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 Royal 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.

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. (closed until 2026).

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: 63

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1408 reviews
Burrendale Hotel Dining

Newcastle

Address

51 Castlewellan Road, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0JY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4372 2599

reservations@burrendale.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Vine at the Burrendale has a reputation for serving delicious food with the best of local produce in an intimate environment. Cottage Kitchen is a restaurant for all the family, offering a menu suitable for all in a relaxed environment.

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Wine & Brine

Moira

Address

59 Main Street, Moira, County Armagh, BT67 0LQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9261 0500

info@wineandbrine.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Local chef Chris McGowan and his wife Davina have transformed this fine Georgian house into a bright modern restaurant. With an open kitchen in the main restaurant, there are also 2 private dining rooms. Menus change daily and as its name suggests,…

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The Old Post Office Tea Rooms - Pantry - Gift Shop

Newtownards

Address

191 Killinchy Road, Comber, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 6AA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9754 3335

info@opocafe.co.uk

Type

Type:

Café

Opened in 2004 The Old Post Office Tea Rooms are situated on the picturesque shores of Strangford Lough in the village of Lisbane, County Down, between Comber and Downpatrick. This grade B listed thatched building dates back to the 1840s.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
29 reviews
Loaf Pottery and Coffee Shop

Bangor

Address

24 Main Street, Bangor, County Down, BT19 1JE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9185 3340

potterystaff@loafcatering.com

Type

Type:

Café

Our arts centre features a working pottery with an in house potter, pottery for sale, arts classes and activities for children. While our Café offers delicious artisan wood fired pizza, sharing deli boards and a range of sweet treats.

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La Mon Hotel & Country Club Restaurant

Castlereagh

Address

41 Gransha Road, Castlereagh, County Down, BT23 5RF

Telephone
+44 (0) 7808 769 269

info@lamon.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

We pride ourselves on using only the best local produce, providing traditional food with a modern twist. These fresh ingredients, prepared by our talented chefs and combined with a superb and imaginative wine list, to suit any palate, make dining at…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
600 reviews
Sugarcane Cafe Bistro

Comber

Address

The Square, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9187 3388

info@sugarcanecafebistro.com

Type

Type:

Café

Freshly prepared and locally sourced is our ethos. We use quality local suppliers to bring you fresh, tasty ingredients and then we work our Sugarcane magic of cooking with LOVE to bring our range of dishes to the plate.

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The Halfway House

Banbridge

Address

80 Halfway Road, Banbridge, County Down, BT32 4HB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9269 2351

info@halfwayhouse.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Halfway House is situated on the A1 Northbound, halfway between Belfast and Newry making it a welcome stop off point for tourists and locals alike. This unique venue is perfect for an intimate dinner for two or a party with friends.

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JJ Farrall's

Newcastle

Address

Downs Road, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0AH

Telephone
02843721066

info@slievedonard.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Savour the very best seasonal and locally sourced beef, seafood and game, straight from Ireland’s larder, while enjoying the restaurant’s 19th-century architecture and open fire.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
150 reviews
No.14 at The Georgian House

Comber

Address

14 The Square, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9131 1106

no14atthegeorgianhouse@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Award Winning 1790 Georgian building, lovingly restored with antique fireplaces, cornicing wooden floors and many more period details.

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The Stables Groomsport

Groomsport, Bangor

Address

1B Donaghadee Road, Groomsport, Bangor, County Down, BT19 6LG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9146 1456

info@thestablesgroomsport.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Stables in Groomsport has evolved into one of Northern Ireland’s most renowned gastro bar restaurants along the North Down coast. After a six-month refurbishment, in February 2024 the Carmichael family were thrilled to reopen our doors, inviting…

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Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
540 reviews
Great Jones Craft & Kitchen

Newcastle

Address

Main Street, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0AA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4372 3328

contact@greatjones.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Bringing a fresh and exciting spin to the restaurant scene in Newcastle, Co Down – Great Jones Craft & Kitchen deliver a casual dining experience with a focus on quality and style.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
697 reviews
Brunel's Restaurant

Newcastle

Address

32 Downs Road, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0AG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4372 3951

info@brunelsrestaurant.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Modern European Cuisine. Focusing on seasonal produce. A Creative menu that evolves constantly, showcasing when possible locally sourced ingredients.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Free car parking in Downs Road parking, across the road from the restaurant
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
215 reviews
Dufferin Arms

Killyleagh

Address

35 High Street, Killyleagh, County Down, BT30 9QF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4482 1182

dufferinarms@hotmail.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

Proper Irish pub est 1802. Famous for its traditional music sessions and singer songwriter evenings featuring many well-known artists. Our infamous and very popular seafood chowder is also not to be missed.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
606 reviews
The Hillside

Royal Hillsborough

Address

21 Main Street, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, BT26 2AE

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9268 9233

info@hillsidehillsborough.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

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…

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Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
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
251 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
418 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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
81 reviews
Midnight Haunt

Moira

Address

90 Main Street, Moira, County Armagh, BT67 0LH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9261 1391

midnighthauntrestaurant@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Touch the heart of Chinese culture - experience the delights of the Midnight Haunt.

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Villa Vinci

Newcastle

Address

31 Main Street, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0AA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4372 3080

villavinci2008@yahoo.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Located in the popular seaside town of Newcastle, on the Co Down coast, Villa Vinci is an established restaurant with a reputation for sumptuous food and exceptional service.

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Mynt Coffee Shop

Banbridge

Address

4 & 5 Scarva Street Shopping Centre, Banbridge, County Down, BT32 3DA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 406 23003

Type

Type:

Café

Mynt coffee shop offers its customers a range of services from delicious lite bites to specialty coffees. Relax in this cozy atmosphere with a book, browse through the variety of movies to rent, or use the internet access to catch up on e-mails.

More Info