When staying in Skye, it really does pay to venture a little further off the usual route. More often than not, that’s where you find the places with the most character, the warmest people, and settings that make you slow down and actually take it all in.
That’s exactly what The Stein Inn offers. Tucked quietly beside Loch Bay, it’s one of those spots that feels like a real find.
The Oldest Inn on the Island
Believed to be the oldest inn on Skye, it draws you in immediately. Step inside and you’re met with low ceilings, cosy corners and an eclectic mix of artwork and keepsakes scattered across the walls. It feels more like a well-loved family home than a traditional pub, with a slightly quirky edge that makes it all the more memorable.
And then there’s the view. Sitting right on the water, it’s hard not to keep glancing outside every couple of minutes.
A Menu Shaped by the Sea
Here, the connection to the landscape goes far beyond the setting. It’s completely embedded in the food. From the dining room, you can actually see the boats that supply the kitchen, bringing in fresh seafood from Loch Bay.
The menu changes daily depending on what’s been caught, which means no two visits are quite the same. It keeps things feeling seasonal, local and very much rooted in the moment.
Alongside that, there’s a strong line-up of Scottish staples on the main menu. Think fish chowder, smoked fish, Orkney haggis and Isle of Skye black pudding. Exactly what you want when you’re on the island.
The bar follows suit. Local Skye beers, a serious whisky selection including Talisker and Raasay, and local gins all feature. It feels considered but never overcomplicated.
Fresh Seafood Done Properly
To start, we ordered scallops and langoustines, both sourced straight from the bay. The langoustines had been caught that morning, and you could have guessed. Soft, sweet and incredibly fresh, served in a fragrant herb butter that immediately called for bread to mop up every last bit.
The scallops were just as good. Large, perfectly cooked and paired with butter and a punchy chimichurri that lifted the whole dish. Simple, but done very well.
For mains, we stayed firmly on the seafood path. A generous pot of Thai-style mussels arrived in a fragrant broth of lemongrass, garlic and coriander, served with chips and bread. The portion was huge, the broth packed with flavour, and everything tasted as fresh as it gets.
Alongside it, we had the fish of the day. On our visit, a whole grilled sea bass served with new potatoes and a fresh Skye salad. The fish was beautifully cooked, flaky and full of flavour, with just enough richness to balance the lighter, citrus-led elements on the plate.
Don’t Skip Dessert!
Despite already feeling very full, skipping dessert wasn’t an option. The sticky toffee pudding was exactly what you’d hope for. Warm, rich and drenched in a generous butterscotch sauce.
But the real standout was the seasonal fruit crumble. A mix of berries topped with a slightly nutty crumble and just a subtle hint of whisky running through it.
A Place with Real Personality
What really sets The Stein Inn apart, though, is the warm feeling you get during the whole experience. Owner Charlie is as likely to be pulling pints as she is in the kitchen, shaping the menu. That hands-on approach comes through in everything.
The atmosphere felt relaxed and genuinely welcoming. A mix of couples, families, groups of friends and dogs curled up under tables, all adding to the cosy, lived-in feel of the place.
Why It’s Worth Planning Ahead
One thing to note, it’s popular. Even midweek, it filled up quickly, so booking ahead is definitely worth doing.
In a destination known for its dramatic landscapes and remote beauty, The Stein Inn delivers something just as memorable. Food that reflects its surroundings, a setting you won’t forget, and an experience that feels entirely its own. Safe to say, we’ll be thinking about those langoustines and that crumble for a while.
Book a table here for your next visit to the Isle of Skye!