The Seafood Shack, a seasonal seafood eatery in Ullapool in the Scottish Highlands, has earned a near-perfect 4.8 out of five rating on Google from 2,060 reviews, with customers calling it the best meal on the North Coast 500 route.
From a Shack to a Permanent Building
Located in the heart of the coastal village of Ullapool in Ross and Cromarty, about 45 miles from Inverness, the venue started as a small shack with outdoor tables. Earlier this year, it upgraded from its trailer to a permanent building, offering a more efficient workspace and expanded seating for visitors. It is open daily from 12pm to 8pm for takeaway only, with no bookings or preorders.
Daily-Changing Menu Based on Local Catch
The menu changes daily depending on what is caught in the surrounding waters. Dishes may include creamy Cullen skink, hot smoked trout with potato salad, hot garlic lobster in a brioche roll, and a haddock wrap with lemon mayo pesto. Ockran Oysters with lemon are priced at £6.75 for three or £13.50 for six. There is also a spicy fish soup with freshly baked bread and a 'Seafood Taster of the Day' featuring langoustines, herring, and more.
Other inventive options include coconut masala mussels, butter monkfish curry with basmati rice, turmeric and mangetout, cucumber raita, red onion chutney, and coriander. Another dish is paprika and lime-breaded haddock served in a soft tortilla with pickled red cabbage, limey avos, sliced chillies, and coriander.
Customer Raves
One visitor posted on Google: "The best fish and chips / fish soup ever in a shack place. It’s simply excellent, tasty, flavours well handled between the fresh fish, sauce and bread, soups with huge pieces of fish, no joking with food in that place. A must try in town."
Another commented: "Currently doing the NC500 and can say this has been the best meal of the trip! Highly recommend the mussels and scallops. An essential visit for anyone visiting nearby."
A third said: "They have a small menu and do not offer fish and chips, but they have an AMAZING fish wrap that's outstanding. There is a thick piece of fish with very crunchy, flavourful batter in a soft fully wrap with some salad and zingy sauce. Would highly recommend!"
Impact on the NC500 Route
The Seafood Shack has become a standout destination on the North Coast 500, Scotland's answer to Route 66. Its creative, fresh seafood offerings provide a welcome alternative to traditional fish and chips, drawing rave reviews from travellers and locals alike.
