The Smithy Cafe

Balfour, Orkney KW17 2DX, United Kingdom
+44 1856 711243
$$$ Cafe
(43 Reviews)
Price Range £10–20

Welcome to The Smithy Cafe, a charming eatery nestled in the picturesque village of Balfour, Orkney. Its inviting atmosphere and delightful menu make it a must-visit for both locals and travelers alike. The cafe breathes warmth and friendliness, with comfortable seating that encourages you to relax and soak in the ambience. You'll find a blend of tasteful decor and a nod to its historical roots, as the cafe is situated where a forge once buzzed with life.

The Smithy Cafe shines with its vibrant menu, offering delectable choices that cater to all tastes. Savor the Smithy Steak Sandwich, a hearty delight that promises to satisfy, or indulge in the Mor Stein Melt that oozes tantalizing flavors. For those seeking a plant-based option, the Vasa Vegan is not to be missed, packed with wholesome ingredients that showcase the cafe’s commitment to inclusivity. Families will appreciate the Bairns' Menu for Peedie Folk, filled with kid-friendly options such as the delightful Bairn's Soup with Bread or a satisfying Bairn's Toastie.

The Smithy Cafe’s dedication to local produce and quality ingredients is mirrored in each dish served. Customers rave about the delightful carrot cake, a highlight that beckons even the most stuffed diner to save room for dessert. After a hearty meal or a walk around the beautiful Orkney landscapes, the homemade cream tea is a perfect treat to round off your visit.

But don’t just take our word for it. Customer experiences speak volumes about The Smithy Cafe’s charm. As Stan Williamson notes, the cafe offers not just tasty lunches but a welcoming atmosphere where every visitor feels at home. Archna Luthra highlights the efficiency of the staff, with special praise for Ashley who went above and beyond to assist her family. And it's not just the food that wins hearts—Robin Cuthbertson enjoyed a fulfilling lunch after birdwatching, describing the welcoming staff and the unforgettable taste of their open sandwich melt.

Whether you're stopping in after a long walk or waiting for a ferry, The Smithy Cafe is the ideal spot to recharge and enjoy great food coupled with genuine hospitality. From the moment you step through the door, you’re not just a customer; you’re part of the community. So come, loosen your shoelaces, and let The Smithy Cafe serve up a memorable experience that celebrates the heart of Orkney.

Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Assistive hearing loop
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Free water refills
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:30 AM - 03:00 PM

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 12:00 AM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 03:00 PM

,

08:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Sunday

11:30 AM - 05:00 PM

43 Reviews
Stan Williamson

09 Aug 2025

When visiting my cousin in Shapinsay we had a tasty lunch here. Staff were friendly, helpful and efficient. The surroundings were fresh and tastefully decorated. Great facility for the island. We wish it success.

Archna Luthra

01 Aug 2025

Lovely locally run cafe. On a flying visit to shapinsay we stopped in for lunch. Delicious toasties and great coffee. Friendly and efficient service, highly recommend! All the locals were super friendly and welcoming, waving to us as we bumbled around the island! Special shout out to Ashley for rescuing my mum’s bag!!

Isabel Bliss

28 Jul 2025

Popped into after a long walk and before the ferry. Super homemade cream tea which I was the lucky beneficiary of at cutrate price as there was a last minute cancelation. Along the wall amidst the usual café chatter sits the now silent forge; would have been plenty of heat and noise there in earlier days. Great place!

Peter Long

22 Jul 2025

I have always been a fan of The Smithy. Very happy to see it reopened after a facelift. Looks great inside and very comfortable. Went in for lunch and left a very happy boy. Great cake collection.

Luka J

08 Jul 2025

If you missed the last official ferry to Kirkwall and need to wait for the night ferry to come pick you up than this is the place to be. The locals and staff will make you feel right at home.

Robin Cuthbertson

29 May 2025

The lovely staff were very welcoming in this delightful cafe. We had a delicious lunch here, after some birding at the RSPB hide. Be warned, the open sandwich melt is so big you may not be able to fit in one of their delicious cakes ... but I recommend that you try. The carrot cake was excellent.

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