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
258 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
425 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
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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
269 reviews
Noble

Holywood

Address

27 Church Road, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9BU

Telephone
+ (44) 028 9042 5655

info@nobleholywood.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Noble is a bustling neighbourhood restaurant in the heart of Holywood, County Down. Featuring a changing, seasonal menu and an evolving, exciting wine list. The menu features an array of well-priced dishes that highlight fresh, locally sourced…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
708 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.

More Info
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
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.

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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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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
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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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. Built by the first Marquis of Downshire in the late 1700s, this simple yet elegant Georgian townhouse has today been transformed into an award-winning,…

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Facilities

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

Catering
- Licensed
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1091 reviews
Pier 36 Restaurant

Donaghadee

Address

36 Parade, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0HE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9188 4466

info@pier36.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Pub On The Pier at Donaghadee, serving tasty bar snacks all day with fresh fish, delicious local beef, pork, lamb and game for lunch and dinner.

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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
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
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
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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
505 reviews
The Guillemot

Bangor

Address

2 & 6 Seacliff Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5EY

Telephone
028 9146 2037

rachel@theguillemot.com

Type

Type:

Café

The Guillemot is a warm embrace, a place to seek comfort, to eat, drink, catch up with friends, and relax. Taking its name from the resident seabirds at Bangor’s Eisenhower Pier, The Guillemot has now become an iconic and much-loved part of this…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00

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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 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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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 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
100 reviews
McBrides on the Square

Comber

Address

1-3 The Square, Comber, County Down, BT23 5DX

Telephone
028 91313969

irissmcbride@aol.com

Type

Type:

Bar

For over 35 years McBride’s have been providing quality traditional meals using fresh produce sourced from local suppliers, especially shellfish and seafood from Portavogie.

More Info