Fine Dining at Airds Hotel, Port Appin: A Feast for the Senses

Tucked away on Scotland’s west coast, the Airds Hotel in Port Appin offers more than just postcard-perfect views, it serves up a fine dining experience that’s nothing short of sublime. From fireside canapés to soufflés that defy gravity, every dish is a love letter to Scottish produce and culinary craftsmanship. Whether you're a comfort food devotee or a connoisseur of haute cuisine, this is the kind of meal that lingers in your memory, and on your taste buds, for days.

I love a good burger. A proper pizza? Yes please. My taste buds do a wee jig when comfort food hits the spot. But there’s a sacred corner of my heart and my belly that’s reserved for fine dining. The kind that makes your fork pause mid-air because the plating is too pretty to disturb. The kind that makes your taste buds tingle with anticipation before the first bite even lands.

So when I checked into the award-winning Airds Hotel in Port Appin, I knew I was in for something special. With Three AA Rosettes and a Michelin Guide recommendation, their restaurant is a celebration of Scottish produce, West Coast seafood, and culinary finesse. Read my Overnight Stay review here

Fireside Drinks & Canapés That Tease the Tastebuds

Before dinner, we were ushered into the lounge; a snug, firelit haven where the crackling logs hypnotise and the wine flows freely. We chose a Picpoul de Pinet, not for pairing, but because it’s a favourite. Crisp, citrusy, and just the right amount of zing to kick off the evening.

Then came the canapés, and oh my, what a trio:

• Scottish Salmon with Pickled Cucumber: silky, fresh, and tangy with a whisper of brine that danced on the tongue.

• Pork Cheek Bon Bon: rich, slow-cooked meat encased in a golden shell—like biting into a savoury truffle.

• Gruyère Cheese Puff: warm, airy, and unapologetically cheesy. A one-bite wonder that melted like a dream.

Each morsel was a miniature preview of the magic to come.

A Dining Room with a View (and a Vibe)

The restaurant itself is a masterclass in understated elegance. Muted tones, crisp white linens, and splashes of blue echo the loch just beyond the windows. Even on a misty, rain-speckled evening, the view was mesmerising, gardens rolling down to the shore, water stretching out to Lismore and Mull. It’s romantic, refined, and just the right amount of cosy.

The A La Carte Adventure Begins

We skipped the 7-course seafood tasting menu (though it’s packed with West Coast treasures like Loch Fyne langoustines and Scrabster halibut) and opted for the À la Carte, which gave us a broader taste of Scotland’s bounty.

Amuse Bouche: Mushroom & Truffle Risotto with Parmesan Crisp

Earthy, creamy, and comforting. The mushroom flavour led the charge, with truffle lingering like a whisper. The risotto was perfectly al dente, and the parmesan crisp added crunch and salt, a clever contrast that made the dish sing.

Starter: Pan-Seared Tarbert Scallops with Dill Cream & Semi-Dried Orange

The scallops were soft and buttery, with a caramelised edge thanks to the orange. Sweet, citrusy, and rich, they melted on the tongue. The dill cream added a herbal lift, balancing the sweetness with a fresh finish.

Starter: Raviolo of Pork Cheek with Apple, Soy & Ginger Dressing

This dish was a sleeper hit. The raviolo looked modest but delivered big flavour. The pork cheek was melt-in-the-mouth tender, wrapped in pasta so thin it was almost translucent. The dressing was bright and punchy, apple for sweetness, soy for depth, and ginger for a cheeky kick.

Mains That Deserve a Standing Ovation

Pan-Fried John Dory with Crab Gnocchi, Red Pepper Jelly & Cauliflower

John Dory is a showstopper of a fish—firm, flaky, and delicate. Cooked to perfection, it flaked apart with a gentle nudge of the fork. The crab gnocchi were soft, pillowy, and packed with sweet crab meat. The red pepper jelly added a pop of colour and a sweet counterpoint. Every bite was balanced, bold, and beautiful.

Roast Fillet of Pork with Confit Belly, Israeli Couscous, Sweetcorn Purée & Creamed Leeks

This was comfort food with a couture twist. The pork fillet was juicy and blushing pink, while the confit belly collapsed into buttery richness. The couscous added chew, the sweetcorn purée brought sunshine to the plate, and the creamed leeks wrapped everything in a velvety hug. A dish that ticked every box - texture, flavour, and finesse.

Pre-Dessert: Lemon Meringue Tart

A palate cleanser that was as pretty as it was punchy. Zesty lemon curd, crisp biscuit base, and a cloud of toasted meringue. Fresh, sharp, and sweet, it woke up the taste buds and made room for dessert.

Dessert: Pear Crumble Soufflé with Toffee & Ginger Ice Cream

This was the showstopper. The soufflé was textbook perfect; risen, golden, and trembling with anticipation. Digging in revealed warm, spiced pear at the bottom, soft crumble through the middle, and airy soufflé on top. The toffee and ginger ice cream was creamy and bold, but the soufflé stole the spotlight. A dessert worth writing home about.

Dessert: Scottish Strawberry Parfait with Jelly, Meringue, Yoghurt & Black Pepper Sorbet

Strawberries and black pepper? Yes please. The parfait was creamy and light, the jelly added bounce, and the sorbet brought a peppery zing that cut through the sweetness. A clean plate and a happy heart.

Petit Fours to Finish

We ended with a trio of treats:

• Pistachio Marshmallow – soft and nutty

• Vanilla Fudge – creamy and nostalgic

• Granola Bon Bon – chewy, gooey, and just the right amount of crunch

Final Thoughts

Dinner at Airds Hotel is open to residents and non-residents alike, just be sure to book ahead. Whether you’re popping in for morning coffee, Afternoon Tea, or a full-blown fine dining experience, you’ll be treated like royalty. The food is thoughtful, beautifully executed, and proudly Scottish. The staff? Warm, intuitive, and always one step ahead.

I can’t recommend it enough. Dinner at Airds isn’t just a meal, it’s a masterclass in flavour, finesse, and flawless hospitality. Whether you’re staying overnight or popping in for a special occasion, this is one Scottish gem that deserves a spot on your culinary bucket list. Book your table, raise a glass, and prepare to be utterly spoiled. Your taste buds will thank you, and so will your soul.

Read my review of my overnight stay here

Airds Hotel, Port Appin, Argyll PA38 4DF. Tel : 01631 730236 www.airds-hotel.com

I was invited by The Airds Hotel review their menu. Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.