Oban Caledonian Hotel is one of Scotland's best-loved landmarks offering vistas over the sheltered bay, the West Coast islands and the romantic hills beyond. Some of the best views can also be enjoyed at the in-house restaurant designed along Victorian lines bedecked with chandeliers and ornate plasters.

Once  you've accepted the charm of this wonderful place, and it's not difficult to do, it's time to explore the menu, which blends in traditional Scottish cuisine with modern techniques, and a few international dishes also make pleasing appearances. The kitchen's skills are best evident in a vegetable tempura set on a crunchy mixed salad complemented with a sweet chilli dip, and grilled fillet of coley with parsley and white wine sauce. Roasted silverside of beef does the star turn and is accompanied by red wine and rosemary jus, and finally bid farewell with a chocolate pannacotta and fresh fruit compote.

Café Caledonian offers much more than just wonderful panoramas over the bay, there's a menu for all day dining and an international wine list.