Introducing Sarah McDonald and Dan Steele
Sarah and Dan in the cafe
Image by Scott Antcliffe www.scottantcliffephoto.co.uk
Sarah and Dan have been running the Isle of Lismore café since 2019 to rave reviews. Sarah gave up a huge job dealing with the visual impact of stores for a national retail chain and and joined her partner Dan, a chef, who had been working at the café for a year. Together, with a great team of locals, they have delighted islanders and visitors alike while providing important employment in what is a vey small community.
They use local ingredients whenever possible from their own or others’ crofts. If you have any specific dietary requirements, they will endeavour to create a dish to meet your needs.
The café is open from 11-4 from April to October. In addition they do evening meals at times which they announce on Facebook. Friday Fish and chips – sit in or takeaway – are extremely popular and need to be booked in advance. They also offer burger, curry, pizza and seafood platter nights. All great value and popular.
And for that special occasion – the café is available for functions. You can contact them on Facebook HERE for the latest news and offers.
Lismore Cafe 2025
After a walk, bike ride or drive from either ferry, Sarah’s home baking will not disappoint.
Here’s what visitors giving 5-star reviews have to say
… Wow, what a little gem this is! The carrot & broccoli soup is gorgeous & the cakes are amazing! Such friendly staff, it’s definitely worth a visit.
… An absolute must visit. Friendly staff. Good food. Plenty of selection. Had some excellent local beers.
… We travelled over from Oban to have a birthday lunch. The café was very busy but we had prebooked. Food was delicious and service was friendly. Nice big area outside too but well shaded, was a welcome location and the drinks were prompt and beautifully cold. We also ordered elderflower ice cream which was absolutely delicious and had a great depth of flavour. The staff at the café and shop were all lovely too. We would 100% recommend.
… We took the person and bike ferry from Port Appin (what a location) and cycled around the island. The lunch (scampi and fries for me, tempura prawns for my companion) was excellent, so much so that we called back in the afternoon – fabulous home made cakes and ice cream and great coffee. Add in a great location with views and it’s not to be missed …
… After an hours walk we ended up in this wonderful café. Very dog friendly indeed. Staff were brilliant, food and drink were first class. I’d recommend calling in.
… We had a great day on Lismore biking in the sunshine and arrived at the café needing drinks. A table outside
… My wife and I shared a coronation chicken sandwich with a nice glass of beer one afternoon while visiting Lismore for the day, and it was just delightful. The sandwich was very, very tasty. I might just have to return one day for something more substantial!
And here’s the menu
Pauline Dowling