Food and Drinks in Lochawe
Nestled amid the shimmering waters and high-shouldered peaks of Loch Awe, the food and drink experience here is as rich and varied as the landscape itself. Whether you are drawn to roaring fires and fine malts, elegant home-cooking with local produce, or quiet tea-times in historic surrounds — this is a place where every meal counts.
The Restaurant & Bar at the Ben Cruachan Inn
At the heart of the village lies the celebrated Ben Cruachan Inn, recognised as “Scotland’s Gastro Pub of the Year” and multiple year-on-year awards celebrating their gastronomic achievements. With a reputation that extends far beyond the Argyll coast, the Inn has become the reference point for outstanding pub-dining in the Highlands.
The menu champions what the region does best: fresh Scottish seafood landed near the loch; wild mushrooms and game drawn from the surrounding woodlands; bread, preserves and cheeses crafted by small-batch producers across Argyll. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are thoughtfully integrated, so whether you arrive by boat, bike or boots, you’ll find something exceptional.
The bar frames the view of the water with over 100 Scottish single malts and more than 30 premium gins — perfect for a relaxed evening beside the fire or a celebratory dinner. Famously, the golden hour on the terrace offers some of the most memorable meals in the west of Scotland.
A Visit to the Tearoom at St Conan’s Kirk
Just a short stroll from the loch’s shoreline, the tearoom at St Conan’s Kirk brings heritage, tea and cakes together in a charming combination. Housed within the historic church-building, you’ll enjoy homemade tray-bakes, locally-roasted coffee, and a view across the water that invites reflection.
Explore More Local Food & Drink
Loch Awe is home to more than one destination: as you wander the loch’s shores you will find craft cafés, village bistros, farmhouse producers and local ale trails.
The shores and glens around Loch Awe have an unusually high concentration of excellent independent places to eat. Here, small inns, tearooms, farm-driven kitchens and chef-led dining rooms are the norm — with menus shaped by the seasons, the land, the loch and the coast. Below is a curated list of locally respected, independent places that visitors (and locals) genuinely choose — from relaxed pub lunches to refined dinners worth travelling for.
For more ideas and listings across the loch, see our full Food & Drink directory below.
Food Directory
A list of the best places to eat, in Lochawe village and on the shores of Loch Awe.
Ben Cruachan Inn — Loch Awe village
Ben Cruachan Inn is the region’s dining flagship — “Scotland’s Gastro Pub of the Year” — celebrated for local produce, seafood and outstanding whisky & gin choices. Seasonal menus, fireside comfort, terrace sunset views: a destination in itself.
Kilchrenan Inn — Kilchrenan
Kilchrenan Inn is a sensitively revived 18th century drovers inn serving modern Scottish cooking with a relaxed rural elegance.
Portsonachan — South Loch Awe
Portsonachan offers loch-side dining with sweeping water views. Scottish seasonal menus, friendly atmosphere, great for long relaxed lunches.
Ardbrecknish House — South Loch Awe
Ardbrecknish House has a cosy pub with hearty meals in an informal, welcoming setting—long a favourite with walkers and local boat folk.
Taychreggan Hotel — Kilchrenan
Taychreggan offers refined, romantic dining spaces on the loch’s edge—perfect for a special evening or tasting something new.
Ardanaiseig Hotel — Kilchrenan side
Ardanaiseig is one of the most atmospheric country house dining rooms in the Highlands—think candlelight, old stone, polished hospitality.
Stag & Ivy Tearoom (St Conan’s Kirk) — Loch Awe
Stag & Ivy brings artisanal cakes, bakes, and coffee to one of Scotland’s most extraordinary church buildings. A beautiful light-lunch / coffee stop just metres from the water.
Wider destination dining (day trip from Loch Awe)
Inver Restaurant — Loch Fyne
Inver is internationally acclaimed for wild, coastal, terroir-based Scottish cuisine. Immersive, natural, elemental.
Etive Restaurant — Oban
Etive is a chef-owned, fine dining room in Oban—an excellent choice for seafood lovers.
Samphire — Inveraray
Samphire is a beloved independent kitchen serving high quality modern Scottish plates in the heart of Loch Fyne country.