The best restaurants in Orkney Islands Highlands and Islands

Coffee was nice but there was a member of staff who was exceptionally rude, with extremely poor customer service. She knew we were waiting, we even made eye contact twice as she proceed to then potter around doing nothing whilst we waited, and a queue of others formed behind us. Eventually the poor barista who was already rushed off of his feet took everyone’s orders whilst this member of staff chatted to people in the kitchen and drank water.

We called in for lunch on spec when the place we'd intended going wasn't yet open and were pleasantly surprised. Everything felt fresh and welcoming, the maps on the walls were fascinating, the service friendly. Huge amounts of excellent mussels for me, husband had the scallop salad. We were so impressed we went back a second time, when I had the scallop salad (excellent but actually a little too much for me!) and husband had sea food pasta which was also really good. Down sides? Being served by someone constantly chewing gum with an open mouth is somewhat off putting, and if you want feedback on the food, you come after it's been served and ask if it's OK or you need anything - you don't wait until the guests are paying and then ask "did you enjoy that?". Felt like my granny asking...

Sailed here, having started in Bodo, Norway. Enjoyed Westray and the Pierowall Bar/Restaurant. All 3 of us were happy with our food in the restaurant and drinks from the bar. Realised there was what seemed like a 'locals' bar when I walked to the toilets.

The food we had today was of mixed quality and the price structure seems a bit odd - the 'panini' was overpriced and burnt and tasted more like a toasted roll, the toastie was good and the cakes were nice quality. Some of the staff were friendly and helpful whereas some of the others need to work on their customer service skills a little bit. We normally enjoy going here, so I might write this off to being a bad day! I will also read the menu a bit more carefully next time as some items definitely seem to represent much better value for money than others!

Myself and my family, along with some family friends visiting us were recently in Argos. My family and I, I am sad to say, try to avoid this shop at all costs as a consequence of mistreatment by staff (many, not all. Some are lovely but unfortunately they are overshadowed and, in time, are corrupted by the negative, toxic work-place culture at Argos). Firstly, I echo a sentiment felt across Orkney. The staff are incredibly rude, unhelpful and lack any awareness or simple understanding disabilities. Unless you are ‘one of them’, whatever that means these days in Orkney. Numerous visitors to the island have fed back this information. My own experience has been predominantly been incredibly negative, despite my efforts to be patient (you have to be) and friendly. I am afraid that ARGOS management team are stuck in the 80s. Totally inadequate and have failed to provide essential lifeline in a small town. If you’re not from here, the present culture in the shop is at best sub-standard, and at worst it is toxic. Sensitive information such as where I send letters and communications to how much I spend on certain items have been made public knowledge in the community in the short time I was there. Let’s hop the feedback is heard. PS. Every single other shop and service we use in Orkney is fantastic with locals and, as Argos would say, with ‘ferry loupers’ alike.

The coffee was delicious. However, a normal heat one was luke warm and the extra hot lattes were just hot. The home baking was amazing! We had a lively time and left very satisfied.

Came here for a nice fish and chips and did not disappoint. lovely place, great fresh fish, chips are amazeballs. Tried some of my friend's carbonara and it was astonishing.

Got some salt and chilli chips this time around. their food never disappoints, very tasty! Chinese food and usual fish and chip food.

We had a wonderful lunch here. The ambience, service and of course the food were all great. I rarely eat mussels unless I can have some confidence that they will be good quality. I wasn't disappointed. A treat to eat. My wife's crab linguine was equally good. A pity some of the other places in the town don't take notice how things should be done. Keep up the good work.

Spoiled for choice, all sorts of delicatessen to pick from. Not super cheap or expensive but had a good browse and bought some relish, cheese and oatcakes.

I went there with my sister and a friend to try they cafe upstairs and the food was amazing, you could tell it was all homemade and the man that served us was so friendly and nice, keeping an eye out in case we needed anything else. The nice lady in the main shop also asked how our experience was when we left too, which I was really nice. We’ll definitely be repeat customers.

Turning left off the ferry from the mainland, Richan's retreat is the first house on the right, 100 yards up the road. Step inside to a genuinely warm welcome and a trip back into the island past. Run by a Westray lady married to a Mancunian exile, the cafe offer's excellent value basic fare - the soup was homemade and utterly delicious - accompanied by friendly conversation and a genuine insight into island life. The cafe also features handcrafts, all made on Westray itself. Not to be missed on any trip.

Simon is the person who served us each day this week. Very dry sense of humour & not a man to be rushed! The coffee and teas are good. Small selection of eats - a fab coconut and chocolate cake and hot pies. Only 4-5 small tables available ( and takeaway). Only seems to be open around 9am or 9.30am, not 8am as advertised. Good old fashioned easy listening music.

After a bit of a walk for a disabled person this place is permanently closed. We ended up at the St Magnus Cafe opposite St Magnus Cathedral. This seems to be one of the few places offering breakfast in Kirkwall if your self catering.

I'm on Orkney for work with some spare time before flying home. On my way from Brodgar to Scapa I passed through Finnston and situated on a pretty bay with picnic tables is Leigh's van. "A real taste of Orkney", it says on the side. Wow. Beautiful friendly, chatty service. Good knowledge of the local produce and to top it all, the best sandwich I've ever had from a van. Have the steak rossinni burger. Again, wow.