The Kirkmichael Arms

Featured reviews

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  L C

  ·1 month ago

  “Don't know why it has taken us so long to try, hands down the best restaurant in Ayrshire! Every course was cooked to perfection, tasty, fresh, hot and local produce. It is probably the best steak we have ever had. Staff were attentive …”

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  Dale Robertson

  ·2 months ago

  “Start with the food. Booked for 7pm but by the time our order was taken the choices had become quite restricted due to the board being sold out. Tip arrive early to get a better choice. We had a 77 day aged steak and Venison which was delicious. The restaurant wasn't packed so surprised so many choices had been used up. Service was not 5 star due to a delay bringing the chips with the steak course which needed a reminder. The staff took our sweet course but had to return as it also had sold out. So we had to share one. Bit disappointing that as the other choices were not too my taste. As for ambiance its sparsely decorated with bare tables and paper napkins. That for me was a surprise considering the food is eye wateringly expensive. Suppose that's just my expectations. It's was quite cold and the door to the toilets was always being left open even by staff which left a draft where we were seated. We asked a couple of times for it to be closed. Eventually we decided to coffee/tea elsewhere due to the cold. Be careful where your seated. Overall the food is good , get in early and ask to be seated away from the front door and toilet door.”

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  Myleika Dodds

  ·4 months ago

  “Is very rare for us to go to din̈er I love cooking fresh food . We were in our way from glasgow my husband is scottish im latina I grew up with homemade food , I have to said food was beautiful, fresh and tasty not big portion but I love that is not like America. That is tge beauty not complicated Atmosphere quite as we like a few laughter the bartender/ waiter german scottish wonderful I have never felt so.close to my home land thme her tnwk you please dont change , small village need recognition”

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  Glen Kerrigan

  ·4 months ago

  “Had dinner here in the pub side, same menu. The food is amazing. Every dish is well thought out and uses local suppliers. We chatted to the manager and chef who were very friendly. The food is not your usual which is great and small dishes means you can choose more and share. 100% recommend and will be going back.”

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  Andrea Pientka

  ·5 months ago

  “The food and the love and dedication with which it is prepared are out of this world sensational! The quality and composition of flavors and textures are outstanding ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ You can taste Justin’s passion for what he and his team bring to the table in every bite. Our favorite are still the venison empanadas - but very closely followed by the excellent Khun Mai’s stag canteen grilled Aubergine with the lovely milk bread, the Loch Ryan venison starter and the pork in Thai marinade. If you are a lover of Thai cuisine and fancy a curry that tastes incredible, go for the Langoustine Yellow coconut curry 👌 The level of deliciousness of all of the dishes almost brought tears to my eyes and I cannot recommend this gem of a pub highly enough. Foodie heaven. The whole team is so warm and welcoming and goes out of their way to give every guest a superb and unforgettable dining experience. They deserve all the praise and then some. 2026 is gonna be an exciting year with all the plans the Kirkmichael Arms’ team has.”

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  Angie M.

  ·6 months ago

  “The food at Kirkmichael Arms is just phenomenal. The flavours from my starter, the scallop with pork was just splendid, the sauce was just fantastic. My main dish from the special menu was also fabulous, the lemon sole. I also enjoyed the …”

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  Colin McHattie

  ·7 months ago

  “Sunday Roast was our order of the day but one glimpse at the blackboard was enough to know that we will be going back”

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  LJ

  ·8 months ago

  “We had the most fabulous dining experience at this little gem of a gastropub destination. It was our first time there, but it will be a regular visit from now on! Plus, its a bonus the pub area is doggy friendly! From the outside, it is this quaint chocolate box stone pub and restaurant, est in 1700! Inside its warm, cozy, and has a traditional pub vibe. There was a well-stoked wood fire burning and a happy feel. We met the owner & chef, Melburnian, Justin, and his love for good quality global food was palpable. The dishes were an absolute winner - artisinal, hearty, delicious and inventive, using local and fresh fayre. The staff were first-class with a warm & welcoming service. We felt welcomed, indulged and part of the village community. We shared chats and drinks with the kind & generous locals. Its no wonder this establishment is Michelin recommended! We are already planning our next dining visit. Thank you to Justin and his team for making it a marvellous Sunday lunch experience. If you haven't been, get there quick smart!”

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  Alan Campbell

  ·8 months ago

  “We made the trip from Glasgow for a birthday dinner and left already planning our return. The Kirkmichael Arms is the kind of place that reminds you why you love food—warm, welcoming, and quietly brilliant. We went big: smoked venison, padrón peppers, scallop, crab on toast with tomato, Thai pork scratchings, venison empanadas, and a rich, reimagined venison haggis. Out of greed, I also ordered a menu special - Singapore dover sole. Each dish was bold, fresh, and full of intent—drawing on international flavours but rooted in top-quality local produce. They proudly list the origins, and it shows in the flavour. The pub itself is cosy and full of heart, with attentive but relaxed service. It’s family-friendly, unpretentious, and clearly cherished by the community. This isn’t fine dining—it’s real dining. Comfort food with imagination. A place that feeds you well and makes you feel even better.”

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  theGman971

  ·10 months ago

  “This was our first visit to The Kirkmichael Arms but won't be our last. The food was exactly what we had expected as it came highly recommended. A bonus was it's all local produce that is used. Service was excellent with dishes explained to …”