Loch Bay Restaurant, the only Michelin Star restaurant on the Isle of Skye, has announced it will close its doors after 10 years of service. The owners shared the news on social media, stating they are excited to begin their next chapter.
Restaurant to Close on October 31, 2026
Located on the Waternish Peninsula in Stein, the seafood restaurant first opened in 2016. Run by owners Michael and Laurence Smith, it earned a Michelin Star just 18 months later. The business has been described as a "wonderfully inviting destination restaurant."
Despite its status as the only Michelin Star restaurant on Skye, Loch Bay has announced it will soon close. The closing date is set for October 31, 2026, giving visitors and fans time to enjoy one last meal.
Owners Thank Staff and Community
Sharing the news on Facebook on August 19, Loch Bay Restaurant wrote: "We have some news to share. After ten wonderful years we have made the decision to close Loch Bay."
The statement continued: "When we opened Loch Bay in 2016, we wanted to create a restaurant that reflected our passion for hospitality and gave the warmest of welcomes to guests visiting from all over the world. Since then, the success of our restaurant has been a result of the combined assistance from our incredible team of staff, suppliers and the local community."
The owners added: "We would like to give thanks and appreciation to everyone who has aided and supported the business."
They concluded: "As our time at Loch Bay comes to a close, Stein remains our home and we both look forward to beginning new chapters in our personal and professional lives. We will always be immensely grateful to all our customers and staff for the opportunity and privilege of creating so many happy moments and memories that will stay with us forever. Thank you so much for being part of our story."
Locals and Visitors React
Many locals and regular visitors have shared their disbelief and well wishes. One person wrote: "Ahhh this is such a shame and we will miss coming to see you every April to celebrate our anniversary. Loch Bay has been one of our most favourite places to eat and that's down to the amazing food and superb team."
Another local business added: "What a massive shock and loss to the food scene on Skye. We have eaten there many times and the food and service has been amazing. The very best of luck in what you do next."
A third person commented: "Sorry to read this, I visited in March and it was one of the best dining experiences I've had. All the very best for the future."
A previous visitor also wrote: "We are from Australia and spent time in Stein last year. Our meal at Loch Bay was one of our most memorable experiences of our time in Scotland. We wish you all every success in whatever you do next."
Michelin Guide Recognition
Loch Bay was awarded its Michelin Star in 2017 and also features in the Best Seafood Restaurants in Scotland list on the Michelin Guide. The review states: "It might not be situated in the most accessible part of Scotland, but Chef Michael Smith has made this former crofter’s cottage a wonderfully inviting destination restaurant."
The review continues: "The ‘Skye Fruits de Mer’ tasting menu is a celebration of the finest seafood from around the island’s shores, like the beautifully sweet lobster and succulent prawns which come from the bay the restaurant overlooks. Dishes have a simplicity, but brilliant depth of flavour, that elevates this above most other sea-based offerings."
Seafood lovers have until October 31 to visit Loch Bay restaurant one last time.
