weeks, and this was the worse meal that we have had since...

My partner and I visited the restaurant on Saturday 24th September. Although the restaurant was busy and we had not booked we were happy to get a table. As the staff were so busy I told the young waiter not to bother bringing the wine...

We enjoyed a very pleasant meal and at a decent cost in the current climate. The only downside was the lack of staff that many other restaurants are also experiencing. Despite being absolutely run off her feet, our waitress Alison did incredibly well to keep...

Very average, but service was quick and friendly. The food selection was large, but not to my taste.

Great value, really good food ( sweet and sour best I have tasted!) nicely served. Decor is a bit dated and basic but this is reflected in their prices. All round good value.

My husband, daughter and I had a lovely meal at the Esplanade last night, I had the lasagne, daughter had Balmoral chicken and Hubbie had the lamb shank which was one of the ‘specials’,everything was perfectly cooked, service was great and food and drink reasonably...

With very few options available for dinner and being very wet from the rain, we were lucky to bag the last remaining table. I was a little concerned at the smell of burning oil/chip fat smell coming from the kitchen however the food was very...

Three friends plus myself each had a three course meal. We were not disappointed with any course. The meals were hot and plentiful, served politely and cheerfully. We had a window table with a view of the ferry and had a very enjoyable evening.

Terrible experience. We were told the food would take a while but to wait over an hour was ridiculous. At last the food arrived but apart from the chips it was luke warm. I returned it twice but it was still not hot. They told...

Excellent food, affordable price and friendly staff. I would visit again if I ever came to the island. I would recommend this restaurant. I would also recommend booking.

Very good quality pub food with helpful staff - the restaurant accommodated five of us arriving late on a quiet evening.

We visited the restaurant on both of the nights of our stay on the island. We arrived early between 530 & 6pm reserving a table for the second night as the restaurant did get very busy. The menu had an excellent variety of meals at...

I wasn’t that hungry & had a prawn cocktail starter, which was huge, my partner had the steak pie, lovely comfort food & reasonable & lots of it, lovely views. It was freezing inside (for me it was anyway) I sat with my coat on...

Three of us went for an evening meal at this hotel, the restaurant is on the first floor and the first impression is one of slightly faded glamour, but we were seated right at the front on a raised area right in front of the...

Our family of four ate here. The food was unexceptional but prices were reasonable (£67 for 4 mains, a bottle wine plus 4 drinks) and portions were generous. My wife thought her fish and chips had possibly been cooked in over-used oil but I wasn't...

Had a lovely bar meal here. Staff were very friendly and welcoming. Very reasonably priced too. Thoroughly recommended. Lovely views of the pier and harbour

I booked this restaurant when we visited Bute for my husbands 60th birthday. The smell of old chip fat going upstairs was awful. Specifically asked for a window seat in May and was assured this was confirmed. Arrived and was greeted by a very unwelcoming...

Angela and the other waitress were very busy but they were excellent. The quality of the food was good but I was disappointed that the steak pie and chips came with very little veg. But the veg was undercooked. Also, the pie was just warm...

First family meal out in a long time Food was delicious,fish cooked beautifully lovely and crispy,chips also amazing Steakpie was delicious

The restaurant is on the first floor and is spacious, feeling Covid-secure. Good quality food at very reasonable prices

I work across in bute for a few days every month and rarely miss a chance to eat here, the staff are always so friendly, wether your a regular or it’s your first time you’ll be made very welcome, the soup is a must for...

Arrived on Friday 13th for the weekend as I was visiting friends on the island. The hotel looks nothing like the pictures on the website. A coat of paint would really improve the image. Advertised free parking, no free parking or car park, on street...

We were in Rothesay for the day. Close season so not a lot of choice. Went for a meal here before getting the last ferry home. We both ordered Steak Pie, my partner had a lot of steak in hers, I had two bits, really...

Drawn here to taste the beer and use the WiFi. However as we had a dog with us on holiday we were unable to all visit with him. I appreciate that not all diners want to share a restaurant or bar with dogs and their...

On our recent visit I had the haggis, neeps and tatties with a side of chips and the peppery sauce, I'm salivating just remembering how fantastic it was, my wife had the steak pie. Once again the food was fantastic and as usual the service...

We had arrived in Rothesay in mid evening and out of season. Our B & B host recommended this hotel's restaurant and we found it in the town centre. We found the restaurant before their stated closing time, the staff were still serving restaurant guests....

Was visiting Rothesay with a friend and went into the bar/restaurant for an evening meal. It was around 8pm on a Friday evening and there were 2 staff on duty; to tend bar, take food orders, serve and manage payments. We sat for ages before...

After many previous visits as a weekend Islander, we have come to the end of the road with The Esplanade. Excellent convenience (facing the ferry) is now the only positive factor we see, but alas, is no longer attractive to us as a family. Let's...

Ate here three times during a four night stay in Rothesay, It looks unpromising and could do with a makeover but on the plus side there is a good view over the harbour and ferry landing from the dias tables by the window , not...

Had dinner here with a group. Food was good and produced quickly. Scottish fare, large portions. Place generally needs a bit of an upgrade but OK. View from windows is good. Service is first class. Waitress was very good, both at serving and chatty. Brightened...

Walked in unbooked and seated immediately. Food was excellent and big portions. Reasonably priced. Great views of the ferry. Worth visiting.

Went in to the restaurant for lunch and were welcomed straight away, seated next to the window with a gorgeous sea view. Menu had a lot of choice and portions were huge. Food was lovely, the steak in the baguette was incredibly tender and the korma was not overly creamy, will definitely visit again to try something else

Don’t know how this place gets away with it . Small portion of macaroni and horrible chips put down to us . £8.95 each !! The wee woman serving was quite abrupt and seemed impatient with us . Used to be a favourite when we visited Rothesay , but we won’t be going back here . Shame ! Used to be really good portions and lovely food .

Booked a table, arrived on time. Other tables/walk-ins arrived after us and were served ahead of us. Waited 15 minutes for menus and to order a drink. Another 15 minutes to order food, which arrived half an hour later. Gave up on second drinks order that would be taken in "2 minutes" and didn't bother with puddings as could see how long people were waiting. Staff worked hard but overall a disappointing experience. Food was fine. Used to be a reliable place with decent food but gone downhill.

Lucky to get even one star! Food was vile and service was shocking! Two people working when one of the buisest days on the island, telling people to hurry up as there is a full resteraunt and that shes done with the day and could go home,also Angela William's who is the owner of the place was very rude when we complained told my partner she didnt have time for complaints which I shocking and no one should be spoken too like that! my chips and cheese was swimming in grease, salad was old and unpleasant,haggis was forgotten on the burger so cold limp of haggis was just slapped on, kids meals were wrong too. I really dont recommend this place at all.

Recommended by locals , nice place if a bit run down but lovely views across the bay from the upstairs restaurant . Good service , reasonably priced food and drink.

I found the menu and food quite basic for the price and portions were small. It wasn't by any means horrible, I just expected more for the money. It seems quite a grand entrance so I wasn't expecting what is essentially pub grub.

We were in there yesterday for lunch, we wanted somewhere kids could go, somewhere to sit down and relax. Well, this ticked the boxes. Kids meals were £4.50, main meals about £9. The food was outstanding. My children had mac and cheese, husband had fish, I had home made steak pie. It was so beautiful, we all loved our meals. We were full for hours after. When we go back we want to go again x

Had a great stark pie staff so so so welcoming and very friendly defo a place to drop in amd have a bite to eat

Do not be put off by the entrance on the square as the interior upstairs is very nice. Waitress was very pleasant & attentive. Food was filling & delicious. Service was excellent unlike our experience the previous night in the Victoria (sister hotel) on the main street. I have submitted a separate review/warning!. Would recommend the Esplanade.

Went doon the watter for the day and found a diamond in the rough. Does not look much from the outside and still not blowing you away inside although we did get the box window seat But the food was superb. Best Fish and chips I've had in donkeys. A welsh couple had just sat down at the table next to us as our food arrived. They took one look at my plate and asked for the same. Had to rush for our Ferry so did not get chance to try Desserts but for Fish alone its worth a visit

I've been extremely generous by giving 1 star. They deserved zero stars. We arrived at our booked table on time. After we ordered our food, we sat waiting for 45 min with nothing but just water on our table. Coffee arrived quick but no sign of food. The kids were getting restless and starving. The table of people who were seated before we arrived, started getting their foods after 45 minutes. At this point, we spoke to the waiter to find out how long it would be. We were told the chef was then starting to make our orders and that it would be another 20 minutes or so until food arrive. We were shocked! None of us were happy. We decided to speak to the manager at that point. The manager blamed us for arriving as a large group of 10 together. But our table was booked. This was unreasonable. Then she blamed us for not telling them in the beginning that we were in a hurry. This too is unreasonable. We were not in a hurry but who waits an hour for food to arrive at a restaurant? We've eaten out thousands of times in our entire lives and never did we had to leave a restaurant because food was so delayed and never arrived. We were told they were operating with only one chef that day. They should've told us that right at the beginning. They should've given us an estimated wait time. The restaurant was not only run down and stuffy but the manager was awfully rude. She didn't let us leave. But we had no food arriving for us to wait. Not even cheap snacks to keep us going. My husband wanted to call the police because the manager made the situation horrible. We just left in the end. We went to a small cafe nearby and got served everything within 10 minutes. The management should review their business and not blame innocent customers. Hire a better manager at least. They ruined our family day trip to Bute. This makes us not want to return to Bute ever again. Thank you very much!

Four of us ate here portions were huge. Everything was piping hot too that makes a big difference. We had a lovely friendly waitress who served us. Everyone very welcoming too.

Wandered in by chance, for an evening meal, and a couple of drinks.

We ate here on the friday night and although Angela was very busy she made sure everyone was looked after, we only met her that afternoon when we went in to book a table and she was very helpful. The scallops with black pudding and bacon were delicious.

Walked in and quite a few tables so got seated and given menus. After 10 minutes I went to bar and asked for a drink to be told by waitress we are very busy at the moment so if you sit down I’ll be over in a minute. Ok so sat back down. Waited for further 10 minutes snd still no one had been over to attend to us. Just not good enough. Won’t be back!

Fantastic service from both staff and great value .nothing was any bother Would definitely recommend this place for families

had a lovely meal here served by Angela who was so chirpy and friendly.Portion sizes were large but delicious. Looks a we bit grotty and could do with a face lift but otherwise had a pleasant evening x

Very nice food and angela was a loverly helpful waitress we had fish and chips . The resturant had a loverly veiw too.

They do say eat where the locals eat and I think this is the place.

Wow. Just had a brilliant Sunday diner in the esplanade restaurant in old Rothesay town. My wife and I went for the steak-pie, she had chips ( which technically is a steak pie supper but the chips tasted home made and came in abundance). I had the jacket potatoes, fluffy and light. Pastry, crisp and tasty but it was the meat that really hit the spot. As soon as it was presented to our table I knew it was good because of the delicious aroma rising from the plate. Talk about melting in you mouth it was way beyond that. Fresh seasonal veg added to the delight. Apple pie and custard to follow. Good service and well priced. Certainly will call in next time we’re on Bute. Hilda and Alan

The whole place may look shabby but the dining room was very nice overlooking the harbour and the fish and chips were first class homemade chips and fresh fish very good. We had asked a local where to get a good lunch and she recommended this place and she was right.

We asked the lovely and friendly waitress for a front window table and she told us it was not available due to high activity - not correct. Thoroughout our late lunch, the table we wanted was never occupied. WHY could we not have the window table we wanted ?

Popped in here for a meal when staying on the island for the weekend. Very very average food, nothing really to write home about.

Visited here for breakfast, very dated appearance, staff very slow but very polite waited ages for the ordered food and definitely wasn’t the best, would I return here probably not

Steak pie was nice, puddings portion small for price, sticky toffee pudding was burnt, chocolate fudge cake very bland lovely view but we weren’t allowed sit next to window due to daughters age.

Great service, and most welcoming. Right beside the ferry terminals. Cullen skink was full of favour. The salad needed a dressing. Fish and chips was a huge portion. Very reasonable priced

Fantastic meal in the restaurant on our weekend visit to Rothesay. Portions were a good size and all in was great value for money.

Rothesay like a lot of holiday towns in Scotland has struggled in recent years but most resturants/pubs in the town try their very best to provide a good experience. This place still thinks its in its heyday and can treat customers like they are a nusiance to be tolerated. Bar stock was poor and service appalling. Never got to sample the food as we were told we couldn't have a window table but could sit over at the side. No explanation or softening of the blow! We left and went to the Blackbull where the food, service, drinks and price were excellent. After our delicious meal in the Blackbull we walked back past the Espanade - and guess what - one of the window tables was still available. Avoid and go somewhere else that appreciates your patronage.

Although the food was good, we think that a little more imagination by the chef wouldn't go amiss. Having said that, we would certainly eat there again. The staff were courteous and friendly & any problem was easily solved by them. The entertainment in the evening was far from being top class but was very good.

Lovely sunday lunch, food hot and homecooked all fresh. Great selection of drinks, lovely view of the town and bay. Always visit when on island.

Disappointed in the food as the menu says home made burger but it was definitely not home made onion rings were the frozen ones out a bag and not fresh onions.needs a refurbishment. Staff were very polite

3 of us had a lovely 3 course Sunday dinner here. The homemade soup was outstanding, the roast was delicious and finished off with a lovely Sticky Toffee Pudding!!! Great value, friendly service and very reasonably priced too.