Foodie Finds: THE Place to Eat in Mallaig, Scotland

by Dr. Jessie Voigts /
Dr. Jessie Voigts's picture
Oct 02, 2010 / 2 comments

Foodie Finds: THE Place to Eat in Mallaig, Scotland

 

Mallaig Harbor, 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.

 

Tea Garden Cafe

 

bee, Mallaig Harbor

 

 

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.

 

Mallaig Harbor Prawns

Mallaig Harbor Prawns

 

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. 

 

Tea Garden cafe, Mallaig, Scotland

Tea Garden cafe, Mallaig, Scotland

Tea Garden cafe, Mallaig, Scotland

Tea Garden cafe, Mallaig, Scotland

 

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.

Tea Garden cafe, Mallaig, Scotland

Tea Garden cafe, Mallaig, Scotland

Tea Garden cafe, Mallaig, 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.

 

Mallaig, Scotland

 

Mallaig, Scotland

 

Mallaig, Scotland

 

 

 

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

01687 462764

 

Comments (2)

  • Glinda

    13 years 6 months ago

    Loved the before and after pictures of the prawns! I swear I could almost taste them! I have been to the Tea Garden and sure agree with you that their food is awesome. Your pictures do them justice.


  • Nicole Durbin

    13 years 5 months ago

    I love the simple but lovely presentation of the prawns. They do look amazing.

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