Oran Na Mara Cafe in Highland

We had walked (myself and husband), from campsite in Laide to get to this cafe, so 5k or so. When we got there, there was a sign on the door saying the cafe only took bookings between 1 and 2 (or similar). Not sure if this was on Sundays only when we were there, or every day when they open. I don’t know how you’re supposed to know this information. It might have been a good idea for the owner to mention this on Google, or on the leaflet that we picked up from the campsite, as if we’d known we would not have made the trip.We might have had a takeaway, but the guy said he didn’t have time as it was busy.Arguably, we could have called the cafe first, but you don’t normally do that just to visit a cafe.

Very polite service and a lovely Cappuccino, as well as some nice gifts...

Very welcoming , great food and coffee. Thank you for your hospitality. 3 yorkshire bikers.

Great views, good menu and tasty homemade food. The dog wasn’t allowed in as it’s also a gift shop but not an issue as there was parking at the rear. Gentleman serving/owner didn’t have much enthusiasm for customers so did lack a bit of atmosphere and cheer but the food was lovely and we took some take away deserts.Google seems to be wrong when it says closed as it was open when we visited despite the google status.

Our visit to Oran-Na-Mara is probably going to be the most memorable experience of our trip around Scotland and for all the wrong reasons.We were after a takeaway coffee but were quickly and abruptly informed that "We don't do takeaway". That's where we were lured into what might be 30 of the strangest minutes of my life. The greeting we received wasn't the friendliest but I'd initially put that down to catching the host off guard by asking for a takeaway so against all of my instincts decided to sit for our coffee. Being the only people in the cafe we thought we had our pick of seats until we noticed a sign propped up on the leather sofa in the corner that read "Please do not sit in this area". You've got to love a place that has ornamental couches!Our cappuccinos arrived promptly and were hotter than larva which I think was an attempt to overcome the frosty atmosphere of the place. The host was miserable, making no attempt to make us feel welcome or remotely valued as customers. Having to ask for the code for the toilet (which is 1234* by the way) was a great touch, making me feel like a school child having to ask permission from the teacher.Rules seem to be the theme of this establishment with signs such as "Don't park your bike here" and "Keep off the grass" dotted around the place.Rather than enjoying a relaxing morning coffee in a cafe that really does have fabulous views across Loch Ewe we felt oppressed to the point that we barely spoke and when we did it was in whispers.A visit to Oran-Na-Mara is an experience that we'll be talking about for years. If you'd like to also experience happiness to depression in under 5 minutes then give this place a try but if you're after making happy memories I recommend you try somewhere else.

We stopped just for a coffee. Good location and a decent gift shop. I bought myself handmade woolly cap. We had good time watching birds.

A wonderful find whilst staying in Gairloch. This cafe and gift shop was spotlessly clean and the mushroom soup and home made bread were to die for. The view across the lovely garden to the sea held a suprise, apart from the hundreds of birds feeding in front of the window, a deer walked into the garden and began eating the grass and the trees. A lovely lunch interlude. The toilet was spotless and a joy to use too. I'd highly recommend Oran na Mara.

Disappointing customer service.Coffee hot but nothing spectacular (same as any machine made/tassimo type coffee).Our order for coffees was taken from across the room - felt as though we were intruding (he was having a conversation with the one other table in when we arrived).When we got up to pay I took the cups over to help out (and be polite) as he was looking a little flustered with the few tables that had just walked in - I was repaid with a loud tut - told 'you should have just left them on the table really' and snatched them out of my hand and went into the kitchen. Felt very embarrassed as the other customers then were looking - I'm not sure where the friendly owner was from the other reviews but we unfortunately got this one.Toilets clean and nice view

We hadn't booked for lunch but we're made very welcome and shown to a table straightaway. Very pleasant host and staff. Food was lovely, fresh and presented well. Lovely dining room, pleasant ambience, relaxed atmosphere. Interesting mix of crafty goods in shop. Definitely will go back.

Great find on our North Coast 500 trip. Great lemon and lime cheesecake, delicious chocolate torte, excellent latte and hot chocs. Friendly service with a nice chat thrown in!