Recently we came to the lodge with some friends for their first visit to D&G. At the end of our holiday, one of them commented ‘the eating places around here are a step up from the usual aren’t they’ (we were in The Boathouse, Glencaple at the time). We agree, and maintaining this list also gives us a good excuse to eat out in the name of research 😜😋
September 2026 – Updates incoming, we ate at another new place to us on our recent trip and will update this page soon!
This list reflects our tastes and preferences, but we hope you’ll also enjoy going to eat at all of these places!
They’re listed by how close they are to the lodge, with a brief description and, where available, a link to our review so you can learn more.
If you have somewhere else to suggest, let us know!
Bainloch Deer Park
Sandyhills, ~20 mins walk from the front door! DG5 4NZ
Tasty breakfasts, sandwiches, waffles etc. The kitchen have been very accommodating and happy to substitute meat and dairy when asked.
Our review: Bainloch Deer Park Visitor Centre & Bistro
Let us know what you thought!
Caddie’s Cove Bistro
Colvend, <1 mile S ~3 min drive, Sandyhills, DG5 4PY
Situated inside Colvend Golf Club, so not far to walk, but be careful on the A710. Plenty of parking.
It’s run by the same family who have The Ark, Kippford. We went for Monday lunch and had delicious food and a friendly welcome.
Our review: Caddie’s Cove Bistro: Relaxed Dining at Colvend Golf Club
Loch Arthur Farm Shop
Beeswing, 11 miles N ~17 min drive, DG2 8JQ
Pleasant café next to the Farm Shop – with indoor and outdoor seating – that offers a range of delicious items including homemade cakes.
Our review: Loch Arthur Farm Shop and Café
Abbey Cottage Tearoom
New Abbey, 12 miles NE ~20 min drive DG2 8BY
Independent tea rooms with good food, service and also a wide selection of different tea blends.
Our review: Lunch at Abbey Cottage Tearoom by Sweetheart Abbey
Designs Café
Castle Douglas, 13 miles WNW ~22 min drive DG7 1DZ
Café serving free range and organic wherever possible, producing simple, tasty, affordable home cooked food.
Our review: Great Lunch at Designs Café Castle Douglas
Streetlights Café
Castle Douglas, 13 miles NW ~22 min drive DG7 1DZ
Small family run café which serves a wide variety of soups, sandwiches, toasties, paninis, etc. Good veggie, vegan and gluten free options, as well as delicious home baked cakes.
Our review: Lunch at Street Lights Cafe in Castle Douglas
Ernespie House Hotel
Castle Douglas, 13 miles WNW ~22 min drive DG7 3JG
A traditional hotel that’s open for meals and afternoon teas for non-residents.
Our review: Ernespie House Hotel Review
Sambuca
Castle Douglas, 13 miles WNW ~22 min drive DG7 1AD
Mediterranean restaurant that offers a blend of traditional and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. Particularly good at having separate menus for different dietary requirements.
Our review: Sambuca – coming soon!
The Boathouse Glencaple
Glencaple, 23 miles NE ~40 min drive DG1 4RE
Award-winning cafe restaurant & shop.
Our review of The Boathouse, Glencaple is coming soon!
Feast, Kirkcudbright
Kirkcudbright, 24 miles WNW ~38 min drive DG6 4HZ
Family run, mediterranean inspired home cooking with good vegan and vegetarian options.
Our review of Feast is coming soon!
Which one is your favourite? Let us know!
Notable Mentions
The Olive Tree Tearoom – Dalbeattie, 6 miles, 12 mins drive from Serenity 22 – Café serving sandwiches, jacket potatoes etc. and a selection of cakes.
Birchtree Hotel – Dalbeattie, 6 miles, 12 mins drive from Serenity 22 – family owned, contemporary hotel with bar downstairs and restaurant upstairs.
Brambles Café – Dalbeattie, 6 miles, 11 mins drive from Serenity 22 – small independent café, affordable food in a laid back environment.
Laurie Arms – Haugh of Urr, 10 miles, 17 mins drive from Serenity 22 – Traditional, dog & family friendly pub, serving a good selection.
Kilnford Farmhouse Kitchen Cafe – Dumfries, 18 miles NNE ~27 min drive from Serenity 22, DG2 8PT – Kilnford is a family farm with a shop, cafe, deli, butchery, and crafts.
The Barend Food Scene – there are sometimes pop-up food trucks that come to Barend and there’s a Mobile HorseBox Bar (Thu–Sun).
…and here are some more eateries in D&G that we like the look of; when we’ve been to them we’ll update this page!
- Steamboat Inn – Carsethorn, 8 miles, 17 mins drive from Serenity 22 – small family run, award winning restaurant, on the solway coast.
- The Earth’s Crust Bakery Counter Café – Castle Douglas, 13 miles ~22 min drive from Serenity 22, DG7 1EN – Food straight from the bakery counter.
- The Globe Inn – Dumfries, 19 miles, 34 mins drive from Serenity 22 – Fine dining in an historic inn est. 1610 – “Burns’ favourite howff”.
- The Selkirk Arms – Kirkcudbright, 24 miles, 38 mins drive from Serenity 22 – Fine dining for lunch and dinner.
- The Clachan Inn – St. John’s Town of Dalry, 29 miles, 43 mins drive from Serenity 22 – award-winning relaxed and family friendly pub with an extensive menu.
Got a question about any of these, or want a recommendation?Message us on WhatsApp (9am – 6pm) – we usually reply within the hour.
Base yourself at Serenity 22
Every place on this list is within 45 minutes of the lodge.
Self-catering means you choose when to eat out and when to cook – and the kitchen is well equipped either way.
Sleeps 2-8 with occupancy-based pricing for smaller groups.
