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Top Restaurants in Co. Down

By Coach Road Cottages

November 16, 2021

Uncategorized

Whether you’re a local looking for a good feed or a visitor planning your trip to Northern Ireland – you want to make sure you’re eating and enjoying only the best of food. 

Luckily, in Co. Down, there’s an endless list of amazing eateries for you to choose from – the question is: where? 

Whether you’re in the mood for gastropub dishes, or want to experience some fine dining – we’ve got something for you in our list of top restaurants in Co. Down.

Our Top Restaurants in Co. Down

Co. Down is one of the most scenic counties in Northern Ireland, as it is almost completely surrounded by water. No matter where you’re staying, you are merely a stone’s throw away from either the North Channel, Irish Sea, or Strangford Lough.

You can also trust Co. Down to have endless hills of gorgeous greenery, with the rural countryside also taking up a significant part of the county. This means that no matter where you choose to dine, Co. Down promises so many beautiful spots to enjoy a meal.  

Here’s just a few of our favourites:

Co. Down is full of amazing restaurants to try.

No. 14 at The Georgian House, Comber

No. 14 at The Georgian House is steeped in history, with its menu referencing traditional Irish dishes with a reinvented local twist.  

The property dates all the way back to 1722, with some of the original features still intact and tended to by the owners. This interesting mix of both classic and fresh interior design makes The Georgian House’s charming character something that locals and tourists always appreciate and admire while enjoying a delicious meal, anytime of the day.

The menu at No. 14 at The Georgian House offers ample choices, with standalone menus for pizza, lunch, dinner, desserts, drinks and wine. Notable dishes on the dinner menu include: Strangford oysters; Ulster lamb with neeps, fermented barley, ragged kale; and Skeganore duck with edamame beans, roast beetroot, port and orange.

Head Chef Jim Mulholland always strives to blend the old and new, to tell the story of Ireland’s past along with its future. His ethos of creativity and culinary expression has led to an individual style that is both rare as it is highly sought after. It’s no wonder why this restaurant made it onto our list of favourites!

Food at No. 14 at The Georgian House.

The Boat House, Bangor

The Boat House is located in one of the most historically interesting buildings in North Down, dating back to 1849. This small eatery is aptly named after its surroundings, as it sits opposite Bangor’s famous Eisenhower Pier and local boatyard.

Now, the property stands proud as a renowned restaurant with a dedication to transforming great local produce into delectable meals. No matter the occasion, The Boat House makes for a special night for any and all visitors.

As well as its a la carte menu, the restaurant also offers a special tasting menu each season, with a choice of either five or seven courses. Each dish features the best and freshest local produce sourced from nearby suppliers, making it a high quality dining experience to savour. There are also full vegetarian and vegan tasting menus to suit a range of dietary needs and choices.

Not only is The Boat House a restaurant, it can also be booked out as a venue for private parties. Seating up to 40 people, it is perfect for intimate events including christenings, birthdays, anniversaries and even weddings. No matter the occasion, Head Chef Andy Scollick can create a tailored menu to suit anyone and everyone’s tastes.

The Boat House, Bangor.

Cultra Inn, Holywood

The Cultra Inn is part of the wider Culloden Estate and Spa, which is a luxury 5 star hotel just a short distance away from the neighbouring town of Holywood. 

Located just down the hill from the hotel, the Cultra Inn offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to other eateries within the estate. Here, you can expect everything you normally would from a traditional Irish pub – such as a cosy log fire, exposed brickwork and wooden beams, as well as a wholesome food menu using only the freshest locally sourced ingredients.

The Cultra Inn always aims to create memorable, hearty dishes that showcase the best of local seasonal produce. Its menu attests to this, with tempting choices including the Irish scampi, crispy leg of duck and Carnbrooke Mourne black gold sirloin steak. There’s also some great vegetarian alternatives, including a sweet potato and coconut curry that would be well-enjoyed snuggled up by the roaring fire in Winter.

There’s also private dining options available for special occasions, which you need to prebook via the hotel.

Cultra Inn, Holywood.

The Dirty Duck Alehouse, Holywood

The Dirty Duck Alehouse is a much-loved restaurant and bar which sits right by the water in the quaint town of Holywood. In this establishment, you are offered a choice of three different dining experiences, including:

The downstairs bar which resembles a small yet cosy traditional Irish pub. Here, you can choose from a range of classic comfort dishes and wash them down with a nice cold pint. During the weekends, you can even watch local bands playing to complete the experience. 

The panoramic restaurant is situated upstairs, and is usually in very high demand due to its incredible views of Belfast Lough and Carrickfergus from afar. The menu is wide-ranging, offering various firm favourites along with new additions to keep visitors intrigued. 

The beer garden is the perfect place to catch some rays and soak up the views – especially during the Summer months. The establishment recently introduced its ‘Quack Shack’, which conveniently serves drinks and food right in the centre of the beer garden, meaning you don’t have to go too far to order your next round! 

The Dirty Duck’s panoramic restaurant.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay while you explore the many different top restaurants in Co. Down – Coach Road Cottages offers boutique self-catering accommodation in both Holywood and Comber. For more information and recommendations, get in touch with the team today.

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