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Our 4 Favourite Strangford Restaurants

By Coach Road Cottages

November 16, 2021

Uncategorized

The Strangford area is renowned for its peaceful qualities, making it a staple attraction to visit when in County Down, Northern Ireland. Not only is it home to a beautiful stretch of tranquil waters, it also offers lots of places to see and – most importantly – eat!

There are several amazing restaurants to choose from when in and around Strangford. Whether it be right in the heart of Strangford village or in neighbouring towns – there’s so much choice for visitors to enjoy. 

If you’re looking for inspiration – we’ve got you covered! Here are our top 4 Strangford restaurants you should try on your next visit:

Daft Eddy’s

Situated on the stunning shores of Strangford Lough and accessed by a causeway across the water, Daft Eddy’s offers an all-in-one restaurant, bar and coffee shop complete with lough-side views as well as indoor and outdoor dining.

With so much choice, Daft Eddy’s provides a totally unique dining experience. There’s something for everyone, with its menu offering a wide range of contemporary and wholesome dishes, all with a local focus. Our personal favourites are the freshly battered Kilkeel scampi and Finnebrogue spicy bean burger!

Alongside the restaurant is Little Eddy’s coffee shop which is open for breakfast and lunch, and offers the opportunity to purchase local art and crafts. There are lots of other ways to spend your time at Daft Eddy’s: whether it’s simply enjoying the views, learning more about the ruins of Sketrick Castle situated next to the restaurant, or going for a post-feed walk around the secluded island.

The Artisan Cookhouse

The Artisan Cookhouse is a contemporary bistro located in the village of Strangford. It has made its name through its commitment to using the best local produce available each season. This includes fish from Strangford Lough itself, and vegetables from the fertile fields of County Down. 

Its menu boasts an impressive selection of snacks, starters, mains, sample specials, desserts and drinks. It offers everything from mixed cuisines to much-loved classics – including lamb rump madras and a namesake burger. 

The restaurant’s modern approach is also noted in its fresh and bright interiors, with white paint and warming brick. The Artisan Cookhouse certainly strikes the perfect balance between comforting and contemporary to emphasise its warm and sophisticated service.

The Lobster Pot

For those who love their seafood, The Lobster Pot is a must-visit. 

A family-run restaurant and bar located in the picturesque Strangford square, The Lobster Pot specialises in fresh local produce. Its dishes serve the likes of Kilkeel lobster, Marlfield Farm free range poultry, Hereford Irish beef, and Strangford Lough mussels to name merely a few. 

Garnering his culinary experience from Italy, France and Spain, Head Chef Andy Gargan’s modern European menu is what sets The Lobster Pot apart from the rest. Visitors can expect to enjoy an array of delectable seafood dishes, including: chargrilled monkfish, grilled teriyaki, freshly battered cod as well as salmon and lobster, prawn and mussel rigatoni. If you’re not in the mood for seafood, there are other delicious alternatives such as roast chicken supreme and slow cooked beef.

Inside The Lobster Pot, you can expect the perfect mix of cosy and contemporary interiors. With luxe velvet seats and exposed brick walls, it makes for a truly enjoyable dinner setting, no matter the occasion.

Saltwater Brig

Saltwater Brig is a beautifully rustic pub and restaurant situated between Kircubbin and Portaferry, on the Ards Peninsula.

As you would expect from a traditional Irish pub, the walls are tastefully scattered with original paintings, artifacts and Guinness memorabilia, giving it a cosy country feel. There is also a semi-private dining room that’s ideal for more intimate functions and events.

The Brig also offers a games room with board games, a plasma screen, pool table and jukebox. Visitors can also enjoy the ‘snug’ with its authentic stove and bare stone walls, making it the perfect place to enjoy a pint in front of the fire.

If the weather is nice, there is an extensive beer garden to the rear of the Brig, where you can dine and drink al fresco style. What’s more, is that you can also appreciate the elevated view of Strangford Lough whether you’re outdoors, or indoors.

At Saltwater Brig, the menu offers all the classics, covering everything from a hard-to-beat surf and turf to a hearty chicken stack. If you want a quiet, relaxing escapism – then this is the perfect place to nestle down for the evening. 

The Annex is self-catering accommodation located in Comber, perfect for exploring Strangford restaurants.

Where to Stay Near Strangford Restaurants

After your meal, whether you’re having a night out or a night in – staying somewhere cosy and closeby is essential.

The Annex offers boutique self-catering accommodation just outside of Comber, in the rural townland of Ballyaltikilligan. Only a stone’s throw away from the scenic surroundings of the Lough, Scrabo Tower and the local countryside – you can enjoy the full beauty that Strangford has to offer, right on your doorstep.

The Annex is also just a 15-minute drive from Belfast, providing visitors with the best of both worlds. 

For more recommendations on Strangford restaurants, or to book a stay at The Annex, simply contact our team today!

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