Portaferry Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Portaferry

October 13, 2017 Jasper Kershner

Portaferry (from Irish Port a' Pheire, meaning 'landing place of the ferry') is a small town in County Down, Northern Ireland, at the southern end of the Ards Peninsula, near the Narrows at the entrance to Strangford Lough. It is home to the Exploris aquarium and is well known for the annual Gala Week Float Parade. It hosts its own small Marina, the Portaferry Marina. The Portaferry - Strangford Ferry service operates daily at 15-minute intervals (8am to 11pm) between the villages of Portaferry and Strangford, less than a mile apart, conveying about 500,000 passengers per annum. It had a population of 2,514 people in the 2011 Census. .
Things to do in Portaferry

1. The Cuan

6-10 The Square, Strangford BT30 7ND, Northern Ireland Outdoor Seating, Television, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover Irish, Seafood, European, British, Pub, Soups, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Dinner, Brunch HK$220 - HK$330 +44 28 4488 1222
Excellent
64%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
5%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 478 reviews

The Cuan

The Cuan Licensed Guest Inn is a family owned and run hotel located in the beautiful conservation village of Strangford, on the shores of Strangford Lough. We offer a fantastic food experience, available all day, with a passionate commitment to sourcing local seasonal produce. At the Cuan, we believe in the personal touch that comes with a family run business – you give us our livelihood – we reflect that in the way we look after you Plan a short break with us and explore the breadth of attractions and things to do in Co Down.

Reviewed By David B - Dublin, Ireland

We have been visiting the Cuan on a regular basis over the past three years and find that Peter Caroline and their superb staff make us feel it is home from home. The food is excellent and the service first class.Dear David B THANK YOU for your continued loyalty and taking the time to share your experiences with others. Regards Caroline, Peter & Team

2. Portaferry Hotel Restaurant

10 The Strand, Portaferry, Northern Ireland Television, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi Irish, Seafood, European, British, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Late Night HK$110 - HK$275 +44 28 4272 8231
Excellent
44%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
12%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 228 reviews

Portaferry Hotel Restaurant

Reviewed By exetergirl123 - Exeter, United Kingdom

Was taken here by relatives, I had a Smoked Mackarel salad & it was delicious! Locally caught & smoked, washed down with a yummy Spanish wine. The restaurant was cosy, homely & we were well looked after. The other rooms were cosy too. I'd love to stay here sometime as it looks so cosy. I'd highly recommend a moment in this lovely place!

3. The Quays Restaurant

81 New Harbour Road, Portavogie BT22 1EB, Northern Ireland Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Seafood, British, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +44 28 4277 2225
Excellent
70%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 326 reviews

The Quays Restaurant

Reviewed By garfieldBelfast - Belfast

The special lunch menu was very appealing. The food choice and the service were good and like some other reviewers we also brought wine with us. The restaurant was busy and the staff made us very welcome. We all had the local freshly caught fish.

4. Daily Grind

20 St. Patricks Avenue, Downpatrick BT30 6DW, Northern Ireland Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available Cafe, British, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 115 reviews

Daily Grind

Reviewed By MaryKateNI19 - N.Ireland

This place never fails to surprise us. The menu is so varied and is great for all, vegetarians would be impressed too. We got the Maggies Brie salad today, it was DELICIOUS. Can't wait to go back.

5. Dufferin Arms

35 High Street, Killyleagh BT30 9QF, Northern Ireland Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards Bar, British, Pub, Irish, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks HK$31 - HK$275 +44 28 4482 1182
Excellent
61%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 139 reviews

Dufferin Arms

The Dufferin Arms is famous throughout Northern Ireland for its great food, perfect Guinness, live music and the best craic that money just cannot buy! We pride ourselves in the friendly welcome that greets all our customers, come in a stranger, leave as a friend for life! In our restaurant we serve everything from a light bite for lunch, to fresh lobster and langoustine from Strangford Lough, plus steaks, burgers, fish and chips, to name but a few of the dishes on our menus. One dish worth a mention is our famous, secret recipe, Seafood Chowder. We are a family friendly establishment, and if you have any dietary requirements, we will do our utmost to accommodate them. We are also able to provide a venue that is perfect for family celebrations, Christenings, private parties etc. Restaurant Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs Midday-3pm/ 5pm-8.30pm, Fri-Sat Midday-9pm/ Sun Midday-8pm

Reviewed By colinsgal - N.Ireland

We only stopped in here for a quick pint (Guinness fantastic!) but we will return for food for sure. This traditional pub retains many of its original features and has a welcoming atmosphere for visitors and locals alike. There was traditional music on the Sunday when we visited and we were disappointed we couldn't factor in lunch- but we will be back!

6. Picnic

47 High Street, Killyleagh BT30 9QF, Northern Ireland Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available Cafe, British, Delicatessen, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Dinner +44 28 4482 8525
Excellent
68%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 141 reviews

Picnic

This is a lovely delicatessen cum coffee shop, situated adjacent to the gates of the historical Killyleagh Castle. Never empty, always great food - and healthy!

Reviewed By Marshall791 - Newtownards, United Kingdom

Delicious fresh homemade food at reasonable prices. Not the biggest place but it's quaint and if it's a view you want then go elsewhere. We had a lovely lunch here, the staff were very friendly and helpful. Highly recommend.

7. Katch 27

27 Main Street | Kircubbin, Newtownards BT22 2SR, Northern Ireland Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Accepts Credit Cards Irish, Seafood, European, British, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +44 28 4273 8222
Excellent
85%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 356 reviews

Katch 27

Reviewed By jim_begley - Belfast

Good bar but the food is disappointing. It is standard, from frozen and not particularly well presented. My last visit, I think the serving staff begrudged my visit, it interfered with their time on their phone

8. Deli-licious Cafe

1A Castle Street | Portaferry, Portaferry BT20 4SU, Northern Ireland Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Free Wifi, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible Cafe, British Breakfast, Drinks, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$165 4442729911
Excellent
53%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
9%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 31 reviews

Deli-licious Cafe

Deli-licious Cafe Portaferry Open 9-3 weekdays and 9-4 Saturday and Sunday

Reviewed By jobanks27

Had lunch after visiting Exploris staff very accommodating to our party of 5, food was lovely and great value for the kiddies meal and good selection for the adults who had a healthy lunch but couldn't resist the home baking choices. Will be back. Joanne

9. Saltwater Brig

1ar Bt22 Portaferry Rd, Kircubbin, Co. Down 43 Rowreagh Road | Kircubbin, Portaferry BT22 1AR, Northern Ireland Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Buffet, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards Pizza, European, Gastropub, Irish, Bar, Pub, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$31 - HK$275 +44 28 4273 8435
Excellent
60%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
5%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 234 reviews

Saltwater Brig

Irish country pub serving great food, drink & craic with a relaxed informal style 7 days a week in a rural setting on the shores of Strangford Lough.

Reviewed By Ciarán R - Belfast

We called here 2 years ago
Our visit was disappointing
We gave the restaurant a second chance today as a birthday treat
Unfortunately it was disappointing again
The staff are lovely and friendly although it’s not the speediest of service
I ordered the scampi and chips
The lady OLIVE took my order ( as I’m allergic to onions : I asked for “no onions” ) she told me very sharply and clearly “ you’ll definitely get no onions
I got onions - exactly the same problem as our last visit and it was the same lady who took our order OLIVE the owner
It turned out that she hadn’t even written on the order pad “no onions”

Well if the owner cannot get a simple note correct then there’s an issue
We were recommended to visit here by Olive’s local customer

Not only has it ruined my day out but she has now embarrassed her local customers

We will not return here
I would not recommend this restaurant

10. Salthouse Restaurant

38 Shore Road, Portaferry BT22 1JZ, Northern Ireland Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Irish, British, European, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Late Night +44 28 4272 9972
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 81 reviews

Salthouse Restaurant

Reviewed By Fiona T - Portaferry, United Kingdom

View over Stragford Lough is exceptional. There is a nice well balanced various menu, fresh produce, fish meat and vegetables. The staff are soo friendly and competent, nothing is too much bother!!thechef came out to our table and explained his chewing history. I had met a lady in Dungannon,who had told us how lucky we are, he is much missed down there...highly recommended. Few restaurants in Co Down have the advantage of such a situation.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.