Julia's Cafe in Orkney Islands

A friendly cafe on the harbour in stromness. Good for drinks or snack food Convenient for the ferry terminal Definitely recommended

Straightforward cafe from a shed outside the bistro which was closed. Filled rolls up to £6.50 ish, 50p extra for soy or oat milk in coffee. Outside seating under a gazebo/tent

Popped in here before heading home, seemed to be the only cafe open in Stromness today. Arrived to the outside eating area, headed to the shed, ordered coffee and tea, asked for teabag on the side of the cup, young assistant didn't see this as an issue. Went to peruse the very limited cakes on display, although it was late in the day. Chose two tray bakes, interrupted by older apparently irritated older assistant presenting as highly adjitated, she said I couldn't have the teabag on the side as I wasn't getting a cup and saucer!? I was well aware it would be in a takeaway cup, I have lived through the pandemic and restrictions like everyone else! She was making such an issue of my teabag out request, I suggested the teabag could go on top of the lid or I could just hold the teabag, incredulously she asked with surprise if I wanted to teabag on the lid, I was ready to cancel my order and leave if she continued to question this surely not unimaginable request because I take tea weak? The younger assistant handed me my lidded water with teabag on it with no drama. Very odd situation, doesn't take a PHD in common sense to work out I just didn't want the teabag stewing in the cup.Tea was tea, traybakes were average, prices was high for what we bought. Julia's might be a case of The Emperors New Clothes in Stromness as the have the market being situated directly opposite the harbour and surrounded by ample free parking. Wouldn't return.

It saddens me to have to give a lower review than I have in the past for Julia’s as this has always been a must visit for us when we are in Stromness. We stopped here for lunch before our scheduled booking for Skara Brae, so didn’t have much time. I was very disappointed with my visit and was surprised to find the main restaurant closed, with the only seats available outside under a marquee with picnic benches. Fortunately it was fine weather (quite rare in Orkney) so we took a seat for lunch. The menu was extremely limited with only a couple of hot options, a soup and some takeaway rolls already prepared and on the shelf. The soup was served in very small takeaway cups, as were the hot drinks which is not adequate portion size for the price. We didn’t really have time to go elsewhere, so we ordered two rolls, a burger and a can of coke which came to just short of £20 - pretty expensive for eating out of paper bags with napkins. I don’t understand why Julia’s was operating in this way given that Orkney is in Level Zero, yet still charged as much, if not more for a very simple lunch. It’s a real shame for the local and loyal visiting customers - I think you could do a lot better Julia’s.

Stopped by for tea while waiting for the tide to open Brough of Birsay. The staff were very friendly, and my friend and I decided to grab something for takeaway before we set off--not realizing that they were already working past their closing times! But they were extremely kind and threw together some sandwiches for us. I'm gluten free and made use of their gluten free buns. The lady who made my sandwich let me know she'd been extra careful to keep it clear of cross contamination. We were very grateful!

After a strenuous walk around Stromness, smelt the coffee in passing. Julia's has added a covered outside area of seating to accommodate covid restrictions.Had take away chai latte & cappuccinos whilst under cover from the elements.Friendly staff & good choice of menu - quick food, sandwiches, soups, drinks & lovely home bakes

Just off the ferry and a bit of time to kill prior to bus to Kirkwall so wandered across the road to the cafe. The main Bistro was closed but Julia's She'd was open so we helped ourselves to some hot soup of the day and a couple of traybakes. Have to say the warm soup helped keep the chill away sitting on the picnic benches outside. The traybrakes had to wait until we got to the hotel though as the bus arrived. The tray bites were delicious and I would recommend a visit if you are waiting for a bus or the ferry back to the mainland.

Went here with the family and had a great lunch. Everyone cleared their plate so that says a lot with two fussy teenagers. The staff were great and were very patient despite being busy. Will certainly go again when in the area.

Visited this restaurant years ago. We had a tasty snack lunch there again today. Still very good standard of food served quickly and efficiently by young lads who did an excellent job.

Great parking - right outside! With it being Feb, the parking was also free. Had the beef burger and a coffee. Very nice and reasonably priced. Staff were lovely and I'd definitely return. Easy to find - right on the front.

We visited in the hope of a hot drink and some food after visiting wonderful Neolithic sites in the icy wind. The cafe was highly recommended by the guides at our last stop. But when we sat down, over an hour before closing time, a waitress told us that the cafe was closing, and there was no food available. So we made to leave, and asked if there was anywhere else in Stromness to have a cup of tea.She and another waitress said we could get a tea to drink outside! When we said it was really cold outside, and we just wanted a hot drink and something to eat, they relented and said, 'well, if it's just a cup of tea, that would be fine'. After that we were served by someone else, and had a perfectly normal cup of tea and cake. Whilst we sat there other visitors came in, and were served quite normally. We don't know why we were being hustled out of the cafe, but it was an odd, and unpleasant experience. So unlike the rest of Orkney!

Small cafe serving good food in clean surroundings. Do you need more? Would certainly return. Not many tables but that means it's more cosy. Menu is quite simple but a reasonable range of various meals. Pleasant helpful staff.

After already having purchased 3 large coffees and 2 pieces of cake we were joined by a friend who had already ordered their coffee. On asking for 3 more coffees that we could enjoy with our friend we were very abruptly told that there was only 3 minutes left before closing time and was refused to be served. We have be using Julia’s for many years and feel very disappointed in this service.

We would have liked to stay and enjoy the premises but it was a little too noisy for our tastes.The take out coffee we enjoyed on the water front

Just a quick visit for lunch, and both had chicken burgers. They were so good we went to the butcher round the back and bought some to take home. Apart from that, service was slow but friendly and chatty (probably because it was peak time at lunch)

Stromness is a great little town to explore on foot by walking from one end to the other then finishing up at Julia's cafe for a drink before getting the bus or boat to your next stop. Just friendly, well situated and chance to rest after your walk.

Popped in for a cup of tea and little cake alongside All was very pleasant and the locals were there too

The place was quite busy so it was a good sign. Good wholesome warming food. The service was good and the staff were super helpful and friendly.The four of us ate here for £71.35 and we didnt eat that much, so it's not the cheapest around but you do get what you pay for after all! Make sure you try deluxe caramac tray bake - my goodness, heaven on a plate!

We stopped in this busy cafe on a midweek lunchtime in September. Service good, excellent homemade soup plus well filled sandwiches. Enjoyable!

We first discovered Julia's for lunch. We had just arrived on the Hamnavoe Ferry and were looking for something to eat. It was a blustery, rainy day. The warm atmosphere in Julia's contrasted dramatically with the weather outside. The soup (lentil) was great. Sandwiches were good. Tea cakes and scones ... I could go on. In fact, during our stay on Orkney we've been back several times.

Siamo entrati in questo bar in quanto il meteo non stava avendo molta pietà di noi, la mia compagna ha preso un the e una pasta, io ho chiesto una birra ma erano in attesa del rinnovo della licenza per la vendita degli alcolici per cui sono rimasto a bocca asciutta.... il resto era comunque di bellissimo e invitantissimo aspetto.

Just by the ferry dock, sat in the sunshine and had the best crab salad ever!! Other half had the scampi which he totally enjoyed. Would recommend eating here, good service too.

Julia’s provided food that I could actually eat, being recently gluten and dairy free, and everything was delicious!

We were looking for a place for our lunch break coffee during our Orkney round trip. We found Julia’s Café and since there were a lot of people in the restaurant we went in. We had no cash and saw the MasterCard/Visa Symbols at the door. We had a nice coffee and want to pay. At the cashier we saw a hand written paper, minimum payment for credit card 10 £. The cashier wasn’t very friendly when I asked for payment in Euro or Dollar. At the end of the discussion we must take one more coffee - this is not a fair price policy for traveling customers. In all Scandinavian countries you can pay also small amounts of money with a credit card. So why not here?

We came here for lunch after seeing it in the Orkney islands leaflet we got in the ferry ... on looking online we like the variety in menu.. the staff are friendly and tell us all about the menu .. the food was average and portion sizes are small for the price .. even the sandwiches are just 1 big slice folded in.. a lot of salad is given though... in my opinion not too expense for the portion size ..

Went in for a cup of tea and a slice of cake one afternoon. Good choice of cakes/pie. Busy and friendly. Outside seating adjoins a car park which I wasn't sure about, but inside is fine.

One of the Best in Stromness and soon to have an Ice Cream Palour too. Opposite the ferry terminals so it can get busy but the food is worth waiting for. Staff were polite and helpful so worth a visit of you're hungry. Good menu.

Il locale è molto curato, il personale molto educato.

Lovely location, perfect for the ferry to /from Scrabster.

Bar-ristorante sul porto. Davvero delizioso. Piatti freschi preparati al momento. Anche vegetariani. Consigliato.

I found one member of staff very grumpy. This has happened more than once. The food is reasonable and promptly served. Toilets could do with a more regular clean . Little more to say but not planning a return visit.

Just across from the pier and ferry there was benches outside so you can relax in the sun and have a good cup of tea or coffee and of course ice cream.

Julia’s cafe by Stromness harbour serves great fish cakes, smoked salmon, and crab. Good service and inside/outside seating. Close to ferry and town.

The kids waited patiently all day for the ice cream break after the tour. We stopped at the marina and all had ice cream and some fudge. Delicious.

Surprisingly it was difficult to find a place to get a few in Stromness at 4pm on a July Saturday. Julia's was a little more pricy that we'd paid elsewhere in Orkney, and it was initially very busy and loud, but soon quitened down where the large groups of elder locals moved on. Great cake and a large pot of tea.

Good sandwiches and cakes in this tea room which is conveniently located near the Ferry Terminal and Bus Station

This is just the place for excellent coffee and great baking, or to choose an excellent lunch/tea from the imaginative menu. The staff are always friendly. Being situated close to the Ferry Terminal a good place for something to eat on arriving or before leaving!

Oddly we had lunch at Judith Glue on the Saturday which was very disappointing and over priced. Julia’s Cafe was completely the opposite! Super friendly helpful and chatty staff, very tasty food and really good value. At Judith Glue I had a terrible single slice ham sandwich, at Julia’s I had an Orkney beef and gravy rolll with 5 slices of beef which was so tasty and only 95p more than the single slice of ham! Would defo recommend

Can be busy because of it’s convenient location near ferry terminal but the staff is pleasant the carrot cake is delicious.

having arrived too early to check into our cottage, we came to Julia's for some home baking and coffees. Scones were great and so was my rocky road. Lovely little place, which also put up with divers dripping over the floor!

Great food and service in nice surroundings. My husband and I had lunch here while visiting Stromness. Excellent cakes too!

Superb food and drink with and a friendly atmosphere. Catered for all eight of including a 2yr old perfectly. Highly recommended.

After a long adventure traveling from New York to Orkney, it was wonderful to remember that Julia's, first discovered by us two years ago, offers exceptional food and is vegetarian friendly. We made this our first meal in Orkney, but it was not our last during this visit. The location is convenient by the Stromness Ferry and there are outdoor tables for when the weather cooperates. Julia's offers a wide variety of tempting dishes including scrumptious desserts. Our servers were competent and pleasant.

I came in at an odd time, well past the lunch hour. I was given a friendly welcome and enjoyed my Orkney Crab salad very much - a good mix of fresh vegetables and a generous portion of crab. I liked having them separate, with the dressing on the side.

Homemade cakes looked delicious, we enjoyed scones, date slice and kit-kat rocky road! Modest but popular cafe with good service.

We dined here a couple of times, the staff are friendly and the food good. It's a great location at the harbour and no doubt lots of people from the ferry use it. Highly recommended.

Nice cafe, good menu with good choices. Had to chase up a waiter/ess despite one walking past and ignoring us. First visit was better with no faults.

Very nice lunch - closed at 4.30 when we fancied a cup of tea on a rainy day. We had fish pie - they forgot one of the orders.

We just got off the ferry and needed some lunch. What a great find. I had Crab salad it was lovely. The staff were friendly. Great cafe.

A very busy cafe with outdoor seating but too cold for that when we visited. We only sampled the cakes which were excellent but noticed that the seafood looked very good too. Strategically positioned for a pit stop before using the ferry.

We dropped into Julia's for lunch on our visit to Stromness. We sat in the conservatory area, where dogs are very welcome. I had Julia's fish pie which was absolutely fabulous, full of fish and served with salad, chips and homemade coleslaw (really yummy!). Paul had the smoked salmon and horseradish fish cakes, which tasted really good too! Great friendly service with a smile, and water brought to the table for the dogs too. Thank you for a great lunch

My friend and I came in early, just for coffee but were tempted by the breakfast menu. I'm not vegetarian but the veggie breakfast was recommended so I thought I'd give it a go... and I'm pleased I did! It was an excellent size portion and the walnut patty and Glamorgan sausage were both delicious. The pot of tea accompanying it was the perfect size too.

Its always busy here which is always a good sign.

If you're in Stromness and looking for lunch or afternoon tea... you may be headed to the pub next door. But pause, look to your right and you should see Julia's Cafe and Bistro. Go check it out. A nice airy conservatory to watch the world go by from, particularly on a dismal day. A simple , but tasty and varied menu. Great cakes and hugely welcoming staff. Sadly we missed it at lunch time, but are heading back for supper and have just enjoyed tea and cake

This is a lovely cafe right on the harbour. Clean place and very friendly staff. Myself and partner had lunch here. The special crab sandwich was lovely and fresh tasting, my partner had a roast beef bun which he enjoyed very much. We had coffee and cake too. The carrot cake was lovely and moist and ‘the best carrot cake ever’ according to my partner. They seem to use a lot of the local produce and homemade dishes which are lovely. Would love to go back here!

This place closes at 5.00, so lunch is the big rush for them and it gets very busy - perhaps not all of the time, but certainly when we were there. There were no tables free, so we had to wait about 10 minutes till someone left; a couple of tables were reserved, so it appears the best idea would be to book in advance to make sure you can get a meal, as there really aren't very many places to eat in Stromness. My one suggestion to them is that they have some sort of system for seating people in order of arrival, as that element was chaos when we were there. No one of the staff was within sight when I arrived. We had to ask people when/if they were leaving and finally found someone who was. While we were eating, others were coming in constantly and in one case were greeted and told it would be a 10 minute wait, then another couple arrived and started looking for a table for themselves as there was no one to greet them, but the first couple hadn't yet been given a table. At busy times, it would make more sense to have someone to greet and take names, not run off and start serving and leave people to fend for themselves or have others come in and queue jump. Sorry about the complaint, as the food really was lovely, interesting menu choices, very friendly and accommodating staff. Shame they aren't open for dinner! Perhaps they could expand both hours and seating, as it seems they could easily fill a larger area.

The place was extremely busy and we had to wait for a table. Despite how busy there were, staff were still smiling and friendly. The coffees were OK, as was the Garlic Chicken burger. This was almost fast food style of food – we were disappointed that the chicken in the burger was reconstituted chicken like you get in nuggets. We were expecting ‘real’ chicken. The Hawaiian Melt was tasty.

Popped in here for lunch whilst waiting for ferry to Shetlands. Great plateful of local produce and well prepared and served. Delicious menu and cakes.

We visited this lovely cafe having just disembarked from the Northlink Ferry, it is so handy just over the road from the ferry terminal. A very warm welcome and a good menu to suit all tastes plus they have scrumptious baking, all very reasonably priced..Quick service from cheery staff. Enjoy!

Excellent cafe, food was good, nice seating and service was excellent... very friendly and I highly recommend it. A must visit if in Kirkwall...

Enjoyed a pleasant light lunch of soup and sandwiches whilst visiting Stromness. Friendly helpful staff with a reasonably priced menu. Well worth a visit

As already mentioned, there aren't that many places to eat in Stromness so the cafe can be busy even in April. Saying that, Julia's is a bright, friendly place with a fair sized menu.

Had coffee and cake here with family Also licensed. Nicely situated at harbour with locely outside area. Staff very helpful and friendly. Would certainly recommend.

Hubby and I had walked into Stromness with our dog and were looking for a hot drink and cake before we set off back.

Went in for breakfast. The service is great. The food is amazing and fresh. Well worth a visit. Will be back in July 👍

We were really impressed with the vegan options, and Claire was very helpful in getting us well fed! Definitely recommended.

Good cup of tea and delicious prawn open sandwich. Lovely fresh bread lashings of prawns coleslaw and salad leaves. Beautifully presented and very tasty. Staff friendly efficient and helpful. Menu extensive.

We stopped here for welcome tea and cakes on a very wet, cold and blustery day. Glad to see they had a gluten-free crunchy cookie. Clean, friendly enough and nice artwork on the walls but decor felt a little bland.

Food and service excellent especially young lad that served us @ his attention to all the small details that matter & make for a good visit, nice comfortable atmosphere

Been here a couple of times and it’s a really good place for lunch with a good variety to choose from and not expensive. The service is warm and friendly and the food is very good. If you just fancy a warm drink and a slice of cake it’s perfect for this too.

Lovely clean cafe bistro in/near the harbour. The flat white coffee was good and the food people were eating also looked good.

Friendly welcome here at this traditional cafe alongside the harbour. Good food served quickly and politely.

I nipped in for hot chocolate and a shortbread and was not disappointed, both tasted lovely and the ladies who worked there were lovely and chatty asking about where i had come from and my travels.

Popped in for a lunch time treat. Lovely wee tea room with plenty choice to choose from. I had lemon cake and a pot of tea. You also get a pot of hot water with your pot of tea. Table service also

This busy cafe is located near the ferry terminal. A nice range of lunchtime options plus some lovely salads. There is also a special's board. Prices were reasonable and service was quick and friendly. Finally my lunch was most enjoyable. Recommended.

We call in the cafe for lunch while waiting for the ferry for our return home. I asked what soup was on the menu and the waitress recommended beetroot soup it was delicious

et c'est très malin que de servir durant l'après midi, tant que les clients potentiels ne sont pas dans la file pour prendre le ferry. Ce que nous y avons mangé était très bon et très frais.

Great food, service .Young man who served us was very pleasant and interesting.Busy restaurant which is always a good sign .

Visited this café after getting bus from Kirkwall to stromness. It is a pleasant cafe to eat in, good size portions can recommend the omelettes although there was so much salad struggled to finish having said that just my personal opinion. It was a busy lunchtime and we had to wait quite a while for our lunch but staff are very pleasant. All in all this café was probably the highlight of our visit as there was very little else to do in stromness

Called in at Julia's having met some fellow travellers who recommended it. Should always take random recommendations like this with a pinch of salt I remind myself!

Lovely lunch here. Lots of choice. Fresh and tasty. My omelette had a lovely salad with it, quite substantial and tasty. Lovely coffee and superb home made cakes. Would really recommend!

Cake lovely, sandwiches nice but pricey not worth what you have to pay. Shame because we would have eaten there more. Maybe fresh crusty bread for sandwiches instead of thin plain sliced bread ?

We had breakfast here on our last morning on Orkney. It’s just a few meters from where we stayed, at the Marina Apartments, and directly opposite the ferry & bus terminal, right on the harbour.

Stopped in for a lunch. We had open sandwiches, one crab & one prawn. The sandwiches were delicious and generously filled. The price was on the expensive side but well worth it in terms of what we got. Staff were friendly and helpful. Lovely place to sit and watch the world go by for a while. Was also busy but we didn't have to wait for very long for our order.

Good little coffee shop right on the dockside, nice range of comfort food & cakes, good place for a break from strolling around the streets of Stromness.

Wife had crab salad, husband had onion and stilton cheese pie, as welll as tomatoe basil soup-- all delicious outdoor dining available and appreciated closes by 5

Ambiente piuttosto spartano, prezzi non propriamente economici per preparazioni decisamente scadenti servite da personale tutt’altro che simpatico ed accogliente. Evitabile

Ate here several times when visiting Orkney. Delicious homemade food, whether having breakfast, a snack or lunch

Julias is always busy which is a good sign. The staff are helpful and the food well cooked. I like that restaurants in the UK offer a variety of wine amounts in a glass so you can tailor the amount you want.

We ate here as basically there isn't a huge range of places to eat around the gorgeous town of Stromness. The place was very busy and as usual ordered drinks first. We then waited 25 minutes for our drinks and people were getting served before us and a couple behind must have waited about 20 mins to have their drinks order taken. There were plenty of staff there so they weren't short staffed. When we got our lunch 30 mins later it was delicious however i did think paying £9 for a sliced beef & gravy batch was a bit steep no matter how scrummy it was. We were going to get more drinks and cake but feared we would have to wait ages again so decided to crack on with our exploration of Orkney. The toilets are shared -just FYI incase you think you've walked into the wrong ones like I did!!! :)

There were 8 coaches outside and the area was crammed with tourists. Yet, despite this the staff at the bistro were working diligently, politely, professionally as the orders and tourists appeared. Yes, one had to wait a little longer, but the food was delicious and the staff worked hectically and efficiently to accomodate the clients. Coffee was good too! Excellent and bravo!

Once again a visit proved excellent Best cappuccino yet Lovely outside seating ,yummy food excellent service provided a rest for weary bones

We love this cafe as it doesn’t pretend to be posh - it just is what it is. A very nice menu, decent food and nothing too expensive. A perfect place for a light meal or coffee and cake whilst watching all the activity down at the ferry terminal.

Julia's does not do evening meals so a lunchtime venue. We went a couple of tims and the staff are friendly and efficient. Get a nice day and you can sit outdoors on their tables and they do a good range of snacks and cakes. On the seafront so go and enjoy the food and atmosphere.

I keep saying this but I have never had a vegetarian breakfast quite like this. It’s a hearty fry up which is entirely meat free. Delicious and different. Always have it when I’m in Orkney and it never disappoints.

Took two tries to get in here for lunch as it was so busy the first time. Food is delicious - I had the mushroom melt and a slice of coffee cake. Perfectly placed as a venue to eat, especially for ferry travellers. It was recommended by our B&B; as a lunch venue and it didn’t disappoint.

All enjoy the menu and service at this little restaurant. Can't visit Orkney without having at least one scampi plate or her holiday is incomplete. Others all enjoyed the other offerings. Worth a phone to reserve if you can as it is always busy.

Horrible meal in a beautiful town. The worst fish and chips ever, the salads were poor and waiting for it at least 30min!!All the waitress were really bad manners. Do not go there, just drive a bit more through the island and find other place to eat.

Long wait for food - husband ordered but was not available but worth the wait Very busy as 3 coaches had turned up

This is a shop and a cafe opposite the Cathedral. I had the seafood taster platter which was fabulous, the marinated herring was unbelievably thick! Really tasty, it’s a find a table make a note of table number and order at the counter, style. Service from then onwards is quick and courteous.