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: 66

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
248 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.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
180 reviews
Little Wing Pizzeria, Holywood

Holywood

Address

74 High Street, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9AE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 2700

info@littlewingpizzeria.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Why Little Wing pizza?…
…Because our passion for pizza shines through! Just taste one of our yummy, traditionally made Naples style pizzas and you’ll know what we’re talking about.

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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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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 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
672 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 Bucks Head

Dundrum

Address

77-79 Main Street, Dundrum, County Down, BT33 0LU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4375 1868

info@thebucksheaddundrum.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Under new ownership, Bronagh McCormick and Alex Greene are thrilled to unveil an exciting transformation at The Bucks Head. The Bucks Head will welcome you with a fresh new look, promising an inviting atmosphere and unforgettable moments. Join us…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

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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:

Bar

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
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
836 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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
423 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.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
585 reviews
Grace Neill's

Donaghadee

Address

33 High Street, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0AH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9188 4595

info@graceneills.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Reputedly "the oldest pub in Northern Ireland", Grace Neil's offers a safe haven from both the weather and the hustle and bustle of modern life. It is the perfect spot for award-winning food, a welcome drink with friends or some old-world character…

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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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Vespers Restaurant

Holywood

Address

Bangor Road, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EX

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9042 1066

res@cull.hastingshotels.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Vespers is one of the finest restaurants in Northern Ireland. It serves modern Irish Cuisine using only the finest and freshest local ingredients.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 08:00 - 10:30

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
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
618 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
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…

More Info
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.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
273 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
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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
The Primrose Restaurant

Ballynahinch

Address

30 Main Street, Ballynahinch, County Down, BT24 8DN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9756 3177

theprimroserestaurant@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Primrose has been welcoming guests to our restaurant & bar for over 90 years and has enjoyed an enviable reputation for great food and service.

Dates

From:

11 Aug 2025to10 Aug 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Street parking is free after 18:00. Large public car park is a 3 minute walk away. Charges apply up to 18:00. Free on Sundays and public holidays.