Red Skye Restaurant is a seasonal Scottish restaurant at Breakish, Isle of Skye IV42 8PY, between Broadford and Kyleakin on the road to the Skye Bridge. It occupies a former village schoolhouse dating from 1876, now a bright dining room serving fish, shellfish and Highland produce alongside a wine list and a shelf of Scottish gins and whiskies. Travelers come for the dependable local cooking, the view over the water toward the mainland hills, and a table in one of the island’s most talked-about independent restaurants.
What to Expect at Red Skye Restaurant
The room is a Victorian schoolhouse converted for dining. Expect the proportions of a village school: high ceilings, large windows and a plain stone-built shell that suits the unfussy, produce-led menu. The kitchen cooks to the seasons and the day’s landings, so seafood from the Minch and the Sleat coastline features prominently, alongside Highland meat and game. Dishes change regularly, and the menu is written around what is available rather than a fixed repertoire.
The drinks list leans local. Skye and wider Scottish gins and malt whiskies share space with a considered wine selection, so a dram after dinner is an easy way to end the evening. Service is relaxed and personal, in keeping with a small owner-run restaurant, and the pace suits a long lunch or an unhurried dinner. Note that card payments are not accepted, so bring cash.
- 1876 schoolhouse setting: A restored Victorian school building with tall windows, where the architecture is part of the meal.
- Seasonal Scottish menu: Dishes built around local fish, shellfish, meat and vegetables, adjusted through the year.
- Seafood focus: Listed as a seafood restaurant, with Skye-landed catch a regular feature.
- Gin and whisky selection: Scottish distilleries represented, handy for an after-dinner tasting.
- Water and hill views: Windows frame the sea and mainland hills, best at lunch or in long summer evenings.
Red Skye Restaurant at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Breakish, Isle of Skye IV42 8PY, Scotland |
| Neighborhood / Area | Breakish, near Broadford, south Skye |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Saturday 12-3pm and 5:30-9pm; Sunday 5-8:30pm |
| Admission / Price Range | No entry fee; dining at the $$ tier. Cash only, no credit cards |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Roadside route between Broadford and Kyleakin (A87); on-site and nearby parking |
| Official Website & Phone | redskyerestaurant.co.uk, +44 7949 531527 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Skye is small and busy in summer, so book ahead by phone through the number on the official website, particularly for dinner and weekends from spring to autumn. Lunch is often easier to secure and has the best daylight on the view. Because cards are not accepted, withdraw cash in Broadford or Portree beforehand rather than counting on a nearby machine. Breakish sits on the main A87, so most visitors arrive by car. Local bus services run along the A87 between Portree, Broadford and Kyle of Lochalsh, but check timetables with Traveline Scotland, as evening return services are limited. The schoolhouse is an older building, so contact the restaurant about step-free access and mobility needs before you travel.
Pair a meal with a short stop in Broadford, a few minutes away, for shops and the seafront, or drive on to Kyleakin and the Skye Bridge for harbour views and Castle Moil. Walkers can reach the shoreline paths around Breakish, and the Sleat peninsula’s Armadale and the Clan Donald centre lie about 30 minutes south. An evening reservation also leaves time for the long northern light that lingers well into summer nights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and best time to visit?
Red Skye serves Monday to Saturday from 12 to 3pm and 5:30 to 9pm, and Sunday from 5 to 8:30pm. Lunch offers the clearest views, while dinner suits a slower, special-occasion meal.
Do I need a reservation, and how much does it cost?
Reservations are strongly advised in the high season, using the phone number listed on the official website. The restaurant sits in the $$ price tier, and it does not accept credit cards, so bring cash.
How long should I allow for a meal?
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for a relaxed lunch or dinner. Add time if you plan to try a whisky or gin from the list after your meal.
Is Red Skye suitable for couples, groups and visitors with mobility needs?
The intimate schoolhouse setting suits couples and small groups well. As it is a historic 1876 building, call ahead to confirm step-free access and seating arrangements for wheelchairs or limited mobility.
Travelers exploring Isle of Skye often pair this stop with nearby highlights including The Bistro at Atholl House Skye (48.8 km away) and The Shellfish Shack (3.0 km away).
