10 Of The Best Coffee Shops On The NC500 2026

If you’re travelling around the stunning north coast of Scotland and like me, live for the next cute café and caffeine hit then this is the blog for you.

I’m sharing my top 10 favourite coffee shops along the famous NC500 route. Each of these is either directly on the defined route or only a short jump off. For ease, they’re also listed in order that you’d reach them, starting from east coast to west coast as you can see on the map below.

1. Cocoa Mountain

Location: Dornoch and Durness

The detail:

As the name suggests, Cocoa Mountain offers a magical combination – coffee AND chocolate. Not only is their mocha with drizzled chocolate across the top the stuff of dreams, but their selection of truffles, chocolate filled croissants and stand alone coffees are fantastic too.

Just make sure you arrive here on an empty stomach!

2. 8 Doors Distillery Coffee

Location: John O’Groats

The detail:

Now you’re probably thinking – a distillery doesn’t sound like a great place for a coffee… But trust me, I think it’s the best coffee shop in John O’Groats.

Set in a distillery, the newly created café offers delicious coffees and a small selection of pastries for nibbling. The design of the space is really fresh and modern, making it a great place to stop, do a little road trip planning and just chill out.

Plus, if you’re ready to move onto something harder, you can pick up a distillery tour or shop their selection of whisky and gifts.

3. Haven (formerly Olive)

Location: Thurso

The detail:

For tasty lunches, brunches and creative coffees, Haven is the one. With lots of cute seating options, really friendly staff and a varied menu, it’s the perfect place to grab coffee and food.

We stopped here around lunchtime so naturally ordered a coffee and some bits to share. For maximum Haven experience, plan your journey to arrive here for a meal.

4. The Store Bistro & Bar

Location: Bettyhill

The detail:

Just off the main road is a café that feels like going back in time. A general store stroke coffee shop, it’s a warm and friendly place to break up your journey and refuel.

With seating inside and out there’s options for whatever the weather has in store.

5. The Norse Bakehouse

Location: Tongue

The detail:

As Scandinavia isn’t quite so far from here, it’s maybe slightly less surprising to stumble upon a Norse café… As you can probably imagine, it’s a warm and cosy place to stop for a hot coffee and smorgasbord of snacks.

There’s also a lovely little patio area with views down to the coast. The perfect spot to chill out when the sun’s shining!

6. Surf & Turf

Location: Kylesku Bridge

The detail:

For coffee on the go (and maybe a lobster roll), pull into the lay-by next to Kylesku Bridge. Here you’ll find the Surf & Turf food truck serving brilliant coffees all day and seafood treats from lunch onwards.

It’s the ideal pit stop. While you sip your coffee you can appreciate the engineering marvel that is the bridge and the beauty of the area – a win-win!

7. Secret Tea Garden (Assynt Aromas)

Location: Drumbeg

The detail:

Next up is a hidden gem. Tucked in the tiny village of Drumbeg is the Secret Tea Garden. Here you can shop the Assynt Aromas handmade soaps and beauty bits then sit down in their secret garden for hot drinks and afternoon tea.

The true star of the show is the café cat who will make himself known by meowing for attention. If you’re a cat lover like me, it’s a nice little bonus.

8. Cult Café

Location: Ullapool

The detail:

When it comes to NC500 favourite, Ullapool, there’s lots of lovely places to eat and drink. But our number one was Cult Café. This is a relaxed little spot with delicious coffee and a full breakfast menu – perfect for sampling before you hit the road again.

Just be warned, this place is popular and gets busy, so try to arrive early or after the lunch rush to grab a table.

9. The Bothy

Location: Ullapool

The detail:

Our second favourite in Ullapool is the incredibly cosy Bothy. In this tiny café, somehow there’s room for a handful of tables, a full kitchen and barista station. When you visit you’ll see what I mean!

The atmosphere in here is what makes it magic. Visitors and locals blend and it feels like a true taste of Ullapool. You won’t be able to resist a hot crispy bacon sandwich with a big mug of coffee.

10. Corrieshalloch Gorge Café

Location: Garve

The detail:

Last but by no means least is a coffee stop in one of the best locations. Just outside Ullapool before you get towards the end of your trip, is Corrieshalloch Gorge.

With or without the coffee this is unmissable stop. Run by the National Trust for Scotland, the gorge is and incredible landscape to see. And afterwards, you can pop by the newly created café to rest, refuel and take it all in.

There we have it – my top 10 coffee shops along the NC500. Have you visited any of these? Or are there any I have to visit next time? Let me know in the comments.

Did you find this guide helpful? Please consider buying me a coffee to support my blog, thank you!