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: 63

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
11 reviews
NearyNógs Master Craft Chocolate Experience

Kilkeel

Address

Ballymaderfy Road, Kilkeel, County Down, BT34 4SW

Telephone
+44 (0) 7979 867 437

general@nearynogs.com

Type

Type:

Food Education & Experiences

NearyNogs is a small family-run business that produces some of Northern Ireland’s finest, most irresistible chocolate, and they’re ready to welcome you in and show you how it’s made.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
259 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 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
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
259 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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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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
695 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
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
150 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
665 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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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
342 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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The Saltwater Brig

Kircubbin

Address

43 Rowreagh Road, Kircubbin, County Down, BT22 1AR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4273 8435

info@saltwaterbrig.com

Type

Type:

Bar

The famous Saltwater Brig pub and restaurant lies just outside Belfast, between Kircubbin and Portaferry, on the Ards Penninsula. Established circa 1765.
"Destination Strangford Lough Tourist Information Point available in these Premises".

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The Dundrum Inn

Dundrum

Address

143-145 Main Street, Dundrum, County Down, BT33 0LX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 84375 1211

phil.patterson@approachablegroup.com

Type

Type:

Bar

The Dundrum Inn is situated in the beautiful village of Dundrum on the shores of Dundrum Bay. UK Pub of the Year 2022, best in County Down

More Info
Facilities

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

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

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

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Wine & Brine

Moira

Address

59 Main Street, Moira, County Armagh, BT67 0LQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9261 0500

info@wineandbrine.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Local chef Chris McGowan and his wife Davina have transformed this fine Georgian house into a bright modern restaurant. With an open kitchen in the main restaurant, there are also 2 private dining rooms. Menus change daily and as its name suggests,…

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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 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,…

More Info
Facilities

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

Catering
- Licensed
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.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
11 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)