The Skerries Restaurant & Lounge Bar in Orkney Islands

There were four of us and we all rated The Merkister highly! Indeed it shared top place of our many dining places during a two week stay in Orkney. The welcome was warm, the service excellent, quiet and gentle and venue pretty amazing. We all ate different dishes and were all 'wowed' by what we selected. The Westray Seafood Parcel for starter was simply amazing and the seafood salad exquisite - as was the monkfish curry! Hopefully the Merkister will be at the top of the dining out list when we return to Orkney - twice - in 2025. Top marks all around.

Eversince COVID it seems so complicated to visit The Merkister as a non resident! Even for a drink at the bar you now have to book in advance and you can't sit in the bar as all the tables are booked! They're always fully booked, this wasn't the case before and the restaurant menu became a rather average bar menu, we didn't get the specials menu, it was not available???! The only positive thing was the frienly bartender!!!

Was so looking forward to this meal. Langoustine starter was lovely and worth the money. Main course really poor. Over cooked monkfish and very soggy asparagus. I wasn't a fan of the prawn sauce but that was my fault as I didn't realise it was cream based and it simply tasted like Cullen skink, which I'm not a fan of. The level of cooking didn't warrant the cost. Servers were quite sullen and wearing casual outfits - grand for them but seemed odd for a meal out. The batter on the haddock was lovely (I nicked some off my family's plate). I'd go for the obvious pub grub in future rather than the more special menu.

We stayed at the hotel. Lovely staff, good selection of dishes, well prepared and presented. Lovely views from the restaurant across the loch. Highly recommended. The only suggestion would be for them to upgrade the house wine quality and selection, but that's minor.

Describing themselves as the only country house hotel in Orkney sets the bar pretty high. A very unimpressive plastic entrance door belies the pleasant dining room within. The atmosphere at lunch was pleasant and while the fish was undoubtedly fresh the dried out chips and undressed salad rendered the overall effect somewhat pedestrian.

Excellent location and excellent service staff were very lovely and accommodating. Took my great granny out for her birthday and was quite disappointed by the food, lasagne was black and hard on the top, my granny’s rice had raw onions all over the dish, which she doesn’t like granted they offered her a new rice but was not stated on the menu that it’s garnished with onion. Again staff were very accommodating just disappointed by the food.

The Skerries restaurant at the Merkister hotel is lovely. The service is good and the staff friendly. The food is tasty with daily specials. The views out to the loch are fab. After your meal have a walk by the loch. Enjoy, we did.

We have had dinner there 3 times over the years 5 years ago the food was great Now, though, the quality has taken a nosedive We ate dinner there last week We had the local salmon and the loch trout. The menu indicated both were fresh and delicious. If so then why did the salmon have a thick sauce with many ingredients? The trout was pan fried with too much butter with anchovy sauce. Couldn’t really taste the fidh for the sauce. If the fish was so wonderful then let the flavor of it come through. The trout was served with a vegetable side of carrots, squash and broccoli which was cooked within an inch of it’s life. It was mush! When I mentioned this to the wait staffer, she seemed to indicate that it was the way it should be and it was just my incorrect opinion. We won’t be going back

We (6 Fishermen) visited this hotel twice whilst on Orkney. First visit I would class as 5 stars, staff helpful and accommodating. We had soups (Cullen skink) and some drinks, that totalled nearly £100. Soup was delicious. We were given a table inside even although it was reserved for someone else, as we explained it would be for only a short time. Staff were great and allowed us to sit there. The staff recognised that one of our party had reduced mobility. We decided to go to the hotel for a second time, what a difference a week makes! The staff member who served us, was obnoxious and couldn’t be bothered with us, to the point that we felt we were most unwelcome. We again asked for a table and we were told no, they were reserved, if we wanted soup and drinks then we would be required to sit on the benches outside. We were informed by the staff member that due to health and safety rules she would not bring our soup outside and that we would be called when it was ready. The soup (Cullen skink) which was particularly poor, it was not the creamy delight we had received the previous week, but was a milky and very watery, the potato was not cooked properly either. When we took the bowls and glasses back inside the tables that had been reserved, were still empty. I would have given this visit one star, if it were not for our first visit to the hotel.

My cousin especially asked if we could go for a bar supper at The Merkister as she so enjoyed it when she was last here, six years ago. We love eating at The Merkister so not a problem. As always the food was excellent, I can never get past The Westray Delights, it isn't just the lovely seafood, it's the salad, just love the little portions of different things along with your usual letture, tomato and cucumber! We all thoroughly enjoyed our meals. The service was perfect as always - staff are aways friendly, professional and helpful. We personally prefer the Lounge Bar, just like the atmosphere and the view nad it's so relaxing. Many of our B&B guests have also been to eat here in the last few weeks - many (when staying for several days) book again after their first visit, I think that says it all!

retaurant was fully booked. bar has good views, outside seating if you can brave the winds. Seems to cater to an older, conservative clientele

There were seven of us and this meal was a high point in our two week stay in Orkney. The welcome was warm and and genuine, the service was top class and the food just excellent and mouth-watering - indeed as I write this a week later I can feel my mouth watering!! Do book to make sure you get a table! The great sadness is that they are closing - so an excellent business for sale!

We didn't stay here but we came here for an evening meal. We were sufficiently impressed with the food, service and prices that we came back a second time and were equally impressed.

Excellent patron . Lovely Guinness. A bar full of locals. The true local experience in Holyhead: I would seriously recommend this place

Having stayed in Orkney for a couple of years we had never managed to get out to the Merkister, but after several work colleagues singing its praises we decided to go. We arrived to a lukewarm greeting and were promptly sat down. On the table there was a note stating "There is no reason you should get up from this table unless it is to use the toilet" or something close to that affect which just sets a poor tone for the evening. I understand with covid regulations it is a good idea to minimise movement but there are better ways to approach it than the way it is here. The food itself was poor, it claims to use fresh seafood but the scampi a member of our party ordered was clearly from the supermarket and not made using the amazing local produce. The fish & chips were mediocre ; the lamb hot pot was watery, the meat pale and chewey. Instead of providing the roast veg that was advertised with the hit pot, we recieved a large plate that was dropped on the middle of the table that was piled high with boiled to to death veg instead. Overall the experience was poor and the price very expensive for the quality recieved. I hope this was just a one off and we got unlucky.

Lunch with friends. So dire that the food gets recycled. My friend’s miniature dish of pickled beetroot served with her main course made a second appearance with my cheese. The very same one! Same bit of beetroot sticking up at the edge, same marks on the dish which nobody was bothered to wipe off on its first appearance. Really folks, get a grip on yourselves before the environmental health people do. Apart from extremely dubious hygiene standards, food was bland, service clueless. Dining room had the distinct feeling of a post funeral luncheon do, complete with a set of curtains on a wall (no window) where the coffin would slide away…..

We did not stay in this hotel - just came to their restaurant for dinner. We had a lovely meal and particularly yummy deserts! The menu represents a good variety of local produce both from sea and land. Excellent staff, nice setting and good value for money.

Looking at the menu I was hoping for better, the restaurant itself is very old fashioned and needs a bit of work. The service was friendly and helpful but the food was distinctly average. The pork dish was dry, vegetables for both dishes were lukewarm. The chips were standard run of the mill frozen chips, should be better than that in a restaurant. The dessert chocolate brownie was very nice. But distinctly average overall.

It’s not that our meal was bad - it wasn’t. It just wasn’t good enough. A main course salad based on shredded iceberg lettuce, without a dressing; chips were very dry in texture; cauliflower cheese lacked flavour; Eton mess had whole large strawberries in it which were impossible to cut with a spoon and not enough meringue. There just seemed to be a lack of attention to detail in the food. However, we found the staff to be very nice and obliging.

A great place to come for delicious local produce, cooked fabulously. The staff are lovely and welcoming and can't do enough for you. We've had several wonderful meals here, and they were all memorable. (Some people have complained that they couldn't order sauce with their steak in the bar area - if that ever was the case, it no longer is, we had lovely local steaks cooked to perfection with delicious peppercorn sauce.)

Definitely worth a visit to see how not to run a hotel.Rude indifferent staff.had to ring bell to enter,confronted by employee obviously disappointed that customers had arrived,couldn't eat outside because of covid,had to raise sign with"attention"written on it to gain attention.Conversation with staff as follows.."do...

Even with all the restrictions and rules to follow, love eating here and have done so for the many years we have visited Orkney. We have never been disappointed whether a bar meal or in the restaurant. The staff are so helpful and polite and...

I phoned 2 weeks before our trip and the restaurant was already booked up but there was room in the bar. The views across Harray loch to our rented cottage(!) were just as good as the restaurant. Service was cheerful and friendly on a sunny...

Went for an evening with visiting family. Our food sadly took around 50 minutes to arrive, with no update from staff as to what was happening. Other tables who were seated and ordered well after we arrived were eating dessert by the time our food...

Our meal was dire - I’ve never experienced such poor cooking of fish in my life. The sea bass was in a gloopy juice and drizzled with thick balsamic glaze, I’m unsure what the chef was thinking with this? All meals are served with overboiled...

My daughter is on a nursing placement and it was my birthday and I love seafood so she asked the locals for a recommendation. From the moment we arrived at the restaurant the staff were far from welcoming and really all they wanted to do...

My wife and I had dinner here, as non residents. The hotel's dining room is in a good location, with nice views over the loch and rolling hills, although not many tables are adjacent to the windows. The food was excellent across all three courses....

Booked for a meal based on reputation and was thoroughly dissapointed. Scalps were overcooked and served with a tired salad. The main course of panfried monkfish could have been any fish. The vegetables were overcooked and tasteless. My wife had a strogganof main which was...

Booked for lunch. We were seated in the dining room with views over the Harray Loch. Lovely friendly staff , very efficient. The food was delicious and plentiful. Highly recommend the fish dishes. All covid regulation complied with. We were very happy with the attention...

Old fashioned sea side hotel feeling but pleasant enough dining room. No tablecloths and paper napkins. Good ingredients but uninspired cooking with basic sauces, inadequate seasoning g and we had to send our fish back as it was tepid. No dressing with salad. Wonderful view....

While visiting the sights on Orkney we were looking for somewhere to go for a light lunch. The Merkister Hotel was the only place for quite a large area that was open. When we arrived there was a sign telling us to ring a bell,...

My wife and I visited the Skerries Restaurant for lunch. The food was excellent, staff very friendly and efficient. We will definitely return on our next visit to the islands.

Visited with my sister for lunch and was blown away by the quality of food we got and the wide choice of dishes on the menu. The food is freshly-cooked and locally-sourced and top quality. I highly recommend the battered crab claws starter - just...

In the restaurant for a family event which was all lovely but later into the evening we were made to feel unwelcome when they started setting up for the next days breakfast around us, moving all our drinks to one table in the middle.This makes...

During our week on Orkney we ate twice at the Merkister, once in the restaurant and once in the bar. Views spectacular and 3 of the 4 plated meals that we had were great. However, I ordered the slow roasted pork in the bar on...

I live in Orkney and my daughter and family come to visit me every year, and we usually go to the Merkister, which over the last few years has been our favourite hotel. We went yesterday and we all ordered haddock. They came cooked to perfection and the batter as good as I've had anywhere, the fish white and succulent, the chips very good and the side salad fresh and perfect. The only thing which was not perfect was the size of the table, It was far too small for any comfort. I was still happily ready to give five stars, and praise the meal, but... why then only one star??? At the end of the meal, finishing the last of the excellent ice-cream, a large black dog, slavering at the mouth, with its anus level with the food, was brought in, which made me immediately get to my feet, wipe the touches of slaver from my leather jacket which I had placed on the back of my chair and which the dog and its owner had brushed against on their way past, and then pay the bill, leave the room, and go to sit outside. On my way out another dog was being brought in and yet another dog was at the end of a lead, squatting near a hedge in the garden. Since I seem to be the only person on the planet to think that dogs have no place in a dining room, or a restaurant, I will never set foot in the Merkister again. ONE STAR IS ONE STAR TOO MANY. I fully understand that a dog that sniffs out drugs at an airport is a valuable animal. I also praise dogs which enter ruins to search for trapped people. And the dog is very valuable on a farm, or as a pet and companion to people,,, but I dislike to see them in restaurants, and I will always leave immediately.

My wife and I stopped here for a bar lunch. However, the bar is quite small with small tables, while to food was good the service left a lot to be desired, it would be nice if the staff made people feel welcome. Having stayed here in the past I expected better than this and was disappointed as we were considering staying there, rather glad we didn't now. The place looks as if it is in need of a complete overhaul to bring it up to date, it looks the same as it did nearly twenty years ago. Won't be back.

Ate here with my daughters and was disappointed both in the food and the staff. My daughter and I both had lasagne which was badly over cooked. The sticky toffee sundae had obviously sat for a while before being brought out as the ice cream had completely melted. The manager was surly and disinterested. The waitresses were however pleasant and trying hard. We will be body swerving away from this place next time we come.

this is one off my favourite places to eat on the island but reciently i had friends over for a birthday and told them good reports of here but unfortunatley we arrived on a bad night went to the bar as we had booked gentleman behind the bar shall we say was not the warmest person we had met that day over all the night didnt go well left dissappointed and a little embarresed after singing there praises but i will be going back as i do like here

Eating out options in Orkney are fairly limited, so we thought we'd give the Skerries restaurant at the Merkister Hotel on Loch Harray a try. We weren't disappointed. The staff were very friendly and the steak in particular was amazing - the best I've had in a very (very) long time.

Enjoyed another lovely meal with friends from Australia who loved it as much as we do. They thought the menu was excellent and thoroughly enjoyed their meal. I'm still stuck on the Seafood Salad, it is my favourite meal! Staff all friendly and professional, great atmosphere. The recent renovations are all perfect, enhancing an already lovely building. Lots of our guests have been along recently and they have all given very positive feedback.

This really will have to be removed from the menu as I haven't tried anything else for about 3 years!! :-D As usual food, staff, views, atmosphere all as good as ever. Not sure what we will do if and when the Merkister is sold, for us it will never be the same. Always have a lovely experience here and such a good range of Orkney produce.

Siam stati in questo ristorante con la famiglia a settembre 2018 consigliati dal ns b&b. Cibo discreto cucinato in maniera forse un po' troppo tradizionale e anni 80. Agnello discreto hugghies fritto buono e fegatini di pollo ben cucinati. Verdure solo lesse. In definitiva discreta esperienza. Servizio non coinvolgente

Yes, I'll admit: we got there a little late (we got lost along the road…), but as soon as we sat down, we were immediately pushed to order!

We went there for my husbands 60th Birthday meal.The Lady behind the bar was rude to us, and food was mediocre at best.Service was poor and there was absolutely no atmosphere.There were very few people eating.We asked to move the table next to us, to ajoin ours, as we were cramped, but were refused....

I was taken for dinner here by friends. When we arrived we were told the restaurant was closed for a private function and we would have to eat in the bar. We’d booked a table for 3 and were given a table for 2. We did move to another table. Can we have a drink please? Order at the bar. Can we have menus please? Get from the bar! Can we order food please? Do yourself at the bar. Starter was nice, it was actually delivered to the table by a waitress, deep fried farmhouse cheddar with a redcurrant dip. I chose the seafood platter for main and although I ate most of it, it was very bland. Only had one glass of wine as all available wines were European, none from Southern Hemisphere. Wine list? Get from the bar! Generally not impressed, thanks though to my friends who paid the bill. And they need to update their website!

Nice restaurant, good seafood. Food was good, service was average, with young wait staff who spent allot of time standing around, the night we were there. Great sunsets. The dining room is large, seats about 40-50 people, with a great wall of windows.

I was pleased to find so many gluten free options at this little cafe. I had the fried cheese appetizer and the fish and chips. Both were fantastic. The service was a little slow, but considering how out of the way this place is and how fresh everything was, I can't complain. The servers were all very friendly.

After a long day on the sightseeing trail it was good to enter the tastefully decorated Merkister Hotel and sample the fine food and expert service offered at The Skerries Restaurant. We were seated quietly in the lounge to peruse the menu and start with pre-dinner drinks. Our dietary needs were handled expertly and with minimum fuss. Seated in the restaurant we had a beautiful vista over Loch Harrar. Our food arrived promptly. Westray crab salad was generous and tasty, and the roast lamb came with large servings of vegetables and potatoes. Nothing was too much trouble for the friendly staff. What a great find!

Really nice location for the tourist. We went for an early evening meal. Nice service and the meal was ok. FIsh was very fresh but the batter was a little "claggy" and not as light as it could have been. The chips were a little soggy and thin and served on a large free for all bowl which was a little unusual...

Plat généreux et bien cuisinés tant dans les classiques que dans l'originalité.

Staff were all very attentive and welcoming. Meals were all superbly cooked and presented. Fish courses were freshly caught & locally sourced from Westray. My eldest daughter and I are both gluten free for health reasons and our menus was vast. To top it off the chef even provided a vegetarian gluten free menu for my daughter, when we booked and made us both feel very catered and cared for.

This place had been recommended so was really looking forward to a better than average lunch. Was rather disappointed. Not even the chips were home made (I know because I asked). It was just a mediocre pub lunch

Was taken here for lunch with a colleague by a local we were working with.

Came here for a very enjoyable anniversary meal.bReally nice menu with lots of choice of local food. Loads of gluten free options of which I had the crispy cheese and crab hot pot which were fantastic! This should be advertised more as this isn’t visible from the website which might put GF eaters off. Layout isn’t ideal in the bar as tables are very close together so we felt like we had to whisper! Dining room is much nicer but not open all year.

This is one of my favourite restaurants in the British Isles. It offers a wonderful choice of items on the menu with lots of lovely fish dishes. The food is first class. The staff are efficient and friendly and the service is excellent. The views from the windows out over Loch Harray are spectacular. It is an absolute joy to eat here.

I was here in May for a meal with my family and from start to finish it was a treat. Prompt service when we arrived, we were seated in the lounge and has drinks brought over to us. We were then brought through when our meal was ready, which i though was brilliant because then you dont have to wait. The wait time between courses was very low and everything came out perfectly cooked. We finished off the evening with more drinks in the lounge before leaving. Great service, amazing food and a fantastic evening in all.

We had an excellent 60th birthday party at Skerries and couldn’t fault the place. Staff were prompt and polite and the food was to a very high standard. A complimentary bottle of champagne was included for the birthday boy too which was a nice touch.

Visited this place for lunch while staying with an old school friend, as wanted to have a special meal with them before I left the Island.

I expected far more from this restaurant. The whole hotel has an outdated feel to it. Staff don't seem to care much. We had booked a meal here as a celebration. On arrival in the bar we bought drinks. There wasn't anywhere to sit as all the tables had reserved signs on them so we ended up near the main door sitting in arm chairs with young children constantly in and out of the doors. The bar staff member said someone would bring us menus. They didn't. I had to go in search and was told starchily that someone was just coming. We had been sitting there waiting for 15 minutes, so an apology would have been in order! Restaurant itself a bit tired and dated. Food distinctly average. I wouldn't have believed you could make fillet steak so tasteless. Very disappointed and removed from my list of places to eat next time I'm in Orkney.

We recerved a table for 4 for the same evening. When we arrived they showed us to a table at the back of the restaurant, i full blast of the air-con unit (in Orkney!). There was an empty table by the window so we asked if we could move. "No", came the reply," we have a rule that we don't reset tables.". At first we thought it was a joke - but no, perfectly serious. We asked to see the Manager, he repeated the same lunatic phrase and it got to be quite heated. He came back later armed with the knowledge that we had only booked that day and residents had also been refused the move to the empty table. I suggested he seemed to be trying to upset all his customers. But there was no moving him. If it wasn't for the fact we were so far from anywhere else we would probably have left. Don't remember the food. Don't go. We never will again.

We ate here on recommendation by the owner of our holiday cottage. Having called in for a beer to check it out we soon realised it gets packed in the bar- most tables were booked. We returned the following evening for food and we glad we had booked as again it was packed with lots of people waiting for tables. The food is great- tasty, quality ingredients, well cooked and plentiful portions. We enjoyed the meal so much we returned later in the week. The jumbo haddock is huge but delicious. Lasagna, steak pie and scampi all great choices. Puddings were also great particularly the lemon tart. Reasonable prices too as well as well stocked bar.

We didn't stay here, but ate in the bar one evening. Plaice and chips. The plaice was nice, but there was a lot of juice on the plate which made the chips soggy. It was very busy in the evening- we hadn't booked and had a short wait for a table.

On the first evening we were seated at the window with glorious views but were told (rather oddly) that, although we had a window table on that occasion, we wouldn't be seated there again! Sure enough, at breakfast we were at a different table. At dinner on the second night, there was a window table available as the previous diners had finished and left. When we asked to have the vacant window table we were told by an embarrassed young member of staff of the house rule "not to re-set a table". When we queried this with management staff we were told the reason was "otherwise diners would hang on waiting for a window table and we'd never get through the evening". Utterly ridiculous and this lets down one's over all impression of the hotel and its management team, who need to learn a few things about pleasing guests in simple issues like where they may or may not be seated.

No se podían hacer. Incluso el restaurante no estaba lleno, así que comimos en el bar.

El restaurante era muy recomendado así que prisa y la gestión de una reserva, así que no podía esperar. Preciosos jardines y vistas!

Booked in for an evening meal with my cousin and his wife and we were not disappointed, lovely setting looking out over Loch Harry with the setting sun ( a bit hot so don't over dress ) very attentive staff and the food was of a high standard and good value for money, good selection of local Gins & malts but only one local beer on tap, but a good amount in bottles.

Los cinco de nosotros tenía opciones diferentes, desde el menú, y todos eran excelentes. Personal amable y una vista maravillosa del lago.

We have just two days in Orkney, and are staying not far from this hotel. Our B&B host suggested it as an option for dinner. Despite no booking, they accommodated us and we enjoyed a lovely dinner, with a local Scapa beer and finishing with excellent coffee. My husband's seafood starter (included rollmop herrings), Aberdeen Angus steak, and our shared dessert of Sherry Trifle were all well presented and delicious. Staff were also very attentive and courteous. As a bonus, views over the loch as sun finally broke through clouds, was magic.

With stunning views from the Hotel restaurant we enjoyed breakfast and dinner on 4 consecutive days where the exceptional high standard of quality food and very helpful staff never wavered. We will definitely be booking for next year.

Our first choice for a meal in the area, at the local brewery, had a reduced menu due to staffing issues and the Merkister was recommended. When we arrived we were told that there would be a wait as they were quite busy. We were also sat in the restaurant as the bar area was full. The waitress seemed to be a bit exasperated, probably because we were a party of seven and we'd arrived unannounced BUT the food and the service following was outstanding.We all had a main and pud. Food arrived together and hot (bit of a wait, but one we were expecting) with good sized portions and well presented.The setting is also beautiful - well maintained gardens at the side of Loch of Harray. Would definitely visit again.

This is a fabulous restaurant in a super location with great views. The food is truly scrumptious, to coin a phrase. The choice is extensive and all the food I have been served is seriously good and tasty. The only problem is trying to choose, there is not a dish I would not choose and I find it difficult to choose. The food is well prepared and presented and I would highly recommend it. The crowning glory is the staff, they are attentive and friendly and make dining here a delight. Surely the best Orkney has to offer.

We arrived on Orkney late afternoon after a day of travelling to be greeted by a delightful warm welcome at our comfortable B&B. Not having had the chance to do any research we asked our host if she could recommend anywhere fairly close by to eat that evening. She very kindly offered to book us a table at the Merkister due to the busy time of year/weekend evening. We arrived in the sunshine and loved the setting and views. Our 5.30 table was in the bar which has a nice lively atmosphere and stunning views. My husband fancied a steak and I chose a cheese and pineapple salad over any seafood (my preferred choice on the menu) as I had eaten a salmon salad for lunch on our flight. I don't eat meat and follow a low fat, mostly plant based diet (eating some oily fish) so my options were somewhat limited. The cheese was claimed to be local on the menu but appeared to be tasteless processed cheese grated and a few slices of bland white cheese. I left half of it. The salad was very average compared to what I would make at home and carbohydrate choice was chips or potatoes - I chose chips for a rare treat and was very disappointed (as was my husband). The portion was very small for 2 people to share and they were oven chips which the prices really don't reflect. The bar price was the same for steak as the restaurant price and eaten in somewhat cramped conditions!I've since spent the evening since we returned (after a lovely drive) exploring options for the rest of the week as I don't want the rest of our holiday meals here to be as disappointing What a stunning island, the dining can only get better!

We visited after being recommend by an islander and we were not disappointed. Very popular so we were lucky to get a table. The steak & ale pie was a large portion but so tender and tasty I finished it all. The potatoes and veg were over cooked but not a problem as I was full after the pie. Lasagne again was a good size portion but sides disappointment. A nearby table had the fish and it was massive. Good value for money.

We have only eaten in the restaurant for dinner and breakfast as hotel guests, but the bar and restaurant are very popular with other visitors and local residents. The menu gradually changes day by day and always features fresh fish from the loch, seafood from Westray, and local meat & produce - in a 7-day stay, we made a point of never eating the same thing twice, and were never disappointed. We have always found it cooked perfectly, and sitting with a view out onto the Loch adds romance. The wine list is excellent and we have made notes to search out several of these on our return home, and the bar is well stocked with a wide range of whiskies and Orkney gins.Breakfast is equally spectacular and the perfect start to a day's walking in the wind - we particularly recommend the full breakfast, "option 1".

We had lunch here, with a view to possibly staying at the hotel in the future. Our light lunch was passable, but the dour,unfriendly young barman who could barely be bothered to serve us,meant that we will not be returning.Such a pity as we have an interest in the history of the hotel and loved the beautiful landscape that surrounded it. So unlike the rest of Orkney where people have been outstandingly friendly and welcoming.Very disappointed.

We arrived just before the 8pm last order time.Waitress checked with kitchen and we ordered quickly.Bar was very busy with meals but we were served fairly quickly.The food was delicious and most plentiful!

When asked where he wanted lunch on his birthday there was no hesitation, my husband immediately said The Merkister. Added bonus to find both John and Lorna covering reception and the bar so enjoyed chatting with them both on a quieter, out of season, lunchtime. We both had Prawn Cocktail to start, absolutely delicious! My husband had Fillet Steak with peppercorn sauce (note photos do not include the chips or veg which came separately!!) which was cooked to perfection. I have to say the onion rings must be the best in Orkney, really superb. I managed to tear myself away from my seafood favourite and try the Build Your Own Burger. Steak burger and you choose the 'extra' and 'sides' I had black pudding, coleslaw and chips. It was very good but my usual seafood platter is still my absolute favourite! We finished with Chocolate Brownie Sundaes - hubbie's made 'special' by Lorna.

I can honestly say I have never had anything but great food here and today was no exception. Treated to lunch by my aunt. Everywhere was very Christmassy, lovely decorations. No idea what was on the menu as I just had to have my favourite - the Seafood Platter! The Lemon Creme and Berry Tart was delicious, hadn't had that one before but would certainly order it again. All staff as friendly, professional and efficient as always. As it was a bit of a dreich day the view wasn't as good as usual but certainly did not spoil our enjoyment.

Both seafood and steaks cooked to perfection, good service and an excellent selection of single malts in the bar at the Merkister Hotel.

The door of the restaurant is covered with recommended by Michelin stickers going back several years including 2016 but the food was way off the mark.Vegetables were carrots and cabbage, just as they were. The cabbage had the strangest taste - like the smell of rubber. The lamb was 2 basic slices, lacked flavour and not very tender. The goulash was ok but uninspiring and the beef was tough. Nothing on the dessert menu appealed to us. The staff were doing their best but were young and inexperienced.With Michelin recommendation we had expected much better. It's a lovely location so it's a shame that the food is not as good as some pubs.

We were visiting Orkney as part of our 20th anniversary trip...we made reservations and were surprised to find a table adorned with flowers and a greeting card for us. Very nice touch and outstanding service throughout. Beautiful scenery made for a wonderful evening. Recommend to anyone visiting the island looking for a relaxing, sophisticated meal.

Four of us ate dinner here on a Saturday in July; the food was ok, traditional restaurant fare (cullen skink, chicken, steaks) but nothing adventurous or exciting in my opinion. Fine if you are staying at this hotel but not worth a drive out from elsewhere in Orkney.

Having recently dined in this hotel, I can only say what a pleasant and enjoyable evening we had. The meal was served to us by a young pleasant girl who informed us she was recent addition to the staff, but i must say you wouldn't had known it. the food was excellent value for money and I would highly recommend it to anyone.

What a fun evening we had at The Merkister for my birthday! While the food was great as usual, it really was the staff that made it special. We arrived to find our table scattered with Happy Birthday sprinkles (I still haven’t found out who told them!). My husband was being awkward – in a jokey way – as there was Westray Haddock Goujons on the menu but he really wanted a whole battered fillet! Suzie said she would check with chef and came back to say that would be no problem. After the main course there was more banter about no chocolate option on the dessert menu (my husband is a chocoholic!) More laughter and fun… we popped outside for a break and came back to find a Mars Bar on the table in front of my husband’s place and Suzie asking if that would be suitable?! She actually managed to sort out, with the kitchens help, a very nice chocolaty sundae. My dessert arrived with an opening ‘flower’ with little candles that played Happy Birthday, so funny! All staff were really good but it was Suzie who mainly looked after us and she was great, so smiley and fun. Really made a wonderful end to my day.

The Merkister Hotel is centrally placed pretty much at the centre of Orkney Mainland in a beautiful position overlooking the Loch of Harray. We did not stay in the hotel, but we were able to have dinner at quite short notice in the hotel bar. Quite a large bar menu was available: we opted for local haddock which was well prepared. Both the hotel bar and the foyer were pretty full and the service was clearly under pressure accordingly: things looked rather better in the hotel dining room. Recommended - booking would clearly be helpful

Ashamed to say it has been some months since we last visited The Merkister for a meal! Lovely to be there again, bar busy and buzzing with the usual good atmosphere, lots of happy diners! The food was of the same, great, standard. Both of us had the Seafood Salad - I just had crab, peppered mackerel, and hot smoked salmon, other half had the lot! Well presented and very tasty, finished off with the lovely chocolate brownie sundae. Beautiful calm evening with the loch like a millpond. Highly recommended,

Excellent cuisine with a good wine menu. A variety of fish, game and meat was availableReasonably priced

Been here a couple of times recently for nephews birthday meals. The first time was for lunch and the staff were great with the boys (ages 10 & 12). The lunch menu was good and varied with plenty of options. Some folk opted for the burgers where you can select your various toppings and sauces, they do take 20 mins to cook but it states that on the menu. There is a good variety of meat, fish and vegetarian. The second time we went for dinner, and the menu was similar but different. They had a steak promotion on so very reasonably priced steaks, and a lovely choice of fish and seafood too with room for desserts after. Would definitely recommend, and the bar menu is great for families and children.

We were staying locally on holiday and many people had recommended coming here for dinner. We defo made it a priority for dinner one night and I found an advert in our holiday brochure which said that their "surf and turf was a specialty". Surf and turf is my absolute favourite and going by the photos of the large langostines and juicy steak I was prepared to splash out and indulge myself. .The hotel is lovely and the staff were very polite. It wasn't very busy and there was a discount on the steak meals so I was over the moon expecting a great meal. How wrong was I..We were a group of 4 friends, everyone but me ordered the fish and chips. Very greasy fish and onion rings and the chips were over done.My steak and chilli prawns were a complete joke. The steak was reduced so I didn't expect it to be the world's greatest but it was quite chewy..however this I can cope with, the surf part of the meal was a complete joke. The prawns were tiny and straight from a frozen packet. The pictures in the brochure showed lovely langostine size prawns on a juicy steak. This all arrived without salad or veg, despite asking for it, it never arrived, I ate most of what was presented and asked for the bill. We asked for a discount as the salad / veg was missing and after a lot of huffing and puffing we had a drink taken off.. gee thanks.Will never be back

18 of us stayed for four days for our wedding and every meal was a delight. Choosing my hot breakfast was really difficult each day - what to leave out??? - but the traditional breakfast just pipped the smoked haddock in butter and cream sauce on points. We were able to offer a wide choice of starters, mains and desserts for the wedding lunch and every component of each meal was skilfully cooked. We were also able to choose what veg we wanted and had the most perfectly presented red cabbage, carrots and cauliflower cheese with our main courses. And if you've never had clootie dumpling before, have it here first. With custard. The evening buffet was delicious and staff ensured that the dishes remained fresh and enticing throughout the eveningOrkney people are famous for being super-friendly and the Merkister staff are no exception. They didn't get anything wrong in our whole stay and attended to our every request cheerfully and with incredible generosity. The Merkister is a very relaxed place to dine and the team seems happy and confident. One tip that caught me out.... remember to let staff know if you want to change your hot breakfast from one day to the next as they will bring you the same one as the day before as a default.

I visit Orkney almost every November for sporting activities and always stay at the Merkister. The food is of fantastic quality as is the service. The views are a delight to the eye and the rooms are very comfortable. For those that think the prices are a bit high come and stay in my neck off the woods ( Guernsey ) and then complain about prices. I will be booking my next visit as soon as possible.

Been twice recently for lunch on both occasions ,first class food with plenty of choices On the menu,would like to go for dinner soon ,staff very attentive and friendly ,certainly Recommend . Really like their Xmas menu.

This place was recommended as having excellent gluten free fish & chips by our guide, Kinlay Francis, so we stopped by the lounge bar at the Merkister Hotel after exploring Yesnaby one day. It was by far the best meal we had on our entire trip to Scotland. We had the gluten free battered fish and chips, salmon steak, Orkney cheese & macaroni and the lasagna. It was all very delicious. I really enjoyed the various salads served with the lasagna as well. For dessert we devoured the chocolate brownie (more like a mini cake!) with ice-cream. I highly recommend stopping at the Merkister for a meal.

Just your average evening meal, duo of salmon was missing one bit, lamb was very nice though. Bar was very busy but food served quickly and very helpful staff. Wouldn't rush back but lovely views and location great for sunsets.

We really enjoyed the food but a large group of walkers dominated the restaurant and caused slow service. Staff were very friendly and helpful.

Visited mid week and ate in the bar as did not have a reservation. Had deep fried cheese and crab claws as our starters and fish n chips and lamb roast as mains. Food was served quickly and was piping hot. Fresh,local produce used and a delightful setting with views across Loch Harray even from the bar area. Quite pricey for the standard of food but still fair given the location and portion sizes.What would make it 5/5? fresher, tastier salad as it was a basic chopped tomato and iceberg lettuce affair with no dressing etc. staff could be more attentive as in the bar there just seemed to be one person manning the bar and serving the food which meant a bit of a wait for ordering drinks at the bar if she was busy getting the food to the tables.Other than those small points, would happily eat here again! Sticky toffee pudding with Orkney ice cream is to die for if you can squeeze in a dessert!

I can't understand the "moaning minnies" on some of the reviews here.what the hell do they want ? I had a meal here a few weekends ago with friends and honestly the platefulls of delicious grub were out of this world , the roast beef was enough to fill a butcher's window, three thick slices of tender beef with all the trimmings.local Ice cream a bowl full, I never ate again until dinner the next day. Would definitely recommend for Sunday lunch. Hope I get back again.

Went for tea - last day of our holiday on Orkney, had noticed the roadsigns, had a little look on Tripadvisor so thought we had nothing to loose.On arrival, seemed a little spooky as it felt empty. We looked for the reception and was greeted by a surly receptionist who pointed to the bar! No signs saying where the bar was so just looked on the off chance through a door!Pleasant little bar, real fire, quiet room with pleasant views. The bar person was pleasant enough and pointed to the menu. A reviewer previously mentioned something about customer service, maybe the staff have become complacent and need a little something to motivate them.Anyway, we chose from the menu, hubby had prawn cocktail starter, then we had our mains - lamb dinner and lasagne. All food was nice enough, home cooked - hand made home cooked chips would have just set it off but frozen chips were the order of the day. We have eaten in a few places on the island and there arent any places who do hand cooked chips!Anyway, all in all it was a lovely evening; the bar did become a bit busier with locals, seems a popular place.Very clean, fresh looking but a bit dated. All in all we had a pleasant evening and would probably go back again if it wasn't the end of our holiday.

only here for a meal and what a let down. we've eaten here several times but i dont think we will bother again. in a restaurant of this level i do not expect:dirty tables in the waiting areaa waiter with a very visible dirty waistcoatand to be served what looks like tesco potato footballs with my fillet steak!! the vegtables really let the meal down - the menu said duchesse potatos not potato footballs from the freezer. To make it worse the rest of the vegtables were pretty bland and uninspiring. The saddest part was that the steak itself was top quality - as good as anywhere in orkney