The Foveran in Orkney Islands

Major disappointment. My boyfriend and I were very excited to experience this hotel and restaurant. The room ended up being a bit cramped, but was clean and nicely furnished. A few staff were very courteous (kind and accommodating for minor requests), but the host and his senior staff were notably cold and bordered on disdainful. We were most extremely disappointed by our engagement dinner. My fiance proposed the day before, and we couldn't wait to enjoy a dinner at this highly-reputed restaurant. It was barely half-full the entire time we were there, but they refused to seat us at one of the many empty tables (which remained empty the entire time) by the windows. We accepted this, determined to make the best out of the evening and still enjoy the lovely restaurant and each other's company. The service was terrible. It wasn't long before our appetizer plates were empty, our cocktails were long empty, and even our water glasses had run dry. We flagged someone down, which seemed to irritate the senior staff even further. What nerve we had, asking for beverages whilst seated in the middle of a half-empty fine dining restaurant. Our appetizers were delicious, but the main dishes were not anywhere close to worth the price. The vegetables that came with my entree tasted like barely-seasoned steamed fare I easily prepare myself at home. By the time dinner was over, we felt like pariahs, despite the fact that we hadn't once made a scene or become disrespectful in our interactions with staff. Perhaps they were having an "off" night trying to train new employees, but the fact that we told them this was an engagement celebration and yet continued to be treated like an annoyance left us both feeling extremely disappointed. Thank goodness we found a humble restaurant at our next destination to make up for the botched celebration.

Lovely restaurant. Had dinner here with family and the service was very good. Food was excellent. At the table, all had the Fillet or the Foveran Fillet. Cooked perfectly medium rare.

Excellent variety of sea food. We dined in the restaurant which was comfortable with excellent views. The quality. Of the food and service was excellent.

This is the worst smell I've ever smelled at a hotel. We asked for a fan since we can't tolerate the smell of the chicken poop sprayed all over the surrounding pastures but they don't have them. They tried to tell the smell will go away - it absolutely has not. It is bothering my allergies and really unpleasant

Can't rate this place highly enough. Amazing food and wonderful staff.

We had dinner and cycled up from Kirkwall. Had a bottle of Portuguese red wine. To start scallops and soup. The scallops good, soup ok (a bit bland). Both had the mutton from south Ronaldsay (special diet). Truly excellent meat, fantastic taste. Lots of potatoes, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower. I also had onion rings which were a treat. Finished with coffee. All in £140. Lovely views smart casual attire. Recommended.

Lovely restaurant with stunning views out to sea. Food was lovely, maybe a little overpriced.

Came to eat only, hence no room rating. Great food, friendly staff and wonderful views

I had an amazing dining experience and was so appreciative of the staff to find a table for me since I'd no reservations and they were booked solid. Can book online, but must book at least 4 hours in advance. The view is fantastic, the art and ambiance is unique. The servings are filling and reasonably priced. There are no take-away options available.

Delicious local fayre including seafood and steaks!!

Really lovely restaurant with excellent food and friendly service.Separate vegan menu and the most delicious cocktails 🍹 😃 we visited for our silver wedding anniversary. They had put little hearts confetti on our table ❤️

Lovely restaurant with rooms (never stayed). We were here in Aug 2017 and loved it so when we came back to Orkney in July 2024 of course we went for our last supper! Lovely situation, warm professional welcome, excellent menu options, no issue to cope with fads and allergies, superb presentation, great service, good value for money. Just 15 mins from Kirkwall and 25 from Stromness. Close to Scapa Distillery. Best food in the Orkneys! You'd be mad not to go there!

Delicious food with a beautiful view

Wonderful. Staff very attentive, menu superb. In all for a very special meal to celebrate my 70th birthday it was a great pleasure to dine here in a lovely setting overlooking the sea

We dinned at the Foveran, the food was excellent, except for our dessert fruit crumble with creme anglaise, which was ice cream instead ! The service was very poor, and we were served cold tea.

Fantastic views, great service and tasty food. Very accommodating with special requests.

We had reserved and got a table by the window with a view of the bay. We decided on the carpaccio and the fried cheese, the scallops and the halibut and the sticky toffee pudding. The house uses local products, so far so good. Starters were good, but why put balsamic vinegar on the carpaccio? Hm. Fish so far good, vegetables almost unseasoned, potatoes okay. Wine on the other hand was good, dessert was very good. Overall, given the high price level, it's nowhere near 5 stars. There is a lack of sophistication, which is why when we asked about the nice service, it was just okay.

Quality food, though not inspiring. Nicest steak I've had in ages and beautifully cooked juicy scallops. Restaurant has stunning views but I've had more atmosphere in a Premier Inn breakfast room. I might have stretched to 4 stars given well cooked food and fair prices except for the service. A poorly cast Maitre D had visible disdain for customers. We could not help watching and laughing behind our napkins. In our case we'd made a special request for a window table. I could see the entire list for the evening and only one other table had any requests (a 17th birthday). In an empty restaurant he sat us the furthest from the windows. We asked to change and pointed out that we were the only ones who had specifically for that. He said he didn't work that way. Everyone wanted a window and we had 'only' booked yesterday. We left at 9pm still with three window tables unoccupied. How odd.

Went for a meal, staff were lovely and very welcoming. Food was great, the salmon was the best we had ever had. The amazing views added to the experience. Great for a special occasion.

The outside looks modest but inside is tastefully decorated and has a stunning view over the fields and harbour. The staff is super friendly and professional and the food is superb. We had the beef with haggis and the Ronaldsey mutton. Both exquisite! Thank you!

Restaurant was absolutely top notch, waitstaff were so kind and attentive yet friendly and casual. food was amazing, absolutely go for the scallops if you can.

Wonderful food, great atmosphere and fantastic service all makes for a great night each time we go

Food and service were extraordinary

Superb food, well cooked, well served by attentive staff in a superb environment Will be returning

The squid starter was lovely, crispy, light batter and juicy squid. The fillet steak was cooked to perfection and so big I asked for a doggy bag! Lovely service and great views.

Top quality place to dine. Excellent attentive service from staff, exquisite food, we really enjoyed dinner at this place

Always great food and atmosphere.

Great place to eat with very understanding staff for food intolerances. Only gave a 4 due to limited menu choice. Otherwise would strongly recommend.