Where to Eat on the NC500
A local's food guide to Scotland's greatest road trip. Every stop worth making, from Inverness clockwise around the coast and back.
The North Coast 500 is one of the best road trips in the world. The scenery is unforgettable. But here's the thing nobody tells you: food options can be limited, seasonal, and unpredictable - especially on the north and west coasts. Some villages have one cafe that closes at 4pm. Others have nothing at all.
I've lived in Inverness since 2018 and I've watched thousands of NC500 travellers pass through the city on their way out and back. The ones who plan their food stops have a better trip. This guide covers the best places to eat along the entire route.
- Don't assume you'll find food when you need it. Check opening times before you drive. Google Maps listings are often outdated for remote Highland businesses.
- Fill up in the towns. Dornoch, Ullapool, and Lochinver are your best options for a proper meal. Between towns, expect cafes and bakeries, not restaurants.
- Start and finish strong in Inverness. The city has the best food scene on the entire route. Spending a night before you set off? Read our guide to things to do in Inverness.
Inverness - Start & Finish
Every NC500 trip begins and ends here. Don't rush through - spend at least one night eating well before you start, and another when you return. For the full breakdown, read our Inverness restaurant guide.
East Coast: Inverness to John O'Groats
The most developed section. Towns are closer together and food options are more reliable. This stretch takes most people a full day with stops.
The Storehouse - Evanton
About 30 minutes north of Inverness. A farmshop, food hall, and restaurant all in one, overlooking the Cromarty Firth. Great for stocking up on local produce for the road - smoked salmon, cheeses, Black Isle Dairy ice cream. The restaurant serves breakfast through to dinner using locally sourced ingredients.
Dornoch
The prettiest town on the east coast and a proper food destination. You're spoilt for choice:
- Dornoch Castle Whisky Bar & Bistro - good Scottish food in an atmospheric castle setting with an impressive whisky collection.
- Luigi - surprisingly good Italian food for a small Highland town.
- Highland Larder - great for a casual lunch or coffee.
- Harry Gow's - a Highland institution. Their pineapple tarts and dream rings are famous across the north. Stock up for the car.
Brora
Sid's Spice is rated #1 on TripAdvisor for the town - proper authentic curry, which makes a welcome change from fish and chips after a few days on the road.
Dunrobin Castle Area
If you're visiting Dunrobin Castle (and you should - it's spectacular), there's a cafe inside the grounds. Reasonable for a quick lunch.
North Coast: John O'Groats to Durness
The most remote and dramatic stretch. Food options thin out considerably. Plan ahead.
John O'Groats - The Stacks
Good for a quick lunch. Homemade soups and scones. Free wifi, which you'll appreciate after the spotty signal on the coast road.
Bettyhill & Tongue
Small villages with limited options. The Tongue Hotel does a decent pub lunch. Check opening times.
Durness - Cocoa Mountain
This is the stop everyone talks about. Cocoa Mountain in Balnakeil, just outside Durness, is a bespoke chocolate shop and cafe that's earned international fame despite being in one of the most remote corners of the UK. The hot chocolate is legendary - rich, thick, and served with handmade truffles. Flavours include chilli and lemongrass, peanut butter and cranberry, ginger and cinnamon.
If you only make one food stop on the north coast, make it this one.
West Coast: Durness to Inverness
Where the NC500 really earns its reputation - and where the food gets genuinely exciting. The scenery is world-class and the food matches it, but everything is seasonal and spread out.
Lochinver Larder
Possibly the most famous food stop on the entire NC500. Lochinver Larder is known across Scotland for its pies - handmade, generous, and available in dozens of flavours from classic steak to wild venison to vegetarian options. They also offer a "pies by post" service if you get addicted.
Don't leave Lochinver without one. This is a must-stop.
Ullapool
The unofficial capital of the west coast and your best option for a proper sit-down meal between Lochinver and Inverness.
- The Seafood Shack - famous for their haddock wraps and locally caught seafood. Being refurbished but set to reopen in 2026.
- Deli-ca-sea - opposite the ferry terminal. Crab sandwiches, Scottish mussels, and some of the best fish and chips on the NC500. Gluten-free option in a separate fryer.
Applecross - The Walled Garden
Worth the drive over the Bealach na Ba (one of the most dramatic mountain passes in the UK) just for this. The Walled Garden in Applecross is a cafe-restaurant surrounded by wildflowers and herbaceous borders, with much of the food sourced from the garden itself. Beautiful, peaceful, and the food is excellent.
The Torridon
If you want to treat yourself to one fine dining experience on the NC500, The Torridon is it. The main hotel restaurant has 3 AA rosettes and serves Highland produce at the highest level. The Torridon Inn next door is more casual - famous for its NC500 burger. Both are set against one of the most dramatic mountain backdrops in Scotland.
Gairloch & Poolewe
The Badachro Inn in Gairloch is a dog-friendly restaurant on the shores of Loch Gairloch with excellent seafood and regular live music. In Poolewe, the Bridge Cafe is a solid stop for lunch.
Kinlochewe
The Whistle Stop Cafe is a popular lunch stop for NC500 drivers. Good homemade food, hearty portions.
Back to Inverness
After 500 miles, you'll be tired, hungry, and ready for a proper meal. Most people arrive back in late afternoon or early evening. The city centre restaurants are all within walking distance of each other - read our full Inverness restaurant guide to plan your return meal.
NC500 Food Tips
Back in Inverness? Come Eat.
27 Bank Street. Right on the River Ness. Open 7 days.
Coyote Burger - 27 Bank Street, Inverness IV1 1QU - 01463 220179
Mon-Thu 12:00-21:00 - Fri-Sat 11:00-22:00 - Sun 12:00-21:00