Discover Places to Eat around Loch Lomond and Helensburgh

Helensburgh is a brilliant day-trip or weekend destination for foodies! From weekly farmer's markets to a wide range of pubs and restaurants serving up dishes featuring locally reared and harvested produce, this Victorian gem is a gourmand’s heaven.

Here are five ways to enjoy Argyll’s rich diversity of flavours in and around Loch Lomond & Helensburgh.

1. Kick things off with a coffee, cake & stroll

You don’t need to be a caffeine fiend to enjoy the gentle buzz and satisfying flavours of a well-made cup of coffee. You’ll find delicious coffee served in coffee shops and restaurants locally. Visit a festival in the area, and you may find one of our local roasters, beans and ground coffee to taste and take away. Stroll around Helensburgh's varied shops and explore the waterfront to learn more about its history. For events and festivals, visit Whats On.

2. Head to the Village of Luss

Less than an hour’s drive away, you could make the Loch Lomond Arms in the historic village of Luss your first port of call. Whether you stop for a quick lunch or a full traditional Sunday roast, you can expect the very best of Scottish produce in a cosy setting.

Alternatively, stop at Balloch to board the last major paddle steamer built in Britain, the Maid of the Loch, moored at Balloch Pier. Entry is free to this historic vessel, and once aboard, you’ll find a café offering hot and cold snacks, homemade soup, teas, coffees and delicious home baking in the forward deck saloon. 

3. Make for the markets

Helensburgh Market in the Square runs on the second Saturday of each month in Colquhoun Square. It’s a feast for all the senses and a great place to pick up local produce and artisan fare. You’ll find home-baking, seasonal vegetables, fresh meat, fish, and local cheese. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the Funky Fudge stall with its locally made tablet, macaroon and Scottish fudge. The market starts at 10am and continues until around 4pm.

Loch Lomond Farmers Market is held on the first and third Sunday of every month at Loch Lomond Shores. Fresh, local produce is piled high on every stall, with fresh cheese, home-baked bread and cakes, seasonal vegetables, chutneys and oils, freshly baked pies, fresh meats and smoked fish all on offer. 

4. Feast at a food festival

The annual Helensburgh Food and Drink Festival takes place at Colquhoun Square every May and offers a fabulous two-day local food and drink adventure. It's a weekend filled with great food, drink and entertainment. Bringing together tastes from the Loch Lomond area and specialities from across the world, with cookery demonstrations, cook-offs, tastings, this is a great weekend out for the whole family. What’s more, the event is free. All you need to bring is your appetite!

5. Try some local produce

The Loch Lomond & Helensburgh area is packed with great places to eat. Local produce, including beef, lamb, and locally brewed beers, features on many menus. Make sure to try locally produced Fyne Ales, which is brewed an hour's drive west in Cairndow.

For sumptuous dining on the shores of Loch Lomond, head to Cameron House. The hotel’s two restaurants offer the very best of Scottish cooking using fresh, local ingredients. 

Find out more about things to see and do in Helensburgh and Loch Lomond.