I happened upon this little beauty completely by chance a few years ago and have been in love with it ever since.
How could you not fall in love with that view?
Everytime anyone suggests to me they want to go for 'a nice lunch out' I suggest this place, and its a winner every time.
The Harbour Cafe is on the stunning shores of Loch Venachar with glass walls giving you panoramic views whilst you eat. The Restuarant laps up its surroundings whilst also being warm and cosy (something that isn't easy in Scotland).
After taking in the view we quickly got to work on some drinks whilst going through the huge, locally sourced menu.
After great debate, and very little waiting time, the food started to arrive.
Their Sunday roast for me; Lamb with spring greens, sweet potato puree and the glossiest, richest, tastiest gravy I have ever had!
The others, for reasons completely beneath me, all went for starters as mains! (Lauren K just about redeeming herself by having two starters..).
Lauren M had the Goats Cheese Brulee which looked (and tasted) beautiful. It wasn't too Goatey (anyone who isn't the greatest Goats cheese lover will understand this) and the Beetroot Pickly and Parmesan Crisp were the perfect accompaniments.
Bex had the Tarbert Scallops with Mango, Cucumber and Lime Salsa. I'm a sucker for scallops, I have them at every opportunity, and I did sneak some of Bex's. They were perfectly cooked and the salsa was the right balance of sweet, sharp and moreish.
I love having scallops served with inventive, fresh and new flavours and this was definitely one of them.
Lauren K had another favourite of mine...
(Yes, I just love all fish!)
...Steamed Shetland Mussels. They were cooked simply in white wine, garlic and cream. Sometimes being traditional wins and this is one of those times. The flavours complimented the freshness of the mussels and... just look at the size of them!
Served with fresh Scottish bread they were a real treat.
After a little humming and harring I managed to persuade the girls to have pudding... they were all glad we did!
Strawberry & Cream Tart for me...
A gigantic slab of Mocha cake for Lauren K...
And Bannoffee tart for Lauren M...
Needless to say they were all delicious and my only regret from the whole dinner was not buying a second strawberry tart to take home...
(Secretly I'm using it as the perfect excuse to go back and visit sooner rather than later).
The Cafe is just North of Callander in Scotland, a beautiful drive and well worth a visit! If you want more information visit their website, here or give them a call on: 01877 330011.
