Food & Drink in Stromness: Restaurants, Cafés & Local Food
Blair Martel
Jun 11, 2026
Food and drink in Stromness is deeply connected to the sea, the land, and the rich traditions of the Orkney Islands. On the edge of Orkney, this historic harbour town is known for fresh seafood, Orkney beef and lamb, homemade baking, and welcoming places to eat in Stromness, creating a food scene built on quality, local produce, and authentic island flavours.
With cafés and restaurants set along the waterfront in historic stone buildings, dining here is as much about atmosphere as it is about flavour.
Planning a food-led Orkney break? Stay close to Stromness harbour and enjoy food, coffee, and island adventures from The Stromness Hotel.
Why Stromness Is a Must-Visit Destination for Food Lovers
Stromness is different from larger food destinations. Rather than relying on big restaurant chains or international menus, Stromness restaurants focus on quality, locality, and food that reflects the island’s natural surroundings.
This creates a strong link between the landscape and what ends up on the plate. For travellers seeking authentic food experiences, Stromness offers local Orkney food, character, quality, and memorable island flavour.
A Historic Harbour Town with Character
Stromness is more than a harbour town. It is shaped by centuries of maritime history, stone buildings, and a deep connection to the sea. The harbour sits at the centre of everything and defines the town’s identity.
The past is still present in daily life. Fishing continues, ferries arrive and depart, and the harbour remains active. Cafés, restaurants, and family-friendly places to eat in Stromness are often set in old stone buildings once used by sailors, merchants, and fishermen.
For food lovers, this creates something special. Dining here feels connected to place, with Orkney food and drink shaped by the sea, the seasons, and traditional recipes passed down through time.
The Best of Orkney Food and Drink
For food lovers, Stromness is a gateway to Orkney’s wider culinary identity. The islands have developed a food culture that is simple, fresh, and deeply rooted in the landscape. It is shaped by clean waters, fertile land, and self-sufficient traditions.
Orkney beef and lamb are known for their rich flavour and quality. Seafood plays an even bigger role, with fresh haddock, mackerel, crab, and scallops commonly featured across local menus.
Baking and dairy are also important parts of the local food scene. Visitors often find buttery shortbread, fresh bread, and creamy cheeses made with milk from Orkney farms.
Fresh Local Produce and Seafood
- Orkney Crab – Sweet, delicate crab caught in the clean waters around Orkney and commonly served fresh in salads, sandwiches, and seafood platters.
- Hand-Dived Scallops – One of Orkney’s most famous seafood products, known for their sweet flavour and tender texture.
- North Atlantic Lobster – Sustainably caught local lobster, often served simply to highlight its natural taste.
- Brown Crab – A local favourite with rich, flavourful meat used in a variety of seafood dishes.
- Fresh Haddock – Frequently featured on local menus, either grilled, baked, or prepared as traditional fish and chips.
- Atlantic Cod – A versatile white fish prized for its flaky texture and mild flavour.
- Orkney Langoustines – Also known as Dublin Bay prawns, these shellfish are valued for their sweet and succulent meat.
- Mussels – Harvested from Orkney’s nutrient-rich waters and often served steamed with local ingredients.
- Mackerel – A seasonal fish with a rich flavour, commonly smoked or served fresh.
- Orkney Salmon – Farmed in the clear waters surrounding the islands and known for its high quality and flavour.
- Orkney Beef – Produced from cattle raised on the islands’ lush grasslands, delivering exceptional flavour and tenderness.
- Orkney Lamb – Renowned for its rich taste, shaped by the islands’ coastal grazing environment.
- Bere Barley – An ancient grain unique to Orkney, used in breads, biscuits, and traditional recipes.
- Locally Grown Root Vegetables – Potatoes, carrots, turnips, and other vegetables thrive in Orkney’s fertile soil and mild climate.
- Fresh Herbs and Seasonal Greens – Grown locally and used by Stromness restaurants to bring seasonal flavour to many dishes.
How to Choose the Best Restaurants in Stromness
With a wide selection of restaurants in Stromness, choosing where to dine can be part of the adventure. Whether you are searching for fresh seafood, traditional island dishes, or family-friendly places to eat in Stromness, there are several factors that can help you find the right restaurant for your visit.
1. Look for Local Orkney Ingredients
The best restaurants often showcase local produce, including Orkney seafood, beef, lamb, cheeses, and seasonal vegetables. Menus that highlight local suppliers usually provide a more authentic island dining experience.
2. Check the Freshness of the Menu
Many quality places to eat in Stromness adjust their menus according to seasonal availability and daily catches. Restaurants that regularly update their dishes often offer fresher ingredients and better flavours.
3. Consider the Location
One of the highlights of dining in Stromness is the waterfront setting. Harbour views can add to the overall experience, making location an important factor when deciding where to eat in Stromness.
For visitors arriving by ferry, the Scapa Flow Restaurant offers a welcoming harbour-view dining experience just a five-minute walk from the ferry terminal. Overlooking the historic waters of Scapa Flow, it provides an ideal setting to enjoy local Orkney food while watching activity around the harbour.
4. Read Recent Customer Reviews
Recent reviews can provide useful information about food quality, service, cleanliness, and atmosphere. Look for consistent positive feedback rather than focusing on a single review.
5. Check for Family-Friendly Facilities
Families may prefer restaurants that offer children's menus, spacious seating, high chairs, and a relaxed atmosphere. Many family-friendly places to eat in Stromness cater to visitors of all ages.
6. Explore the Menu Before Visiting
Reviewing the menu in advance can help you find restaurants that match your tastes and dietary requirements. The best establishments usually provide clear menu information online.
7. Assess the Atmosphere
Some visitors prefer casual cafés, while others may be looking for a formal dining experience. Consider whether you want a relaxed lunch, a cosy dinner, or a special occasion meal.
8. Look for Knowledgeable Staff
Friendly staff who understand local ingredients, seafood, and traditional Orkney dishes often enhance the dining experience and can recommend popular menu items.
9. Consider Value for Money
The best restaurant is not always the most expensive. Look for establishments that combine quality ingredients, generous portions, excellent service, and reasonable pricing.
10. Choose Restaurants with a Strong Local Identity
Restaurants that celebrate Orkney's heritage, culture, and food traditions often provide the most memorable dining experiences. Local character can be just as important as the food itself.
By considering these features, visitors can confidently choose among the many excellent restaurants in Stromness and enjoy some of the finest food experiences Orkney has to offer.
Scapa Flow Restaurant at The Stromness Hotel
Located inside The Stromness Hotel, Scapa Flow Restaurant offers a relaxed and welcoming place to eat. It is well suited for visitors who want a comfortable sit-down meal while staying close to the harbour area. The atmosphere is calm and informal.
The menu reflects the broader dining culture in Stromness, with an emphasis on local ingredients and traditional dishes. Guests can enjoy seafood, classic Scottish meals, and seasonal options throughout the day. It is a dependable choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Opening Hours: Breakfast is served Monday to Friday from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM and Saturday to Sunday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Dinner is available daily from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, making Scapa Flow Restaurant a dependable choice for both visitors and local residents looking for quality dining near Stromness Harbour.
Coffee, Cakes and Light Bites at The Flattie in a Teacup
The Flattie in a Teacup is a cosy café in Stromness, located inside The Stromness Hotel. It sits close to the harbour and ferry terminal, making it a convenient stop for visitors arriving in town or exploring nearby streets.
It offers a calm and welcoming space to enjoy coffee in Stromness. The slower pace makes it ideal for relaxing after travel or sightseeing. It fits well with the town’s easygoing island atmosphere.
The menu features traditional tearoom favourites. Guests can enjoy tea, coffee, homemade cakes, pastries, sandwiches, and light bites. It is a simple but charming option for cafés in Stromness.
Opening Hours: The Flattie in a Teacup is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, offering indoor seating and a comfortable place to unwind while exploring Stromness.