Our Favourite Food & Drink

South Harris has much to offer in terms of locally produced food and drink. With the right contacts it is possible to source freshly landed langoustine, crab and lobster to enjoy back at the Croft.

We have put together a list of some of our favourites to help you as you arrive. If you are interested in eating in one of the restaurants, we would advise making an early booking so you are not disappointed.

Here is a list of most of what’s available in South Harris – but always check Facebook pages or websites for up-to-date information on opening times.

Scarista House

For a special treat, this is a lovely setting for a delicious meal based around local produce. – a Georgian former manse 20 minutes drive up the west coast. Tim and Patricia run this boutique hotel overlooking Scarista beach with a deeply personal feel. There’s a pretty good cellar, as well. Book well ahead to get a table!

North Harbour Bistro

Well worth the drive, George’s bistro on the Isle of Scalpay has won awards for what is arguably the best fish restaurant in the Hebrides. Check Facebook page for latest information.

Temple Harris

Temple Coffee Shop & Bar

Visit the Temple in Northton to enjoy a cup of their home-roasted coffee or wellness tea with a selection of home baking. The shop has a well-stocked deli. You can sit outside and enjoy the view with a drink, including The Temple’s own alcohol-free Wild Eve, Harris Liqueur or of course Isle of Harris gin.

The House of Potions, Leverburgh

Situated in the old Outdoor Centre by the pier in Leverburgh, HOP offers a small coffee shop and retail area where you can buy Amanda Saurin’s amazing, locally produced A.S. Apothecary products.

The Bothy, Leverburgh

Pub/café offering lunch and evening meals six days a week. Comfortable sofas and window seats, with locally produced beer and gin. Advisable to book ahead for food.

Croft 36

Julie has run award-winning Croft 36 since 2010 using locally sourced seafood and home grown produce to offer delicious takeaway food such as crab or langoustine soup, apricot and almond frangipane and fabulous lobster and langoustine butteries. It all operates on an honesty box system…get there early as she sells out!

Berry Bliss - Real Fruit Ice Cream

Look out for Berry Bliss’ snack van just past the Clachan in Leverburgh. Delicious real fruit flavoured ice cream and yoghurt.

Lucy's Lobsters

Freshly creek-caught locally cooked whole and half lobsters to take back to the croft and enjoy. Langoustines also sometimes available.

Contact Lucy to pre-order before 11:00am for same day pick up.

Isle of Harris Brewery

If you have a penchant for craft beer, you are extremely lucky to live two doors from what may be the UK’s smallest brewery! From his tiny brewshed Nick produces a delicious range of ales, stouts and IPA’s. Just nip over to the shop.

Lorna's Larder

Lorna’s Larder, a catering van based at the Tarbert Marina, offers delicious fresh food including a fish and seafood ‘taster box’, local langoustine tails and a variety of imaginative burgers.

The Butty Bus

On the pier in Leverburgh, the Butty Bus serves cooked to order fish & chips, burgers and curries… there is often a home-made Cullen Skink too. A great favourite for those waiting for the ferry to the Uists.

Isle of Harris Distillery

Of course it would be rude not to mention the Isle of Harris Distillery in Tarbert. The shop not only sells their eponymous gin but also the necessary accompaniments such as the sugar kelp aromatic water, artisan tonic water and of course pink grapefruit. There’s also a small wine selection to help wash down your home-cooked seafood. The café serves great coffee and home-baking.