Food & Drink
With lush green agricultural land, lakes and seas teeming with fish, you won’t be surprised to discover that Northern Ireland is home to some of the freshest and tastiest fine food on these islands.
The food industry is booming here. Chefs and restaurants in Northern Ireland present ambitious dishes such as goat or Lough Neagh eel to their discerning restaurant-goers. New takes on old favourites like fish and chips, soda farls and home-baked breads are broadening people’s view on local dishes. And there is of course still plenty of room for old favourites like the Ulster Fry and Tobacco Onions.
Aiming for the stars in Belfast - Michelin Stars
Belfast has seen a flurry of new and top-quality restaurants opening in recent years. You'll find them serving fresh, local meat and fish dishes and utterly divine desserts like rhubarb pavlova and chocolate mousse. OX and The Muddler's Club fly the flag when it comes to those highly coveted Michelin stars and if it’s the finest of fine dining you’re after, then look no further.
Seafood for seafoodies
In County Down, fish fans will love the simple fresh dishes at Mourne Seafood Bar in Dundrum - langoustines, spicy fried whole bream and smoked haddock risotto are among the favourites here and all with a fresh sea breeze. In nearby Newtownards, Balloo House is a top-quality bistro in an old country pub that serves good value tasty meals with mains like monkfish and sticky-glazed ox cheek. It has an interesting kids’ menu too by the way.
A gin distillery visit is just the tonic
You might want to leave the kids behind if you’re visiting the Rademon Estate Distillery. This is the home of Shortcross Gin, distilled using locally picked wild botanicals and fresh well water. Pre-book a tour and head distiller, David Boyd-Armstrong, will take you through the process and of course let you taste his gin.
Fermanagh’s fine food tradition
Georgian architects were often inspired by Greek Mythology and over in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, husband and wife team Georgios & Sarah Maravelakis have created a restaurant of local legendary status. Dollakis has been opened since 2008 and has won several Irish Restaurant Awards. It is renowned for its service, intimate surroundings and tasty Greek food, with a Northern Irish twist of course.
Before you leave Enniskillen, you must pop into the marvellous O’Doherty’s Fine Meats. This is the home of Fermanagh Black Bacon, cured from pigs allowed to roam free on their own private island on Lower Lough Erne. Those pigs were probably too busy feasting on fresh herbs and apples to realise that the leaders of the world had gathered nearby for the 2013 G8 Summit. Lough Erne Resort (5*) played host that year and you can rest assured that the world’s presidents and prime ministers enjoyed their meal. Noel McMeel and his culinary team have created a collection of menus which showcase modern Irish cuisine at its finest, using the very best of local, seasonal ingredients.
Venison like no other
In County Tyrone, the wild sika venison of the Baronscourt Estate takes pride of place. This produce has won several awards both in Ireland and the UK.
A twist on the usual in Derry-Londonderry
If you’re willing to taste great beer with a strange twist then the Walled City Brewery’s Derry Milk beer might just be the cream for you. Hand-crafted from chocolate stout and organic cow’s milk, this smooth alcohol experience is one you’re unlikely to forget.
A drink to the Derry Girls
Right inside the walled city sits The Exchange Restaurant - good spot for a family meal and the right place to try out the aforementioned Tobacco Onions. If you’re a fan of the hit comedy, Derry Girls, you will probably want to get your hands-on Grandad Joe’s famous Cream Horn. You can do exactly that as part of the Everglades Hotel Derry Girls Afternoon Tea menu - which also includes a Tayto crisp sandwich.
After all the fine fresh food, sweet treats and alcoholic beverages, you might find it difficult to go any further.
But if there is one place we really think you should visit it’s Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil on Broglasco Farm in Limavady, County Londonderry. This working museum is run by Leona and Richard Kane. Richard’s family has tended this land for over 100 years. They have worked tirelessly to promote this homegrown cooking oil and the story of how it all came to be is one of the many you’re likely to hear on your journey through Northern Ireland’s flourishing food trade.