Get ready to dive into the delicious world of pub grub, Northern Ireland style! What is it that makes our local pubs so special? From crispy chips to hearty stews, we'll be uncovering the best spots to grab a bite and share some laughs with friends. 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 Hillside, County Down
Situated in the historic village of Royal Hillsborough is a charming, friendly pub. Since opening in 1752, The Hillside has served excellent food and drink with a welcoming smile. This establishment is renowned for the homely roaring open fires in winter and their quaint cobbled stone beer garden in the summer. Their menu features a mix of classic pub grub and some more adventurous dishes including rump steak, chicken supreme and falafel. It's also dog friendly so remember to bring your furry friend!
The Bushmills Inn, County Antrim
When looking for some traditional pub grub along the Causeway Coastal Route, look no further than The Bushmills Inn. Serving delicious dishes using fresh, seasonal produce in the cosy Gas Bar. Their menu is stacked with mouth watering options: peri-peri chicken burger and crispy beer battered fillet of haddock to give you a taste. They work with the finest artisan producers, local farmers and fishermen to source the very best Northern Irish ingredients. Whichever dish you choose from the menu, you can rest assured you will leave satisfied yet hungry for more.
The Brewer's House, County Tyrone
The Brewer's House is an award winning gastropub in the village of Donaghmore. The diverse menu features delicious food made from local ingredients: Silver Hill duck breast, braised lamb shoulder and sirloin steak bruschetta. This place is a home from home for those living locally or visiting the area, offering the best of home comforts, conversation, food, drink and above all the atmosphere.
Quays Bar & Gastropub, County Antrim
Set in the beautiful seaside resort of Portrush, this cosy and inviting establishment offers a wide range of delicious food and drinks to suit every taste. The menu features a variety of pub classics, as well as fresh, locally-sourced seafood and seasonal specials. Peppered beef rigatoni, butter chicken and baked ham are just a few of the options available on the menu. As this satisfied customer said, "If your looking for good food and service, The Quays is the place to go."
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. So, if you’re looking for top notch food and service, served with a genial Irish smile, you’ve come to the right place!.
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 pulled pork burgers and beer battered haddock and classics like ham hock terrine and venison cassoulet, cooked and served with fresh, local ingredients.
The Morning Star, Belfast
This pub’s motto is “grown here, not flown here”, celebrating the best local food around. Located in the heart of Belfast, 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 Fullerton Arms, County Antrim
The Fullerton Arms Guesthouse, located in the heart of Ballintoy offers delightful bar food daily. Popular choices on the menu include steak and Guinness pie, seafood chowder, and mussels served in one of six delicious sauces. The kitchen serves hearty flavours using the best of Northern Irish produce. The Guinness flows well everyday with some customers even having the opportunity to pour their own pints.
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.
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 most nights of the 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. With 16 taps of great craft beer, there is something for everyone.
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 delicious evening menu featuring pan seared salmon, beef & bird and so much more! Dating back to 1846, this family-run eatery embodies an old world feel with home away from home friendliness. While you are there visit the Gorta visitor centre that delves into the history of Swatragh village and the incredible legacy of Dr. Mooney. 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. The food here is so good, it's award winning; 'Best GastroPub' in County Armagh at the Irish Restaurant Awards 2025.
And last, but certainly not least… SixtySix, 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 prides itself on locally sourced, sustainable and seasonal produce. You know you’re going to be getting a high-quality pub dining experience. And their Sunday dinners are worth the hype.
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
The Hillside is a charming, rustic pub situated in the historic village of Royal Hillsborough, County Down, only 15 minutes drive from Belfast city centre. The Hillside first opened its doors in 1752 and has been enjoying a busy trade since, thanks to an excellent food and drinks selection and the friendly, welcoming service.
The Bushmills Inn Restaurant is situated in an enviable location a stone’s throw from Royal Portrush Golf Club, The Giant’s Causeway, Old Bushmills Distillery and Dunluce Castle, it is one of the most idyllic places to eat in Bushmills.
Winner of Best Gastro Pub and Best Wine Experience at the Irish Restaurant Awards 2018, The Brewer's House aims to serve excellent food and drink with quality ingredients sourced from the best local suppliers where possible.
A favourite stop off for tourists and locals alike. You'll find a tasty selection of food and drinks, stunning bedrooms, friendly staff, a relaxed atmosphere and handy tips on exploring the nearby area.
Welcome to our beautifully restored Victorian 120-seater historic restaurant venue in the heart of Belfast city centre, where timeless elegance meets modern sophistication. Perfect for weddings and special celebrations, our unique space offers a charming backdrop for your unforgettable events. With original architectural features and contemporary amenities, we provide a warm and inviting atmosphere that will make your day truly special.
Located in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, The John Hewitt first opened its doors in December 1999. The bar is unique in its ownership as it is owned by The Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre.
Friels Bar and Restaurant is currently run by the fourth generation of the Friel family. The bar has been in the family name for over 150 years. In the bar, you will get a real feel of the old world, with pictures and memorabilia of bygone times
Our 19th Century Pub/Restaurant has open log and peat fires which creates a lovely warm and relaxed atmosphere with Traditional Irish music playing on Saturday afternoons. We have a selection of menus from our award winning restaurant using local sourced produce.
