The Dipping Lugger in Highland

The tasting menu we were served at The Dipping Lugger was quite something… including incredibly good halibut and the biggest and tastiest scallop I’ve ever eaten. Every course was a hit. Can’t comment on the wine pairing as we didn’t choose it, instead opting for a Ullapool G&T each which was very nice. The service here is really warm and friendly, I didn’t catch the waitresses name but she went the extra mile taking time to talk to us about the food and our trip. The only other feedback I can give is that it felt very brightly lit in the dining room, some softer lighting would help make it feel cosier. Thank you again for such a brilliant evening, we already want to return!

Just fantastic cleverly cooked elegant food with great service and ambience. Super wine list at sensible money. A must if you're in the area.

Food and service excellent - too many pluses to mention. Will visit again when we are next in Ullapool. As with a lot of tasting menu experiences on this scale the downside is waiting for everyone to arrive as it’s one service and as one couple was late it felt a little bit rushed .

Excellent from start to finish..very few places in the highlands with this level of food and service.for a special occasion it is the place to go..

Non so, ma siamo lì... locale di livello assoluto in una cittadina dove non te lo aspetteresti: grande cena, complimenti! Tutto come da trend attuale: piccola sala, con sette tavoli, orario fisso per tutti e menu degustazione uguale per tutti. Preparazioni ottime e tutte interessanti con un pairing molto interessante, direi eccellente, nonché generoso. In particolare c'è anche un originalissimo pairing analcolico... l'ha preso la mia compagna che, purtroppo, non era proprio in forma quella sera, beh... interessante e ben congegnato: bravissimi. Tutto OK? Non proprio, niente di grave, ma si può migliorare: ingresso laterale non segnalato... va bene il "minimal" ma non esageriamo; partenza ritardata di oltre mezz'ora rispetto all'orario indicato... un pochino troppo; prezzo un filo eccessivo.

As native highlanders we know how hard it can be to find top notch cooking and service here. The Dipping Lugger is so far above what we normally see here that even being slightly negative feels churlish. So I want to caveat this review by saying, this is an excellent restaurant. We had the tasting menu and the service was really good, never over bearing and very relaxed. Thank you. I’ve attached the menu, the snacks and Easter bread were good, not brilliant but particularly the latter was memorable. The Scallop and tempura oyster in a light Cullen skink foam with I think basil oil were a beautiful combination, particularly the smoaky tasting oyster first class and special. Then came the Gnocchi with truffled celeriac cream which was great not perhaps at the sublime level of the scallop but still very very good. Then came the crab tartlet which was the high point of the meal. It looked small but my god the tastes were sublime finishing with a long white crab meat taste of the sea. Cut by the vinegar of the cucumber and a beautiful crisp case, truly exceptional. Every element complemented everything else just perfectly. Then came the halibut with a beautiful smoked fish cake. I thought, apologies, the halibut was slightly too well done but I’m being picky the tastes were great. Then a cheese, called fat cow which was local but unmemorably paired with an over sweet biscuit and quince jelly, followed by an over sweet dessert which neither of us could finish. So a number of highs but brought down by the cheese and desserts. We shared a wine paring(thanks for letting us do that) the wine was excellent. So, expensive but artistic with amazing highs let down by a couple of weaker courses. Worth a journey and we will definitely return, one to watch grow.

Wir hatten einen wunderbaren Abend in diesem außergewöhnlichen Lokal. Das Menü hat Sterne Niveau, auch wenn das Lokal bislang noch keinen erhalten hat. Das Essen ist nicht günstig, aber wer etwas wirklich Besonderes möchte, ist hier goldrichtig.

Ganz toller, sehr persönlicher Empfang. Man fühlt sich einfach gleich wohl. Service, Essen, Weinbegleitung…. alles einfach nur empfehlenswert… auf deutsch gesagt richtig lecker!

I ate there by myself not knowing what to expect. I decided that I’d have their wine pairing which turned out to be a good idea as the wines did pair well with their food including a Grenache with a halibut filet which I thought an unusual pairing. Although one might think such a fine food experience would be rather snobby, it was anything but. The host was warm and friendly and the two couples on either side of me engaged me in conversation. So not only did I have marvelous food beautifully presented, I felt very comfortable like I was dining in someone’s home. I think that is what the owners have created. The funny thing was some people were wondering if I was food critic which I’m not. Anyway I had the most wonderful experience both delicious and homey in the most beautiful atmosphere. I thought the price reasonable for the quality and experience. Try it!

A special, celebratory dinner on our last night in Ullapool (a place of great sentimental value to our family). Most incredible dining experience of our entire trip across multiple Scottish cities and possibly best in my lifetime. Each course exquisite and the presentation beautiful. Everything locally sourced and elegant yet, unpretentious in a cozy, charming atmosphere.

Read the restaurants website very carefully prior to attending our lunch reservation at the end of May. The site clearly requested that lunch guests arrive at or before 12.30, which we did, a long with 5 other lunch guests. Unfortunately, two of the other lunch dinners failed to get the memo and we had to wait until just gone 1pm for our lunch service to begin. The staff ( who were great) did apologise for the delay but for some reason the two late Scottish lady’s lunch took preference over the other 5 guests. When lunch eventually did get started, the food and service was great.

Wow. Wow. Wow. Attention to every detail. From the actual plates (of course, made in the Highlands) to the tasteful local-inspired dishes and products used, this is a dining experience that one must have. We also stayed at the Dipping Lugger for two nights. Each bite (and there were many—seven courses) offers tasteful bites of loveliness and food bursting with wonderful flavors. We are still thinking about the Dipping Lugger weeks later and going back to Ullapool just to do it all over again. Thank you, Robert and the entire Dipping Lugger crew.

I have been to The Dipping Lugger a number of times now and they never fail to amaze me. I dined alone for a belated birthday treat to myself and it was incredible as always. It was a cold night with it being November, but the crackling fire in the dining room kept us all cosy and relaxed. I began my meal with a complimentary glass of champagne which was a wonderful surprise and very welcomed. I chose to have the wine pairing with my meal. Every glass complimented each dish perfectly. Each course that was brought out was perfect and I enjoyed every bite. My favourite dishes of the meal would have to be the Scallop and the Manjari dessert! The flavour combinations are just exceptional and I am always mopping the plate at the end of every course. I am never disappointed when I visit The Dipping Lugger and I always recommend it to my friends and family. It is a fabulous place to go if you are a couple going on a date night, a family having a celebration or like me, just fancy a delicious meal on your own. No matter the occasion, owner Robert and Head Chef David will ensure you have the best experience every time. I can’t wait for my next visit in the very near future!

I think the set menu at the Dipping Lugger is likely the best food in Scotland. No, I haven’t eaten everywhere, but I have been to lots of the spots that would contend for the top spot, many very good, but this just stands out. Every dish is fresh, delicious and a bit surprising. The quality and presentation is astounding. Wine pairings well thought-out and very good. But the food, OMG the food. It just doesn’t get any better than this. And it manages to feed you beautifully without ever taking itself too seriously. Somehow it produces seriously good dining while remembering it’s a restaurant, a place for people to enjoy, and not a church. It would be worth a visit just for the food, but also on offer are three of the most comfortable hotel rooms I’ve been in anywhere. It’s an old manse, but the rooms and bathrooms have been seriously updated. They are spacious, light, and well-stocked. What impresses is the obvious thought put into everything. Just a small thing, but you will know how rare it is: our room had a separate tub and shower, and there were two bath mats, not just one that you have to drag back and forth. Robert (owner, manager, waiter, bellman and all-around welcomer) and David Smith (the chef) and the rest of the team should be very proud of what they are creating here. Long may it prosper.

We stayed one night to celebrate my husband’s 70th. What a delight it was. Welcomed by Helga with such a friendly, warm manner. We loved our spacious room —Melville- with its super king size bed, large bathroom and dressing room with the view out to Loch Broom and the ferry port. I loved watching the ferry arriving and leaving like a big kid! Dinner was a tasting menu and quite delicious. Thank you chef. And breakfast too. I have never tasted porridge like this!Robert makes the whole experience feel like you’re in a beautiful home as his house guests. I’m thinking about the next opportunity for such a treat!

Een van de highlights van onze vakantie. Dat zijn er overigens best wat. Wat hebben wij hier heerlijk gegeten. Toch maar de gok genomen om te bellen op de dag zelf voor een tafel. Er moest even overlegd worden, het telefoontje kwam spoedig met de mededeling dat we een tafel konden reserveren voor vanavond

We were looking for somewhere special for a celebratory dinner and night away. Until we began our research for this occasion, we hadn't heard of The Dipping Lugger, even though we've visited Ullapool numerous times. As it was situated in one of our favourite parts of the country, we were sold on the location. Every moment of our stay was fabulous from start to finish. We drove away feeling spoilt, relaxed and searching for when there will be another occasion for a return visit! The dinner and accompanying wines made for the perfect meal. Many of the ingredients were local and were cooked to perfection. Breakfast was more of the same. Robert made us feel at home in their house and the personal touches made our stay at The Dipping Lugger the most wonderful experience. Thank you.

I was astonished to find this restaurant in Ullapool. It is absolutely marvelous. Every item on the prix fixe menu was 5-star and more. The best part of this menu was the cured Hallibut. It was so good that I asked for and received the recipe from the chef. I can't wait to make it!!

We stayed one night for Dinner B and B. Robert made us very welcome in what is an interesting building, cosy but luxuriously comfortable too. Food was very, very good - a well thought out menu that showcases the best of local ingredients. Wine pairings seemed generally in harmony with the food (apart from one course which to us didn’t seem to work quite as well - but that’s a small point). Breakfast also a highlight. Service and attention was of the highest order. Views on relative cost are always subjective but for a special evening we felt this was very good value.

One night stay with dinner and breakfast. The tasting menu was exceptional, wines married perfectly, and cannot fault the quality and service. Room was immaculate with stunning views over the loch. Would definitely go back and highly recommend.

What can we say........well, we could say loads, but we won't. A simply sensational visit, welcome, service, food, all exceptional. Keep up the great work team DL, you provide an amazing experience. Cheers

Our evening meal at The Dipping Lugger was superb. A great overall experience from a warm welcome, amazing location and the most delicious food. Oooh the dessert! Well done to all the team at The Dipping Lugger. A great Scottish restaurant. Thank you

Questo ristorante svetta decisamente rispetto all’offerta locale e non a caso è segnalato dalla Guida Michelin. La location è molto carina: una casetta affacciata sulla spiaggia adiacente al porto di Ullapool. Il menu è uno ed è uguale per tutti, cambia a seconda del mercato. Ho trovato un’ottima rivisitazione della cucina scozzese sia di mare che di terra con ingredienti e preparazioni locali ripensati in chiave moderna e intelligente. La capasanta (pescata li davanti come ha specificato il proprietario) con caviale oscietra per me è stata il piatto migliore, ma molti altri erano degni di nota. Carta dei vini discreta con poche proposte un po’ da tutto il mondo ma ben bilanciate. Bravi!

Simply sublime Wonder(ful)stuff. Everything is 5 stars, the location,the room,the host and of course the food and wine We had Lips like Sugar after the amazing dessert and wine course!

We enjoyed dinner in this lovely restaurant in the heart of Ullapool. The historic building has been converted into a dining area in the basement and hotel rooms in the upper floor. We liked the interior design a lot - elegant, comfortable, and certainly not stiff at all. The restaurant offers a set dinner menu of eight courses that was modified to pescatarian for me upon prior notice (only one course deviated - deer for the meat eaters, lentils and mushrooms for me). Both a wine pairing and a non-alcoholic drink pairing are offered, the former for £60, the latter for £40. Unlike in other restaurants the non-alcoholic pairing mainly consisted of alcohol-free wines, but also a gin&tonic variation and a lemonade were offered. Food was excellent - mainly sourced locally, but with creative flavor-pairings using ie miso paste or yuzu. Portion sizes were just perfect, as was the timing. Eight courses were served in about three hours, which gave us enough time to enjoy while not keeping us in our chairs for too long. Service was amazing, too - friendly, attentive, but never intrusive. This made the atmosphere very relaxed despite the fine dining experience. Clearly a 10/10 for us!

Excellent food and wine ! Tasty but not overwhelming The right balance between adventurous and grounded Efficient seamless service a great experience Thank you to Robert and the team

Kleines aber feines Lokal, sehr stimmiges Menü, Essen und Weinbegleitung auf höchstem Niveau, sympathische Führung!