Providing a comprehensive list of the best places to eat in Fort William is a challenging task, as tastes are very subjective, and what one person would really rate highly is often very different from what another would consider a great place to eat.
Having lived and worked in Fort William for over 10 years, we’ve seen a number of places pop up only to disappear again.
Based on our own experience of Fort William eateries, and feedback from our guests we would suggest the following as a starting point.
Best for a quality Fort William dining experience
If you want something really special, the Silly Goose at the Lime Tree Hotel is top quality food, however it’s not for the budget conscious diner. The menu has a good range of options for varying tastes, including those with specific dietary needs.
An alternative option for a quality dining experience is Browns at the Nevis Bank Inn. The menu has options for those with specific needs, and everything is tasty, well prepared and presented. The service is attentive and not overbearing, and for guests at Guisachan Guesthouse, it’s practically the closest to us!
If you want something that is more than “pub food” but doesn’t break the bank, our favourite is Caorann. The food is tasty and well presented, and the service is excellent. We’ve enjoyed quite a few meals there, and we’re never disappointed; and our guests have given us excellent feedback.
Best for pub food in Fort William
We have two favourite pubs for eating out – The Ben Nevis Bar in the High Street, and the Ben Nevis Inn at the foot of Ben Nevis.
If you want excellent quality pub food, good service and somewhere close by our guesthouse, you can’t go wrong with the Ben Nevis Bar in the High Street.  We’ve eaten there a few times and always had a good hearty meal.
If you have the motivation to head a little out of the centre, and you wither have your own transport or are happy to take a taxi, the Ben Nevis Inn is a great choice. Nestled at the start (and finish”) of the official walking route up and down Ben Nevis, it’s a great place to eat, with stunning views of Glen Nevis from their HUGE picture window. The food is always well prepared and tasty, and the rustic and relaxed feel to the place adds to the experience.
Best Places for pizza in Fort William
Our favourite venue for a good quality pizza is the Black Isle Bar at the southern end of the High Street. Thin crust and topped with some excellent (and interesting) toppings, the pizzas are exceedingly enjoyable.
Closely followed by the Black Isle Bar for pizza is our local Highland Cinema! It wouldn’t necessarily be the sort of place you would go to for nice food, but along with the pizza there is also a selection of other tasty dishes, so worth considering.
Fort William restaurants for a fish supper
My wife and I aren’t great fish eaters, so don’t consider ourselves connoisseurs of seafood, so we can’t give you the definitive guide to seafood in Fort William. Fortunately however, there are only two options for seafood in town – The Crannog at the Garrison West and Fish Fishy, and we’ve had mixed reports about both of them.
We like the Garrison West for it’s cosy atmosphere, and the food we’ve had there has always been tasty and fresh – we’ve not had the seafood though. Booking well in advance is strongly recommended!
Fishy Fishy hasn’t been around for long, and we’ve not dined on the premises, so can’t comment on the service or presentation of the food. We’ve eaten “fish & chips” from there and it was reasonably good, although quite expensive.
Best for Italian food in Fort William
Unless you really just want pizza – forget it!
The only Italian food you will find in Fort William is pizza and the odd pasta dish at the various pubs and restaurants in town.
If you are an Italian chef, and want to open an Italian restaurant in Fort William, we’ll be at the head of the queue to dine with you!
Best for Indian food in Fort William
Spice Tandoori is the only Indian restaurant in town – at the far end of the High Street from Guisachan Guesthouse.
It’s large, so you should have a good chance of getting a table there, and they are open late.
We’ve always had good meals there, and the odd takeaway. Don’t order too many options, as you won’t go away hungry!
A word of warning
Fort William in summer is a VERY busy place. A large number of tourists come to Fort William in summer, and it’s not a large town. Because business is so seasonal in the area, we don’t have a large number of places to eat, as winters are long and hard.
If you don’t want to wait for a table it is very advisable to book ahead if you can.