Top 10 places to eat near the lodge

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 in order of distance from the lodge, and there’s a short summary and a link to our review where applicable so that you can find out more.

If you have somewhere else to suggest, let us know!

The Beagle

Barend, ~4 mins walk from the front door! DG5 4NU

Varied, tasty menu, with additional daily specials. Everything prepared in house and fresh to order.

Our review: The Beagle Country Pub

Let us know what you thought!

Pub courtyard with benches

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!

Breakfast outside on a picnic bench overlooking wild landscape

Luigi’s

Closed (June 2024)

Dalbeattie, 6 miles NW ~11 min drive DG5 4AH

Family run Italian restaurant with a good selection of pasta, pizza and also fish dishes.

Our review: Luigi’s Restaurant in Dalbeattie Review

Inside at Luigi's Restaurant Dalbeattie

Loch Arthur Farm Shop

Beeswing, 11 miles N ~17 min drive Beeswing, DG2 8JQ

Pleasant café next to the Farm Shop that offers a range of delicious items including homemade cakes.

Our review: Loch Arthur Farm Shop and Café

Loch Arthur Farm Shop Cafe

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

Abbey Cottage Tearoom Outside

Designs Café

Castle Douglas, 13 miles WNW ~20 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

Shop front of Designs Gallery & Cafe, Castle Douglas

Streetlights Cafe

Castle Douglas, 13 miles NW ~20 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

Cafe Counter, Cakes to eat, Bottles etc.

Nikos

Castle Douglas, 13 miles WNW ~20 min drive DG7 1DX

June 2024: Changed to The Olive Retreat – review coming soon!

A relaxed, family friendly Mediterranean Restaurant & Cafe that specialises in traditional and creative Mediterranean cuisine, combining specially imported Greek ingredients and locally sourced Scottish fresh produce.

Our review: Nikos Mediterranean Restaurant & Cafe Review

Plates of food to eat from mezze menu on a table

Mr Pook’s

Castle Douglas, 13 miles WNW ~20 min drive DG7 1AD

Fine dining, showcasing some of the best produce from Dumfries & Galloway using ancient, classic & modern cooking techniques.

Our review: Mr Pook’s Kitchen Restaurant Review

Mr Pook's Restaurant Foraged Chanterelle Mushroom Tart

The Old Schoolhouse

Ringford, 21 miles, 30 mins drive from the lodge

Spacious restaurant/café/coffee shop that gets great reviews.

Our review: Review of Lunch at The Old School House

Inside The Old School House, Ringford, near Castle Douglas

Which one is your favourite? Let us know!

Notable Mentions

The Olive Tree TearoomDalbeattie, 6 miles, 12 mins drive from the lodge – Café serving sandwiches, jacket potatoes etc. and a selection of cakes.

FeastKirkcudbright, 24 miles, 38 mins drive from the lodge – Family run, mediterranean inspired home cooking with good vegan and vegetarian options.

The Granite KitchenDalbeattie, 5 miles, 11 mins drive from the lodge – small family run café, everything homemade and cooked to order.

Birchtree HotelDalbeattie, 6 miles, 12 mins drive from the lodge – family owned, contemporary hotel with bar downstairs and restaurant upstairs.

…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!

  • Brambles CaféDalbeattie, 6 miles, 11 mins drive from the lodge – small independent café, affordable food in a laid back environment.
  • Steamboat InnCarsethorn, 8 miles, 17 mins drive from the lodge – small family run, award winning restaurant, on the solway coast.
  • Laurie ArmsHaugh of Urr, 10 miles, 17 mins drive from the lodge – Traditional, dog & family friendly pub, serving a good selection.
  • The Globe InnDumfries, 19 miles, 34 mins drive from the lodge – Fine dining in an historic inn est. 1610 – “Burns’ favourite howff”.
  • The Selkirk ArmsKirkcudbright, 24 miles, 38 mins drive from the lodge – Fine dining for lunch and dinner.
  • The Clachan InnSt. John’s Town of Dalry, 29 miles, 43 mins drive from the lodge – award-winning relaxed and family friendly pub with an extensive menu.

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