Top Kirkwall Restaurants: Taste Orkney's Culinary Delights

Na'ím Paymán

Jun 26, 2025

Top Kirkwall Restaurants: Taste Orkney's Culinary Delights

Nestled off the north coast of Scotland, the Orkney Islands are a hidden gem for food lovers. Visiting in January and February is an excellent time to explore Kirkwall restaurants, when menus focus on hearty dishes, local meats, and warming flavours suited to the colder season.

Many of the best restaurants in Kirkwall highlight winter produce, including slow-reared Orkney beef and lamb, fresh haddock, and rich seafood chowders made with locally landed fish. This quieter time of year also means a more relaxed dining atmosphere, easier table bookings, and the chance to enjoy local hospitality at its best.

Several Kirkwall restaurants specialise in traditional recipes, homemade desserts, and locally sourced ingredients, making winter dining both comforting and memorable. For visitors exploring Orkney’s museums, historic streets, and storm-watching coastlines, Kirkwall’s food scene offers the perfect place to warm up and experience authentic island flavours.

The Culinary Heritage Behind the Best Restaurants in Kirkwall

Orkney’s food culture is closely linked to its geography and history, and this can be seen across many Kirkwall restaurants. Fertile soil, clean seas, and a mild climate support the production of meat, dairy, seafood, and vegetables that feature on local menus.

For visitors, this means that places to eat in Kirkwall often focus on simple dishes made with local ingredients.

Orkney’s cuisine developed through Norse and Scottish influences. Preservation methods such as smoking, drying, and salting were introduced by Norse settlers and are still used today, particularly for fish and meat.

Traditional foods such as lamb, beef, herring, haddock, root vegetables, and oat-based breads remain common in Kirkwall food and drink.

Today, many of the best restaurants in Kirkwall source ingredients from local farms, fisheries, and producers. Seafood restaurants in Kirkwall often serve locally caught fish, while others use Orkney beef, lamb, and dairy.

For tourists, eating in Kirkwall is a practical way to experience local food and understand how the islands’ history and environment shape daily life.

Traditional Orkney Dishes to Try in Kirkwall Restaurants

When visiting Orkney, trying local food is an important part of the experience. Many Kirkwall restaurants and pubs serve traditional dishes made with island produce, and these foods are easy to find across Kirkwall and nearby towns. Below are the key Orkney dishes and ingredients tourists should look out for, especially when exploring the best restaurants in Kirkwall.

1. Orkney Beef and Lamb

Orkney beef has PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status, which means it is officially recognised for its quality and origin.

Lamb and mutton, especially from North Ronaldsay sheep that feed on seaweed, are also widely used in local cooking.

Common dishes you may see on menus in Kirkwall restaurants include:

North Ronaldsay Mutton Stew

This stew is made using mutton from North Ronaldsay sheep, which are known for their seaweed-based diet. It is slow-cooked for several hours, resulting in tender meat and a rich broth. This dish is most commonly found on winter menus in Kirkwall restaurants and traditional pubs.

Orkney Beef Fillet

Orkney beef fillet comes from locally reared cattle and is valued for its consistent quality. It is usually served with seasonal Orkney vegetables and minimal sauces to highlight the flavour of the meat. Many of the best restaurants in Kirkwall feature this dish as a main course.

Lamb Shank with Clapshot

Lamb shank with clapshot is a classic Orkney main dish served in pubs and hotel restaurants. The lamb is slow-cooked until tender and paired with clapshot, a mash of potatoes and swede. This dish is especially popular during colder months.

Beef and Bere Bannock Pie

This traditional pie uses Orkney beef and a crust made from bere barley bannock. Bere barley is an ancient grain that has been grown in Orkney for centuries. The pie is a filling option often found in local cafés and casual Kirkwall restaurants.

Haggis with Lamb and Oatmeal

This dish is a local take on the Scottish classic, using lamb and oatmeal sourced from Orkney. It is commonly served with neeps and tatties as a main meal. Visitors can find this dish in many Kirkwall restaurants that focus on traditional food.

Tourist tip: These dishes are more common on evening menus and in colder months, especially January and February.

2. Fresh Seafood from Orkney Waters

Seafood is a major part of Kirkwall food and drink, thanks to local fishing and clean coastal waters. Fish and chips are widely available, but many restaurants offer more traditional seafood dishes.

Popular seafood dishes include:

Hand-dived Scallops

Orkney hand-dived scallops are harvested by local divers, which helps protect the seabed. They are usually pan-seared and served with simple ingredients such as butter or herbs. Many Kirkwall restaurants list them as a seasonal starter or main dish.

Orkney Crab

Orkney crab is known for its clean, sweet flavour and is widely used in local cooking. It is commonly served dressed, in sandwiches, or as part of a light salad. This dish is popular at lunchtime in cafés and seafood restaurants in Kirkwall.

Langoustines

Langoustines are small shellfish caught in Orkney waters. They are often grilled and served with lemon, or included in simple pasta dishes. Availability depends on the catch, so they may appear as a daily special.

Smoked Haddock Chowder

This chowder is made using locally smoked haddock, potatoes, and milk or cream. It is a filling soup that works well as a lunch or starter. Many Kirkwall restaurants offer it during colder months.

Battered Haddock and Chips

Battered haddock and chips is a common dish across Orkney. Fresh haddock is coated in batter and fried, then served with chips and peas. It is a reliable option in many local eateries and takeaways.

Tourist tip: Seafood menus may change daily depending on the catch, so asking staff about fresh options is common practice.

3. Orkney Cheddar and Local Dairy

This dish features slices of mature Orkney Cheddar served with bread, pickles, and salad. It is commonly available in local pubs and tearooms across Kirkwall. The meal is simple and works well as a light lunch for visitors.

Cheddar and Orkney Oatcakes

Orkney oatcakes are made using traditional island recipes and have a dry, crumbly texture. They are often served with sharp Orkney Cheddar as a snack or starter. This combination is common in cafés and works well with tea or local ale.

Orkney Dairy Ice Cream

This ice cream is produced using locally sourced milk from Orkney dairies. Popular flavours include rhubarb crumble and heather honey. Visitors can find it in cafés, dessert menus, and farm shops around Kirkwall.

Cheddar and Leek Tart

Cheddar and leek tart is a common lunch option in village cafés and bakeries. It combines Orkney Cheddar with leeks in a pastry base and is usually served warm. The dish is often paired with salad or soup.

Homemade Butter on Bannocks

Bannocks are traditional flat oatcakes served across Orkney. They are often topped with freshly made local butter at breakfast or teatime. This simple dish is common in guesthouses and traditional cafés.

4. Bere Bannocks and Barley Dishes

Bere bannocks and barley dishes are an important part of traditional Orkney food. Made using ancient bere barley, these dishes appear on menus across Kirkwall restaurants, cafés, and guesthouses. For visitors, they offer a simple way to experience a grain that is unique to Orkney and still grown on the islands today.

Traditional Bere Bannocks

Bere bannocks are flatbreads made from ancient Orkney bere barley. They are usually served warm with butter or local cheese. Bannocks are common at markets, cafés, and traditional gatherings.

Barley Broth with Bannocks

This soup is made with bere barley, root vegetables, and lamb or beef. It is often served with a slice of bannock on the side. The dish is popular in colder months and found in traditional cafés and pubs.

Barley Broth wiith Bannocks stromness hotel

Bere Barley Risotto

Bere barley risotto replaces rice with locally grown bere grains. It is cooked slowly with vegetables and often finished with Orkney cheddar. This dish is more common in modern bistros and farm-to-table restaurants.

Bannock and Smoked Fish Sandwich

This sandwich uses soft bannocks filled with smoked haddock or salmon. It is usually served with salad and simple sauces. Seaside cafés often list this as a lunch option.

Bere Barley Porridge

Bere barley porridge is made by simmering the grain with milk or cream. It is sometimes sweetened with local honey or fruit. This dish is commonly served at breakfast in guesthouses and rural B&Bs.

5. Traditional Puddings

Traditional puddings in Orkney are simple, filling, and closely linked to local produce. Many desserts use seasonal fruit, oats, dairy, and bere barley, which are widely available on the islands. Visitors will often find these puddings on pub menus, café counters, and in hotel restaurants across Kirkwall.

Clapshot

Clapshot is made from mashed swede and potatoes, usually mixed with butter and sometimes chives. It is most often served as a side dish with haggis, sausages, or roast meats. This dish appears regularly on traditional menus in Kirkwall restaurants.

Rhubarb Crumble

Rhubarb crumble is made using locally grown rhubarb topped with a baked crumble mixture. It is usually served warm with custard or cream made from Orkney dairy. This dessert is common in pubs and cafés, especially during cooler months.

Treacle Pudding

Treacle pudding is a steamed sponge dessert soaked in golden syrup or treacle. It is typically served hot with custard. Many local pubs offer this as a traditional dessert option.

Orkney Berry Cranachan

This dish is a local version of cranachan made with whipped cream, oats, honey, and Orkney berries. It is lighter than many other puddings and often served chilled. Cranachan is usually available when fresh berries are in season.

Bere Bannock Fruit Pudding

This pudding is made using bere flour and dried fruit, baked into a dense loaf-style dessert. It is usually sliced and served with butter. Visitors often find it in tearooms and guesthouses as an afternoon treat.

Where to Eat in Orkney: Top Restaurants for Traditional Cuisine

Here are five top-rated places to eat traditional food in Orkney this June, each offering a memorable culinary experience rooted in local culture.

1. Scapa Flow Restaurant – Fine Dining in Stromness

Scapa Flow Restaurant is the crown jewel of the dining scene in Stromness. Located inside The Stromness Hotel, this fine dining establishment is named after the nearby Scapa Flow, a natural harbour rich in maritime history.

The restaurant offers dishes inspired by Orkney’s seafaring heritage and island produce. Using only the freshest seasonal ingredients, Scapa Flow Restaurant serves up traditional favourites with an elegant touch.

Fish and Chips Fridays: Enjoy a classic dish done right with locally caught fish, golden chips, and house tartare.
Sunday Roasts: Served every Sunday with seasonal vegetables and homemade gravy.

Explore their full menu here and make it a weekend to remember.

2. The Orkney Brewery Taproom – Sandwick

For something more relaxed, head to the Orkney Brewery Taproom. While it’s best known for craft ales, the food menu offers delicious traditional fare with a pub-style feel.

Enjoy:

Orkney ale-battered fish
Aberdeen Angus burgers
Clapshot and haggis bonbons

The setting inside a converted Victorian schoolhouse is full of charm and history.

3. The Hamnavoe Restaurant – Stromness

Just a short stroll from the Stromness Harbour, The Hamnavoe Restaurant offers simple, honest food with a focus on local produce. It’s a great place for a casual meal and often features specials based on what’s fresh that day.

Favourites include:

Local crab salad
Haddock mornay
Rhubarb crumble with Orkney cream

The warm service and unpretentious atmosphere make it a reliable choice for lunch or dinner.

Seasonal Food Events in Orkney: January–February 2026

Winter is a quieter but rewarding time to explore Kirkwall restaurants, with a strong focus on local produce and traditional cooking. While January and February do not bring large food festivals, visitors can still enjoy seasonal food experiences that reflect everyday island life.

Look out for:

Winter Farmers’ Markets in Kirkwall and Dounby, where local producers sell cheeses, preserves, baked goods, and crafts, often held indoors during colder months.
Winter Menus in Kirkwall Restaurants, featuring hearty dishes such as Orkney beef, lamb stews, smoked haddock chowder, and traditional puddings like treacle pudding and rhubarb crumble using stored or forced rhubarb.
Seafood Specials, with haddock, cod, crab, and smoked fish commonly available, making winter a good time to try classic fish dishes in the best restaurants in Kirkwall.

For visitors in early 2026, winter dining in Orkney offers simpler menus, easier bookings, and a more local experience focused on comfort food and seasonal ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Orkney’s food scene is a delicious reflection of its land, sea, and history. Whether you're tucking into fish fresh from the harbour, savouring a slow-cooked Sunday roast, or indulging in local cheese and puddings, there's something in Orkney to satisfy every palate.

Explore the islands through flavour, book your table at Scapa Flow Restaurant, support local producers, and make your visit a feast to remember.

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