There are a number of wonderful pubs and restaurants in and around the Kirkcudbright area and further afield.
Here are a selection of Ross Bay Retreat’s recommendations and favourite destinations to eat and drink that our guests have mentioned.
A number of these restaurants are a short drive away in Kirkcudbright and Gatehouse of Fleet. Some of the others can be experienced and combined whilst out on your travels or exploring. Visitors will be made welcome and many establishments accept dogs in the bars and outside gardens (though may well be worth checking if booking in advance).
Mr Pooks Kitchen – Locally Sourced & Seasonal Produce
Most Popular Pubs & Restaurants within 20 Minutes of Ross Bay Retreat
- Borgue Hotel, Borgue – Our closest pub and restaurant serving good pub grub in a friendly environment. Burgers, steak pie & chips, lamb shank, mash & veg with classic desserts and creak of Galloway luxury dairy ice cream.
- Selkirk Arms Hotel, Kirkcudbright – A delightful experience of traditional and modern cuisine. “Our food – fresh, local, traditional and modern, Scottish Mediterranean with a twist.” – Ryan Millar – Head Chef
Selkirk Arms Kirkcudbright
- Kirkcudbright Bay Hotel, Kirkcudbright – Excellent Scottish pub grub in welcoming and relaxing dining. Check out the Cullen Skink (creamy fishy potato soup), Balmoral Chicken, Grilled Bass and popular Seafood Platter washed down with local brews and well priced drinks.
- Arden House – nr. Kirkcudbright – The Arden House Hotel is situated in the beautiful rolling hills of Kirkcudbrightshire overlooking the River Dee. It offers a large and varied menu of classic pub food and local specials. It caters for all requirements served in the lounge bar or conservatory with views over the beautiful gardens and the River Dee.
- The Masonic Arms, Gatehouse of Fleet – Gastro pub in a pretty street with great selection of beers, real ales & Scottish whiskies. Known for its steak, scallops, hand-cooked chips and sticky toffee pudding. The restaurant offers a choice of dining experiences from the contemporary Sunroom, classic bar area or the alfresco Beer Garden. They welcome dogs in the bar and garden areas.
- The Ship Inn – Gatehouse of Fleet – Relaxed dining at No.1 Fleet Street @ The Ship where the focus is on cooking the best food using locally sourced and ethical produce (where possible). Beer garden available in spring and summer.
- Murray Arms – Gatehouse of Fleet – Full range of bar snacks including ‘Tower Burgers’, basket suppers and hearty sharing platters. The full menu option includes Crispy Korean Duck and King Prawn to Garlic & Chilli Tofu to a Warm Caesar Salad.
- Gather at Laggan – Gatehouse of Fleet – The fully glass fronted bistro ‘Gather’ offers diners a unique dining concept. The bistro features the main dining also a large outdoor a spectacular dining space, the perfect place to soak in our elevated sea and coastal views. A true delight.
The outside ‘Space’ at Laggan – Great sea views
Further Afield – Pubs & Restaurants Worth Visiting When Out & About
- Mr Pooks Kitchen, Castle Douglas – Wonderful restaurant set in the old bank showcasing some of the best locally sourced produce from Dumfries & Galloway using creative cooking combining ancient, classic & modern cooking techniques. Try rare beef fillet medallion with Bladnoch Whisky, mushroom and beef stroganoff or the 18-hour Pork Belly with Korean gochujang sauce.
- The Anchor Hotel, Kippford – Enjoy the sea views or relax in the ‘Snug bar’ beside the open fire where four legged friends are welcome. Enjoy a delicious meal prepared by the talented in house team using high quality local produce. The varied menus include seasonal and seafood specials alongside traditional pub favourites.
The Anchor Hotel at Kippford
- The Clachan in Dalry, St John’s Town of Dalry, nr. Castle Douglas – The award winning team offers the finest in traditional and varied dishes. From bar meals to exquisite dining in the restaurant and bothy. The “Bothy” offers a room packed full of charm with its large floor to ceiling stone fire hearth and pine clad walls.
- The Thistle Inn & Restaurant in Crossmichael, nr. Castle Douglas – Set on the edge of Loch Ken. Serving good value food and drink including the popular options of Monkfish Scampi and excellent cheesecakes
- Casa Mia, Dumfries – Just a few minutes drive out of the town centre Casa Mia can be found the banks of the River Nith. Offering modern and stylish food served in welcoming surroundings. They are passionate about their food, totally mad about wine and offer guests a wonderful dining experience. Check out the ‘West coast fillet of cod in a tiger prawn and coconut curry with Jasmin rice’ amongst the varied menu.
Selection of dishes at the superb CasaMia restaurant in Dumfries
Useful Links:
Here are a few handy resources that may help you find other worthwhile pubs and restaurants whilst out on your travels.
The comments and reviews in the following links are all third party independent reviews and experiences.
- Where to eat: the 50 best restaurants in Dumfries and Galloway
- Nine Of The Cosiest Pubs Way Out West In Dumfries And Galloway, Scotland
- Hidden Scotland Guide – Best places to eat out in Dumfries & Galloway
- TripAdvisor – Best restaurants in Kirkcudbright
Additional Information:
- Popular Café’s and Tearooms Near Kirkcudbright & When Out & About
- Interactive Guest Map of the Local Area for Ross Bay Retreat
- Haggis, Not Just for Burns Night & Where to Find One
- Fresh Local Produce, Farm Shops, Seafood, Distilleries & Craft Breweries around Kirkcudbright
- Ross Bay Retreat – Guest Favourites & Our Local Recommendations
Masonic Arms – Gatehouse of Fleet
