The Isles of Scilly may be small, but when it comes to food and drink experiences, they offer a wonderfully diverse food and drink scene. From just-caught seafood and beach picnics to vineyard visits and sunset suppers, eating on Scilly is all about slowing down and enjoying the islands’ incredible natural larder.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed beach picnic, hoping to dine at one of the islands’ most loved restaurants, or looking to discover local producers and seasonal food events, a little planning will help you make the most of Scilly’s delicious offerings.
Here are some ideas to inspire your foodie itinerary…
Plan the Ultimate Beach Picnic
Few things beat a picnic on Scilly. Picture soft white sand, clear turquoise water and a basket filled with island produce. With so many beautiful beaches and coastal viewpoints, packing a picnic is one of the simplest (and most memorable) ways to enjoy the islands.
Across the islands, you’ll find bakeries, cafés and farm shops offering freshly made takeaway treats that are perfect for beach days. On St. Mary’s, pick up pastries, salads and sandwiches or a coffee from local favourites like Hugh Street Cafe, or The Grub Hut before heading to the coast, or enjoy a relaxed lunch with panoramic views at Juliet’s Garden or the Isles of Scilly Golf Club Bistro while exploring the island. Stop by one of the islands’ honesty stalls to pick up locally grown produce along the way.
If you’re planning to explore beyond St. Mary’s for the day, it’s easy to turn island hopping into a memorable picnic adventure. On St. Martin’s, grab freshly baked treats from Island Bakery or Polreath Tea Room and enjoy them overlooking the island’s stunning beaches. Over on Bryher, pick up fresh seafood from Island Fish and find a scenic spot to take in the rugged Atlantic views. On St. Agnes, stock up on homemade cakes from Coastguard Lookout, and on Tresco, stop by the Flying Boat Café or the Abbey Garden Café for takeaway treats before settling down on one of the island’s peaceful shores for a relaxed seaside picnic. You will also find a plethora of goods perfect for a picnic at Tresco Stores.
A picnic is also a great excuse to explore the islands’ local produce - from freshly baked bread and homemade cakes to seasonal fruit and locally grown vegetables.
Discover more places to eat and pick up picnic treats across the islands.
Image credit: Wolf Rock
Book Restaurants Early for Special Dining Experiences
The Isles of Scilly are home to some truly special dining experiences - but because many restaurants are small and seasonal, booking ahead is highly recommended, especially during the summer months.
From relaxed beach cafés to welcoming hotel restaurants, each island offers its own unique take on island cuisine. On St. Mary’s, enjoy sea-view dining at Dibble & Grub or creative seasonal dishes at Tanglewood Kitchen. For relaxed yet refined dining in a hotel setting, The Hall Hotel Restaurant, Tregarthen's Hotel Restaurant and the Bell Rock Hotel Restaurant offer excellent menus showcasing fresh island ingredients, while the historic Star Castle Hotel provides a memorable fine-dining experience in a truly unique setting. On Tresco, The Ruin Beach Café offers vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a laid-back setting, while Bryher’s Hell Bay Hotel is known for its award-winning restaurant, celebrating local seafood and seasonal produce. On St. Martin's, the two-Rosette Cloudesley Shovell Restaurant at Karma St. Martin's offers breathtaking sea views and imaginative seasonal cuisine.
Many restaurants showcase the best of the islands’ fresh ingredients, from locally landed fish and lobster to island-grown vegetables and herbs. Booking a table in advance ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable dining experiences.
Explore more restaurants across the Isles of Scilly.
Image credit: Visit Isles of Scilly - Ruin Beach Cafe
Take Your Food Experience to the Water
On Scilly, some of the most unforgettable food experiences happen out on the water.
Imagine sailing between islands with a picnic hamper, enjoying fresh seafood after a day exploring hidden coves, or even catching your own supper.
Experiences like those offered by Scilly Yacht Charters allow you to combine sailing with food and drink, creating the perfect day out on the water. Local fishing trips and boat excursions may also give visitors the chance to learn about the islands’ fishing heritage while enjoying some of the freshest seafood imaginable. Explore with Scilly Fishing & Boat Charters.
For a slower-paced adventure, pack a picnic and hire a kayak to paddle along Scilly’s crystal-clear waters, pulling up on a quiet beach or sheltered cove to enjoy lunch with nothing but seabirds and sea views for company. Book with Kayak Scilly on St. Mary's, St Martin's Watersports on St. Martin's or Hut 62 on Bryher and Tresco.
Even the journey between islands can become part of your foodie adventure - hop on a boat, explore somewhere new and stop for lunch at a café overlooking the harbour or beach.
Discover more watersports experiences across the islands.
Image credit: Gareth Tibbs, Isles of Scilly Yacht Charters
Time Your Visit with Food Festivals and Events
If you love discovering new flavours, visiting during one of Scilly’s food-focused events is a fantastic way to experience the islands’ culinary creativity.
Each autumn, the Taste of Scilly Festival celebrates the islands’ incredible food and drink scene, bringing together restaurants, producers and chefs for 10 days of special menus, tasting events and unique experiences.
Throughout the year, you may also find pop-up feasts, seafood celebrations and seasonal events that highlight the islands’ rich food culture. These events offer the chance to meet local producers, try something new and enjoy memorable meals in beautiful island settings.
If you’re planning your trip around food experiences, it’s worth checking the events calendar ahead of time so you don’t miss out.
Image credit: Taste of Scilly Festival
Settle in at a Traditional Island Pub
No visit to the Isles of Scilly is complete without time spent in a cosy island pub. Whether you’re calling in after a coastal walk, warming up after a sea swim, or settling in for a relaxed evening with friends, the pubs across Scilly are at the heart of island life.
On St. Mary’s, you’re spoilt for choice. In Hugh Town, The Mermaid Inn, The Atlantic and The Bishop and Wolf offer lively atmospheres, hearty menus and a great selection of drinks. Head slightly further afield and you’ll find Old Town Inn, perfectly placed for a post-beach pint near Old Town Bay.
Over on Tresco, The New Inn is a firm favourite, with its courtyard garden and cosy interiors making it an ideal stop after exploring the island. And on Bryher, Fraggle Rock combines laid-back island charm with great food and drink, just moments from the water.
Wherever you choose, Scilly’s pubs are more than just places to eat and drink - they’re gathering spots where visitors and locals come together to share stories, enjoy live music and soak up the warm island welcome.
Image credit: Tresco Island - The New Inn
Meet the Makers Behind Scilly’s Produce
The Isles of Scilly have a proud tradition of local food production, and meeting the people behind these products can be one of the most rewarding experiences for food and drink lovers.
Visit St Martin’s Vineyard, the UK’s most south-westerly vineyard, to sample island-grown wines and enjoy views across the island. Over on St. Mary’s, Holy Vale Vineyard offers another chance to experience locally produced wines, grown in the island’s unique coastal climate. You can also discover locally crafted spirits from SC Dogs Distillery, a Scilly-made rum inspired by the islands’ maritime heritage. On St. Agnes, Troytown Farm produces delicious ice cream made from the milk of its own herd of dairy cows - a must-try on a sunny day. Meanwhile, Westward Farm is known for its premium, small-batch gin, crafted on the island and inspired by the surrounding coastal landscape. On Bryher, head to Veronica's Farm to try their handmade fudge made from Scillonian milk. The fudge has been featured on Alison Steadman's Little British Isles, ITV's This Morning, BBC's Island Parish and BBC's Countryfile.
You’ll also find small-scale producers creating everything from artisan bakes to locally grown flowers, vegetables and seasonal produce.
Supporting local producers not only gives you a taste of the islands’ unique flavours, but it also connects you to the people and landscapes that make Scilly so special.
Discover more local producers across the Isles of Scilly and read more about them on our blog here.
Image credit: Troytown Farm
Enjoy Scilly’s Seafood Feasts
With the Atlantic Ocean on every side, it’s no surprise that seafood plays a starring role in the Isles of Scilly’s food scene.
Expect to see fresh fish, crab and lobster appearing on menus across the islands, often landed just hours before they reach your plate. On St. Mary’s, Longstone Cafe is well known for its popular Friday night lobster takeaway dinners, perfect for enjoying back at your accommodation or by the water’s edge. No trip to the seaside is complete without enjoying a traditional fish and chips takeaway - head to Scilly Fish for your catch of the day. Over on Bryher, seafood lovers can head to The Crab Shack, where crab, mussels and scallops take centre stage, or pick up the freshest catch directly from Island Fish to create your own island feast.
From casual beach cafés to elegant restaurants, the focus is always on quality, simplicity and letting the ingredients shine. Many visitors say their favourite meals on Scilly are the simplest ones - a plate of fresh seafood enjoyed with a sea view and a glass of something local.
Image credit: The Crabshack
Savour Every Moment
Food and drink are an essential part of the Isles of Scilly experience. Whether you’re sharing a beach picnic, discovering a hidden café on a neighbouring island or enjoying a sunset dinner overlooking the sea, the islands invite you to slow down and savour every moment.
Planning ahead can help you make the most of your foodie adventure - but once you’re here, leave plenty of room for spontaneous discoveries too.
After all, some of the best meals on Scilly are the ones you stumble upon along the way.
