It’s actually a top 8 list at the moment! The Crab Pot is coming soon, we’ll review it in April. Also one or two of our other favourite places have closed in the last few months, so we’ll be using it as an excuse to eat out at a few more nearby đ
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 Crab Pot
Barend, ~4 mins walk from the front door! DG5 4NU
Opening in March 2025 đ
Let us know what you thought!
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!
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
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
The Olive Retreat
Castle Douglas, 13 miles WNW ~22 min drive DG7 1DX
A family and dog friendly mediterranean restaurant & café. menu is Interesting and varied menu, with great choice of meat and vegetarian, vegan and gluten free dishes.
Our review: Dining at The Olive Retreat Restaurant, Castle Douglas
Mr Pook’s
Castle Douglas, 13 miles WNW ~22 min drive DG7 1AD
Fine dining, showcasing some of the best produce from Dumfries & Galloway using ancient, classic & modern cooking techniques.
Our review: Mr Pookâs Kitchen Restaurant Review
Ernespie House Hotel
Castle Douglas, 13 miles WNW ~22 min drive DG7 3JG
A traditional hotel thatâs open for meals and afternoon teas for non-residents.
Our review: Ernespie House Hotel Review
Which one is your favourite? Let us know!
Notable Mentions
The Olive Tree Tearoom – Dalbeattie, 6 miles, 12 mins drive from the lodge – CafĂ© serving sandwiches, jacket potatoes etc. and a selection of cakes.
The Granite Kitchen – Dalbeattie, 5 miles, 11 mins drive from the lodge – small family run cafĂ©, everything homemade and cooked to order.
Birchtree Hotel – Dalbeattie, 6 miles, 12 mins drive from the lodge – family owned, contemporary hotel with bar downstairs and restaurant upstairs.
Feast – Kirkcudbright, 24 miles, 38 mins drive from the lodge – Family run, mediterranean inspired home cooking with good vegan and vegetarian options.
…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 CafĂ© – Dalbeattie, 6 miles, 11 mins drive from the lodge – small independent cafĂ©, affordable food in a laid back environment.
- Steamboat Inn – Carsethorn, 8 miles, 17 mins drive from the lodge – small family run, award winning restaurant, on the solway coast.
- Laurie Arms – Haugh of Urr, 10 miles, 17 mins drive from the lodge – Traditional, dog & family friendly pub, serving a good selection.
- Rosava’s – Castle Douglas, 13 miles ~22 mins from the lodge – run by the same team that operated the popular ‘Old Schoolhouse’ on the A75.
- The Globe Inn – Dumfries, 19 miles, 34 mins drive from the lodge – Fine dining in an historic inn est. 1610 – “Burns’ favourite howff”.
- The Selkirk Arms – Kirkcudbright, 24 miles, 38 mins drive from the lodge – Fine dining for lunch and dinner.
- The Clachan Inn – St. John’s Town of Dalry, 29 miles, 43 mins drive from the lodge – award-winning relaxed and family friendly pub with an extensive menu.
