The Oyster Shed: A Seafood Treasure on the Isle of Skye
Before every trip, I have a little ritual: hunting for the best local eats. Since our latest adventure was to Scotland’s enchanting Isle of Skye, my radar naturally zoomed in on seafood. Of course, seafood isn’t cheap, so I was keen to find a spot that truly delivers on quality and value.
After an intense Google Maps session, one place popped out: The Oyster Shed. With a rating of 4.4 and nearly 2,000 reviews, it seemed like a local gem. Comments raved about its freshness, flavour, and fair prices. And the photos? They instantly reminded me of Korea’s bustling Jagalchi Market vibe! Naturally, we headed there for lunch as soon as we arrived on Skye.
Location & Ambiance
The Oyster Shed
Carbost Beag, Isle of Skye IV47 8SE, UK
Situated near the famous Talisker Distillery in Carbost, this humble seafood shed is famed for fresh oysters and locally caught seafood. It’s more of a takeaway-style eatery, but outdoor seating allows diners to soak up the views of Loch Harport while enjoying their meal.
Operating hours are Monday to Saturday, 11:00am–5:00pm. Most visitors pair a trip to Talisker with a visit here, which is handy if you’re planning a foodie-and-whisky day!
Arrival & Ordering
Parking is limited, so I recommend arriving before lunch. We got there around 12:30pm and had to wait a while for a space. Once parked, we headed inside. Ordering is done via a kiosk—no server, no fuss. Pick up your food from the adjacent food truck and enjoy!
A practical note for families: the shed has no restrooms. We ended up using facilities at a nearby restaurant across from Talisker, which was a lifesaver for my daughter Kimchi!
Our Feast
We tried several dishes: crispy onion rings, grilled oysters (a bit salty for my taste, but hubby loved them), smoked mackerel (not my favourite smoky flavour, but another hit with him), and a half lobster for just £12! Honestly, the lobster was a steal and incredibly fresh. We also sampled shrimp and fried squid, which were both delightful. Total bill came to around £52, surprisingly reasonable for the quality and quantity.
Note: potato chips come with most dishes, so no need to order extra. The shed provides disposable cutlery and napkins, plus a sink to rinse hands after seafood—small touches that go a long way!
Top 5 Must-Try Dishes at The Oyster Shed
- Fresh Oysters: Signature dish, sourced daily from Skye farms, served raw with lemon or grilled with garlic butter.
- Scallops: From North Uist and Skye’s coast, grilled in garlic and herb butter.
- Grilled Lobster: Whole lobster with butter, tender and flavourful.
- Smoked Salmon: Cold-smoked or BBQ-glazed, showcasing Skye’s local flavours.
- Shrimp & Langoustine: Garlic-herb prawns or breadcrumb-fried langoustine tails, equally addictive.
Why We Loved It
- Freshness: Daily-sourced oysters and seafood.
- Delicious Flavours: Every dish was praised by locals and tourists alike.
- Affordable Prices: Incredible value, especially for seafood.
- Scenic Views: Overlooking Loch Harport and surrounding hills.
- Laid-back Atmosphere: Rustic, welcoming shed perfect for casual dining.
- BYOB Friendly: Bring your own bottle, pair with Talisker whisky if you like.
Even as I write this, I’m craving a return visit. The Oyster Shed is more than a meal—it’s an experience. Fresh seafood, unbeatable views, and genuine local charm. If you’re planning a trip to Skye, don’t miss it. Trust me, it’s worth every bite and every view!