I cannot recommend the Oakwood Restaurant and the Highland Lassie enough. Calling ahead to make a reservation and preorder the food was a minor struggle for me—doesn't seem like the cellular reception is great there—but it was absolutely worth the small effort. Bring your own wine if you want it, Oakwood has no liquor license. Also of note: you're on a boat, the small dining room has only one table that seats six. Perhaps we should've expected it, but we were surprised to arrive and find that we were sharing the table with two sets of strangers. Don't shy away, lean into this! We all got to chatting and sharing stories of our lives and experiences, and it made the meal so much more memorable, enjoyable, and special than it would've been otherwise. The food is fantastic, I don't think there's a bad item on the menu, everyone exclaimed about how delicious their meals were, we all cleaned our plates and made room for the fantastic desserts as well. If you have dietary restrictions, let them know when you call, Gus & Gaby will find a way to accommodate you with something special. Gus was very attentive during the meal trying to make sure that everyone was happy. If you have an appreciation for boats, especially wooden boats, dining on the Highland Lassie is an extra special experience. My partner grew up on a wooden boat and knows the craft that goes into them and how much work they are to maintain. We got to talking with Gus and Gaby and they revealed the time and effort they personally put in to restoring the boat (formerly a fishing trawler), designing the wooden decks, rails, and cabins, the types of wood used, and Gus very kindly gave us a tour of the boat after dinner to show her off. She is an absolutely stunning lady with an amazing character and history. The rooms are quite nice, too, if you're considering sleeping on board or taking a cruise! Wonderful experience all around, definitely a memory we will treasure and a highlight of our trip to Loch Ness and the Highlands! Mahalo nui Gus and Gaby, from Angela and Forrest! Aloha from Hawaii and Orkney!
Allen Pang
Exclusive dinning when they only book up to 8 dinners at a time and 4 of us took the whole table, it was luxury. Food were great too without being over priced. Run by a lovely husband and wife team. It is a real hidden gem. Canal view was fab, watching joggers struggle pass while we stuffed ourselves with no guilt!
194brendana
We visited Oakwood on Saturday the 11th of May, 2019 and we had such a great time I forgot to leave a review. Coming across some old photos we were profoundly struck by how wholesome and wonderful our experience was dining with thed team at Oakwood. The food was incredible and one of the unique cuisine experiences of our 6 month trip. Gus was a wonderful host and we truely enjoyed his dry humour and banter. I strongly recommend making the drive out for a dinner you won't forget.
Hadas H
With only one big table to welcome guests, this boat restaurant (and hotel) must be a well kept secret. We came across it on our way to NC500 and we've so happy we did. The food was excellent (possibly the best Salmon Chowder ever?) and onwers were very welcoming. I'm sure on the 3 days when it doesn't rain in Scotland you'll be able to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful canal view. You can even bring your own wine, what more can you ask for?
Frank D
Always a great dining experience at The Highland Lassie with Gus & Gaby, they make you feel most welcome and the food is amazing. We always make a point of visiting them whenever we visit Inverness. Be ready for Gus’ dry humour, it could catch you unawares! ?
Stockall
We went to Highland Lassie for lunch to celebrate my fathers very big birthday. Gus and Gaby went out of their way to make him feel special. He lives a bit of banter. The food was first class as usual. A lovely place to go for lunch, especially if you want more of a personalised service.
CharlieOhNo
We walked up without a booking after a long day’s drive and got some delicious seafood! Were able to sit outside with our dog.
Isin1234
We booked this restaurant for a birthday celebration and were certainly not disappointed. The whole experience was excellent the dining room on the beautifully renovated boat was very tastefully refurbished, the food was excellent all cooked to order and although not a big menu there was a good choice and all beautifully cooked. Last but not least the host and hostess were lovely and created a lovely atmosphere we will definitely return.
AaronStirratt98
Came today with my auntie and uncle and ordered three breakfast rolls and can say with ease, that it is better than anywhere else we have been. Customer service was also incredible and very friendly. Would definitely recommend!!
Lindsay Barnaby
Fantastic Birthday Breakfast , food great and company so welcoming !Would definitely recommend stopping here for something to eat / drink ..Have also stopped for a hot soup on our walk which was delicious .
We received a welcoming wave as we cruised past the restaurant heading to Fort William and thought that it would be a lovely place to eat on the way back to Inverness. Phoned and tried to book a table but due to covid restrictions there were no tables available but could eat outside or have a delivery to the berth which was a good option so confirmed. On the return day it was suggested that we could have a mid afternoon meal inside so accepted and had a superb meal followed by a coffee in the wheelhouse. Excellent meal, BYOB, attentive service, could not ask for anymore. Gaby showed us around their beautiful cabins and we were very impressed and would like to return for a long weekend. Only downside (which has nothing to do with the restaurant) is that you need to be careful where you berth as there are unmarked private/reserved pontoon places and we had to move boat just as the first course arrived. Great meal, great service and you cannot fault the ambience and location!
JamesMofEdinburgh
We received a welcoming wave as we cruised past the restaurant heading to Fort William and thought that it would be a lovely place to eat on the way back to Inverness. Phoned and tried to book a table but due to covid restrictions there were no tables available but could eat outside or have a delivery to the berth which was a good option so confirmed. On the return day it was suggested that we could have a mid afternoon meal inside so accepted and had a superb meal followed by a coffee in the wheelhouse. Excellent meal, BYOB, attentive service, could not ask for anymore. Gaby showed us around their beautiful cabins and we were very impressed and would like to return for a long weekend. Only downside (which has nothing to do with the restaurant) is that you need to be careful where you berth as there are unmarked private/reserved pontoon places and we had to move boat just as the first course arrived. Great meal, great service and you cannot fault the ambience and location!
H L
The Highland Lassie is a wonderful converted trawler which is now a unique restaurant and boutique hotel. Our delicious meal was a delight from starter to dessert, from the tasty haggis and tatty cakes, the melt in your mouth salmon ( or succulent wagyu burger) to the divine Orkney cheesecake, we couldn't have wished for better. Everything was freshly made to a very high standard. We could have dined in the beautiful dining room, but Gus was kind enough to deliver our meal to where we were moored up on the canal.
kayw629
6 of us ate onboard the stunning boat The Highland Lassie the new home for the Oakwood Restaurant. Surroundings, service and food were superb. The hosts were very welcoming and very proud of this beautiful boat as they should be. We ate a variety of dishes including Venison Stew and the trio of seafood and could not fault a thing. Food was so tasty and fresh. We will definitely visit again just wish we lived nearer.
Hazelbarnes61
This place is fantastic, couldn’t fault anything. Staff were very attentive. We will definitely be back.
I cannot recommend the Oakwood Restaurant and the Highland Lassie enough. Calling ahead to make a reservation and preorder the food was a minor struggle for me—doesn't seem like the cellular reception is great there—but it was absolutely worth the small effort. Bring your own wine if you want it, Oakwood has no liquor license. Also of note: you're on a boat, the small dining room has only one table that seats six. Perhaps we should've expected it, but we were surprised to arrive and find that we were sharing the table with two sets of strangers. Don't shy away, lean into this! We all got to chatting and sharing stories of our lives and experiences, and it made the meal so much more memorable, enjoyable, and special than it would've been otherwise. The food is fantastic, I don't think there's a bad item on the menu, everyone exclaimed about how delicious their meals were, we all cleaned our plates and made room for the fantastic desserts as well. If you have dietary restrictions, let them know when you call, Gus & Gaby will find a way to accommodate you with something special. Gus was very attentive during the meal trying to make sure that everyone was happy. If you have an appreciation for boats, especially wooden boats, dining on the Highland Lassie is an extra special experience. My partner grew up on a wooden boat and knows the craft that goes into them and how much work they are to maintain. We got to talking with Gus and Gaby and they revealed the time and effort they personally put in to restoring the boat (formerly a fishing trawler), designing the wooden decks, rails, and cabins, the types of wood used, and Gus very kindly gave us a tour of the boat after dinner to show her off. She is an absolutely stunning lady with an amazing character and history. The rooms are quite nice, too, if you're considering sleeping on board or taking a cruise! Wonderful experience all around, definitely a memory we will treasure and a highlight of our trip to Loch Ness and the Highlands! Mahalo nui Gus and Gaby, from Angela and Forrest! Aloha from Hawaii and Orkney!
Exclusive dinning when they only book up to 8 dinners at a time and 4 of us took the whole table, it was luxury. Food were great too without being over priced. Run by a lovely husband and wife team. It is a real hidden gem. Canal view was fab, watching joggers struggle pass while we stuffed ourselves with no guilt!
We visited Oakwood on Saturday the 11th of May, 2019 and we had such a great time I forgot to leave a review. Coming across some old photos we were profoundly struck by how wholesome and wonderful our experience was dining with thed team at Oakwood. The food was incredible and one of the unique cuisine experiences of our 6 month trip. Gus was a wonderful host and we truely enjoyed his dry humour and banter. I strongly recommend making the drive out for a dinner you won't forget.
With only one big table to welcome guests, this boat restaurant (and hotel) must be a well kept secret. We came across it on our way to NC500 and we've so happy we did. The food was excellent (possibly the best Salmon Chowder ever?) and onwers were very welcoming. I'm sure on the 3 days when it doesn't rain in Scotland you'll be able to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful canal view. You can even bring your own wine, what more can you ask for?
Always a great dining experience at The Highland Lassie with Gus & Gaby, they make you feel most welcome and the food is amazing. We always make a point of visiting them whenever we visit Inverness. Be ready for Gus’ dry humour, it could catch you unawares! ?
We went to Highland Lassie for lunch to celebrate my fathers very big birthday. Gus and Gaby went out of their way to make him feel special. He lives a bit of banter. The food was first class as usual. A lovely place to go for lunch, especially if you want more of a personalised service.
We walked up without a booking after a long day’s drive and got some delicious seafood! Were able to sit outside with our dog.
We booked this restaurant for a birthday celebration and were certainly not disappointed. The whole experience was excellent the dining room on the beautifully renovated boat was very tastefully refurbished, the food was excellent all cooked to order and although not a big menu there was a good choice and all beautifully cooked. Last but not least the host and hostess were lovely and created a lovely atmosphere we will definitely return.
Came today with my auntie and uncle and ordered three breakfast rolls and can say with ease, that it is better than anywhere else we have been. Customer service was also incredible and very friendly. Would definitely recommend!!
Fantastic Birthday Breakfast , food great and company so welcoming !Would definitely recommend stopping here for something to eat / drink ..Have also stopped for a hot soup on our walk which was delicious .
Restaurantji Recommends
We received a welcoming wave as we cruised past the restaurant heading to Fort William and thought that it would be a lovely place to eat on the way back to Inverness. Phoned and tried to book a table but due to covid restrictions there were no tables available but could eat outside or have a delivery to the berth which was a good option so confirmed. On the return day it was suggested that we could have a mid afternoon meal inside so accepted and had a superb meal followed by a coffee in the wheelhouse. Excellent meal, BYOB, attentive service, could not ask for anymore. Gaby showed us around their beautiful cabins and we were very impressed and would like to return for a long weekend. Only downside (which has nothing to do with the restaurant) is that you need to be careful where you berth as there are unmarked private/reserved pontoon places and we had to move boat just as the first course arrived. Great meal, great service and you cannot fault the ambience and location!
We received a welcoming wave as we cruised past the restaurant heading to Fort William and thought that it would be a lovely place to eat on the way back to Inverness. Phoned and tried to book a table but due to covid restrictions there were no tables available but could eat outside or have a delivery to the berth which was a good option so confirmed. On the return day it was suggested that we could have a mid afternoon meal inside so accepted and had a superb meal followed by a coffee in the wheelhouse. Excellent meal, BYOB, attentive service, could not ask for anymore. Gaby showed us around their beautiful cabins and we were very impressed and would like to return for a long weekend. Only downside (which has nothing to do with the restaurant) is that you need to be careful where you berth as there are unmarked private/reserved pontoon places and we had to move boat just as the first course arrived. Great meal, great service and you cannot fault the ambience and location!
The Highland Lassie is a wonderful converted trawler which is now a unique restaurant and boutique hotel. Our delicious meal was a delight from starter to dessert, from the tasty haggis and tatty cakes, the melt in your mouth salmon ( or succulent wagyu burger) to the divine Orkney cheesecake, we couldn't have wished for better. Everything was freshly made to a very high standard. We could have dined in the beautiful dining room, but Gus was kind enough to deliver our meal to where we were moored up on the canal.
6 of us ate onboard the stunning boat The Highland Lassie the new home for the Oakwood Restaurant. Surroundings, service and food were superb. The hosts were very welcoming and very proud of this beautiful boat as they should be. We ate a variety of dishes including Venison Stew and the trio of seafood and could not fault a thing. Food was so tasty and fresh. We will definitely visit again just wish we lived nearer.
This place is fantastic, couldn’t fault anything. Staff were very attentive. We will definitely be back.