La Balena
A family-run Italian restaurant in Stornoway that uses local seafood for pasta and pizza, and won the 2024 Italian Restaurant Award.
La Balena is on Francis Street in Stornoway's town centre, run by head chef Matteo and his wife Laura. The owners have Italian, Glaswegian and Outer Hebridean roots, and the kitchen uses fresh local seafood for its Italian dishes: pasta, pizza, seafood plates and cocktails. In 2024 it won the Italian Awards' Best Italian Restaurant in Northern Scotland. Portions are generous. There is a separate gluten-free menu, and any pasta can be made gluten-free. A children's menu is available. Service can be slow at peak times, so book ahead at weekends. It is usually open Tuesday to Saturday.
Opening hours
Tuesday–Thursday 12:00–15:00 and 17:00–21:00; Friday and Saturday around 12:00–22:00; closed Sunday and Monday (check the website)
Nearby sights
- Stornoway
- Lews Castle & Museum nan Eilean
- HMY Iolaire Memorial
- St Columba's Church, Ui
- Clach an Truiseil
- Bridge to Nowhere & Garry Beach
- Tiumpan Head
- Arnol Blackhouse