Food & Drink in County Down

Where to eat and drink in County Down

In recent years celebrity chefs like Paul Rankin and Michael Deane have done a lot to boost Northern Ireland’s food and drink credentials. So successful have local efforts been that Northern Ireland was named 'Best Food Destination' at the prestigious International Travel and Tourism Awards in London in 2018. While many of their restaurants have made Belfast a culinary hotspot, their influence and that of others is felt across the country. Nowhere more so than in County Down.

Start at the top with fine dining

Hara in Hillsborough is one of the newer stars on the scene. Taking its name from the hare that runs free across nearby countryside, the focus here is on using the finest locally-sourced ingredients. The menu carefully reflects the season and what’s available locally, and it’s all served up in a minimal, understated dining room.

Local is again the name of the game at Wine & Brine in Moira, where the restaurant offers three dining rooms and an open kitchen-restaurant experience. Combining age-old methods like brining and fermentation with contemporary cooking techniques, every dish and meal here is one to be savoured.

Casual and contemporary

Ashvale Farm Shop is a family run business nestled in the Bailesmills countryside close to Lisburn. Informed by a family farming heritage, the focus here is on casual, home-cooked food served to the highest standards.

The Yellow Door at Hillsborough Castle offers the best of both worlds. A café and tea rooms situated cheek by jowl with the historic castle itself. You get to wander the beautiful grounds of this royal palace, then recharge afterwards. Or do it the other way around. Either way you’ll be treated to locally-sourced food, and a wide selection of soups, chowders, pastries, cakes and food fit for kings and kids alike.

Seafood for foodies and everyone

With such a spectacular coastline and so many fishing harbours dotted along it, it’s no surprise that the local seafood is so good.

Mourne Seafood in Dundrum has a phenomenal reputation for delivering one hell of a taste of the sea. One big difference is that they control their own shellfish sourcing and beds, so you can be assured that the ingredients here are second to none. From crispy whitebait to king prawn linguini to fried whole bream, every dish represents the very best the local seas and chefs have to offer. It might be just the place to reward a sub-par round of golf at nearby Royal County Down.

Seafood is also on the menu at Coq & Bull at the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel in Bangor. But alongside locally-caught fish and shellfish, you’ll find an equal emphasis on locally-sourced and farmed vegetables, fruit and meat. As they say themselves, ‘no tricks, no trends, no flimflam’, just good, honest soulful food.

There’s also a seaside influence at Noble in the popular village of Hollywood. But here the ambience is more varied, with simple, hearty dishes. Everything is beautifully plated and served up in a relaxed but very contemporary canteen-style room.

There’s bar food, and then there’s…

Naturally, The Tap Room restaurant at the Hilden Micro-Brewery near Lisburn, features drink as well as food. But the food’s the star in this room, while the drink is doing its thing in the vats, tanks and pipes next door. Although the brewery is Northern Ireland’s oldest, the food served here is nothing but contemporary.

Today, most public houses in County Down offer both eating and drinking options. So when it comes to finding the perfect pub, you might just find the perfect plate all at the same time.

The Maghera Inn in Maghera is just this kind of place. It’s a pub and a pantry with an almost 200-year-old history, but feel fresh and vibrant every time you set foot in it. The very first of Northern Ireland’s world famous linen mills was founded in Maghera in 1736, so it’s unlikely that any of the mill’s linen cloths are still used by the inn’s bartenders. But there’s no harm in asking!

Everyone seems to have heard of Daft Eddy’s on the shores of Strangford Lough. This happens to be the largest sea lough in Britain or Ireland. Which might explain why Daft Eddy’s has such a large following from across and around the bay, and beyond it too. The views are spectacular, and there might be no better place to savour a pint of local or international beer while taking in that expansive view.

Feeling hungry or thirsty now? Just take your pick from these selections or set off and discover your very own personal favourite.

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Number of results: 62

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
11 reviews
NearyNógs Master Craft Chocolate Experience

Kilkeel

Address

Ballymaderfy Road, Kilkeel, County Down, BT34 4SW

Telephone
+44 (0) 7979 867 437

general@nearynogs.com

Type

Type:

Food Education & Experiences

NearyNogs is a small family-run business that produces some of Northern Ireland’s finest, most irresistible chocolate, and they’re ready to welcome you in and show you how it’s made.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Le Winters Bistro

Newtownards

Address

92 Church Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4AL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9181 4141

info@strangfordhotel.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Located at the tip of Strangford Lough and the heart of Co.Down, LeWinters has an established reputation throughout Northern Ireland as a popular eatery with an extensive menu of freshly prepared local, traditional and modern cuisine. 5* FSA rating.

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The Rostrevor Inn

Rostrevor

Address

33-35 Bridge Street, Rostrevor, County Down, BT34 3BG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4173 9911

therostrevorinn@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Pub/Inn

Famous for delicious, great value food & welcoming ambience, the award-winning Rostrevor Inn hosts a popular bistro, atmospheric traditional bar. The beautifully renovated 1800s building is yards from Kilbroney Park, the gateway to the Mournes.

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Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
413 reviews
Coq & Bull

Bangor

Address

10 Estate Road, Bangor, County Down, BT19 1UR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 2500

brasserie@clandeboyelodge.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Good, honest food using the finest local, seasonal produce, wonderfully cooked and presented, matched with a superb wine list. The Coq & Bull is the place to be.

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Café IncredABLE @ Banbridge Leisure Centre

Banbridge

Address

15 Downshire Place, Banbridge, County Down, BT32 3JY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3889 4560

banbridge@incredable.org.uk

Type

Type:

Café

Café incredABLE is a social enterprise operated from Banbridge Leisure Centre in order to facilitate training, employment and meaningful daytime activity for individuals with a learning/intellectual disability and/or autism.
Breakfast, lunch,…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

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Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

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- Wifi
Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
226 reviews
Restaurant at Denvir's Coaching Inn

Downpatrick

Address

Denvir's Coaching Inn, 14-16 English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4461 2012

info@denvirs.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

A charming Coaching Inn dating from 1642 providing bed and breakfast with restaurant service daily and entertainment four nights per week. Meals can be served in the restaurant, the bar, and in either of two function rooms, suitable for larger…

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The Parson's Nose

Royal Hillsborough

Address

48 Lisburn Street, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, BT26 6AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9268 3009

info@theparsonsnose.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Parson’s Nose comes with a pedigree that’s melded into the very fabric of the building.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
The Garden Cafe

Downpatrick

Address

1st Floor, Saint Patrick Centre, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6LZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4483 5322

Denise.wilson@stepping-stones.org.uk

Type

Type:

Café

Dine out with a spectacular view at Downpatrick’s only roof top terrace with a stunning garden backdrop.
Enjoy the finest freshly cooked food using the finest local ingredients in Downpatrick’s hidden gem.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
238 reviews
Little Wing Pizzeria, Bangor

Bangor

Address

37-39 Main Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5AF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9147 2777

info@littlewingpizzeria.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

At Little Wing our passion for pizza shines through! We tirelessly search for the finest fresh ingredients which we cook using time honoured methods in our traditional Wood Stone oven, all served in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
777 reviews
The Cuan Restaurant

Strangford

Address

The Square, Strangford, County Down, BT30 7ND

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4488 1222

info@thecuan.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The success of The Cuan has been built on consistently serving excellent food and drink coupled with exceptional customer service. A strong emphasis is placed on using fresh ingredients and sourcing our produce locally. Stay over in our bedrooms.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Off site parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Distiller's Rest Café

Kircubbin

Address

The Echlinville Distillery, 62 Gransha Road, Kircubbin, County Down, BT22 1AJ

Telephone
+44 (0)28 4273 8597

info@echlinville.com

Type

Type:

Café

Enjoy tea, coffee, sweet treats and walking trails at The Distiller's Rest Café on The Echlinville Distillery Estate. Everyone Welcome.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
337 reviews
Blend & Batch

Banbridge

Address

104 Newry Street, Banbridge, County Down, BT32 3HE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4023 8050

info@blendxbatch.com

Type

Type:

Café

We are an independent coffee shop - kitchen situated in Banbridge who blend locally roasted coffee, batch bake a range of sweet and healthy treats in-house and craft delicious food served everyday by our talented chefs.

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The Old Inn

Crawfordsburn

Address

15-25 Main Street, Crawfordsburn, County Down, BT19 1JH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 3255

reservations@theoldinn.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

We offer seasonal menus that blend classic dishes with modern twists, incorporating French-inspired cuisine, seafood, salads, and more. Our restaurant is a popular spot for those seeking a unique dining experience, while our Afternoon Tea and 1614…

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
666 reviews
Mourne Seafood Bar

Dundrum

Address

10 Main Street, Dundrum, County Down, BT33 0LU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4375 1377

dundrum@mourneseafood.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Our aim is to provide locally sourced seafood at an affordable price. All our produce is sourced from local ports and delivered daily to ensure freshness and quality.

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The Vintage Rooms

Royal Hillsborough

Address

3 The Square, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, BT26 6AG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9268 2985

info@theploughhillsborough.co.uk

Type

Type:

Café

The combination of café, grill and bar makes it the perfect experience, with its cool surroundings, great food and drinks that will blow your mind. Retro café offers a wide selection of fabulous food and caters for families and large parties.

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Wildfowler Inn

Greyabbey

Address

1-3 Main Street, Greyabbey, County Down, BT22 2NE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4278 8234

info@wildfowlerinn.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

A former coaching house with a cosy traditional atmosphere and log fire in picturesque Greyabbey, just three miles from famous Mount Stewart house and gardens. Fine food catering for all tastes. Families especially welcome.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
242 reviews
La Scala Bistro at the Stormont Hotel

Belfast

Address

Stormont Hotel, 587 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT4 3LP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9067 6021

res@stor.hastingshotels.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Make the trip out from the city centre. There is plenty of parking at the La Scala Bistro at the Stormont Hotel. The menu has dishes crammed with prime local ingredients such as Carnbrooke Dexter beef, and Fivemiletown goat's cheese.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
259 reviews
Pretty Mary's Bar Foodhouse

Moira

Address

86 Main Street, Moira, County Down, BT67 0LH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9261 1318

prettymarys@outlook.com

Type

Type:

Bar

We are a great local pub in the heart of Moira Village!

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
651 reviews
Balloo House

Killinchy

Address

Balloo House, 1 Comber Road, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6PA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9754 1210

info@balloohouse.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Balloo House is a beautiful country pub and restaurant that successfully combines history, tradition and comfort with a forward thinking attitude and passion for excellence in food.

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The Percy French

Newcastle

Address

Slieve Donard, 1 Downs Road, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0AH

Telephone
+44 (0) 284 372 1066

hello@thepercyfrench.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

At the foot of the Mourne Mountains, local favourite The Percy French serves pub classics, regional fare, bar snacks and a traditional Sunday roast — all with a focus on in-season and local produce. A wide-ranging wine list sits alongside draught…

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