The Geographer

Great atmosphere, service, and flavours. Fish n chips, the way I most enjoy them, very much like where I grew up in Western Australia where the battery is neat and thin. A tiny mix of salad came with the fish n chips and the ingredients varied a lot yet tasted very refined, having a great flavour together in big bites. The chips/fries were perfectly made as well. The chicken tenders salad was also great though I would have skipped on that main sauce they put on it after they plate it. The decorations were fun to be around and brought extra coziness. Staff were great and worked very fast. Food came very fast too. It was packed on this Friday evening around 7.30pm but we were the first in line for a table so it was a short 5 minute wait for some table to be available.

Heading to Inverness, passing through Fort William, it’s the best choice and decision for us to try walk in at 7:45pm on Thursday night. They are not like other restaurants that not welcoming any late walk in customers. Mussels are fresh with generous potion for a starter. I like the cooking method with butter, sweet but didn’t stop the favour of the mussels. See bass was well cook with crispy skin and soft inside, once you eat you know this white fish is fresh enough, generous potion of side salad and sweet potato coming together which are not we expected and we do appreciate that. Even ketchup for kids fries, loads were given. Steak is fine. No special. Fort William should be a place for seafood. If more varieties of seafood can be provided to choose in main, that will be great.

The food was really good – the bread was fresh and wonderfully crispy. The service was friendly and quick, which we really appreciated. It’s just a shame that the person welcoming guests at the door (possibly the owner) seemed a bit grumpy – a warmer attitude would’ve made the whole experience even better.

The food was really delicious!! I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s good. I was extremely impressed with their kind service and the quality of food. The staff were polite and very attentive. It’s 10/10!! Quality of the food was also good. I particularly loved the muscles!!! So fresh and so delicious!! My new favorite!!! The smoked salmon salad was also extremely Smokey and flavorful. We also tried the desserts and loved it as well! Must eat here!! Oh and the vibe of the restaurant was also top notch! Very lively and loved the hanging vines from the ceiling.

I had never had such a fishy haddock in fish n chips. The Mac n cheese was not cheesy enough. The steak was thinner than expected, given the price. The broccoli soup tasted weird as well. We came to this restaurant because of the high rating on Google Maps. Maybe the mussels are really tasty here but most of the food was not satisfactory. The waitresses were very friendly though.

Super friendly staff, great food. Only downside was the 30min we had to wait outside in the rain. Due to the wind the rain cover was only of limited help. But once we were inside it was all worth it 👌

One of the best places we visited on the planet. The decoration and atmosphere great, staff friendly as hell and the most important thing, the food, o u t of t h e w o r l d. Like I told the waiter, the most delicious food in Scotland. We’ve only visited once and not a second time, since we got sick on our second and last day. I nearly cried that I did not eat the fantastic calamari’s another time😢. Thanks again for giving us the chance to try your place - an experience we will never forget.

The wait staff was friendly. The atmosphere was a bit stuffy and rushed. The food was decent. I ordered a medium-rare steak, but it arrived almost well-done. I was a bit disappointed.

WOW what a gem! Starting with the atmosphere, this place is beautiful and a traveler's paradise. The decor is so fun and there are nods to travel everywhere. The staff is also so kind and attentive. I feel like I was never left for wanting more! My cup was always full and if I needed anything, the waitstaff was ready to help. I have celiac disease so seeing so many amazing gluten free options was huge for me! They have a dedicated gluten free fryer and incredible options for those of us that have to eat gluten free, yet my gluten eating husband was also equally satisfied! We shared gluten free calamari as a starter, I then had the gluten free chicken tenders, and topped it off with a gluten free sundae. And of course had a Thistly Cross to wash it down! This will definitely be our go-to place whenever we are in the area! Highly recommend.

Had to wait outside for a table but it was worth it. The bruschetta was great as was the calamari. We had a light meal but everyone was so nice.

Nice ambiance! Amazing steak, Amazing muscles and their sauce is out of this world! Had a great experience and would recommend again!

The best meal I had in Fort William was at the Geographer. Food was good and service was good. Appetizer Steamed Local Mussels with wine & garlic butter: Delicious. 5 stars (8.50 in August 2022) Main: Sicilian Seabass with sweet potato, dressing with olives, tomato, capers. This was solid though not as delicious as the mussels. 4 stars (19.50 in August 2022) The restaurant is cozy with a charming atmosphere, with explorer-themed artifacts and decor around. Be aware that the restaurant is small and fills up quickly. When it's full, you need to wait in line outside the restaurant window.

My partner and I chose this place for dinner because they have so many gluten free options, even a gluten free lager! We split the Korean fried chicken sandwich and the cheeseburger so we could try both. Everything was delicious and juicy, and the staff were all very friendly. Not pictured: my partner ordered the banana sponge dessert, which disappeared in under a minute! it looked very good as well, and was served warm with vanilla ice cream.

Simple lunch menu with a few entrees to choose from. The fish and chips were very good and the atmosphere was cozy. Recommend getting there right at noon local time so you don't have to wait long.

4/8/23- waited for about 30 minutes outside. Starting at 1 star. Table and the inside is very clean. Check out some photos. Ordered 2 fish and chips for 16.50 each then a Highland Venison and Black Pudding Stew for 19.50. We ordered a main dish of a big bowl of fresh mussels instead of the starter for 18.50. A few ciders and pineapple Londoner essence drink for the minor. Very nice and good customer service. Just missing the food now. More to come. Ordered and in 5 minutes drinks and the main mussels are out. About 50 came in the bowl. Very good. Recommend it. Pending the main dishes. At 3 stars now. Wow. All the food was excellent. Highly recommend this place if you are here. The Black Pudding was very flavorful and the 3 potatoes inside was a meal in itself and well cooked. The fish rocked!!! We caved in and ordered 2 desserts. Wow! The sorbet and berries was very flavorful and smooth. One of the best I've had and this was unique and excellent. Get the Cranachan Whisky infused cream, tasted oats, raspberries & honey. Last photos. Out the door for just a little below 100. Well worth the price.

Get there early if you don't want to wait in line (but if you do have to wait, it's definitely worth it). Server was very attentive and friendly. Food was amazing and came out very quickly. Highly recommend :)

Dinner here on the early side of the evening rush. We were lucky enough to have no wait for a table. The food was all presented very nicely and the flavors were great. An interesting menu wit several possibilities for the vegetarian. A well-curated whisky selection. Low-key setting was relaxing. Very efficient service.

This place is unforgettable. First off, go early if you don't want to wait in line. Second, we got the Halloumi cheese appetizer and I recommend it, maybe two! Third we ordered the Korean fried chicken burger and it was worth the hype. Sea Bass was incredible. Great service. Trust me it's a good choice for dinner while in this cute city.

A splendid country drive from Glasgow brought us to our lovely abode overlooking old town and we quickly stretched out legs by walking down to the restaurant. Great little shortcut along the way. We had to wait but used the time to choose our orders. So fun seeing the lights crisscrossing the ceiling and a fun comfy ambiance and friendly staff. The local beer I wanted to try was all gone so I settled on sold Engine Oil Craft Stout from the Scotland Harviestoun Brewery. I chose local muscles in a wine and garlic sauce and a side of garlic toast. The salmon was incredible!! It took me back to the days when we had salmon as a child in Wa. So good!! Loved the music too!

Most amazing fish and chips ever. I don't know how they did it. Flakiest thinnest crust. Wonderful salmon salad as well. Great service and whisky's too.

Best steamed mussel I've ever had! It melts in my mouth. Appetiser is big enough for one person.

Some of the fastest service I've ever had. The food was delicious and the Spean Bridge Brewery IPA was great. The Cranachan desert was delicious! Excellent service. Would highly recommend!!!

My BF and I walked all over the main strip here in Fort William to find a restaurant we could agree on. It was nice since all the menus were in the front. We landed here and it was nice to not have to wait for a table for long. Cute decorations! It was very cozy. They had random decorations in the bathroom also. Our waitress was super friendly and kept up with our drinks and checked on us many times. I ordered a steak with chimichurri. Came with a small salad and fries. It was my first try of beef (steak) in Scotland so I was interested to see what I'd be like. It was thinner than normal and chewier than expected. I had asked for medium well but it was cooked a little more than that. I did like the chimichurri sauce on it and the fries were the first I've had that were thin and crisp rather Than the the typical "chips". Prices were good regardless and both myself and my Bf finished everything on our plates.

The waitresses were excellent. Very attentive. The fish and chips was by far the best we had in all of Scotland. The batter is impossibly thin and crispy. Wow.

The hour wait in line was worth it. Wonderful food and attentive service. Beautiful interior.

This place is fantastic and very popular, we received a warm welcome when shown to our table. I love the decor of this place and would love to take some photos next time. The service was brilliant. Food was also very delicious and filling and prices were very reasonable. Staff were friendly and adhered to COVID regulations and I witnessed the manager (I assume) sanitise his hands constantly. We loved it so much we plan to go back tomorrow!

Came here before our trek up Ben Nevis to have a good meal. Mission accomplished and the service was great.

Many thanks to yelpers for finding such a fabulous place! We had a short wait, but was totally worth it!

A nice place for a lunch stop in Fort William, with fast service, clean environment, welcoming staff and fresh food. Soup was the perfect warm yourself option for me. The Broccoli and Almond SoD was fresh and has a great texture. Also enjoyed a warm cup of tea before heading out for more sightseeing the beautiful western areas of Scotland. This is a great option as a solo diner - with table service and no rush to clear the spot. Thank you for treating me as a welcomed guest. Not all who wander are lost.

The Geographer is a great find if you're dining in Fort William. My wife and I enjoyed a delightful dinner there. All the food was fresh and delicious. I particularly recommend the mushroom soup and the venison stew. The staff were friendly and helpful, too.

The host really sucks!!! No matter for what reason, as a professional in restaurant business, he should not say words like "you're not even a customer since you have not been seated..." - What an disappointing experience!

We wandered in off the street while visiting for vacation. We waited a little bit for a table but it was the dinner rush and the owner/host did a fantastic time keeping us updated on when he thought something would be available. The service was quick and very accommodating for menu requests. I have to personally recommend the walnut and goat cheese salad or the venison stew. If you are in town, this is a must try!