Kilmartin - Staffin

A nightmare. This place has a near-monopoly on its location, which allows it to get away with just about anything. The food was incredibly disappointing. The hamburger was just a frozen patty filled with additives, slapped between two pieces of bread. No sauce, no condiments, no cheese—nothing. It was terrible. As for the side, they offered chips. Not fries, which could be confusing given the local terminology... and by "chips," I mean those awful half-hearted things, barely crispy and definitely not real chips. I played it safe and ordered a baked potato. Big mistake... I received a tiny potato weighing around 100 grams, warmed in the microwave and topped with unmelted cheese shavings. Alongside their "wonderful" chips and some unseasoned iceberg lettuce. Honestly, this was one of the worst dining experiences of my life, and I’m not exaggerating. In terms of pricing, it was outrageous compared to meals you can find at places a hundred times better. I swear, even if you're starving, just grab a loaf of bread and a tub of cream cheese from the supermarket next door; it would be a gourmet experience in comparison. The ironic part? They had a sign that said, "Good food takes time" in the restaurant. At least they have a sense of humor.

The Quiraing attracts a large number of hikers—or, to use the British term, walkers—but if you're looking for a place to eat, you'll find very few restaurants or cafes nearby unless you bring your own food. One of the few options is the Kilmartin, a simple and unpretentious café located within the community center in Staffin. While it may not earn a four-star rating, it certainly met our needs after exploring the Quiraing, and we were grateful for its availability. We ordered lunch plates that included sandwiches (I had the smoked salmon), along with salad and chips. The menu is quite basic, but everything tasted fresh. The café features large picture windows that let in plenty of natural light; however, given the stunning and almost surreal landscape of the Trotternish Peninsula, the views from here, while nice, don't quite compare. Overall, I'd give it 3.5 stars.

As the saying goes, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. There's some truly delightful home cooking happening here, thanks to the lovely lady in the back with a warm smile. The exterior of Kilmartin River Café may not be impressive, but inside, a delicious lunch awaits. I enjoyed one of the best bowls of macaroni and cheese I've ever had, accompanied by a fresh salad on the side. It was creamy and served hot! Overall, this is a cozy spot to enjoy a nice cup of tea and take a break from the rain after a long hike in the hills. They also have clean bathrooms, which is a bonus. Highly recommend!