The Boathouse

*Closed for the winter season. Reopening April 2026*

There’s been quite a buzz about this dinky whitewashed eatery on the tiny community-owned island of Ulva since it reopened with new custodians. Shining like a beacon from the jetty on the neighbouring island of Mull, it's accessed by flipping a board above the slipway from white to red and Rhuri the ferryman will chug over to collect you. There are no cars on Ulva.

Outside, there's a smattering of picnic tables, crammed with families and groups of friends on a sunny Sunday lunchtime. Inside, there’s more seating upstairs in the attic-like space: distressed tongue-and-groove, vintage metal chairs and rustic tables strewn with jars of wildflowers. The chalkboard outside the front door lists the daily changing menu (depending on the day's catch), alongside vegetarian and meat options that might range from handmade pasta with asparagus pesto, hazelnut butter and crispy kale to Ulva beef and cabbage rolls in tomato sauce (the meat is reared on the island).

But briny, fresh seafood is the headline act: a plate of salmon-pink Ulva prawns or langoustines comes with a crunchy apple and carrot salad, a slice of lemon and soft home-baked brioche and butter; delectably simple, salty seaside fare. For dessert, a slice of moreishly zingy lemon drizzle should do the trick. You can also stop by for coffee, cake, and picnic supplies. No bookings.