Dining out near Orroland Holiday Cottages, Dumfries and Galloway

Here you will find our pick of local places to enjoy eating out; restaurants, pubs, cafés and takeaways. We have a separate page for nearby farm shops, which also serve food and a range of local produce to take home. Please also refer to TripAdvisor reviews which may be more recent than our own dining experiences.

Drive times from Orroland: Kirkcudbright, Dalbeattie and Castle Douglas 20 minutes. Dumfries 45 minutes.

Restaurants in Dumfries and Galloway

Scallops on the menu at the Selkirk Arms

The Selkirk Arms Kirkcudbright 01557 330402 DG6 4JG

Whether it is a casual lunch or a romantic dinner, here you will find real choice, from local seafood to a hearty Galloway steak or top notch fish and chips. The food is always well presented and full of flavour, with generous portions. Choose between the restaurant, which offers more formal dining, or the comfortable bar and bistro. Booking is essential for the restaurant. Food is served from 12pm till 2pm and then again from 6pm to 9pm.

Top tip: Things to see and do in Kirkcudbright.

The Castle Restaurant Kirkcudbright 01557 330 569 DG6 4JA

On the menu are interesting foods that showcase the region's local produce. The restaurant overlooks McClellan's Castle and is ideal for couples or small groups. The restaurant area is quite small and can book up fast so it's worth calling to book a table. It's not an ideal choice for families with young children due to the limited space. Open Monday to Saturday from 6pm onwards.

Top Tip: They periodically have music evenings where they match the menu to the music - Spanish guitar and tapas or good old fashioned Irish songs and Irish stew; it's a fun night of great food and atmosphere.

The Willow Tree Palnackie 01556 600092 DG7 1PH

This is a popular little eatery with locals and holiday makers and only a 6-mile drive from Orroland. There's a relaxed and friendly atmosphere; it's best for couples or small groups as they can get rather overwhelmed by larger groups both in the kitchen and restaurant space. Opening hours are Tues - Sun 10am-4pm and Fri - Sun evenings 5pm - 9pm (Booking is advised for evening meals).

Nikos Greek Restaurant Castle Douglas 01556 504345 DG7 1DX

Offers tasty authentic Greek food (including delightful mezze, home-baked breads, fish and shellfish), with good options for vegetarians. Diners with less adventurous palates are also well provided for - pizza and so on. Cretan chef, Nikos, goes out of his way to make sure guests are satisfied. All food is freshly prepared so you need to be prepared to wait for your food.

Luigi’s Italian Restaurant (and Takeaway) Dalbeattie 01556 611 025 DG5 4AH

A cosy restaurant with quirky Italian décor and a homely atmosphere. With candlelit tables you can enjoy a quiet night for two. Children are welcome. The staff are friendly and happy even though they are usually extremely busy and always try to accommodate customers.

Luigi’s offers a large selection of pizzas, pasta, meat and fish dishes. Good value for money, especially at ‘Happy Hour’. A shorter menu is offered for the ‘Happy Hour’ but quality and quantity are not compromised.

Casa Mia Dumfries 01387 269619 DG1 1JW

Hullabaloo Restaurant Dumfries

Casa Mia offers modern European cuisine, served in warm and welcoming stylish surroundings. Located on the banks of the River Nith, near Dumfries town centre. They have themed nights, such as French night, Grill night, Tex-mex night and more. A visit to their website provides much more information, as well as their menus.

Hullabaloo Restaurant Dumfries 01387 259679 DG2 7BE

Situated in a converted 18th Century mill which also houses the Robert Burns Film Theatre (arts movie cinema), on the banks of the River Nith. The restaurant offers customers innovative seasonal menus with premium fresh produce locally sourced whenever possible. Here are their menus; you're bound to find something delightful to tempt you. They do a scrummy Sunday Grill between Easter Sunday and 30 September. Opening times: Monday – Saturday   11.00am – 4.00pm. Open at night:   Tuesday – Saturday from 5.30pm. The restaurant is situated upstairs. The view of the River Nith is lovely.

Top tip: Tie your meal in with a screening at the Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre, which screens diverse films (are they called arts cinemas?) or a visit to the nearby Observatory at Dumfries Museum.

Pubs with restaurant and bar meals

Anchor Inn Pub in Kippford

The Anchor Inn Pub and Restaurant, Kippford 01556 620205 DG5 4LN

If traditional pub food is what you fancy then the Anchor Inn has a true seaside holiday feel, set on the banks of the Urr just 25 minutes drive from Orroland.

With a choice of indoor seating in the bar, snug, harbour room or lounge there’s a place for every occasion. There is a real open fire during the colder months and in warmer weather it’s lovely to sit outside overlooking the river and soaking up the sun.

The Anchor provides everything you would expect from a country pub – real ales, wine selection, refreshingly cold soft drinks, teas and coffees. Local produce is used where possible and a daily fish menu is offered if you fancy the catch of the day. If you are looking for a light bite at lunchtime the Anchor offers a nice selection of sandwiches, jacket potatoes and salads. For a more substantial evening meal try a British favourite from the full menu. Nothing too fancy at the Anchor Inn, just well prepared, tasty, honest pub grub.

Top tip: There are some great walks around Kippford including a walk to Rockcliffe along the costal path to enjoy the flora and fauna before stopping for a bite to eat. The large, sandy beach of Sandyhills is great for sunbathing and swimming. Clean golden sand just perfect for sand castle building and the ideal spot to fly a kite. A real beauty spot of Dumfries and Galloway, Sandyhills is worth a visit for a quick stroll or a day having fun in the sun before returning to Orroland via Kippford and the Anchor Inn for dinner.

The Star at Twynholm near Kirkcudbright 01557 860279 DG6 4NT

Excellent home cooked dishes and value for money in this hidden gem, just 25 minutes drive from Orroland.  Warm welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. The Star is situated in the centre of Twynholm village and the menu offers traditional pub meals made with local produce. They have a great reputation for their steak pies and the menu offers mostly gluten free ingredients with no compromise on taste. 

The Masonic, Gatehouse of Fleet  01557 814335 DG7 2HU

This is a traditional pub popular with locals and tourists in all seasons. It has a large conservatory with a welcoming wood burning stove. The menu and specials board always offers value for money and a hearty portion of good locally sourced food. A particular favourite is the Sunday lunch carvery; booking is not usually essential. During the evenings they sometimes have musicians to play. Gatehouse of Fleet is around 35 minutes drive from Orroland and worth a visit with lots of interesting walks and history associated with Robert Burns.

Delightful tea rooms and cafés

Crown & Anchor Tearoom Dundrennan 01557 500579 DG6 4QH

This newly renovated tearoom was once the village pub and now offers locally sourced food, delicious home baked cakes, traditional teas, coffee and cold drinks in a warm and welcoming setting. Open Monday - Sunday 10.30am - 5pm.  Proprietors John and Jackie make really excellent soups (a proper meal in a bowl and beautifully seasoned). There is a simple, tasty menu and they bake a selection of tempting cakes, tray bakes and puddings. An imposing ruined abbey and a scrumptious treat at the Crown & Anchor would be a fine reward for the 2 mile walk from Orroland to the village.

Designs Gallery and Cafe Castle Douglas 01556 504552 DG7 1DZ

The café at Designs is downstairs from the gift shop and is the ideal place to relax and enjoy delicious coffees and speciality teas with a wide menu of home cooking. They bake their own bread using organic flours and make fresh cakes daily. On the daily menu are specials and home made soup at lunchtime.

The Old School House at Ringford nr Castle Douglas 01557 820 250 DG7 2AL

Once an old school house and now a modern eatery open from 10am - 6pm. Perfect place to stop for a homely lunch, high tea or evening meal with lots of favourites on the menu and friendly service. There is also a deli counter to grab your favourites for a picnic before heading off on adventure. This is a 25 minute drive from Orroland.

Abbey Cottage Tea Room New Abbey 01387 850377 DG2 8BY

Situated in the picturesque village of New Abbey and overlooking the ruins of Sweetheart Abbey, this tea room offers a home-and-hearty menu for lunch and afternoon teas. New Abbey is a 40 minute drive from Orroland. An enjoyable day can be spent visiting Sweetheart Abbey and New Abbey Corn Mill. They also have a little shop with a good range of gifts, local guide books and local produce to take away.

Mulberry's Café, Kirkcudbright 01557 330961 DG6 4DJ

Highly recommended for lunch, soup and a pud or hot drinks. Home made specials board, fresh local produce on the menu and good service.  Mentioned in our Hot Chocolate review page and an ideal place to take a break from browsing the galleries in Kirkcudbright, artists' town.

Galloway Lodge Gatehouse of Fleet High Street 01557 814 001 DG7 2HP

Good quality food situated right next to the main car park. This is a popular place for locals and has a lovely shop for picking up gifts for all ages, as well as a post office. The desserts on display taste as good as they look and all meals are prepared to a high standard; hearty and very tasty. Would recommend the daily specials board. Open daily until 5pm.

Basecamp at Laggan Outdoor Activity Centre near Gatehouse of Fleet 01557 840217 DG7 2ES

Open 7 days all year round this cafe offers a warm welcome and plenty of fresh home-made food fills the menu. The cafe overlooks the grounds of the adventure centre and the beautiful Fleet bay. Those who enjoy getting off the beaten track will enjoy the friendly service, free wifi and wood burner during the cooler seasons. Plus there is plenty on offer to work up an appetite before lunch at the activity Centre on site (Please pre book activities *guests at Orroland can get 10% off*).

Marrbury Smokehouse and Bistro Carsluith, nr Gatehouse of Fleet 01671 820476 DG8 7DY

Make a point of visiting this hidden gem if you enjoy smoked seafood! Open all year round this local smoked foods producer is one of the finest of its kind. Just over 45 minute drive west of Orroland, visitors can enjoy a meal from their extensive menu and/or buy smoked goods from their shop. All this and they are right in the grounds of the impressive Carsluith Castle - in summer you can sit within the grounds of the castle, within earshot of the sea.

Takeaway

Best Pizza & Kebab House Dalbeattie 01556 612167

Everything you would expect to find on the menu at a kebab shop. Food is freshly made which shows in the Good Eating Guide awards that the Best Pizza & Kebab House have won. Pleasant service in a hygienically clean shop.

Chen’s Kitchen Kirkcudbright 01557 331913

An extensive selection of Chinese dishes with the addition of European dishes and Chip Shop menu. This is a family run business offering freshly made food and excellent service. The Chow mein dishes are the best we have tried.

Polarbites Fish & Chips Kirkcudbright 01557 339 050

Polarbites takeaway or eat-in fish & chips

If you are looking for a more refined Chip Shop experience try Polarbites. Another award winning family run shop with a very surprising menu. You’ll find a whole selection of fish here from scallops, lobster and crab to lemon sole, monkfish and haddock. There are also the regulars including burgers, pies and sausages. Quality fresh ingredients, many sourced from the local Kirkcudbright harbour. Prices a little higher than your average chip shop but Polarbites fish and chips is hard to beat. Closed on Mondays.

The Jewel In The Crown Indian Castle Douglas 01556 505 999

A good selection of Indian dishes that always please the taste buds. Service is good, as is value for money. Treat yourself during the winter months as the Jewel In The Crown often has a ‘Buy 1, Get 1 free’ offer on curries.

Moore’s Fish & Chips Castle Douglas  01556 502347

Award winning chip shop that has been serving freshly prepared food for over 35 years. Moore’s specialises in fish and chips but has an extensive menu also offering wraps, burgers, pizzas, pies, kebabs and more. Newly refurbished, Moore’s is always spotless and staff are well-presented. This local shop believes in supporting the Scottish fishing industry. Winner of The Galloway Gazette Best Chippy Award in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Also, Southern Region winners in the 2014 National Chip Awards.