A Giant taste awaits

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Taste AwaitsGiant

The Rabbit Restaurant, Co. Antrim Wine & Brine, Co. Down La Bottega, Belfast Native Seafood and Scran, Portstewart, Co. Antrim

Credit: White Cloud

With so much to do and see in Northern Ireland, chances are you’ll need a place to stop and refuel to keep your giant adventure going. Or maybe it’s a family meal you’re after – or a romantic dinner for two. Whatever you’re hungry for, Northern Ireland has an abundance of tasty food and drink spots to keep everyone satisfied.

Native Seafood and Scran, Portstewart

Filling the gap between Northern Ireland’s fishermen and the public, Native Seafood pride themselves on creating everything from scratch, using only the finest seasonal ingredients to accompany their sustainably- sourced seafood. And their success is only growing, as they have achieved numerous restaurant and foodie awards since their inception during lockdown in 2020.

The Rabbit Restaurant, Templepatrick

The Rabbit Restaurant in Templepatrick is the perfect spot to get stuck-in to inspiring menus that boast fresh, local and, most importantly, delicious dishes to savour. With appetisers to pique your interest, pizzas for a slice of comfort, sharing options for two, dishes inspired by an Italian-American influence and a lunch spread to keep you going, this place has it all. So, hop on down!

Wine & Brine, Moira

Wine & Brine, in Moira, is an exciting vision from renowned chef, Chris McGowan and wife, Davina, aiming to combine fresh, local produce with traditional ageing, curing and pickling techniques. Menus change daily, and, as its name suggests, some of the meats are gently brined using whey from a local dairy supplier. So, wine not?

La Bottega, Lisburn Road, Belfast This Italian café, bistro and mini-market prepares and serves authentic and fresh food every day, with cured meats and cheese sliced fresh on the spot. You can be sure you’ll be in good hands as their chef guides you through traditional Italian flavours and dishes, in this stunning high-quality food experience.

Lo & Slo Food Truck, Derry~Londonderry

Born in 2010, Lo & Slo began as an idea for a healthier and more wholesome way of life through cooking. The food truck focuses on simple, sustainable, nurturing American-style food and flavours, featuring delicious, award winning signature sauces and Philly-inspired USA BBQ dishes.

Watermill Lodge, Co. Fermanagh Blackwater Bar & Grill, Co. Tyrone The Dairy, Causeway Coastal Route

Brunel’s, Newcastle

Named after the world's most famous engineer, Brunel’s in Newcastle is known for constructing its own impressive dishes. Their mission is to create cuisine that challenges and inspires. So, get ready for a bold and creative gourmet menu.

Blank Restaurant, Belfast

If you like surprises, you’re in for a treat at Belfast’s newest casual fine-dining eatery, Blank Restaurant. The Malone Road restaurant offers a surprise five-course dining experience curated using only local produce, farmed and sourced on the island of Ireland. - the surprise being that you know all the ingredients you're getting. Just not how they will be put together - or in what dish.

The Banks, Strabane

Although it’s been open for little more than a year, The Banks Restaurant has already established itself as an unmissable dining experience. Serving-up local, seasonal produce with oodles of creative flair, its cosy interior complements an exciting cocktail list and the dessert offering is definitely worth leaving room for. The homemade lemon posset and shortbread is a firm favourite with the locals.

Watermill Lodge, Upper Lough Erne

On the shores of Upper Lough Erne sits the awardwinning Watermill Lodge. Reopening on the 25th March, this stunning restaurant serves up local cuisine with a French twist. So enjoy a stroll in its beautiful water gardens and consider: is there a better thing to do than watch the sun go down as you savour an after-dinner digestif?

Basil Sheils, Tassagh

Settle into one of the many enchanting nooks or choose a spot in front of the open fire in the original small bar at Basil Sheils in Tassagh, Co. Armagh. Then soak up the atmosphere as you hear tales of days gone by. A place that’s filled with good food and great times, this traditional pub combines youth and life with history and antique charm - truly a hidden gem in the Orchard County.

The Dairy, Gleno

Once a bustling creamery, The Dairy in Gleno, Co. Antrim, now houses a cafe and restaurant. The menus here are expertly curated and crafted from concept to delivery. Expect the freshest and most locally sourced ingredients - including meat products and pastries made on site.

Food Events:

Newry Arts Festival, Newry, 2nd - 11th February This major new festival shines a light on Newry’s thriving arts and food scene. For family fun, join the StreetFeast Team as they celebrate the area’s farmers, chefs, foragers, distillers and artisans.

Oyster & Stout Bluegrass Festival @ Walled City

Brewery, 24th - 25th February A delicious celebration of the Lough Foyle Native Oyster with a variety of stouts on offer, including Walled City Brewery’s very own Foyster Stout. Love Legenderry Food Tour, 25th February Take the tour to discover the stories behind some of Derry~Londonderry’s most successful chefs and learn about their passion for food. It’s a passion that’s powered the city’s transformation into an acclaimed culinary destination.

Plenty more on the table

For a springtime stay to awaken all the senses, visit discovernorthernireland.com. There, you’ll find information on the best places for food and drink, a huge range of accommodation options and the most up-to-date guides on all the local events and festivals.