What should I order at The Balaclava Byre?
The Balaclava Byre
Smoked Mussel Gnocchi
Mentioned multiple times as a standout main course, with one reviewer calling it possibly one of the best main courses they have ever had.
Crispy Squid Starter
Praised for being light, fresh, and perfect; described as a surprising discovery and one of the best starters.
Mussels Tagliatelle
Highly recommended and described as fantastic; mussels in general were noted as some of the best ever had by several reviewers.
Brownie (made with whiskey)
Highlighted as next-level good and the highlight of the meal by one reviewer, indicating a memorable dessert option.
Fish and Chips
Called the best fish and chips by one reviewer and noted as very high quality and tasty in takeaway orders.
Hours
| Monday | 12 to 2 PM, 5:30 to 8:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 5:30 to 8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30 to 8 PM |
| Friday | 12 to 2 PM, 5:30 to 8 PM |
| Saturday | 12 to 2 PM, 5:30 to 8:30 PM |
| Sunday | 12 to 2 PM, 5:30 to 8:30 PM |
About The Balaclava Byre
The Balaclava Byre is a restaurant in Isle of Islay, near Port Ellen, that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly, helpful service, the cozy and casual dining room, and dishes like mussels, smoked mussel gnocchi, fish and chips, and Sunday roast. It also gets strong mentions for coffee, dessert, and tea, and it accepts reservations for lunch and dinner.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Onsite services
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked questions
What is The Balaclava Byre known for?
It is especially known for seafood dishes, with reviewers repeatedly highlighting the smoked mussel gnocchi, mussels tagliatelle, and fish and chips. The restaurant also gets praise for friendly service and a dining room that feels cozy and unique, which adds to the meal in Port Ellen on Islay.
What dishes are most recommended at The Balaclava Byre?
Reviewers most often recommend the smoked mussel gnocchi, crispy squid starter, sole with warm potato salad, mussels tagliatelle, venison pie, and fish and chips. The tomato soup with caramelised butter, lemon panna cotta, and whiskey brownie also stand out in reviews as memorable finishes to the meal.
What is the atmosphere like at The Balaclava Byre?
The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and in some reviews sophisticated yet comfy, with a charming dining room and unique reclaimed wood furniture. It seems to suit couples, groups, and solo diners, and one review noted it could work well for formal celebrations too.
Is The Balaclava Byre good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is £20 to 30, and reviewers describe the food as great value for the quality. Several comments mention that the meal felt worth it because the dishes were superb, the service was friendly and prompt, and the overall experience was strong for Port Ellen on Islay.
When should you visit The Balaclava Byre for the best chance at popular dishes?
If you want the Sunday roast, go early because one review said it sold out before they could order it. Lunch and dinner reservations are recommended, which fits the restaurant’s popularity and the steady praise for its food and service.
Is parking available at The Balaclava Byre?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Is The Balaclava Byre kid-friendly?
Yes, The Balaclava Byre is good for kids.
Restaurants like The Balaclava Byre in Isle of Islay
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