The Best Orkney Seafood Restaurants and Where to Try Fresh Local Catch

Surrounded by nutrient-rich waters and boasting a proud fishing heritage, Orkney is a paradise for seafood lovers. From succulent hand-dived scallops and sweet brown crab to plump lobsters and fresh-off-the-boat fish, the islands offer an exceptional bounty from the sea. This guide explores the best places to sample Orkney's incredible seafood, highlights key local producers, and delves into the sustainable practices underpinning this vital industry.

Orkney's Seafood Bounty: What to Expect

Orkney's cold, clean waters support a diverse range of high-quality seafood. The shellfish industry is particularly significant:

• Brown Crab: Orkney is the UK's largest fishery for brown crab, landing thousands of tonnes annually. Known for its sweet, delicate meat, it's available primarily from April to September.
• Lobster: Prized for its flavour, Orkney lobster peaks between June and October.
• Velvet Crab: A smaller but flavourful crab, often caught earlier in the year (January-April).
• Scallops: Hand-dived scallops from Orkney are renowned for their size and sweetness, available year-round.
• Other Shellfish: Look out for locally harvested mussels, oysters, and occasionally 'spoots' (razorfish).
• Whitefish: Haddock, cod, halibut, monkfish, and megrim are landed seasonally by local boats. Smoked versions, particularly salmon and haddock from local smokehouses like Jollys of Orkney, are also popular.

Crucially, Orkney's fishing community is committed to sustainability. Initiatives like the UK's first Fishery Improvement Plan (FIP) for brown crab, developed with Heriot-Watt University, aim for MSC certification and ensure the long-term health of stocks through measures like escape panels in creels and efforts to reduce the fishery's carbon footprint.

Top Seafood Restaurants: Fine Dining & Views

For a special meal showcasing the best local catch:

• The Foveran (St. Ola, Kirkwall): This renowned 'restaurant with rooms' offers stunning views over Scapa Flow alongside exceptional seafood. Expect dishes like Orkney lobster thermidor or pan-seared scallops prepared with finesse. Booking is essential, especially for dinner. (Price: £££)
• The Shore (Kirkwall): Located on the harbourfront, The Shore consistently receives praise for its modern Scottish cuisine with a strong seafood focus. Look for creative dishes featuring monkfish, halibut, or langoustines. (Price: ££-£££)
• Murray Arms Hotel (St Margaret's Hope): Their Gun Deck Restaurant prides itself on serving seafood often sourced from the hotel's own fishing boat. Their whole brown crab platter is a highlight. (Price: ££-£££)

Casual Cafes, Pubs & Shacks

Enjoy fantastic seafood in more relaxed settings:

• Loki Seafood Shack (Skaill, near Skara Brae): A seasonal gem (April-Oct) located in the gardens of Skaill House. Offers a daily changing menu based on the freshest catch – think crab tacos, scallop rolls, or lobster brioche. Perfect for lunch after visiting Skara Brae. (Price: ££-£££)
• Harbour Fry (Kirkwall): A local favourite for classic fish and chips, often featuring fresh Orkney haddock. Also known for traditional mince patties. Ideal for a quick, satisfying takeaway. (Price: £)
• Ferry Inn (Stromness): A traditional harbourside pub offering hearty meals, including reliable fish and chips and often seafood specials depending on the day's catch. (Price: ££)
• Helgis Bar / The Bothy Bar (Kirkwall): Popular pubs in Kirkwall known for good bar food, often including options like crab sandwiches or smoked haddock chowder. (Price: £-££)
• Skerries Bistro (St Margaret's Hope): Offers great views and often features local seafood like smoked haddock chowder on its menu. (Price: ££)

Local Producers and Buying Direct

Taste Orkney seafood at its source or take some home:

• Orkney Fishermen's Society / Orkney Crab: This cooperative processes much of the islands' crab and lobster catch in facilities in Stromness and Westray. Look for their brands in local shops.
• Pierowall Fish Ltd (Westray): A major processor, particularly for brown crab, supplying UK supermarkets. While not a direct retailer, their presence highlights Westray's importance in the industry.
• Jollys of Orkney (Kirkwall): A well-regarded fishmonger and smokehouse offering a wide range of fresh and smoked Orkney seafood, including salmon, haddock, mackerel, and shellfish.
• W I Rendall (Westray) / Stromness Fishmart: Local fishmongers where you can often buy seafood landed that day directly from the creel boats.

Seafood Experiences

• Harbour Visits: Wander around Kirkwall or Stromness harbours early in the morning to see fishing boats unloading their catch – a real insight into the industry.
• Orkney Food & Drink Festival: Usually held in the autumn (check Orkney Food & Drink website for dates), this event often showcases local seafood producers and chefs.
• Coastal Walks: Explore the coastline and imagine the generations of fishermen who have worked these waters. You might even spot creel boats working offshore. Check out our guide to Orkney's coastal wonders.

To find relevant videos, search YouTube for "Orkney sustainable fishing" or "Orkney seafood industry".

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year for Orkney seafood?

While some seafood like scallops is available year-round, crab and lobster are best from late spring through autumn (approx. April-October).

Where can I buy fresh crab or lobster to cook myself?

Try local fishmongers like Jollys of Orkney in Kirkwall or the Stromness Fishmart. Availability depends on daily landings.

Are Orkney scallops farmed or wild?

Orkney scallops are typically wild and hand-dived, contributing to their high quality and reputation.

Do I need to book restaurants in advance?

Yes, booking is highly recommended, especially for dinner at popular restaurants like The Foveran or The Shore, particularly during the tourist season.

Is Orkney seafood sustainable?

The Orkney seafood industry, particularly the crab and lobster fisheries, is actively working on sustainability through initiatives like the Fishery Improvement Plan (FIP) and gear modifications.

From fine dining restaurants overlooking Scapa Flow to casual harbourside takeaways, Orkney offers a wealth of opportunities to enjoy world-class seafood fresh from the surrounding waters. Supporting local producers and restaurants means tasting the very essence of the islands. Find accommodation in Orkney that puts you close to these fantastic culinary experiences.