Isle of Skye Cafés Guide: Our Tried‑and‑Loved Spots Near Dunvegan & Beyond
- Sarah
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
One of the unexpected joys of life at Beachcomber Cottage is how brilliantly Skye balances the refined with the wonderfully simple. Yes, we absolutely adore a beautifully composed tasting menu… but sometimes, between weather fronts and long scenic drives, all you really want is a quick bite, a good coffee, and friendly faces.
Because we’re tucked away in the north of the island, many of these spots in this café guide are close enough for an easy lunch stop or a post‑walk reward. And yes — we’ve tried them all ourselves.
A wee reminder: many Skye cafés close seasonally, with lots reopening around the first week of March, so always check websites or social media before setting off.
Let's start the Isle of Skye café guide with An Crùbh, Sleat
If your travels take you down to Sleat — often called “the garden of Skye” — An Crùbh is one of those places that feels instantly grounding. Built by the local community, it’s part café, part shop, part gathering space, and entirely welcoming. The café itself has big picture windows looking across to the mainland, the kind of view that shifts constantly with Skye’s mercurial light, making even a simple coffee feel like a pause for breath.
The food is fresh, thoughtful, and generous — hearty soups - probably the best Cullen Skink I've ever had, excellent toasties, beautiful baking — and there’s a gentle, modern warmth inside that makes it just as lovely for a quiet moment as it is for a family lunch.
Address: Sleat, Isle of Skye IV43 8QU
Café Opening Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 10:00–16:00 (kitchen closes 15:00)
Birch, Portree
We love Birch not only for its great coffee, soups, amazing bakes, and perfect sourdough breakfasts, but for its family ties to the Isle — the owner Niall Munro is the brother of Calum Munro of Scorrybreac (one of our favourite restaurants on Skye), and both are sons of Donnie Munro of Runrig. We have spotted Donnie in there enjoying a coffee himself. It's a lovely story of homegrown talent on Skye.
This is our 'go-to' spot in Portree after running errands. It's also next door to the Skye Distillery shop, another firm favourite of ours!
Address: Bayfield Road, Portree IV51 9EL
Bog Myrtle, Struan
A great place to stop on the way to Talisker. Part café, part bakery, part indie bookshop — the atmosphere here is gorgeous, and the baking even better. I can recommend the soup served with a savoury scone.
You may have seen it on an episode of Designing the Hebrides, where that enormous piece of stained glass was purchased and breaths were held when putting it in place - would it fit or not?!
There is a real community feel, with various groups meeting up here. The day we went the local Polish community had met for a coffee. This little cutie took a shine to Alex and gradually got nearer and nearer until she sat next to him!
Address: Struan IV56 8FB
No website, but active on Facebook and other social media platforms.
Café Lephin, Glendale
An ideal stop on the way to Neist Point, and my favourite walk nearby - if you want to know more about where, message me - this is a walk that locals keep to themselves.
Café Lephin is warm, welcoming, and just the right mix of cakes, soups, and simple lunches.
There's also a craft fair in the Glendale Hall on Tuesdays, with wonderful arts and crafts for sale.
Address: 2 Lephin, Glendale IV55 8WJ
Café Cùil, Carbost
One of our absolute favourites for brunch — thoughtful cooking and seasonal local produce served in a cosy red‑roofed barn.
There's also a small shop with carefully curated produce, arts and crafts, and of course signed copies of the cookbook by Clare Coghill the chef/proprietor. Haling from Skye, she's passionate about showcasing the best possible Scottish produce.
A firm favourite for visits to the Fairy Pools. Closed in winter, reopening each March.
Address: 4 Satran, Carbost IV47 8SU
Dunvegan Community Café
A not‑for‑profit café with panoramic loch views, the last time we stopped here, we were treated to seeing an otter in Loch Dunvegan, the lovely staff provided us with binoculars to get a better look. It does excellent bakes - the pies especially, soups and cakes, and has a proper community heart - there are conversation Gaelic sessions, swop shops, IT help etc all going on at various times.
Only open 3 days a week - Monday and Friday and Saturday. Situated near the Cath Waters studio and the Alpaca wool shop it's another lovely place for a spot of retail therapy followed by a cuppa.
Address: Unit 3, Lochside, Dunvegan IV55 8WB
Gasta, Broadford
A bright, modern deli situated inside an old Mill with wonderful pizza and great coffee — perfect if you happen to be adventuring further south on the island or if you're peckish as you arrive.
Next to a burn, it's a rather lovely spot.
Address: The Old Mill, Broadford IV49 9AQ
Glenbrittle Campsite Café
If you’re walking in the Cuillin, this café is a godsend: home made pizzas with imaginative toppings, pastries, great coffee, and a beachside setting that feels wonderfully remote. We've sat in here with the rain pelting down on the tine roof, feeling very smug with our coffees in the warm!
There is also work from local artists and books/photos from Cuillin local guides available to purchase.
Closes for winter, re-opens April
Address: Glenbrittle, Isle of Skye IV47 8TA
The Misty, Dunvegan
If you’re spending time around Dunvegan — perhaps after a visit to the castle or Coral Beach — The Misty is a great spot for an easy, comforting meal. It’s very much a family‑run place, with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and a menu built around fresh, made‑to‑order classics. Think pizzas with generous toppings, proper fish and chips, hearty burgers, and the sort of milkshakes and waffles that children (and grown‑ups) get excited about. Believe me one of those waffles is enough for two people!
It’s casual, welcoming, and ideal when you want something unfussy but satisfying — especially after a long day exploring the west side of the island. No bookings, just turn up and tuck in. Re-opens April.
Address: Kilmuir Road, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye, IV55 8WA
The Oyster Shed, Carbost
We first came across the Osyter Shed during lock-down when they cleverly changed tack to delivering weekly fish boxes. We bought quite a few of these, long before we discovered the physical Oyster Shed.
Just up the road from the Talisker Distillery this is not to be missed. Not quite a café, and definitely not refined - think seating at communal long tables. We recommend the oysters, shucked to order. I wasn't so keen on the hot food - the dressed crab came out a bit dry, but the fish and chips looked good (the fish part especially, not so much the chips)
Open 11- 5 Monday to Saturday all year round.
Address: Carbost Hill Road, Carbost IV47 8SE
YURTea & Coffee, Waternish
A cosy yurt perched above Loch Bay, filled with sheepskins, excellent baking, soups and pies, and some of the island’s friendliest service.
This is an excellent option when there's a patch of bad weather - you can do the tour of the tannery at Skye Skyns, have a little retail therapy in the shop - the fleeces are amazing, and then relax in the Yurt. Perfect after exploring Waternish.
Address: 17 Lochbay, Waternish, IV55 8GD
Comments