Local Cafes/Pubs/Restaurants
Ben Lora Café (opposite local shop): This wee café has the best scones in the world, and great coffee! Opening hours 10:00-18:00. During spring/summer they are open until 20:00 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and serve verynice oven fired pizzas. Closed end October until Easter.
http://www.facebook.com/Ben-Lora-Cafe-Bookshop-154618611263983/
The only restaurant within walking distance is the Hawthorn – turn right at the exit of the estate, cross the road, and turn left over the bridge just past the converted church. The Hawthorn is on the right about 500 metres down. Friendly staff, food is basic Tel: 01631 720 777. Closed October-March
https://www.facebook.com/HawthornRestaurant
Tralee Bay Fish & Chips A further 500 metres past the Hawthorn is a caravan site which has a wee fish and chip shop at the entrance. The fish and chips are supposed to be excellent – good reviews on trip adviser (I don’t eat fish and chips so can’t really comment). Opening hours Wed, Thurs, Fri and Sat 16:30 – 20:30. Oepns 18 March.
https://www.facebook.com/TraleeChippy
My favourite 'local' is the Creagan Inn – about a 10 minute drive on the way to Fort William (right at the exit of the estate) – there is a large decking part outside which looks on to the Loch Creran, it’s a lovely setting. Nice food, atmosphere and people!
You can eat (or order take-away) at the Loch Nell Arms (five minute drive, on the right before Connel Bridge when driving to Oban from Benderloch). Basic food, nice pub atmosphere, nice view over the falls of Lora.
The closest pub is just across Connel Bridge, the Glue Pot, very small but a log fire and nice atmosphere. It is attached to a restaurant called the Oyster Inn – nice view over falls of Lora. I was a bit disappointed with the food there, but others have told me they enjoyed their meal.
http://www.oysterinn.co.uk/glue-pot.html
The Old Inn is slightly further on from the Creagan Inn on the road to Fort William and has an excellent reputation, possibly the best food in the area.
http://www.facebook.com/TheObanInn/
There are lots of restaurants in Oban. Here are a few which I would recommend:
The Etive - I have been to this restaurant, only once, VERY expensive (£95 menu, not including wine) but amazing taster menu, beautifully presented. Would definitely go back for a special occasion
http://etiverestaurant.co.uk/contact/
EE-USK – Fish restaurant, 01631 565666 – fabulous fish, some quite pricey dishes, some less pricey. No children under the age of 12 aftere 5.45 pm (that's a bit over the top!). Lunch served 12:00-14:30. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
Piazza – right beside the EE-USK, nice food, reasonable prices Tel: 01631 563 628. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
For info, a new Wetherspoons has recently opened in Oban. I’ve not been there. It has mixed reviews, but everyone agrees that a pint is very good value! The don't seem to have their own website, but this link tells you a bit about it, and gives info on other pubs in Oban:
http://whatpub.com/pubs/GLA/963/corryvreckan-oban
For seafood lovers, there is what is called the Green Shack on the pier beside the ferry terminal. It is hugely popular, (especially with my family) and everyone loves their seafood platters. Alcohol is not served with the food. Opens March.
https://www.visitscotland.com/info/food-drink/the-green-shack-p980981
