Cafe Eighty2 Drumnadrochit

We had already visited Plodda Falls and Corrimony Chambered Cairn, and with all this exploring, we had worked up quite an appetite! I had been recommended Cafe Eighty2 by my friend Neil Cowie who was a regular each time he was in Drumnadrochit.

This was the first time I had been to Drumnadrochit in many years; it was nice to see many new developments and investment in the town. While entering Drumnadrochit, Cafe Eighty2 is located on the A82, not far from the first roundabout.

Car park

There is a good-sized car park here, and we got parked easily; it was reasonably busy - a good sign!

Entering Cafe Eighty2

The building for Cafe Eighty2 doesn't reveal many secrets about the delights within; it looks like a residential house converted into commercial premises.

There was a one-way system in operation, so we entered the entrance door to the right, not the door next to the ramp. We were greeted by a staff member and were lucky enough to grab the last table for two - we really should have phoned ahead and made a reservation as it was packed!

The interior of Cafe Eighty2 is very colourful and welcoming, paper lanterns hang from the ceiling, and it has a very homely vibe. The staff were also super friendly, chatty and upbeat.

The menu at Cafe Eighty2

We didn't order drinks as a bottle of cold water was provided on the table, and the waitress supplied us with a fantastic menu of delicious food to choose from. I've heard the flower tea is excellent here.

The menu is only a single page, but there was more than enough to choose from, including:

• Toasties

• Salad bowls

• Full highland breakfast

• Smashed avocado

• French toast

• Cheesy beano

• Homemade soups

• Vegan cakes

• Vegan curry

There were many Vegan and Gluten free options available.

I was also able to see a children's menu which included:

• Homemade cheesy beans

• Smashed avocado

• Two sausages or bacon on toast

• Fried egg on toast

• French toast

• Toast, butter and homemade jam

• Cheese toastie

• Cheese and ham toastie

• Cheese and tomato toastie

Most of the kid's meals were only £2.50 to £5.

Making our order

I ordered the French toast, described as "Homemade Pesto, Roasted Vine Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Pine Nuts & Eggy Bread", for £9.50. Janette chose a toastie with "Chicken Breast, Homemade Pesto, Mozzarella & Sun-Dried Tomato", also costing £9.50.

The food wow factor at Cafe Eighty2

I received my french toast; wow, it looked much more epic than I expected. It came served in a stack, with "on the vine" cherry tomatoes on top; the presentation was excellent. The Americans at the table next to us looked distinctly jealous.

 

Janette's toastie looked great too, with a nice chickpea side salad, but I secretly knew I had chosen the best! It looked like both our meals were made with homemade artisanal bread, nice!

The food was so good; I really enjoyed my entire stack of french toast, I'm not even a fan of cherry tomatoes, but I gobbled them all up.

Paying the bill

Our bill came to only £19, for such good food this is excellent value for money.

Are there toilets at Cafe Eighty2?

Yes, there is a bathroom available.

Is outdoor seating available?

Yes, there is an area where you can eat outside.

Are there any good nearby visitor attractions?

Yes, so many great places near Drumnadrochit:

• Loch Ness

• Jacobite Cruise on Loch Ness

• Urquhart Castle

• Corrimony Chambered Cairns

• Plodda Falls

• Falls of Divach

Conclusion

Cafe Eighty2 was truly excellent - I'm glad my friend Neil recommended it to us. The service is brilliant, the decor colourful and bright, but the food is next level - we will definitely be back!

Our next stop was a flying visit to the Falls of Divach, yet another waterfall on my 40th birthday tour around central Scotland.

Update: Cafe Eighty2 has now sadly closed, but I will leave this article online; that French toast was too good to delete forever!