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: 65

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
16 reviews
NearyNógs Café

Kilkeel

Address

19 Ballymaderfy Road, Kilkeel, County Down, BT34 4SW

Telephone
+44 (0) 7979 867437

general@nearynogs.com

Type

Type:

Café

Welcome to NearyNogs Cafe.
Ireland's first Bean to Bar Craft Chocolate Company now has a Cafe and tea room space. There is indoor seating and outdoor seating available.
Try our range of hot chocolate drinks and flavours and our specialty coffee…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
The Poacher’s Pocket

Lisbane

Address

181 Killinchy Road, Lisbane, County Down, BT23 5NE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9754 1589

victoria@ballooinns.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Originally established in the 1800’s as an old coaching inn, The Poacher’s Pocket is situated in the heart of picturesque County Down.

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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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The Plough Inn

Royal Hillsborough

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9268 2985

info@theploughhillsborough.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Plough Inn is the perfect place to enjoy a friendly pint in the bar, a hearty pub lunch or a gastronomic delight in the evening. The traditional surroundings provide the perfect backdrop to relax and dine in a welcoming environment.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
201 reviews
Maginns Bar

Castlewellan

Address

9-11 Main Street, Castlewellan, County Down, BT31 9DF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4377 8235

info@maginnsbar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Situated at the lower end of the town, 'Maginn’s of Castlewellan' is definitely the hot spot in Castlewellan with local and new customers, coming far and wide to enjoy everything this refreshing bar complex has to offer.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
547 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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McCartneys of Moira

Moira

Address

56-62 Main Street, Moira, County Down, BT67 0LQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9261 1422

info@mccartneysofmoira.com

Type

Type:

Delis, Food Markets and Farm Shops

One of the oldest butchery businesses in Northern Ireland being over 150 years established, all this time it has been managed by the McCartney family. All McCartney meats are reared on Northern Ireland farms.

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The Bridge Bar

Newry

Address

North Street, Newry, County Down, BT34 1DD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3026 1777

info@bridgebarnewry.com

Type

Type:

Bar

The Bridge Bar situated in the heart of Newry has built loyal customers near and far for generations, due to its great selection of drinks, the cosy and traditional interiors and the convivial atmosphere and friendliness of pub goers and staff.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
605 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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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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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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
245 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
608 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…

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
811 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.

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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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
163 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.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1410 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.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
346 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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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.

More Info
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.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
103 reviews
Kilmorey Arms Hotel Restaurant

Kilkeel

Address

41-43 Greencastle Street, Kilkeel, County Down, BT34 4BH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4176 2220

info@kilmoreyarmshotel.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Our modern style restaurant provides a relaxed environment to enjoy the food for which the hotel is justly renowned. The staff offer a friendly and first class service.

More Info