9 great places to enjoy lochside dining outside Glasgow
Enjoy spectacular views, fresh Scottish produce and menus ranging from elevated pub grub to exceptional seasonal tasting experiences
The Ardentinny
Shore Road
The winding roads of the rugged Cowal Peninsula pass the picturesque village that’s home to this lochside restaurant, with panoramic views over the Rosneath Peninsula, Loch Long and the Firth Of Clyde. The elevated bar food menu is great for enjoying on the large decked area or in the contemporary dining space with its big fold-back doors.
At Hughes Lochside
121 Victoria Buildings, Clynder
When Andrew Thomas Hughes set up his restaurant in 2024, he brought years of top-end kitchen experience with him. This smart, bright spot doing lunch and dinner at the edge of Gare Loch showcases that experience, with delicious, well-presented food that is heavily Scottish-tinged, locally sourced, with worldwide influences for wide appeal.
Cù Mara
The Old Pier, Shore Road, Arrochar
Head to the top of Loch Long for an eyeful of the Arrochar Alps as backdrop to this cosy lochside diner, with outdoor seating to breathe it all in. Excellent food features burgers, hot dogs, fried chicken and pizza (also available from the takeaway hatch). Local suppliers provide lots of produce and Scottish ingredients pepper the menu.
Inchmurrin Island Restaurant
Balmaha, Loch Lomond
Why just dine lochside when you can travel to this enjoyable restaurant on Loch Lomond’s largest island? There’s a ferry from Burnfoot jetty near Arden if you don’t have a huge power boat or even paddleboard. Food is crowd-pleasing, with Scottish favourites: great quality, warmly delivered and good-value.
Inver
Strathlachlan, Strachur
Chef Pam Brunton and husband Robert Latimer’s acclaimed Scandi-vibe restaurant and wee cabins enjoy atmospheric views across Lachlan Bay on Loch Fyne to Old Castle Lachlan. Food is contemporary Scottish, seasonal and exceptional, available as evening tasting menu or à la carte lunch. Check opening times as it closes during the dreichest months.
Venachar Lochside
Near Callander
This restaurant and wedding venue has great views across Loch Venachar, with an outdoor decking area to maximise the Trossachs vista. Scottish ingredients are deftly handled for their lunchtime small plates and similarly for their six-course tasting menu at dinner. Reservations are a must in case a wedding is on or they’ve stopped dinner for the season.
Also try… wedding favourite The Cruin on Loch Lomond for diligent Scottish favourites, Ocho Inveraray for inventive lunches and tasting menus by the side of Loch Fyne, and The Shore House for artisan pizzas at a guesthouse on the edge of Loch Goil; main picture: The Cruin.
This TipList is taken from the 2026 edition of Eat & Drink 365 Glasgow, our sister mag recommending the best in restaurants, bars, cafés and more. Want a copy? It’s available online or across all good stockists in Glasgow.