Hamnavoe - Orkney
Hamnavoe
Description
A recent visit to Hamnavoe Restaurant in Orkney left mixed feelings, with some diners feeling underwhelmed by the service and food quality, while others found it to be a delightful showcase of Orcadian cuisine. Despite some disappointments with certain dishes, the restaurant received praise for its exquisite attention to detail and unique take on local ingredients. While some diners highlighted the need for improvements in certain areas, overall, the restaurant was described as a must-visit for food enthusiasts looking to experience the best of Orkney's culinary scene.
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An absolutely stunning restaurant showcasing Orcadian cuisine at its best. Between hand-dived scallops, freshly caught pan-fried cod, and Orkney lobster dishes, the chefs showcased the incredible breadth and quality of their local environs with utter perfection. Each dish was better than the last and served with an exquisite attention to detail. Sauces and sides weren't just thrown onto the plate to add a splash of colour or different texture but used to illuminate and enhance the Orkney fish dishes at the heart of each course. A spectacular and resounding success of a meal. Despite the restaurant's relatively humble environs it's clear that the chefs are true masters of their craft. This place is not to be missed for foodies.
If you have one special night out in your time in the Orkney's, pick the Hamnavoe. Just brilliant. I had an early sitting, but was not rushed in the slightest. To start, I had the vegetable tempura, with pickled cucumber and chilli and an excellent For main, I considered the scallops, but opted for the lobster. What a good decision (though I'm sure the scallops were also great). Lobster was served with noodles and incredibly delicious mushrooms. Zomg. Also had the green bean side excellent, and perfectly cooked. For dessert I had the chocolate tart which was astonishingly good particularly the shell, crispy and sweet. Richness nicely offset with creme fraiche. Lovely service, great atmosphere, just 10/10.
My husband and I went to the Hamvanoe Restaurant during our time on Orkney, and it was one of the best meals we've every had. We had a proper 3-course meal. The portions weren't big, the food was exquisite and the atmosphere was friendly. We loved that the food had an Asian touch as it made each dish unique. Definitely coming back next time we're on Orkney. Highly recommended!

