Based on 1.248 opinions finded in 2 websites
Based on 1.248 opinions finded in 2 websites
Nº 345 in 595 in Argyll & Bute
Nº 3 of 5 Other european cuisines in Argyll & Bute
Opinions
Central to the town and provide you with a friendly welcome, we had lunch and it was fantastic. Lovely food and reasonably priced, couldn't really have asked for more. Also, dog friendly.
matt peskett . 2024-09-14
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Nice welcome, stylish room, good food, nice service, solid value for money
Patrick Woltmann . 2024-09-14
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Really disappointing. Here for a birthday treat but it was anything but... Slow service, surly staff and extremely expensive for what you got. Mackerel pate a total rip off. REALLY wanted to support and promote a local place but can't. A revamp/rethink is required.
Jake O . 2024-09-08
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Decided to return having had a disappointing breakfast last week. What a turn around. Dinner was fabulous and the service was fantastic. Well done 👏👏
Mark Whyte . 2024-09-08
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Seated promptly, however ended up waiting nearly 15 minutes to get my order taken. Eggs Royale and flat white did arrive very quickly though. Maybe a bit too quickly... The hollandaise was absolutely tasteless, like super light mayonnaise. There was raw white inside the poached eggs as well. Sending it back wouldn't change my opinion, and I don't tend to anyway as I never want to embarrass the serving staff. On the upside, the smoked salmon was absolutely delicious, and the yolks were super rich! Given the lax service, premium price, and undercooked food though, I can't say I'll be coming back; disappointing.
Thom Seaman . 2024-09-01
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Very good food. Price consistent with the quality of the food. The staff very nice. They take a little while to serve but that's normal when the food is made for you on the spot. We will return without a doubt.
Marisa García . 2024-09-01
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Lovely location and superb food. Highly recommended!
Marcello Trovati . 2024-09-01
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We had booked a room above the sugar boat. Great room, everything is there, clean and well cared for. And what a delicious breakfast! So good that we also had dinner there in the evening. And that was not a disappointment. Highly recommended. Friendly staff and delicious food and drinks.
Patricia de keijzer . 2024-08-17
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Very nice coffee and soup with sourdough toast.
John Riley . 2024-08-12
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Had a perfectly decent coffee outside while enjoying the bustle of the square go by, table service by very friendly staff and I was surprised by how big the place was inside. I didn’t eat on this occasion but judging by the food I saw being served to other clientele I made a mental note to return next time I’m in the area.
James Smudge . 2024-08-12
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Nice atmosphere and great kind staff. Strongly recommended 👌
Erman Karaca . 2024-08-11
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Fish terrible mushy and tasteless. chips burnt on outside raw inside. Mussels and Mackerel pate good. Waitress nice friendly but slow. Ragu was served from a pan on the counter😁
Big Bear . 2024-08-08
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Was very lovely service, young lass served me a delicious beer but for an OUTRAGEOUS price of £5. luckily I am a lightweight and my drunken state was taken advantage of by the bill. will be coming here again, there was a cute worker boy in the kitchen.
Caleb O'Hare . 2024-08-07
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Food was good but service was so slow. Only one server who was rushing about with no help from the manager who kept sitting more guests. The manager only started helping when another table complained after they too had been sat and left without ordering anything for over 25 minutes. Sadly the help from the manager was short lived and the poor server was left to it again.
Jodie Shaw . 2024-08-05
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Just chilled and had a few drinks outside then came inside. Lovely atmosphere. Second time visiting will definitely be back. Hopefully for food.
Jean McGuire . 2024-08-05
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Incredibly expensive for what you get. £17 for a burger?? And nothing special. Service not great. Only one waitress looking after everyone. So run off her feet. If you order a drink, make sure you don't get a glass full of ice. Will not be returning!!
Alison Spangberg . 2024-07-20
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Right in the centre of Helensburgh, great staff, fantastic wine list, need I say more
Pringle Dingle . 2024-07-09
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Great breakfast, one of the best we have had. Lovely place we will return to try the accomodation and have an evening meal. Very welcoming to our little dog.
Susan Perry . 2024-07-05
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Stopped off in Helensburgh for a road trip rest and we were blown away by the Sugar Boat. They were very busy, but made us feel welcome even though we hadn't booked. Excellent food, great range of drinks and modern, stylish decor.
Harry Foster . 2024-06-28
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Had to knock 2 off. Am veggie, ordered veggie soup, was given cullen skink, bit into what I thought was potato and it was fish!! I told the wait staff and was told the kitchen would sort it. No apology. Bit concerned by this as some are allergic to whitefish. Same happened to 2 guys a table down from us. Was taken off the bill entirely in the end but I felt a bit embarrassed having to send it back and a bit gross for having bit into meat where I wasn't expecting it. Thankfully I'm not allergic but somebody could have been. Everything else was lovely.
Lou B . 2024-06-22
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Very tasty food, friendly people; had a soup and dessert
Heidi Rieder . 2024-06-18
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Great little find. We have been staying at a hotel on the banks of Loch Lomond and fancied somewhere different for dinner. Booked this on the off chance and wasn’t disappointed. Great food, nice atmosphere and lovely staff! Well worth a wee visit
Thomas Sloyan . 2024-06-14
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The Seafood Chowder had far too many potatoes in it, they should have called “Potato Chowder”!! The service was sooo slow!! Nice pinot wine though!!
Mike Haggerty . 2024-05-20
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Had the best afternoon sitting outside with drinks in the sun. We had the best experience with the head bartender I think his name was Sam. We asked for some advice on wines for our wedding and he talked us through them and really educated us. We were so impressed, he was very knowledgeable. I thought I wasn’t a fan of red wine and he picked out the most delicious glass of red wine for me and I ended up ordering a large glass. We really appreciate the time and effort he took with us and we will definitely be coming back for more drinks. We’ve had food here numerous times also and it’s always lovely. Cannot recommend this place enough.
Eilidh Smith . 2024-05-20
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The food was amazing and we were served by a really lovely person named Cloe
Marcel Trierweiler . 2024-05-16
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We had coffee and a scone . The food was nice and the coffee excellent. I would go back!
Ian French . 2024-04-22
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Went for breakfast yesterday with family as their pancakes are usually really nice, however yesterday they were undercooked and doughy, quite unpleasant! What was worse was getting charged £13.50 for a continental breakfast which consisted of two small slices of bread, two small slivers of cheese, a little bit of ham, some yogurt and a coffee, and to add insult to injury because we didn't check the bill carefully were charged £4 for an orange juice which was meant to be included in the breakfast! Appalling value for money, won't go back, no wonder the restaurant was deserted.
Miel1212 . 2024-04-11
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Arrived here by complete chance. We just wanted a snack but were tempted to have more by the appealing menu. We finally settled on mussels with sour dough bread-absolutely excellent! Great service, delicious food, lovely restaurant. We will definitely go back for a full meal.
MuchTravelledBolton . 2024-04-04
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We popped in for breakfast with our toddler daughter and very big dog. They made us feel welcome and gave us the perfect table. The food was amazing and the service perfect
Matthew Drew . 2024-04-03
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Amazing food. Brilliant and friendly service. Great atmosphere.
Mandy McAuley . 2024-04-03
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Food was really good but pretty expensive.
Gary Garner . 2024-03-26
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Enjoyed our meal the experience would have been better if restaurant wasn't so drafty. Too cold near doors at back of restaurant
Margaret Steel . 2024-03-17
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Lovely dog friendly cafe, amazing coffee and scrumptious scones. On a very rainy day it was lovely to be welcomed in with our dog, who was offered treats and was paid attention by the lovely staff. What a gem of a cafe.
Sarah Bennett . 2024-03-14
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Waited over 5 mins to be acknowledged despite multiple staff passing us. Like they had to finish what they were doing, which is fine if they just say be with you shortly etc. Order was wrong. Staff member didn’t know where we were sitting for the bill despite her serving us. Was not busy in the least. Toilets were filthy. And not a fan of dogs on the seats. I don’t want to be eating my food in a seat caked in hair and god knows what!
hez2004 . 2024-03-09
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We’ve been coming here on and off since we moved to Glasgow 3 years ago. Popped in this afternoon for a late lunch and were totally looked after by Abby. Food was delicious but Abby really made it. She remembered us and it’s her people skills combined with knowledge and professionalism that make her one of those rare staff that draws people back to being regular guests. Thank you!
Tonino Drovandi . 2024-03-04
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Here on Sunday and had a most fabulous meal, best in a very long time anywhere. The staff were also so friendly and welcoming. Can’t wait to come back .
Charl McCann . 2024-02-20
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We usually had here breakfast, ans was always a great experience, so we want to try for lunch. We went yesterday for S.Valentine's lunch, were some tables available, so no probs at all. The menu was the first bad surprise, we are vegetarian, and the choice for vegetarian was limiteted, just one soup of the day, one choice for the sandwiches, so, pretty disappointed I ordered some fries and cauliflower and my husband a fish and chips. Ten minutes after, the waitresses arrived just for said us that was not fish and chips available, if we can order something else. We remained like two statues,that's incredible, it's S.Valentine, lunch,we ordered just a fish and chips and you said that is not available because is finished? Disappointed is not enough, she he let us leave without even saying goodbye, without even offering us a voucher or anything as an apology for the terrible experience. I don't think we will return, and we were loyal customers for breakfast
7mary64 . 2024-02-15
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Only need one word to describe this restaurant awful.We sat for 30mins waiting for server to take our order eventually left .We had a lovely lunch at the Riva restaurant great food service and atmosphere. 100% eat there the next time we visit Helensburgh.
Lesley Mcknight . 2024-02-11
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Lovely cafe with friendly staff. The soups were delicious. The cakes looked quite tempting too.
Ruhi Deshmukh . 2024-02-11
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Popped over to Helensburgh from Glasgow in between concerts at Celtic Connections. We love Helensburgh having stayed in the marina at lot at Rhu. Ended up here out of the rain and had a lovely stop for coffee and cake. Such lovely staff and great interior. A real gem and great to see dogs there too. Will be back in June with the dogs. PS...great toilets! Spotless too
Claire G . 2024-02-05
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The Earl Grey Tea was the best we had tasted. Beautiful restaurant, Dog friendly, open kitchen and the food was delicious. The best place in town, by far. Can’t wait to go back again.
carolynnx . 2024-01-20
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WELL! Not sure where to start after spending both Xmas Eve and Hogmanay at this amazing Restaurant! Faultless Food,Service and ambiance on both occasions! However, Hogmanay gets a special mention because it was AWESOME! One of the best Hogmanay dinners and events I have enjoyed in a long time. What a team you have and what a performance they give every single time! Super well done all of you.x
HelensburghBluebell . 2024-01-10
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Exquisite food and drinks for Christmas Day!!! Well worth the money!!! Fantastic atmosphere, great company from all diners sitting at other tables and staff were very attentive. Really made our Christmas Day very festive - brought lots of cheer and Ho! Ho! Ho!🎅🎉🎉🎉
130gym . 2024-01-01
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A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. WINE WARS! What an experience we had at the latest Wine Wars event in Sugar Boat. Grateful thanks to Will and Max for making it "Simply the Best" night out for a very long time! The food was impeccable as always but the wine was really something else. Thanks also to Laura for her "Superwoman" skills in making it all happen. I cannot wait for the next one and that's a table x 4 booked already thank you very much!
HelensburghBluebell . 2023-11-20
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I expecct we've reviewed the Sugar Boat before but it's always worth saying just how good it is. There are always interesting things on the menu - this time we had short rib beef which was marinaded and cooked on the bone to perfection and melted away in the mouth. The wine selection is always excellent too. (And the chef is always ready to sort out oddities - like a Keto diet).
Ard0ch . 2023-11-13
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Great sunday Roast lunch. Beetroot ravioli was tasty. Fish and chips delicious. Staff friendly and helpful. Reasonable prices
thirstytrip . 2023-11-10
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An incredibly expensive £3.85 for decaff tea. One cheap t bag in a very large teapot makes for a very weak cuppa. Rip off. Extremely slow service. Scones were nice but there are other cafes for tea and scones in Helensburgh that do not charge exorbitant t bag prices.
dorothyc805 . 2023-11-06
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Was going to book for dinner after coffee but cmon sugar boat dogs sitting on customer chairs in coffee section, use your imagination on hygiene.
billy g . 2023-10-28
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We had yet another fabulous culinary experience for dinner last night at Sugar Boat. Abbie and Bethany ensured the service was impeccable and the quality of the food was also exceptional. Many thanks for another special night.
HelensburghBluebell . 2023-10-16
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The food here is always fantastic, and the variety of the dishes on the menu means there’s something for everyone. The portions are generous, the staff are friendly, and the service is prompt. The banana bread & butter pudding was a particular highlight!
Georgie E . 2023-10-13
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We’ve recently moved to the area and I’m impressed with The Sugar Boat’s food and service. We’ve been a few times now and constantly great. Love the menu!
tracaym . 2020-12-12
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Lovely food, very friendly staff and a very nice pint of beer. Thoroughly enjoyable evening.Will definitely go again.
anthony k . 2020-11-29
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If you are down for budget-friendly, tasty cocktails like myself, this is your spot. Sat outside as we opted for drinks only. It was freezing that day (Sunday). But it was comfy and cosy. The restaurant provides giant electric heaters and large span umbrellas. Tasty cocktails and very affordable (£5 each). I ordered an Espresso Martini and Hemingway Daiquiri and they were both palatable. Great customer service, fast and efficient. Friendly and approachable staff..Definitely would recommend the spot.
nicoletN3870ZB . 2020-11-26
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Sunday roast lunches were amazing! High quality beef, good gravy, mustard and horseradish with huge Yorkshire Puddings and fantastic cauliflower cheese ! The large glass of Chilean Merlot was great and also good value.Then a Rhum Baba between two was perfect and delicious and the wonderful meal was finished off with a great double expresso !A great location on Helensburgh’s main square and tables inside and out are well spaced out and all social spacing rules observed.So the food is brilliant but it is the staff that really make the Sugar Boat so outstandingly special. They are are working so hard and very knowledgeable and professional.The welcome is beaming smiles behind the masks. You are escorted to your table and asked if it’s OK for you. Menus and cutlery are are delivered. Orders taken quickly, food and wine delivered promptly. The main point is that all of the waitresses are so ‘other centred’ and ‘customer centred’ and fast. The atmosphere is calm efficient and very caring ! It’s easy to look into the kitchen and the calm but fast moving efficiency is easy to see.You can probably tell we’ll be back again !
highrollerreefing . 2020-11-22
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Been here a few times and always gone for gnocchi. It was getting a bit boring.....contacted them and found out about their vegan / vegetarian menu. My friends all had fish and meat and raved about it too.It was amazing ..food and flavours I'd never tasted before.Sugarboat has a great atmosphere and delightful staff.More heaters in the courtyard please to see us through these times xx
Maureen M . 2020-11-08
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First visit to this lovely wee bistro. The decor and surroundings are really nice and the staff efficient and friendly. They have a decent area outside with patio heaters, but we opted to sit indoors as it was quite a wet day. Brilliant that the bar area is dog friendly and the waitress gave our dog water and biscuits which was nice. My husband had fish and chips - deliciously light, crisp batter, firm white fish, nice chunky chips and really good home-made tartare sauce. I had the gnocchi - soft, light little potato dumplings (home made which was great!) with delicious mushrooms and baby leeks. Really, really good, delicately flavoured, but so tasty! Both portion sizes were adequate for lunch as we are not huge eaters. Someone with a bigger apprentice might have wanted more. We then shared the hot chocolate pudding. Like a chocolate soufflé in a bowl with ice cream and nutty praline crumb. Chocolate heaven!! Overall a really great place with lovely food. Can’t wait to return post-covid for a large glass of red.
mrsgrantok . 2020-10-28
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Had lunch here today ,the best cauliflower soup, I have ever tasted . Nice latte and scone Attentive staff and nice decor . Not much for vegetarians to choose from .
659Kate . 2020-10-14
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We were here during lunch hours and paid £12.50 for a small dry hamburger with factory made french fries. The way you see the burger on the plate is the way it was served with a bowl of fries on the side. No salad or greens on the side - a naked plate with dry meat between dry bread. We asked for ketchup and a miniature sized “bowl” turned up with factory made ketchup. The Coca Cola bottle must have been flown in from some budget flight. Half sized it filled a normal glass and they wanted £2.50 for it. My son was hungry after leaving this place, and we will never come back!To add to the story: When food isn’t served with a smile and a warm welcome I will from now on just walk away.
Chulsand . 2020-10-14
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Thought I'd try this place Tuesday night for my partners birthday meal.We were both very impressed with the service and the food.The girls at the front of the house were brilliant and helpful and the kitchen staff really know what they are doing.Please don't be put off by negative reviews.Both me and my girlfriend are quite handy in the kitchen and know what it takes.The food was original and beautiful,the cocktails are a must too.I'm currently back in Yorkshire trying to replicate the Sugar Boat Bramble but its not quite the same (hint hint).Keep up the fine work and the next time we're up that way we will definitely be calling in.Cheer!!!
Chris B . 2020-10-08
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Having just moved back to the area after a decade and a half away there are so many new places to explore! My friend, her son, and I had a late lunch here last week and it was wonderful. Tables are appropriately socially distanced, all staff were masked up, hand sanitiser at the entrance and track-trace QR code clearly on display. The food was wonderful, we all opted for the fish and chips. It’s the first time I have had tarter sauce that I liked, it’s clearly home made! The kids menu was appropriate, and playful, coming with colouring in to keep the little one happy and the kids hot chocolate was adorable. The coffee served is also lovely, deep and smooth - I forgot to ask what blend it was they used as I was leaving. Will most certainly return! I hope your business is staying afloat during a difficult time, it would be a shame to lose such a nice place in the center of town.
Samantha L . 2020-10-08
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What a joy to discover this restaurant. The talent and passion in the kitchen is reflected in the food my husband and I ate after spending a day walking the John Muir Way from Balloch to Helensburgh. For starters we had Isle of Mull cheddar farinette, tomato, toasted buckwheat ..it melted in our mouths. For main My husband had Grilled piece of beef, hispi cabbage ..he said he's never tasted anything like it....desserts. Warm Chocolate Mouse was incredible..I ate the salmon cooked to perfection followed by Peach Tart fine ..amazing..The Front of House Staff were so attentive and helpful.. All in all the Sugar Boat stands out in every course and service 10 out of 10. Thankyou!
annebY2669WJ . 2020-10-05
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We thoroughly enjoyed Sugar Boat on our staycation this year. It was recommended by our Airbnb host and did not disappoint. Excellent service, nice ambience. The grilled beef with hispi cabbage and crunchy potato was out of this world. I’d drive the 4 hours from Manchester to have this again.The warm chocolate mousse is possibly the best dessert I’ve ever had. Hopefully we can come back some time!
FelicityR25 . 2020-10-01
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We sat for 10 minutes as did another table while the waiter chatted to his friends when my wife informed him we were leaving he mumbled sorry and continued chatting to his friends. Sadly I can’t review the food or drink as we never got any. We went to La Barca instead.
Gatehouse999 . 2020-10-01
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My wife & I were advised to have dinner here and after looking at the reviews we thought it’d be a great option. Having a 1 year old, we choose our dining out experiences very wisely as we don’t get the chance very often. The staff were friendly and welcoming. The seating area was comfortable & spacious, especially in these awkward times. Admittedly we’re not food critics nor chefs, but we both felt the food was trying a bit too hard. The trout starter needed some sort of toast or cracker to cut through the delightful pate; the beef dripping toast was more like fried bread on a breakfast, which made the trotters greasy; the red mullet needed some kind of mash potato to accompany the stew, we did order some sourdough toast but sent it back because it was burnt and the hispi cabbage needed less spice to enhance the delicious beef. All in all the service and venue were great, but the food wasn’t to the standard we expect or the reviews rave it to be.
kylef853 . 2020-09-29
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In my opinion Sugar Boat is the best restaurant in Helensburgh . Each time we arrive , we are met with a warm and friendly welcome from the staff. The food is superb (especially the beef dish). I can’t recommend this enough and it’s worth a try . Look out for the waiter called Chris, he is a gem !
361ashleighk . 2020-09-26
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What a fabulous find!! Excellent lunch and wine, serving staff were lovely and very attentive. I have to admit I chose here in the hope of seeing the sarcastic, flower shirt wearing owner ;) oh well will most definitely need to come back (no we’re not related!)
m4isymoo2 . 2020-09-14
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At Sugar boat on a busy Saturday evening , food was very tasty although small portions . Party of four all enjoyed both starters and main courses , good atmosphere friendly staff , reasonable prices .
Donnie R . 2020-09-14
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Fabulous mixologist I recommend the dark and stormy. French martini not to shabby either. Worth a visit
tmg83 . 2020-09-09
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I had a really good cappuccino and bun. Very friendly service was prompt and I studied their excellent looking menus. The kitchen shop was too crowded for me but I will be back to try this great looking restaurant.
highrollerreefing . 2020-09-06
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Managed to get a table for dinner on EOTHO which was a surprise as they were very busy and we were a group of 7. The food was very good, and the cod I had was superb. Meat is served a little pink for some. Lots of great cocktails at reasonable prices and we loved trying out a number of them! Children's menu is a bit limited, an extra dish would help. My nephew said it was the best lamb burger he had ever had and he's a picky eater! Atmosphere was buzzing. Service started to lack towards the end of the night and we had to wait a number of times to get the attention of staff. We had such a good night that we booked to go again later in the week. I would thoroughly recommend this restaurant.
Tracey T . 2020-09-02
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Truly great food at very reasonable prices. Steak Frites @£14.95 was better than I’ve paid double for in Glasgow. I’ve been a few times for breakfast and it was very good. Well with a trip to Helensburgh
Kirsta1967 . 2020-08-29
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Visited today for late lunch time of visit 2pm. Was advised stopped serving food so could only have drink and cake. We ordered tea and cake. After we ordered noticed table of 6 being provided with menus and a couple sitting at the bar also handed menus. Locals obviously, the waiter fussing over them. Waited 20 mins and had to ask the waiter if he had placed our order. Watched as other clientele who came in after us being served and even the dog at the table of 6 was served a bowl of water before our order arruved!! Most disappointing and will not be back and would not recommend.
82sylviai . 2020-08-29
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What an amazing place. I've just been with my children (7,10, 12) and husband. The food was delicious and the service was exemplary. My 10yo daughter wasn't sure what to have as she didn't want the vegetarian option on the children's menu. Our waitress made suggestions and my daughter loved it. She said that our waitress was amazing and knew her customers so well!! (I think she was called Steph). They also had a great range of craft beer to keep my husband happy! We will return if we come back to Helensburgh and would highly recommend.
angeleyes1 . 2020-08-28
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Had a really nice drink and chatted with staff on our first visit. Went back to eat and food was ok. Timers constantly going off in the kitchen. Felt like was putting manager out when drinks were incorrectly made. It came back the same (made incorrectly) 3 times, despite asking how it was made and then mentioning what it should include. Even the owner came across slightly condescending or even sarcastic when we left rather than being apologetic which just summed it up unfortunately. The waiter who served the table (could have been Lewis possibly) was excellent however and kept the mood up with some light hearted humour. Bit of a shame as the place has real potential and has a nice atmosphere. Worth considering though.
robboz1980 . 2020-08-24
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Had a fantastic meal at The Sugar Boat. Went with the children and all made to feel very welcome. Good range of beers, cocktails and wines. Can order wine by the carafe if you don’t want a full bottle! Food was exceptional. Local salmon cooked to perfection, meaty flakey cod. Daughter had nduja rare beef which was amazing, not overpowering on the spice, brought out the beautifully cooked beef. Staff and owner were great, chatted about the local area and all were unhurried, helpful and attentive without being overbearing. Can’t really recommend this restaurant highly enough 5*
997coling . 2020-08-21
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I visited today. I sat outside and there only seemed to be one girl serving for most of the time I was there. Having said that, the food was nice, if you're not in a hurry.
Marie B . 2020-08-10
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We visited for lunch this week and sat outside. The food was delicious but the service was incredibly slow. We waited 15 minutes for 2 coffees and a scone after our lunch. We reminded the waiter and then had to wait for another 5 minutes. They also haven't quite cracked the covid hygiene procedures but they are trying. The tables outside have red or green cards on them to indicate whether they are clean and available or not. But there were multiple tables with green cards but were obviously dirty. I think that they maybe just need more staff. But the food was delicious and they are part of the 'eat out to help out' scheme, which is great.
doallan . 2020-08-07
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We do not have one criticism of this place. Everything was really well executed. Staff were lovely and friendly and mega efficient. Good was off the scale - tasty food with a really nice twist. Glad we could stop by to experience such a unique place.
OgPogandMrsM . 2020-08-07
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We visited today for a coffee and late breakfast. We seated outside at a cleared table. We waited 10 minutes to be served. We asked for a menu. We were then ignored as the waiter served 2 tables who were seated after we asked for a menu. Staff were inside chatting to each other and not serving anyone.We vacated our table without being served.
ELLEN G . 2020-08-06
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We weren’t allowed into a place round the corner because we had a dog with us, but we’re glad we weren’t because Sugar Boat was amazing!Great selection of beers, wines, whiskeys and cocktails. Cullen skink was beautiful and the Croque Madame was amazing. The wee man enjoyed his mac and cheese as well.Victoria was really friendly and helpful. Lovely place to eat for lunch and I’d be happy to stay there and eat Croque Madames until I die.
698rossl . 2020-08-06
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Excellent food, supported by a friendly owner and staff. Good selection on the menu to suit all tastes. Would come again if in the area.
paulagrady2 . 2020-08-03
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I visited with two friends on Wednesday 12 February we each had the Salmon fish cake as a starter , it was delicious and I was full after this starter Main courses were two roasted cod and one Meat dish ( pigs cheek I think) equally amazing, presentation was beautiful. Two Banana Loaf puddings for dessert thoroughly enjoyed by my two friends. Service fantastic, attentive but not overpowering. Great night with awesome food . Highly recommended. No pictures taken as to focussed on eating
gailb171 . 2020-03-06
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I’ve eaten at the Sugar Boat a few times now and I’ve never been disappointed. Lunch or dinner the service is always great and the food is lovely. Highly recommended.
CPkinc . 2020-03-06
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We visited on a bitterly cold Monday after a storm. Hardly anyone else had ventured out but more fool them. We had a delicious meal - perfect salmon fish cake , delicious pig feast ( cheek, and head terrine ) and clafoutis cooked to perfection. The service was also spot on - friendly and attentive without being over fussy. Thank you for a great night of food.
DrSK1 . 2020-02-28
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An amazing place, service and staff were a delight, its reassuring to still see people enjoy what they do. A lovely chilled atmosphere, no fuss and no rush. The food was so so good too. This bistro very much deserves it Michelin Bib Gourmand and its AA Scottish Restaurant of the Year. I hope we return soon.
Ed B . 2020-02-23
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We have had a simply lovely meal. The menu is both adventurous and comforting, so lucky to have this city-style restaurant on our doorstep. Well done to chef Scott, simply delicious. Stephanie should definitely be front of house!
3rossp . 2020-02-22
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Had a fantastic evening at Sugar Boat whilst staying nearby close to Loch Lomond. Enjoyed three courses of fabulous food - modern, Scottish - great wines, service was fantastic, atmosphere really cool. Chatted to the owner who was lovely and recommended we finish with a chocolate negroni - divine! Will definitely be making the trip back up to Scotland for this place!
ClaireLH1977 . 2020-02-21
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Visited again for lunch today. Even if you have to travel far, this restaurant must be on your “to do” list, cannot be bettered. Not too formal, service and food excellent as usual from Will and Team.Helensburgh is so lucky in having such a great restaurant.
Douglas J . 2020-02-19
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We have eaten at Sugar Boat at lunchtime, dinner and also supported their recent Burns Night. Never disappointed, food standard is amazing. Compliments to the whole kitchen team. We are so lucky to have this restaurant in Helensburgh. It is just as good for a coffee and scone, so stop by and make your own mind up.
damickel . 2020-02-12
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We arrived at the restaurant at 6-30pm - after viewing the menu we were told in a not very nice manner that there was no fish left as we had arrived too late! I assumed the waitress in question had had a bad day so we moved on.I chose the Sunday roast as this is a meal I have not had for a long time. The roast beef was pink which I love but it was very chewy and inedible; the roast potatoes were cold. As this was a 70th birthday present for my husband I didn't want to make a fuss. That said my husband enjoyed his meal.
DorothyER_12 . 2020-02-10
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Many thanks to Will and his excellent team for a truly wonderful meal tonight. We received a very warm welcome; there was a very pleasant and vibrant atmosphere throughout the evening. My wife had the braised pigs cheek which she said was delicious and I had the piece of beef which was amazing. And then there’s the desserts... “wow” is the only word I can use. Can’t wait until our next visit.
Robert_Doherty . 2020-02-08
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I’m still taken aback at the quality of the menu and the food here. Sometimes hard to believe that we have a restaurant with this level of locally sourced, adventurous food in Helensburgh
Thebartons2017 . 2020-02-05
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I visited on the 5th of January for the Sunday menu. I had the Sunday roast and my partner had the coley for mains and we both had a pistachio cake and a coffee each for dessert.
Deljohns . 2020-01-05
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What a find the sugar boat was, it was several years since I was last in Helensburgh and when tasked with finding a place for lunch with friends after a visit to Hill House I must admit I was less that optimistic about my chances. But then I found the sugar boat, and what a find it was!. Wonderful food, excellent staff and a warm atmosphere on a grey January day, perfect, only down side was that I was the driver so not able to enjoy the loch fyne IPA that was on tap, next time I will take the train!
Michael Y . 2020-01-05
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We were a family of 8 on the way to loch Lomond. The restaurant was really cool and the service was great. We all really enjoyed the food and they even brought our dog a little biscuit (which is always welcomed).
M9787FFmatthewc . 2019-12-29
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We were in for a sunday lunch and both got the roast and thought everything was generally pretty decent. We also got 2 fresh orange and lemonades each.
David J . 2019-12-22
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Slow service pleasant staff My dinner was not very hot warm at best the veg was awful i would have required a saw to cut them, I was told they were aldenti of somthing like that afraid not so no Christmas atmosphere disappointed
Elizabeth B . 2019-12-21
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Table of 6 for a special occasion. The menu is unusual, try to be original leveraging local produce. Good to see something different on offer. Good ambiance, good service, food was good. Would go again if I am visiting the area,
dunedan50 . 2019-12-09
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Went in with the wife and the two girls for breakfast. Service on arrival was good. Proceeded to order and waited 40 minutes for baked eggs and pancakes. No butter offered with toast and no one came to check if everything was ok. There was about 3 other customers in the whole place. We even heard the waitress commenting to the chef, “about bloody time” when our order was called. The kitchen staff seemed more interested in chatting to each other and looking cool doing prep for lunch and evening meals than actually cooking our breakfast.
tealejc . 2019-12-09
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A turgid terrine starter was followed by the overcooked coley main course.The short dessert menu still has clafoutis on it, since the day the restaurant opened. So much for ringing the changes. Service was ok, after a long discussion about how our phone reservation was not booked in. More attention to the menu and cooking is needed here.
tbonjour . 2019-12-07
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These schedules may not be completely accurate on special days. Please always confirm with the restaurant
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556 Opinions
On a solo sailing trip to Tarbert I was fortunate to get a call back confirming that a table had now become available. I don't normally do fine dining without the wife. My starter of Scallops in garlic butter with Samphire was excellent, no, they were better than excellent, followed by delicious Cod Fillet in sauce. The team were welcoming and the whole dining experience was first class. Meeting a friendly and knowledgeable couple from New Zealand made the "Dinner for One" a more relaxed and enjoyable evening. Go there, eat good food, get great service, and meet nice people.
25 Opinions
Very long wait. Not great value and not great food. Had been before for lunch a year ago and loved it. This experience was not the same.