Location: Maghera
Top Restaurants in Maghera
Top Things to do in Maghera
Maghera Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Maghera
Maghera (pronounced /ˌmɑːhəˈrɑː/ MAH-hə-RAH, from Irish: Machaire Rátha, meaning "plain of the ringfort") is a town in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Its population was 2,876 in 1991 and had risen to 3,711 in the 2001 Census. It is situated within Mid-Ulster District, as well as the civil parish of Maghera, which it was named after, and the former barony of Loughinsholin.
Things to do in Maghera
1. Sizzlers
Overall Ratings
4 based on 190 reviews
Established in 1994 by Paul & Kate Clarke, Sizzlers has become a phenomenal success in Magherafelt's entertainment and dining, offering quality food at affordable prices in relaxed surroundings with extremely friendly staff. We have a variety of menu's to cater for all events. Our A La Carte menu is ideal for that special occasion. We also offer a special menu is exceptional value & runs from Monday - Friday 3pm to 7pm. Our set menu is available for parties of 10 or more (Not available in December) and suitable for all those get-togethers (Birthdays, Anniversaries, Leaving parties, Hen Parties & Stag doo's.)
Reviewed By Ian S
Tried Sizzlers for the first time while in the area on business with 3 colleagues and were not disappointed! Great choice of starters and main courses, good sized portions, well cooked food served by friendly attentive staff in a trendy environment.
All 4 of us really enjoyed our meals, good value for money and looking forward to eating there again on the next business trip.
The chicken chilli Willi was fantastic, subtle spice and heat that built as you ate more. Couldn't fault the place or staff in anyway.
2. Apparo Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By 634Louise - Maghera, United Kingdom
Hadn’t been to apparo in the evening for a while due to a little one. Had forgotten how amazing the food is. Goats cheese, orange and almond starter followed by chicken, spinach and smoked cheese. Exceeded my expectations and can’t wait to get back. Staff friendly and polite as always.
3. The Elk Bistro & Wine Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 263 reviews
The Elk Bistro & Wine Bar.
Reviewed By lottiemac - Belfast, United Kingdom
My husband and I were driving home from Donegal to Belfast and saw the Elk and decided to stop for lunch. We were very pleasantly surprised to find the varied lunch menu and very helpful and friendly staff. We were seated and our order taken immediately. The food was excellent and Maureen the Manager was very attentive. Would definitely go back.
4. Friels Bar and Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 65 reviews
Friels Bar and Restaurant is currently run by the fourth generation of the Friel family. The bar has been in the family name for over one hundred years. In the public bar you will get a real feel of the old world, with pictures and memorabilia of bygone times. We know how important serving local produce is, and so we are loyal to the nearby farmers who supply our meat and fish for our award winning restaurant. You’ll find Friels beer battered Donegal cod and thick cut gammon steak from the Moores of Lurgan on our menu. Be sure to call in on weekends where local artists perform from 9.30pm. Check out our Facebook and Instagram page ‘Friels Bar and Restaurant’ to see who’s playing.
Reviewed By savemesoon - Ballymoney, United Kingdom
Sitting in Friels Bar as I write this after a superb serving of food . What a friendly wee place Dermot & his staff go over and beyond to make your dining experience one not to forget . People rant and rave about so called big named restaurants in big towns , believe me this place is as good if not better than most of them , simple food cooked to perfection .Beautiful Sea Bass in coconut sauce & breaded fillet of chicken in a brioche bun stunning !!
People take my advice a wee trip to this gem of a place in Swatragh you won't be disappointed . For service, food, price and a friendly atmosphere "Rafters& Friels Bar ticks all the boxes .......
5. The Vines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 346 reviews
Reviewed By Jane13 - Ireland
Wandered into The Vines restaurant today in Garvagh.....what a lucky find! We had their 2 course lunch offer which was not only delicious but super value at £10 each and that included a soft drink! Unfortunately we were in a hurry but would love to have stayed longer. I did have a quick look at their Christmas menu which looks excellent and again super value. Will definitely be back!
6. Brysons
Overall Ratings
4 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By RobReilly494 - Lisburn, United Kingdom
I have often passed by, or through, Magherafelt but I have never stopped. I stopped on Saturday 15th and my attention was drawn to Bryson's.The outside of the premises looked inviting and it was clear that it combined a bar and restaurant. I entered the bar and the atmosphere was electric as a big football match was being watched on TV by all in the bar and the Irish craic, and fun, was quite apparent. I then entered the restaurant and was immediately impressed by by the restaurant's obvious inviting ambiance.The restaurant's decor. was lovely and everything was spotlessly clean. I only wanted coffee and being a trained barista I was delighted to find the blend of coffee on offer and the price being charged for it - excellent coffee, fairly priced and prepared by Holly - a lovely wee lass who obviously was well trained in the preparation and presentation of coffee. I saw food being served and it looked and smelt delightful. I wished I had time to stop and have my tea in the restaurant but a prior engagement meant I had to leave. I did speak to the owner/manager and I believe her name is Patricia (not sure) She was pleasant and I quickly concluded she certainly knew how to run a successful business. From my experience of Bryson's (limited experience) I have no hesitation recommending the establishment. .
7. Marys Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 299 reviews
Reviewed By Brian G - Magherafelt, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
On Friday 26th January my wife and I went to Mary's Bar upstairs for cocktails. We were greeted by a friendly Barman called Ciaran. The service he provided was excellent, taking the time to explain each of the cocktails available. Ciaran was very professional and watching him make the drinks was like watching a chef prepare and plate a fine meal. It was quite artistic and the drinks were amazing. We will go back!
8. Church Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 282 reviews
Reviewed By Berni H - Wexford, Wexford, Ireland
Visited on Sunday lunchtime. Staff are great, well-trained and polite. Menu was very dull. Server said they had no Pellegrino fizzy water and brought us some semi-flat local water. Then we saw them serving Pellegrino to someone else. Elderly lady we brought to lunch ordered lemon possett, but couldn't get to the soft possett because there was a pile of meringue on top and the glass was too narrow to manage. What was most disappointing was the level of cleanliness... the fabric seats were very grimey and needed a good steam, the floors in the restaurant didn't look like they were washed on a daily (or even weekly basis) and while waiting for the bathroom, I actually stuck to the floor in the hallway.
9. Oakleaf Restaurant
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By Alan1Bangor - Bangor, United Kingdom
We called in here about 11.00am on our way to the Maiden City. The restaurant sits beside the petrol station on the left before you start climbing the Glenshane Pass. We were greated by a friendly waitress who promptly produced breakfast menus. However we asked for coffee and scones and she duely obliged although at first she didn't know what varieties were available and told us she would have to get them from the shop next door. After waiting about 15 minutes whilst other people were served breakfast we got our scones and coffee. The scones came with butter, jam and cream and were delicious, so we would call in here again although maybe a bit earlier to have breakfast.
10. Ardtara Country House Hotel Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By J99636 - Armagh
We stayed in the Ardtara for 2 nights Mid September on the Gastro Package, which included the B & B, 1 Evening meal and a picnic or afternoon tea, we chose the afternoon tea.
We arrived on the Thursday evening, were shown around the hotel and to our lovely room. It is a real country house (decor wise) with beautiful older features adding to the character of the House. Our room was really spacious, front facing with a cosy gas fire which really cosied up the room each day & evening.
We had our dinner that night and it was totally amazing, nicest meal we have had in a long time, gorgeous little additions from the chef which added to the meal. The service was also very impressive and very friendly. Everyone knew your name when you checked in and they used it as much as they could each time you met.
Breakfast both mornings was fresh, made to order, a great varied menu and fresh ingredients.
We chose the afternoon tea the following day and I have to say it was FABULOUS!!! 3 courses, savoury, sandwiches and then sweet. It took us 2 hours ( and 2 bottles of processco) later to finish this extravaganza.
We cannot publicise enough how great our experience was here from the quiet and relaxed setting, the friendly staff, cosy rooms and out of this world food. We cannot wait to return.
