We’ve listed just a few of our favourite pubs in Northern Ireland that are known for their delicious food, enough to rival any restaurant! Nothing beats the warm welcome and craic you’ll experience in these pubs, whether you choose city, town or countryside.
The TapHouse, County Fermanagh
The welcoming rustic interior of The TapHouse in Enniskillen is the perfect place to enjoy an intimate and laidback dining experience. You’ll find old favourites such as burgers and beer battered haddock and classics like ham hock terrine and venison cassoulet, cooked and served with fresh, local ingredients. The TapHouse has even won a Hospitality Ulster Pub of the Year Award in 2016 for its’ commitment to local food.
Maghera Inn, County Down
This pretty, family-owned pub is perfect for a quiet drink and a great quality home-cooked meal. Specialising in delicious food sure to get your taste buds going, The Maghera Inn is the perfect place to cosy up for a scrumptious lunch or dinner. Renowned for the quality of their Guinness and their sublime blend of food, drink and comfort, this eatery has something for everyone.
The Morning Star, Belfast
This pub’s motto is “grown here, not flown here”, celebrating the best local food around. Its’ menu features the family farm’s beef and lamb, Strangford Lough mussels, Ewing’s organic smoked salmon terrine, Baronscourt venison, Armagh apple chutney, Fivemiletown cheese, and herbs and salads from the pub’s own kitchen garden.
You can enjoy all of this in the pub’s traditional style interior, overflowing with charm and a true Belfast buzz, as it is one of the oldest pubs in the city.
The Corner House Bar, County Armagh
If you’re looking for a historical setting, this one’s for you. Located in the heart of Derrymacash Village near Lurgan, this bar has been restored to capture all of its’ original features, making it the perfect setting for an excellent pub grub experience.
Some of the food you can expect to find here includes delicious steaks, panko breaded chicken and honey roast seasonal vegetables. And to add, every Sunday there are traditional Irish music sessions, so the Corner House is a perfect spot to enjoy both food and live music.
The Parlour Bar, County Down
Gather round the roaring fire during the winter here in this small and intimate bar in Newtownards. This is the ideal place for a cosy and hearty meal.
All produce is locally sourced, with Portavogie scampi and an award-winning pie made by local butcher H & J Carnduff featuring on the menu. Be sure to try the Parlour steak burger topped with pulled pork, melted apple wood smoked cheese and tobacco onions, and to top it off, enjoy some Parlour Pale Ale, brewed for the Parlour Bar specially by the Ards Brewing Company.
John Hewitt, Belfast
Found in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, The John Hewitt is renowned for its cosy traditional décor and warm, friendly feel. With live music six nights a week, it makes for an atmospheric setting to enjoy some of its delicious, locally sourced food and wide choice of both local and world beers.
On top of this, there are monthly exciting art exhibitions featuring thought-provoking works, meaning this pub really has a lot to offer.
Friel’s Bar and Restaurant, County Londonderry
Multi award-winning Friel’s Bar and Restaurant Inn in Swatragh is renowned for both its Sunday lunch and Ulster Fry. Its’ fry has even been named ‘Best Fry in NI’. Dating back to 1846, this family-run eatery embodies an old world feel with home away from home friendliness. Come for the atmosphere and stay for the delicious home-cooked food!
Digby’s Bar and Restaurant, County Armagh
Located on the main street of Killylea, this traditional family-run restaurant established in 1973 offers an extensive a la carte menu, early bird tasting menu and tasty Sunday lunch and bar food. Enjoy all of this in a relaxing but friendly atmosphere where you’ll find something for everyone.
And last, but certainly not least… Billy Andy’s, County Antrim
Nestled near the beautiful village of Glenoe, this traditional 19th century pub provides a cosy setting to enjoy some contemporary fine food.
The pub’s Sunday lunch offers six different meats, along with delicious stuffing and the perfect sides to accompany it. Priding itself on locally sourced, sustainable and seasonal produce, you know you’re going to be getting a high-quality pub dining experience.
And to finish it all off…
As you can see from this list, Northern Ireland certainly has something for everyone. From the cosy countryside to the bustling city scene, you can find a huge range of amazing pub grub options wherever you decide to go.
Know a place that absolutely has to be on this list? Share the best pub grub with us online using #DiscoverNI
