La Mirage in Highland

We took friends here as a thank you present for putting us up for a few nights - so it was their choice. And it was a good choice. Quirky decor and straightforward but delicious fish supper (the fish and chip shop is next door).You need to book in advance as it's not very large and all tables were in use the weekday evening we went. Can understand why - it's very good.

My partner and I are doing the NC 500, we called into Helmsdale on the off chance . I came across this Eatery by chance. An extremely varied menu was on offer, I chose smoked Haddock with 2 poached eggs, garden peas and a side of chips, my partner opted for a small fish tea, can only be described as EXCELLENT, I also had a Banana split, once again Excellent, not cheap, but well worth the money

We only used the take-away chippie as opposed to the sit-down restaurant so we can't comment on the latter. The fish supper was gigantic, and really tasty. One fish supper is enough for 2 people really. We went back a few days later (picked the wrong time as they were run off their feet and it wasn't quite so amazing but still excellent). The place is well known in the area and you can see why! We'll be going back there. The other restaurant in the village is equally great.

After arriving in Helmsdale we stayed next door at The bridge hotel who highly recommended La Mirage so we thought we would visit that evening. We managed to get in without booking but it was very popular . This didn’t effect the service though , the waitress was lovely so friendly. We ordered the fish and chips and it was so big the chips had to come separately, it was delicious. We had a lovely cold bottle of wine with it . I couldn’t resist their meringues were amazing. We came out full and happy , a very pleasant experience. We decided to book for the next evening too and had scampi this time which was just as good . We highly recommended this place the staff we met worked so hard and kept standards very high !!!!

I have eaten here for years and relish each visit. I thought it the pinical of seafood eating. Now under new management I feared the standard may drop "au contrare" it has in fact improved ( impossible but true). A haven for foodies in a Highland village.

Arrived in Helmsdale just for a overnight stop, it's a very quiet place on the A9, nice little harbour and limited places to eat, but I think we found the best to eat at La Mirage is a bit quirky but theres a pleasant friendly welcome, enough on the menu to chose from and to be honest it was all cooked and presented well, good size portions and good service,

A little slow to open after their advertised 12 midday time, but worth the wait. The carry-out fish and chips were as good as I've had anywhere.

Anyone staying in Helmsdale must try the fish & chips, they were amazing, really large fish and i had the small portion. for dessert the homemade meringues just melted in your mouth.

Book in advance.We found the breaded haddock and chips top quality: the fish was excellent and perfectly cooked. Given the proximity to the fishing harbour, the fish was probably swimming less than 24 hours before. With fish this fresh, it would be criminal to cook it badly but here it is done simply and just right. Not surprisingly, it is very popular. In high season, it makes sense to book a table.Our waitress was friendly, efficient and on the ball: she spotted that I had put out some tablets and asked if I would like some water to help take them. The chief was in evidence, not just watching but clearing plates.A fellow diner had the large fish. Unless you are young and very hungry, you might find it too challenging.

Had an excellent fish tea here. Attentive service, great food and a good variety on the menu. Beware the desserts, they may defeat you!

Ordered chicken. Ended up with strawberries, boiled eggs, pineapple, glace cherries AND a deep fried banana. Apparently it’s a thing. Yes you read that correctly. Strangest dining experience ever. All that was missing was the partridge in a pear tree. Wacky venue, nice enough guy though.

After reading a number of reviews, we booked a table as part of a one night stay in the area. Reviews were very positive but, in truth, we were quite disappointed. The menu was limited and the the smell in the return to was similar to a fish and chip shop. I would not recommend this restaurant even with their commitment to large portions for everyone.

Just what the doctor ordered. Left London very early & got flight to Inverness. Drove to Helmsdale & by 5:45pm was very hungry. Food & service was perfect! Very friendly staff & customers.

Went here the other night for fish and chips. As my sister in law is gluten free. I decided to try the fish and chips with the gluten free batter. It was amazing the fish and chips were some of the best I have tasted in such a long time. The fish was beautiful and white and the batter was crispy and stayed like that till the end. We both enjoyed it so much I think we will return in a couple of days time for more. Would certainly return anytime I’m up in this area .

Welcoming staff. Great food particularly the fish. Hot and generous portions. Great service. Nice atmosphere. Would visit again if this way.

Lovely place. Very friendly. Absolutely delicious food. Highly recommend breaded lemon sole and haddock. It’s a must!

You will not believe the portion size here! The fish suppers are enormous!! The fish and chips taste exactly as you'd hope too. If you're in Helmsdale of an evening, you must stop here.

It was a good job we booked, as the La Mirage was nearly full as we arrived; and after our delicious filling meal we know why. The smoked haddock with salad and chips was our choice. Very friendly and attentive service throughout. The decor set off the great ambiance in the restaurant.

Went to the restaurant yesterday as party of 5 I can say it was the best Fish and Chips ever light crispy batter and the fish just melted in your mouth was the best with mushy peas and the chips were fluffy inside with a crisp outer of us had the same the service was perfect took realy good care of you will definitely be going back there

Visited with the family after a long drive along NC500. This is an old fashioned sit-in chippy. The fish was the best I’ve tasted in a long time. Fully recommended the large fish tea. Reasonable menu for kids too. The two ladies who run the place are absolutely lovely - really great with the kids.

Great traditional sit down chippy, meal comes with side of bread and mug of tea. Fish was really tasty, not too greasy, chips delish. Very nice lady serving us. Reasonably priced. Really recommend!

Fantastic meal. Scampi was superb. Super menu with lots of choice & the home made chips were excellent. The staff are lovely too.

My husband and I have just enjoyed one of the best (and the largest) fish supper ever from La Mirage. So glad we decided to eat from here on the last night of the holiday. Highly recommended. Just don't each much before you go.

This was recommended to use when we were in the area on holiday. Fish and chips were amazing! And the portions are immense! We got a small battered haddock supper (haddock and chips!), and we got two huge fish each, with chips and mushy peas. Lovely thin crispy batter, and fresh perfectly cooked fish. Waitress was really friendly too. Well worth popping in if passing. We had gone to John o groats and went in for dinner on the way back to Dornoch.

We've been visiting here for about 4 years now and it still never disappoints. We've really missed it during the various lockdowns although did manage a few take-aways, which were just as plentiful and delicious, but we were really looking forward to our first sit-in visit for a while, to celebrate a birthday.The portions are quite simply epic but luckily they'll happily box-up any leftovers if you're defeated on the day! I can confirm everything is just as nice re-heated at home the next day.The quality of the food is fantastic; the veggie-burger is one of the nicest I've had anywhere (and you get two!), my husband informs me he's never found a bone in his fish, and the gammon and steak pie also get a big thumbs up. Basically whatever you choose, it's going to be lovely. We've never yet had room for dessert but have taken away the famous strawberry meringues before and they are delicious.The staff are always friendly and it feels genuinely welcoming. Post-covid the tables are spaced out, there's hand sanitiser on the way in, and your details are taken for track and trace. We really hope this place doesn't change hands for a long time to come, as it's always one of our favourite treats and we honestly love eating here.

Was told this was a great chippy by a friend and was not disappointed. 100% in my top 3 chippys and the meringue for dessert was great

So many friends and neighbors had told us to go to this restaurant and we finally made it. But many more trips planned as the quality and portion size is amazing. Soo crisp and full of flavour that only really fresh fish can give you. No point in saying more, just go there for one of life's real treats.

Delicious food, very fresh prawns, salmon and haddock. Friendly staff and service prompt. Must visit if in the area.

This was our first visit for many a year. As we couldn’t meet in each other’s houses we decided to meet half way between Thurso and Evanton and thought we would try La mirage in Helmsdale.We ordered the mixed plate of scampi and battered haddock.The portion was very generous and the scampi was the best I have ever tasted.The haddock was also delicious,so overall it was an excellent lunch and moderately priced.Exceptional value for money.We will be back soon.

Nice food on offer including vegie options. Dessert here is a must! Thanks to the staff for making us welcome without a reservation

Really massive portions , wonderfully presented and delicious. Would recommend to anyone who passed through Helmsdale on their NC500 route 👏

Iconic restaurant. Fantastic fish tea, will be more organised next time and pre order their seafood platter with freshly caught local fish and shellfish

Very accommodating staff as they'd mislaid our reservation. Great fish and chips, Huge portions. Fast service

We’ve not been on holiday unless we’ve visited La Mirage on our annual trips north. Every visit we’ve made the food is fresh, service is friendly & excellent value for money as portion sizes are huge! If you want somewhere consistent with all of the above then you won’t be disappointed. Leave room for the meringues. Delicious!

Me and my partner visited this restaurant as part of a trip to the Highlands based on the amazing reviews we read here. I can honestly say it's the strangest restaurant I've ever been to. The decor was odd, which I could have coped with, had the menu been more varied or tempting. The portions were huge, the food was fine and the service was friendly, but I really don't see the appeal, sorry!

I haven’t tasted fish and chips like this for years! The batter was amazing, so crispy. Everything freshly cooked. If your passing through, I would recommend stopping by! The portions are huge, we were greedy and had two fish suppers (you need to be hungry!!)

Was having a lovely drive Stopped for lunch Ordered the large fish tea , which was two fish Friendly staff Food was good and very filling, so much so , we couldn’t manage any other food for the rest of the day We will definitely visit next time we’re up

I think I was here around 25 years ago and remembered it being great then. Just popped in for lunch and it was excellent. Chips and toastie were amazing. Staff friendly, but rushed off her feet - she was doing a great job, though!

What more could you want? I ordered the large fish tea and it was huge. 2 pieces of delicious fish, loads of chips, mushy peas, slice of bread and butter, washed down with an Irn Bru. Lovely staff too.

Excellent service. Sanitise on entry guided to table. Good choice went small potions but still huge. Young lady that served was excellent. Service quick and lovely even though busy. Took meringue as take out.

We bought 2 take away haddock suppers and on opening the bags back at the motorhome down by the harbour, found enough food for at least 4 adults!! All was cooked to perfection and tasted delicious. Highly recommended 👍

We booked a table and were lucky to get one due to the high demand La Mirage has got a good reputation in these parts and we were not disappointed The food was lovely and the service was excellent If you ever get the chance to visit Helmsdale and looking for a great restraunt then look no further than La Mirage

Stopped here for lunch while doing the NC500, my wife ordered the Small Fish and Chips and I had a Baked Potato. When the food arrived the Fish portion had three fillets of fish a ton of peas and lovely hand cut chips, she couldn’t finish all the fish. Massive portions and lovely staff.

Really delicious fish and chips, fresh and tasty. I can honestly say these were the best fish and chips I’d ever had. The restaurant interior was quirky and fun, a nice comfortable and clean place to eat. Would most definitely come back again if I ever find myself this far north!

OMG best food ever big portions great service you must visit please book or you will miss out plain and basic but wow truly fantastic

Amazing place for fish and chips. The fish is beautiful and the portions are huge. We’ve been coming here for years whenever we visit Brora and La Mirage is always excellent. our waitress was absolutely lovely, efficient and really kind to our (embarrassingly noisy) kids. Leave room for the desserts!

We stopped on the off chance last Sunday, and the waitress was kind enough to fit us in. We're very pleased she did. Wow! The food is excellent, and the size of the portions is massive. The deserts are very large too, and absolutely delicious. The staff are very friendly and attentive, and are all doing there best at this difficult time. It really was a lovely experience. You will definitely not leave full up .Keep up the good work everyone.

We stopped for coffee and cake as my partner had been here years before and said cakes were amazing. Once seated, yes in a very quirky interior, we saw the table next to us getting fish & chips and they looked too good to pass up. We ordered 'small' and what came would have been classed as large anywhere else and were as delicious as they looked. We did still have just enough room to squeeze a strawberry meringue in and again tasted as good as it looked ! Excellent food and excellent value for money.

Excellent meal and service. Large main meal. We had the special, salmon steak. Amazing plateful of food. Will be returning soon as very impressed.

Well we can’t believe the amount of food on the plates absolutely beautiful and tasted fantastic. Waitress. Took the orders and spoke no problem local lass and very good at her job. You would be advised to book a table as we did as lot of people just turning up and the Resturant was busy . We both had starters and my god the amount was unbelievable I had garlic mushrooms and wife had prawns in batter see the photos we were stuffed with this. We both ordered small fish mine was battered and the wife had lemon soul both beautifully cooked to perfection. Well worth a visit and it helps the locals in this time of uncertainty covid But never the less well done all involved and be proud of yourselves Well done

Well what can you say! Phoned ahead to book! Busy wee place! Had king prawns and mushrooms to start! Big portions and lovely. Then luckily had small haddock and small lemon sole! I don’t know what large was like but couldn’t even eat my baked tattie! Service was excellent and staff friendly. Doing all they can to keep you safe as well! A bit of a drive but we will be back!!!!

myself and my mum and dad were at the restaurant yesterday. It was a lovely meal, great service. Really enjoyed it. Highly recommended!

Was recommended to head here by the hotel staff in Dornoch. Glad we did, great quirky restaurant, fab service and huge portions. You absolutely have to try their homemade meringues, gorgeous!

Went back to La Mirage yesterday and was not disappointed - sat in to eat this time and everything was just delicious, thank you!

Called into this restaurant last week and had a perfect prawn cocktail and probably the best fish and chips I’ve had in a very long time ,the place is very clean with a quirky decor ,very polite service and fantastic food

My Wife and I went here for lunch, while travelling south from Orkney. The Menu choice is vast and mouth-watering. The Lady who greeted and served us was friendly, informative, chatty and professional - clearly very experienced in dealing with people. My Wife had Lentil Soup with a tasty (home-baked) roll, followed by a wonderful Strawberry Tart.I Chose a Cold Salmon Salad, which was immense and just what I needed. I followed this with Banoffee Tart, which was as huge as it was delicious!All this for a very modest price. We would highly recommend La Mirage, which is easy to find and plenty parkung. A delight in Helmsdale. K&G Maben. Westray

This is a well known place great food we only had the soup on this day service slow but all cooked fresh so can be expected

We have just had a fabulous meal in la mirage, everything was perfect: service, comfort, menu choices, delicious food, big portions, prices, it really is unbeatable value. It was my birthday and they kindly made a scrumptious big birthday cake (no charge) with fresh cream, jam and strawberrys, it's this kind of kindness that will have me return again and again, I recommend to everyone, don't drive passed this treat. Thank you so much to all at "la Mirage"

We called in here for a late lunch and were not disappointed. I had a smoked salmon salad - oodles of very tasty salmon. my wife had the garlic mushroom starter - this came with 14 mushrooms plus a side salad. Both meals were well presented and tasted just as good,We decided we could not manage the large decorated meranges in the window - that is our next task when we visit.

So looking forward to meeting Donald and all other staff,I just know food will be excellent as will be5 the reception

We bought haddock and chips from here a few weeks back. Freshly cooked and excellent. Apparently, I have to use 100 characters or more.

Fab u lous , cannot recomend enough , been many times over the last few years....love love love , food is amazing, staff so nice ...just love it here

Shouldn’t have even passed for chicken, it was horrible. Settled for chicken fillets after being told that they will not make breaded fish at the moment even though it was on their menu the chef refused to make it.

In viaggio per Thurso ci siamo fermati in questo ristorantino familiare e abbiamo mangiato benissimo. Piatti molto abbondanti e dessert superbo !!!

Se passate da queste parti, vi conviene fermarvi in questo localino. Abbiamo mangiato bene e il servizio è stato perfetto. Piatti abbondanti e veramente buoni.

Breaking a long drive for a quick lunch and light bite to eat, we decided on the small fish teas. Small, only in the sense that a giant would think it was small, as it was a full blown fish supper. The fish was perfectly cooked, the batter crisp and the chips crispy with a beautifully soft inside. The small fish tea defeated both of us. The large tea was 2 ginormous pieces of fish which is a massive amount.

Stopped off in Helmsdale on a Lands End - John O Groats bike ride. Having previously visited La Mirage a few years ago I was eager to return and see what the new owner had done. Basically as amazing as before. Went for the fish & chip meal in large, any downsides. Well yes it filled me up so much there was no room for dessert. Delicious pieces of haddock, lovely crispy chips and a huge portion of mushy peas, basically perfect. The decor is quirky but great. I love the place, shame it is about 650 miles away from home.

Had a fantastic meal here, was very reasonably priced and the waiting staff were great. Customer service is a huge issue in the UK but the girls in here were fantastic, friendly and chatty without being too much and they weren’t like robots either, with a rehearsed speech. Will definitely return if in the area!

My idea of perfect chips served here, crispy outside & soft inside, piping hot, massive fresh fish too - delicious! Good menu choices and an excellent cup of tea including decaf.

Best chippy restaurant by far. To be exact 67.7miles we travelled to get here. Without a doubt we will be returning back again and again and again...😁

We had been told to eat here and we were not disappointed. The decoration and fittings inside are a bit different and "quirky" and yet when you sit down to a Large Fish supper here they are not joking about it being "large". the quality of our fish was very good and we just about finished our plates with enough room for apple pie and custard. We enjoyed ourselves.

I would just like to say what a wonderful place lamirage restaurant is I have been going there for a number of years. The meals you get there are the best by far. Most of the staff make you welcome and are friendly. But me and two of my friends were there last week and the waitress came to us before we had sat down and said what drinks do you want no sooner had we received our drinks then she said what do you want to eat. Then we had our food which was lovely then straight away she came and cleared the table then said I will get your bill as I am finished now. She didn’t even ask if we wanted anything else. I think it’s a shame when one person spoils the lovely atmosphere. I really don’t fancy her serving us again and we go there twice a week. Sorry to write this but it’s not the restaurant I am complaining about just this member of staff.

This is a top notch restaurant (also takeaway) that is well worth going out of your way to visit.

Walking in the door, we were greeted by friendly, helpful staff. Menu was good and serving sizes are huge. Food was well cooked and good quality.

Service OK at best, not an very original place, menu consists of the typical deep fried fish you get often in this area. Lot's of mayonaise, lot's of oil, not so muc taste.

Been here a few times in the last week,My pal and I tried different dishes,everyone of them perfect,you big boys out there come and try the Mixed Grill,I dare you !

Good honest food that concentrates on fish, generous portions, cheerful bright atmosphere and prompt well organised service. Very welcome indeed in an area with limited hospitality. Book in advance if you can to assure a place.

This place is amazing for food and we visit often but unfortunately there is a member of staff that must be the most unfriendly and rudest individual I have ever come across. She must be around 60 or more with glasses and Gingery hair. And the way she speak to customers is an absolute disgrace.

iT has been a few yeas since we visited family in Helmsdale and we always eat in the La Mirage as the Fish and Chips are second to none. My husband and his cousin had lemon sole and Myself and a relation had the small fish. The batter was the best ever!. We had to share a strawberry meringue for dessert as we were so full up.

We ate here on our 500 trip . It was super . You only need to order the small portions - they are very generous but so tasty . Pudding ( banana split ) we shared and there was plenty . Staff were great . Very reasonable prices .

Have been here several times. A Small fist tea is the favourite and massive ( big fish has 2 bits of fish I think )

Whilst staying in a cottage nearby we went three times. Had the fish and chips, scampi and chips, and panini on the lunchtime visit. My husband had the steak. Really excellent meals I highly recommend them... But OMG if you have room as portions are generous have the meringues hubby had the caramel twice! And I had the strawberry (once I'm a coward) it was food heaven.....

We had been looking forward to a return trip to La Mirage, after a few years since our last visit, especially when reviews have continued to be very positive.

I never eat fish and chips in the US, but after enjoying the fish and chips in this restaurant, this may change. The battered fish here was incredibly good and served as a huge portion with a large allotment of chips. It was ordered in front and served promptly to our table. Wish I could transport this restaurant home!

We visited here at 5.30 for our tea. It was quite busy but we were shown straight to a table. We scanned the menu and opted for the large supper. We're both healthy eaters and live our food. Nothing could have prepared us for the portion size. ENORMOUS! The batter on the fish was light, crispy, simply better than anything we've had before. The chips had a crisp outer but fluffy inside, simply yummy. Without hesitaithe Best fish and chips we've ever tasted.

This restaurant is a wonderful eclectic delight;quirky,friendly and the venue for truly wonderful food. The fish supper is a must.

A must place to visit for fish and chip aficionados. The fish dinner - large or small is excellent - breadcrumbed or battered, served with a great portion of chips, is a very good deal. The restaurant also has a drinks licence. Highly recommended.

Il locale è particolare per gli arredi eccentrici, dalla pochissima...quasi unica...possibilitá scelta di ristoranti in questo villaggio "fantasma" è molto quotata come location quindi è preferibile prenotare o come abbiamo fatto noi aspettare che si liberi un tavolo e dividerlo con altri avventori. Porzioni generose e prezzi diciamo abbastanza onesti. Cena non da Masterchef ma friendly e divertente.

We stopped here for lunch one day and it is a quaint place with very good food. We had the fish & chips which was very good. We also had a nice cold draft beer. Interesting decor and very good service make this a really nice enjoyable place to stop.

Stayed in Helmsdale for 2 nights and after eating at this restaurant on our first night we just had to go back on our second night too!

We have stopped here a couple of times recently when travelling north and it has been great. We have had coffee and pancakes and coffee and peach melba and it was really nice. The staff are friendly and service is good. The full meals always look lovely and fresh and the portions are huge (so beware!). Prices are good. Would recommend.

We had the pleasure of eating at this restaurant which is situated in a fishing village in Helmesdale. It is clean and immaculate inside. The fish is brought in fresh every day. The food is wonderful and is of generous portions. The staff are full of enthusiasm and nothing is too much trouble. A fantastic experience and would love to go back to experience the sea food platter which has to be ordered as its fresh but looks absolutely amazing.

Even though we hadn't booked,they fitted us in on a very busy night,even though we waited a while it was worth it,the food was superb and portions rather big,I had Maryland chicken and my husband a small fish&chips;,he could not have managed the bigger one.,the staff were very busy but still very pleasant.but i think you would be better to book,

This is, without a doubt, one of the best fish and chipperies in the country. Superb fresh seafood, crispy chips. But the piece de resistance is the meringue pudding. Lovely people. Don’t miss it!

We love this restaurant and this is the only time I eat fish and chips and my goodness they are good. The fish is gorgeous, chips amazing and service fabulous!! Excellent value for money. We can't wait to return.

We popped in and were luckily squeezed into a table at the back. The place was heaving on a Sunday evening at 5.45. Food was simply delicious. Both had the 'small' Haddock and Chips. Portion was enormous. Had the grilled fish and it was delicious and succulent. Managed to have the 'famous' meringue to share.

I am not exaggerating when I say this has to be the VERY BEST fish supper

Ordered scampi and it was very good with loads of salad and chips - too much to finish. Decor a bit weird but staff very friendly and welcoming. Def recommend.

Stopped here for lunch after hearing about this place, very busy but managed to get a table. Good choice of regular menu with some specials, we opted for a scampi and a haddock tea. Massive helping of delicious fish and scampi, 18 pieces of scampi!!! Very pleasant staff and everything cooked freshly to order

Stopped off for an evening meal on a tour of Scotland. I highly recommend the fish tea. Nice restaurant, very helpful staff and great value for money.