Foodie Finds: THE Place to Eat in Mallaig, Scotland

Picture this: a gorgeous warm late September day, on Mallaig Harbor, Scotland, with dear family friends, and an incredible meal. Yes - it was the quintessential perfect day, replete with time on a sandy beach while the tide was coming in, viewing the beautiful Isles of Skye, Rum, and Eigg.

We drove in from Glencoe, and oh the scenery was incredible! Scotland is such an incredibly beautiful country, with each turn bringing more beauty than you ever thought possible.  The harbor at Mallaig is picture-perfect, with still waters reflecting all kinds of working fishing boats. The tide was out, and seagulls were searching amidst the seaweed for a meal. Our meal was much easier to scavenge - we walked to the Tea Garden (*the place to eat* according to their sign!) and found an outdoor table, to futher enjoy the fine weather.

Harborside, surrounded by huge pots of flowers, we were accompanied by both bees and the European trend of canine dining companions. Although the menu was extensive, I decided on the pint (!) of fresh Mallaig Harbor prawns. How could I not? They arrived piled up, with a slice of lemon and a yummy sauce in which to dip them. I have to be honest, though - the shells were really poky and hard, but worth every effort as they were the best prawns I'd ever eaten! Fresh, with a bit of salty tang, they were extraordinary. Never, never to be forgotten.

The rest of the family had wonderful meals, as well - fish & chips, cullen skink (a smoked haddock soup), a baked potato with tuna (!), and a huge chicken club sandwich. 

Although replete, dessert called to us - so we split some millionaire shortbread (a Scottish gem), a snowy sugar encrusted shortbread,  and luxury hot chocolate. We rolled away from the table, full from the best meal out we'd had in Scotland.

We drove a short way to a local sandy beach, and played and rested while the tide came in, the seagulls and waves serenading us while the sun slowly sank. With food, loved ones, great conversations, and the beauty of Scotland, this was a day to remember.

The Tea Garden Cafe
Station Road, Mallaig PH41 4PU, Scotland

01687 462764