Top 10 Best Food Delivery Apps in Shetland Islands

How Food Delivery Works in Shetland

In large UK cities, ordering dinner through an app takes seconds, with dozens of restaurants and fleets of couriers competing for business. Shetland is different. With a population of around twenty-three thousand people spread across many islands, the major national platforms have very limited coverage, and most delivery is organised directly by local restaurants. Many takeaways in Lerwick take orders by phone or through their own online ordering systems, and some deliver to Scalloway and surrounding areas.

That does not mean islanders miss out. In fact, ordering directly from a local business often means better value for the restaurant, friendlier service and money staying in the community. This guide covers the most useful delivery and ordering options for Shetland residents and visitors.

The Top 10 Food Delivery Options in Shetland

1. Gurkha Kitchen

Gurkha Kitchen is a popular choice for Nepalese and Indian dishes, and it offers delivery across Lerwick, Scalloway and further afield in Shetland. Its flavourful curries and friendly service have made it a regular favourite for weekend takeaways and family nights in.

2. Raba Indian Restaurant

Raba is a long-established Indian restaurant in Lerwick that also provides delivery to Lerwick, Scalloway and other parts of the islands. Its extensive menu covers classic curries, tandoori dishes and vegetarian options, making it easy to cater for a whole household.

3. Saffron Restaurant and Bar

Saffron offers Indian cuisine for dining in and takeaway. Its menu provides plenty of choice, and ordering ahead for collection is a convenient option for anyone heading home from work in Lerwick.

4. Kung Fu Cuisine

Kung Fu Cuisine serves Chinese takeaway dishes and offers online ordering. Its range of stir-fries, noodles, rice dishes and set meals is ideal for sharing, and online ordering makes it simple to customise an order.

5. Tasty Hong Kong

Tasty Hong Kong is a well-known takeaway offering Cantonese-style dishes. For residents who enjoy a familiar Chinese takeaway menu, it has long been a reliable local option.

6. Dragon House

Dragon House provides another popular Chinese takeaway choice in Shetland, giving residents variety when deciding where to order from on a Friday night.

7. Frankie's Fish and Chips

Frankie's in Brae is one of the most northerly chip shops in the UK and has received national recognition. Its takeaway service makes it a favourite for anyone in the North Mainland, and its commitment to sustainable, locally landed fish is a source of local pride.

8. Tesco Grocery Home Delivery

Tesco's grocery home delivery service, operating from its Lerwick store, allows residents in eligible areas to order their weekly shop online. Delivery slots and coverage may vary depending on location, so it is worth checking availability for your postcode.

9. Island Deli

Island Deli specialises in corporate catering and event platters that can be ordered in advance. For workplace lunches, meetings and celebrations, this is a convenient way to have quality food delivered without cooking.

10. Just Eat

Just Eat is the national platform most likely to list Shetland restaurants, but coverage in the islands is limited and many local takeaways do not use it. It is worth checking the app for your postcode, but in most cases ordering directly from the restaurant will be faster and more reliable.

Why National Apps Have Limited Coverage

Food delivery platforms rely on high population density, large numbers of restaurants and plentiful couriers. Shetland's scattered settlements, long distances between communities and relatively small number of restaurants make that model challenging. Platform commission fees can also be a significant burden for small independent businesses. As a result, many Shetland restaurants prefer to run their own delivery service, keeping prices fair and maintaining direct relationships with their customers.

Tips for Ordering Food in Shetland

Order early on busy evenings, especially Fridays and Saturdays, when popular takeaways may have long waiting times. Confirm delivery areas when you order, as some restaurants only deliver within Lerwick and its immediate surroundings, while others travel further for a fee or minimum order. During storms and heavy snow, deliveries may be paused for driver safety, so it is sensible to keep a few easy meals in the cupboard over winter.

If you live on one of the outer islands, delivery from the Mainland is usually impractical. Local shops, community cafes and grocery orders sent via ferry are the most practical alternatives. Many island shops will also take orders for collection, which can save a wasted journey.

Trends in Shetland Food Ordering

More local restaurants now offer online ordering through their own websites or ordering systems, which makes browsing menus and paying easier while avoiding platform fees. Grocery delivery and click-and-collect services became more widely used during the pandemic and remain popular, especially with older residents and families with busy schedules. There is also growing interest in local food boxes featuring Shetland meat, fish and vegetables, reflecting a broader appetite for supporting island producers.

Final Thoughts

Food delivery in Shetland works differently from the mainland, but it works well. By ordering directly from local favourites such as Gurkha Kitchen, Raba, Kung Fu Cuisine and Frankie's, and using grocery delivery for the weekly shop, residents enjoy good food, friendly service and the knowledge that their money supports island businesses. Just remember to plan ahead when the weather turns.