North Harbour Bistro and Tearoom

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#1 of 1 Restaurant in Isle of Scalpay££ - £££, Seafood, British, Vegetarian friendly

+44 1859 540218+ Add website

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Hours

Mon

10:00 - 20:00

Tue

0:00 - 20:00

Thu

10:00 - 20:00

Fri

10:00 - 20:00

Sat

10:00 - 20:00

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What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.5

848 reviews

#1 of 1 Restaurant in Isle of Scalpay

Travellers' Choice 2024

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Food and ambience

Local cuisine, Seafood, British, Scottish, Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options

“The choice on the menu highlights the local seafood, but don't worry, there i...”

“The scallops and smoked salmon starters were superb and we followed up with c...”

“... seafood was perfect and so beautifully presented - also enjoyed the venison.”

“The food was delicious - we had haddock, mussels and scallops in a cream sauc...”

Location and contact

North Harbour, HS4 3XU Scotland

+44 1859 540218

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Is this restaurant good for lunch?

Yes

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Details

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CUISINES

Seafood, British, Scottish

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours

FEATURES

Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wifi, Table Service, BYOB

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4.5

848 reviews

Excellent

726

Very good

Average

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Terrible

Tezza949

Redcar72 contributions

Worth a visit but book ahead

May 2021 • couples

Not our first visit & hopefully not the last. We were thrilled to find North bay bistro open on our recent visit to Scalpay. Booking is essential as it’s such a popular place. The food was fabulous with everything beautifully prepared & presented - obviously local seafood is well represented on the menu. They are now a licensed venue rather than a bring your own bottle so expect to pay the going restaurant rate for a bottle of wine/beer or cider. George Lavery very obviously puts his heart & soul into planning every dish and takes the time to check that you are happy. After such a long closure the new staff were just getting to grips with opening up but were learning fast & trying hard. Looking forward to our next visit

Written 17 June 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Duncan R

Cupar10 contributions

Indulgent treat

Jul 2021 • family

The restaurant is set in the old harbour in Scalpay, in an unassuming single story building. Despite Covid, the North Harbour Bistro served gorgeous food which was extremely well presented and of the highest standard. The main course was supplemented with a small bowl of seasonal vegetables to share, but the portion size was perfect and we all left feeling completely satisfied. This gem of an eatery is not cheap, but is well worth a visit if you find yourself on the Outer Hebrides.

Written 24 July 2021

Angela M

Preston135 contributions

Whilst it looked closed on the outside. We had a warm welcome inside and food was excellently presented and very good.

Oct 2021 • couples

Perhaps a strange place for us to eat particularly as neither of us are big fish eaters. But the restaurant had been recommended and there was a limited choice of non fish options. So after a walk on the island we had booked a table. I must admit the menu failed to impress my non fish lover husband and I knew belly pork would not be a temptation. With nothing as simple as Fish and chips I could see he was going to resort to a starter as a main till I mentioned the fillet steak on the specials. But he already been tempted by the goats cheese with beetroot so he decided on a a starter as well as the steak. The goats cheese was lovely and creamy , and the steak reported to be excellent and was v well presented. On the advice of the helpful waitress I opted for Halibut with scallop and scalpay King prawn which I was assured was fresh from the harbour. With help from the waitress to manhandle the prawn I could then enjoy a well presented cooked and filling meal. It was only a 'well I'm on holiday" excuse thst made me try the sticky toffee pudding ! But it was lovely and light and finished the meal off perfectly. Really enjoyed and would recommend , yes it's not cheap but the portions and presentation took the sting out of any potential issues on the cost. Would recommend . Thankyou

Written 22 October 2021

Dinoally

2 contributions

Not the best on the island.

Aug 2021 • couples

Not a very Christian welcoming. Prices were astronomical yet portion sizes did not seem to reflect this. Lack of ingredient advertising which is difficult for someone with food allergies/sensitivies. Once the waitresses found out we were English, their attitudes towards us changed and we felt incredibly uncomfortable. Would not consider eating here again.

Written 25 August 2021

Eugene

9 contributions

Just Excellent

Apr 2022 • none

We only booked NHB because another establishment had failed to confirm our reservation. We were so impressed that we booked again before we'd finished our mains! The selection of at least five starters, mains and desserts plus three "specials" meant everyone had a choice, particularly if you enjoy seafood which features a lot. We overheard another diner saying they were vegetation and the owner/chef had no hesitation in providing appropriate dishes though I think it's a bit rude not to have advised the restaurant in advance, especially when the menu is easily accessible. Our choices include salmon cooked mi-cuit which I hadn't had before, scallops, halibut and monkfish mahabali. Desserts were a really enjoyable Pavlova and fruit concoction and sticky toffee pudding. The bill for two of us having three courses + coffee and a couple of drinks was just over £100 and was wonderful value. As I mentioned at the start we'll be back!

Written 1 April 2022

Curiosity826660

27 contributions

Scallops Plus

May 2022 • none

I really liked the atmosphere inside of the Bistro, though the chef's mood did seem to change like the proverbial yo-yo. At one moment making sure everything was ok, the next snapping at anyone near him. However, the food (predominantly seafood) was excellent and we really enjoyed our dinner here. The service was slow on account of there being a large group in at the same time and problems with a card machine, but the waiters / waitresses were calm and we were in no rush so simply enjoyed the food and wine. This was our best meal on Harris / Lewis.

Written 26 May 2022

Camper610561

5 contributions

The best experience of a restaurant anywhere

Sept 2021 • couples

We visited the Isle of Harris in September and struggled to book a restaurant anywhere on the islands of Harris or Lewis. Thankfully, however, North Harbour Bistro had tables, and will be for a very long time I imagine the best restaurant experience we've had. Entirely unpretentious and genuinely beautiful fresh, seasonal food. Although specialising in fish, vegetarians are thoughtfully and brilliantly catered for. It's an extremely long drive (!) but we'd love to return one day.

Written 30 July 2022

Hipposunday

Wolverhampton50 contributions

What a gem! Such a talented chef!

Jun 2021 • couples

We had a fantastic meal here. So pleased I messaged since the Google maps says still closed- which it isn't. Only able to do evening meals since the Chef is advertising for a chef or even a trainee. It would be a fantastic opportunity for someone to learn from such a talented man. As a bonus we met a relative there - who we didn't know was even in UK! Our reunion will make the night memorable for all there I think! We will definitely be back and happy recommend this bistro to anyone.

Written 21 June 2021

Ladytforce

20 contributions

Wow!

Oct 2019 • couples

We visited this restaurant on the recommendation of a friend and were thoroughly impressed. The food was gorgeously presented and exciting was amazing. I’m not a dessert or sweets person, but I ordered *every* course just to see what the chef would come up with. Definitely a place we’d return to and a world-class meal in an unassuming location. A note: there was a vegetarian meal that wasn’t listed on the menu so veggies, you’re covered too! I had the vegetarian risotto (pic), though the picture was taken a couple bites in. It was so good I couldn’t wait :)

Written 19 January 2020

Rhona I

Kilmarnock47 contributions

Great food, terrible service.

Aug 2021 • none

The food was fantastic. Unfortunately this was let down by the terrible service. Waitress took our drinks order including 2 large Harris gins. They were served with grapefruit however no ice! Even after asking for ice none of the next drinks we asked for were served with ice in them. Such a shame to have such great food and terrible drinks service. There didn't seem to be anyone running the restaurant, it was so unorganised. It was one of the best meals of the week but can't get over the service. It would make such a difference having someone run the restaurant and good bar staff only mixing drinks.

Written 6 September 2021

CF y Flia F

Haslemere118 contributions

Magnificent

Sept 2021 • none

This restaurant should soon be making an appearance as a Michelin recommended restaurant. It is a fine example of what local produce, ambition and intelligent service and cooking can do if the northern part of the British Isles wants to show what they have to offer. I can genuinely say that this is one of the best meals that I have had in the UK, with the exception of Michelin star restaurants. A wonderful experience in a setting of majesty. The sunset was enough to make a grown man moisten in the eyes whilst having the finest of meals. I went here twice in the week that I was there and I will never go back to Harris without visiting it again. The owners and all of the staff, front to back, should be very proud with what they have created here.

Written 14 August 2022

Debbie R

11 contributions

Fabulous Food, Friendly Service, Great location

May 2022 • none

What’s not to like? We struggled to book a meal here as it was so busy during our stay on Harris. After contacting them via Messenger they got back to say they’d fit us in for lunch. That’s a point in their favour as several other food establishments locally hadn’t even bothered to get back to us or were un-contactable. We both started with soup. It was well presented and had great flavour. The homemade bras was a real bonus. My husband had a faultless chicken supreme and I had a slice monkfish dish which wa subtly spiced and delicious. I’m not a fan of smears and purées, but the trio on my plate where in enough quantity to eat with the food and tasted amazing. I can’t eat cream sauces and was offered a lovely light and refreshing sauce vierge instead, even though I didn’t ask for a replacement. The dish had enough moisture and interest not to need it, but I happily added it to my plate and devoured the lot. Nice relaxed environment with top notch food. A little pricey for lunch perhaps, but the quality and skill is worth it it. Definitely be back another time.

Written 12 May 2022

Shirley R

Edinburgh60 contributions

Hidden culinary gem!

Apr 2022 • couples

A wee hidden gem on Scalpay. Thankfully this was recommended by our hosts otherwise we may have missed a chance to eat at this wonderful restaurant. The chef produced some faultless dishes. Both the cod and halibut were cooked to perfection. Our starters of goats cheese with different beetroot textures, and tempura squid with prawns could not be faulted. The delightful young man who seemed to be juggling front of house across all the tables was so pleasant and helpful, he really made this a great night. Thank you team!

Written 7 April 2022

Joanne K

13 contributions

Scalpay gem

May 2022 • friends

We were staying on Scalpay but this small popular harbour front bistro is well worth taking time to drive to if you are not staying nearby. The drive to the island from Tarbert is very special. We were well looked after by the friendly cheerful staff. The evening meals we had were excellent with emphasis on elegant presentation. The prices might be considered to be on the expensive side but we would say the standard of ingredients and style of cooking justified this. We agree that portion sizes were small but fairly typical of smart restaurants in this category on the mainland. Desserts were superb but miniscule. The menu offered wonderfully fresh seafood combinations and also some tempting meat options. Although on the harbour the restaurant has limited views to the exterior through the small windows which is a shame.

Written 15 May 2022

travelwithme

London198 contributions

Incredible!

Apr 2022 • couples

We visited North Harbour Bistro for dinner and we absolutely loved it. There is a varied menu, a great selection of ‘specials’ and a good drinks menu. The food was absolutely delicious, full of flavour, incredibly fresh & beautifully presented. We had 3 courses and each was fabulous, we couldn’t fault a thing. The chef came out to ask everyone how their meal was towards the end of the meal which I thought was lovely. We will definitely be returning here on our next visit to the Isle of Harris.