Business Details
9 Years
experience
Authentic Italian Dining Experience in Bowmore
Peatzeria was founded in April 2017 by Caroline and David, a family-run business combining decades of hospitality expertise with deep local roots. Our restaurant occupies a historic Episcopalian church building dating back to 1903, offering 36 indoor seats and 26 outdoor spaces overlooking Loch Indaal. We specialise in handcrafted Italian pizzas using Caputo 00 flour, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh Islay ingredients like lobster, scallops, and Bradan Rost. Chef Paul brings 35 years of culinary experience from acclaimed UK and Irish establishments, while sister Sharon ensures exceptional guest service. Our unique concept blends contemporary bistro style with Islay heritage, serving lunch and dinner seven days a week.We offer takeaway options from 12 noon to 9pm, including custom-built pizzas and pasta dishes. Recognised as Restaurant Guru's 2019 Best Restaurant, we maintain rigorous quality standards through 24-hour dough proofing and partnerships with local producers. Our team's commitment to culinary excellence extends to educational initiatives promoting healthy eating. The restaurant's design incorporates original murals, peat-cutting implements, and historical photographs celebrating Islay's culture.
Services
Handmade pizzas
Seafood dishes
Takeaway service
Outdoor dining
Pasta options
Italian ice cream
Coffee bar
Event catering
Historic venue
Local produce
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- Handcrafted pizzas using 24-hour proofed Caputo 00 flour dough
- Locally sourced Islay ingredients including fresh seafood
- Family-run business with 35+ years culinary expertise
- Unique dining in a historic 1903 church building
- Award-winning restaurant with panoramic loch views
Associations and certifications
- Restaurant Guru 2019 Best restaurant
What people say
Stunning loch views
Exceptional seafood pizzas
Friendly service
Historic venue
Quality ingredients
Services
Handmade pizzas
Our pizzas use Caputo 00 flour dough proofed for 24 hours, creating light, airy bases. San Marzano tomato sauce combines with fresh garlic and Islay herbs. Toppings include local seafood like Islay lobster and scallops. Each pizza is hand-stretched and cooked in a traditional stone oven at 450C for 90 seconds, ensuring perfect texture and flavour development.
Seafood dishes
We feature Islay's freshest seafood including crab, scallops, and Bradan Rost. Dishes showcase traditional Italian techniques with local twists. Our seafood pizzas combine Mediterranean flavours with Scottish ingredients. All seafood is sourced daily from local fishermen, ensuring sustainability and peak freshness for our discerning customers.
Takeaway service
Order custom-built pizzas for collection between 12 noon and 9pm daily. Choose from classic recipes or create your own combination. Our takeaway menu includes pasta dishes and Italian ice cream. Orders ready within 30 minutes of placement, with contactless collection available during busy periods to ensure convenience.
Outdoor dining
Enjoy meals on our 26-seat terrace overlooking Loch Indaal during summer months. The outdoor space features weatherproofing for Scotland's variable climate. Diners experience panoramic sea views while enjoying authentic Italian cuisine. The terrace maintains the same high service standards as our indoor restaurant.
Historic venue
Dine in a converted 1903 Episcopalian church with original architectural features. The 36-seat interior displays Islay heritage through murals and historical artefacts. The building's history enhances the dining experience, blending contemporary bistro style with centuries-old craftsmanship. The venue accommodates private events and special occasions.
People
Caroline
Founder
Born in Bowmore, Caroline fulfilled her childhood dream of establishing a modern restaurant on Islay. With family hospitality experience spanning decades, she oversees operations while maintaining community connections. Her vision combines Italian cuisine with Islay's natural larder.
Paul
Head Chef
Award-winning chef with 35 years culinary expertise across UK and Ireland's top establishments. Specialises in healthy cooking education and seafood preparation. Brings professional rigour to our kitchen while championing local ingredients and traditional techniques.
Sharon
Operations Manager
Hospitality industry veteran with extensive service experience. Oversees front-of-house operations and guest relations. Ensures seamless service delivery while maintaining the restaurant's welcoming atmosphere that reflects Islay's renowned hospitality.
Questions
What makes Peatzeria's pizzas unique?
Our pizzas use 24-hour proofed Caputo 00 flour dough, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh Islay seafood. Hand-stretched bases cook in 90 seconds at 450°C for perfect texture.
Can I book a table at Peatzeria?
Yes, we accept bookings by phone for indoor and outdoor seating. We recommend reservations during peak summer months to guarantee availability.
Do you offer takeaway options?
Yes, our takeaway service operates daily from 12 noon to 9pm. Choose from our full menu including custom-built pizzas, pasta dishes, and Italian ice cream.
What special dietary options are available?
We offer vegan cheese pizzas, gluten-reduced bases, and vegetarian options. Our staff can advise on allergen information and dietary adaptations.
Is Peatzeria accessible for wheelchair users?
Our main dining area and facilities are wheelchair accessible. The outdoor terrace has level access from Shore Street for easy mobility.
Can I host events at Peatzeria?
Yes, our historic venue accommodates private events and special occasions. Contact us for details about capacity, menu options, and booking arrangements.
Reviews (7)
Aage Lovold
Dec 28, 2021
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Paul and Sharon are the absolute best! The locally sourced menu and warm hospitality will leave you wanting longing for more on your trip back to the main land. Plus, soo close to all of the wonderful local distilleries. No better place!!
Cormac O'Neill
Nov 09, 2021
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Heard nothing other than great reviews about this place, and it didn’t disappoint. Wonderful food and experience 👍
Catherine Coe
Oct 31, 2021
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Went with a group of 10 people, food was really nice, staff were friendly and helpful, will definitely go back there if your on Islay do go visit..
Kamil Gajek
Oct 26, 2021
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Fully booked but i was only costumer... ok so i have ordered takeaway pizza meatballs with jalapeos... I get pizza what taste and look like frozen pizza from co-op .. really?? Meatballs taste like god knows how old them are and only 2 slices of jalapeos ... and all of that for 14 don't bother going there you will be better get some frozen pizza from co-op
Rickeera Kaur
Sep 08, 2021
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Beautiful outside seating area. The best pizza I've had for a very long time. Lovely menu, with plenty of choice
Simon Couth
Aug 26, 2021
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If its a sunny day on Islay then there are two things you should do (on the other days when its raining make the most of the distilleries of course!). One is to eat the smoked mussel and brandan rost (hot smoked salmon) pizza. I add the salty hit of anchovies to this. Sitting on the small back terrace to Peatzeria, looking out over the bay at Bowmore is a heavenly experience. The other is to walk off the over indulgence of the pizza with beach walk at the stunning Machir bay.
Dewi Rees
Aug 20, 2021
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Tasty pizza bases with friendly staff and an eclectic option of specials. The black pudding, goats cheese and red onion shouldn't work but it does. Yummy!
