Food & Drink

Derry-Londonderry’s restaurants, bistros and brasseries are booming. For a city of its size, the choice of food is quite remarkable. Whether you’re in the mood for tapas with an Irish twist, lovely great cuts of fine roast beef or award-winning Asian dumplings, this place has it all and more.

Knives and forks at the ready, prepare for amazing dining in Derry-Londonderry...

Mouthwatering and mentioned by Michelin

Situated on Strand Road in the heart of the city, Browns in Town is an award-winning Michelin recommended restaurant, renowned for its fine casual dining and comfortable surroundings. This spot is a big hit with foodies who enjoy Brown's great quality food, superb speciality cocktails as well as its menu of local gins and craft beers. Try out their halloumi and beetroot salad before getting stuck into their braised shoulder of venison.

According to a relatively recent legend, the Sooty Olive is named after the type of fly used by the owner of the restaurant to catch the largest wild trout in neighbouring Donegal. They seem to like their fishy tales in here and both lunch and dinner feature knockout seafood dishes that will have you hooked by the end of your meal.

Where Spain meets Ireland

El Tapas Grá in Waterloo Place has been winning plaudits among locals for its tasty dishes fusing Irish and Catalonian influences. Croquetas with a colcannon mash is just one example of what we mean. Good value, tasty treats.

Craft beer and crafted bites

Once you make your way over the Peace Bridge and into Ebrington Square, there are two ways you can approach The Walled City Brewery experience. Either sign up for their special one and a half hour storytelling experience where you taste the range of the brewery’s incredible house beers while munching on local artisan snacks or you can book a meal at their impressive restaurant. Try out their tasty tapas for starters before getting stuck into their fine and filling seconds with, of course, their very own beer pairings.

Foyle-side fish

Fish fans will find the barbecued monkfish on the bone hard to resist if they pop into Soda and Starch at the Craft Village within the city walls. This spot is run and owned by chef Raymond Moran who works with local suppliers, families & producers to make food magic in this very welcoming restaurant.

Not only is Badgers Bar and Restaurant owner of what is quickly becoming the most photographed wall in Ireland - the Derry Girls Mural - it’s also one of the best spots in the city for pub grub and a pint. Kids are welcome and well looked after. Expect big dollops of spud, great cuts of roast beef and fine hearty stews and pies along with onion rings to die for.

Straight-up great food in somewhere less straightforward

Those on the lookout for something that bit quirky should keep their eyes peeled for Pyke n’ Pommes, an adapted van that serves up delicious seafood, street food and chips. In 2015 the same owners converted an unused shipping container into a permanent restaurant, POD, and later added Decky - a double-decker bus where people chow down, chill out and listen to tunes.

Is there anything more Derry-Londonderry than that?