+44 1856 850280+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
17:00 - 21:00
Mon
17:00 - 21:00
Tue
17:00 - 21:00
Wed
17:00 - 21:00
Thu
17:00 - 21:00
Fri
17:00 - 21:00
Sat
17:00 - 21:00
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
4.0
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Bar, Seafood, British, Pub, Scottish
Does this restaurant have live music
Details
About
Situated right on the harbour side of Stromness.
PRICE RANGE
£7.00 – £25.00
CUISINES
Bar, Seafood, British, Pub, Scottish
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music
Contribute
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.0
776 reviews
Excellent
322
Very good
295
Average
107
Poor
32
Terrible
20
Kevin W
2 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
On a recent trip to Orkney we took the bus from Kirkwall to Stromness on a lovely sunny evening. After exploring the town we took up our booked table in the pub. Possibly because of Covid restrictions and the fact it was a Sunday night there weren't many guests, so there wasn't much of an atmosphere. I had a starter of scallops with a pea puree. The scallops could have done with being seared as they were a bit flabby and came on an unheated plate. My wife and I had lamb for our main course. This appeared to have been reheated. In the accompanying clapshot there was little evidence of any swede turnips and the fried kale garnish was very chewy rather than crisp. We shared an Orkney cheese platter to finish but were underwhelmed by the quality and choice, with cheddar making up two of the three offered cheeses. On a more positive note our waitress was friendly and chatty.
Written 2 September 2020
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.
49KarenC
We note your comments - unfortunately the atmosphere is entirely different these days...and needs to be as we all work to reduce the risks of transmission of covid 19. The current regulations neither allow for background music, loud chat or movement between tables. Our staff remain positive and upbeat however and I am glad you recognise that. Your comments on the meal are noted, but we would have to say don't match our usual feedback for what are very popular dishes.
Written 3 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
James G
1 contribution
Sept 2020 • couples
Having previously eaten in multiple Michelin starred restaurants I can honestly say that the scallops I had for starter were the best I have ever eaten. The standard continued into the main course where the steak was absolutely exceptional (this is also a credit to the local butcher) as well as the lamb shoulder and smoked haddock we had on separate occasions.
If you are staying in Orkney, the Ferry Inn is a must visit where you will find fantastic food and great drinks (ask the owner about Scapa whiskys).
Written 17 September 2020
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.
49KarenC
Wow, what great feedback :) Thank you for this high recommendation.
Written 24 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joe D
1 contribution
Sept 2020 • friends
The hotel & staff are coping well with the current situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
All staff wear masks and social distances are adhered to, with table spacing inside & outside seating/tables in small marquees.
The food is very good, but it is essential to reserve a table as there are no other restaurants close by.
The other hotel & pub in Stromness are both currently closed.
Table service both inside & outside.
This hotel is directly opposite the ferry port, which is very convenient for the very early ferry departure check-ins.
Written 26 September 2020
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.
49KarenC
Thank you for reviewing us :)
Written 1 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Leonard Crane
48 contributions
Apr 2022 • none
Before we booked I telephoned to ask about fresh fish and they said they did fresh fish dishes (when available). I looked at the menu on line and it looked interesting. We ate there on Friday the 26th May. I has Orkney Scallops with apple salad and Orkney Crab and Paprika Tart Marie Rose sauce, dressed salad, new potatoes. My wife had the soup of the day carrot and coriander and the Grilled Haddock chunky chips, peas, tartare sauce. My scallops were very good and fresh but they would not tell me where they had bought the tart from which was not fresh and tasted of very dark crab meat. My wife's soup had no flavor; the fish she had was not fresh and it was skinless which is often a sign of fish having been frozen; it was microwaved and it was not grilled. The fish was overcooked. We made a complaint at the time. We paid the bill but we left no tip. The people on the next table to us were complaining to a person I took to be the manageress about their meal. One of them had had the Ferry Inn Seafood Trio half lobster tail, scallops, salmon, lobster cream sauce dressed salad, new potatoes at £27.00 and were not pleased with what had been served. I cannot say much about the other dishes on offer save to say the place was very busy and there were a lot of empty plates. It was pub grub fare and we had expected much better. We were booked in in the name of Crane at 7.00.
Written 6 May 2022
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.
Ga7ethC
Apologies for the delayed response, just catching up with missed reviews. We are sorry your meal was not to your taste. The crab tart is made on the premises with a mix of brown and white crab meat from the local catch…..most folk expect crab tart to taste of crab. Well filleted haddock should be skinless whether fresh or frozen. Our grilled haddock is grilled! Glad you enjoyed the scallops. We are fortunate that unhappy diners are few and far between with busy tables and empty plates the norm - and a healthy tip jar for a very hardworking staff team. Perhaps you will give us another try if ever back in Stromness.
Written 25 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pictish Poet
Edinburgh33 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
As lockdown travel restrictions eased we decided to make a long-weekend visit to help support the local economy in Orkney. The Ferry Inn was our only sit-in evening option in Stromness and it was great to have somewhere to mix with the very welcoming locals. The vegan in our party was spoiled with the very tasty chickpea & coconut curry, the locally landed fish dishes were spectacular, as was Flett’s sirloin steak cooked to perfection. It can’t be easy adapting to the new normal but the staff were efficient, upbeat and very friendly.
Written 20 August 2020
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.
49KarenC
Thank you.
Written 21 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andy Smith
3 contributions
Oct 2022 • solo
Joined a group of new friends on a diving trip to scapa flow and decided to eat here, the food was very nice but when we decided to pay the bill we asked to split the bill so we could each pay for what we had they added an extra 10% to each of our bills.
When I queried this they said it's for the extra work of working out the amounts.
Cheeky bastards, we were going to eat here every night for the next week but we won't now out of principle.
A nice pub with good food but sadly let down but the greediness of the owners.
Be warned, if in a group, order separately.
Written 16 October 2022
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.
Matt
Newcastle upon Tyne763 contributions
Oct 2021 • none
Their online booking system is great, easy to navigate and you reconfirm with them 24 hours before via a link.
Stopped here for our last night in Orkney, received a friendly welcome which was lovely and the food arrived promptly. I chose deep fried local cheese for my starter, baked salmon for main and orkney ice cream for dessert.
The food was tasty, fresh and used lots of lovely local ingredients. Would definitely return next time I'm in Orkney.
Written 5 October 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.
Karen C
Thank you for giving us this super review. We do hope that you make it back again soon :)
Written 7 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
VikkiHB
Fareham210 contributions
Aug 2021 • couples
After a sketchy start to eating in Orkney, I was delighted to see the Ferry Inn had a proper dish, and not the cheese salad I was offered at another establishment.
We had stopped by a couple of nights previously. The bar is well stocked with local gins, beers and whiskey.
The welcome was warm. The food delicious and healthy too!
I’d definitely recommend a visit here!
Written 9 August 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.
Karen C
Thank you for this great review :)
Written 11 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JMASON13
Guildford96 contributions
Aug 2022 • none
There isn't a lot of choice for eating out in Stromness but but don't underestimate the quality of food and service here. We booked for 6:30, rocked up at 5:30 hoping to get a drink beforehand and we were found a nice table and able to order early. Great service!
It was hard to decide what to eat - too many interesting choices, We went for Orkney grilled cheese, monkfish kebabs, haddock and the lamb. All were delicious and well presented. The staff were very busy but still found time to chat and to make sure we had all we needed to make our meal a pleasure.
Prices were not cheap but the food was very good quality and worth it, which is not always the case elsewhere.
As we left, we booked again for later in the week. Thank you - we are looking forward to trying other items on the menu!
Written 14 August 2022
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.
Karen C
Thank you so much for this great review :)
Written 16 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ailis S
Edinburgh86 contributions
Jun 2021 • family
We had a family meal out in the early evening at the Ferry inn in Stromness (parents, 14yo and 11yo). It was a very pleasant evening and we all enjoyed our meals. Between us we had the scallops starter, soup of the day and trio of salmon for starter and the battered haddock, burger, smoked haddock and baked salmon for main courses. We all enjoyed our meals. Service was efficient and friendly. The only slight disappointment was the coconut, mango and chia seed dessert but perhaps this was a bad choice on the part of the teenager! The local cheeses, ginger pudding and ice creams all hit the spot. Overall there was a good range of fresh, local choices on the menu. We will plan to visit again before the end of our holiday. Definitely recommend booking in advance during the high season, even in COVID times.
Written 27 July 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.
Karen C
Many thanks for reviewing us. We hope that you make it back to eat with us again before the end of your holiday.
Written 29 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Neil M
Scotland120 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
Agree with the previous writer about the eat out scheme. I'm not on face book so didn't know till we got there that they were not taking part in the scheme. As it was only a 10 min walk from our BnB we ate here all 3 nightrs of our stay, not much else open anyway.
Starters were superb, main courses not so good and a bit expensive for pub grub. Not at all that busy so no atmosphere but that's not the hotels fault just down to covid 19
I think. Staff very friendly and helpfull.
Written 8 August 2020
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.
49KarenC
Hello
Thank you for reviewing us and for eating with us all three nights. We are the only place open in Stromness for evening meals at the moment so are pleased that we have been able to cater for you. As you say, due to the new way of working it is a different atmosphere to normal. For the time being we are aiming to serve good quality meals safely while still offering friendly and helpful service.
Written 9 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephen Y
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • couples
We ordered soup for two and haddock for two. Haddock arrived without receiving the soup. Quickly removed but we rapidly decided to accept the main course dishes and order dessert in place of the soup. Food was good but service poor. When we went to pay we were faced with a bill which included four drinks which we had not ordered. These were removed and a new bill issued.
Written 2 July 2023
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.
Karen Crichton
Hello, please accept our apologies that our service was not up to our usual high standard.
Written 4 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
IanLove
Ayr213 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
We had dinner here on our recent trip to Orkney, we had booked in advance and got a table inside in the restaurant area.
Staff were welcoming and friendly and we were shown to our table without delay. It was quite busy but there was plenty of space and staff were all wearing face masks
I ordered the scallops which arrived very quickly they were well presented and pretty tasty but they could have been a lot warmer. My wife ordered the Wolffish special which looked nice but she said it was over cooked and the accompaniments could have been hotter. I had fish and chips and this was probably the best dish of the meal.
On the whole it wasn’t awful but it could have been better
Written 31 August 2020
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.
49KarenC
Hello
Thank you for reviewing us. We have taken on board your feedback.
Written 1 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ginge E
Cherval34 contributions
Jul 2022 • none
We have been here a number of times for drinks whilst staying in Stromness and once to eat. They appear to be the only realistic option to "dine in" at the moment within Stromness which would be very easy to let standards slip with no competition, but this isn't the case at all. Amongst the usual (for this area) seafood options on the menu, it was a pleasant surprise to see 2 vegan options on the main menu. Food was tasty and service was just the right amount of attentive. Really enjoyable meal.
Written 3 July 2022
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.
Karen C
It is great to hear that you enjoyed your recent dining experience at the Ferry Inn. Thank you for the super review :)
Written 4 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lozza1610
Blackburn24 contributions
Sept 2020 • couples
There is an online booking system and we managed to get the last slot that suited our timescale even though it was quite last minute. My Husband had the chowder to start which he said had plenty fish in it and was very tasty. I had the battered haddock and Hubby had the smoked haddock, both were lovely and very filling. We finished with coffee. Couldn’t fault the service and in the current circumstances everything is well organised. Would definitely go back if we were in Stromness again
Written 15 September 2020
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.
49KarenC
Thank you :)
Written 16 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
…
Showing results 1-15 of 693
Best moderately priced restaurants
See all 
Best nearby
We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Best nearby hotels
See all 
Best nearby restaurants
See all 
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing