Exploring Northern Ireland: A Culinary Experience

My Top 5 Favourite Food Spots in Northern Ireland

Within this list are 4 of my favourite places for great food and an amazing atmosphere, along with one honourable mention at the end of somewhere I keep intending to try out but simply haven't gotten too (feel free to share your thoughts on that place in the comments). If you are looking for a new culinary adventure or are simply wanting to try out a new restaurant, this list has you covered!

1) Villa- Portstewart

Number 1 on my list has to be the stunning Villa in Portstewart. Located on the Portstewart main street, this restaurant boasts incredible views of the beach so you can dine with a view. 

I have visited this place countless many times and have never been disappointed. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, the food is delicious and they are widely inclusive; their menu features numerous gluten free items and vegetarian options.

Pictured on the left is my favourite dish of there's: the Salt and Chilli chicken with siracha and mayo and a side of your choice. This dish will not disappoint! 

Did I mention they also serve the most incredible cocktails? Be sure to check out their Mojito when you visit for a cocktail you'll never forget!

Be sure to check out their Instagram and Facebook page!

2) Urban Restaurant- Portrush

Towards the end of the summer, my family and I decided to take a trip up to Portrush. We had heard about Urban restaurant from my brother who had visited a week before with his friends and he could not recommend it enough.

Booking was not required for this venue but is highly recommended due to how busy they were- there wasn't a single free table whenever we visited in late summer.

Pictured on the left was my main course- the honey chilli chicken noodles with prawn crackers. I cannot recommend this dish enough- packed full of flavour and so filling.

And did I mention they serve an array of alcoholic drinks including cocktails?

Urban is a bustling, busy, lively restaurant that I would recommend to anyone.

Check out their website here: Urban Portrush

3) The Gate Bistro- County Londonderry

This restaurant is a new favourite of mine, ever since my family and I visited a couple of months ago. We were having a look around for a food spot while we were there to grab some dinner and discovered The Gate Bistro on the main street. 

We were so impressed with the quality of the food and the atmosphere they provided that we went back a few months later. We had taken a trip to the "Derry Girls" exhibition in Derry/Londonderry city (if you are a fan of the TV show I would highly recommend visiting) and remembered this place from the last time we visited. 

The menu had been updated with new dishes like the one pictured on the left; This was their curry chicken bowl with white rice and spring onions. The service here is so efficient and the staff are so friendly.

If you know me well, you know that I don't have much of a sweet tooth and therefore tend not to be too interested in desserts. However, we had asked for a dessert menu to see what they had on offer and I could not resist trying their salted caramel chocolate tart, pictured on the left. It was unbelievable- not too sweet that someone like me couldn't enjoy it but full of flavour. 

The next time you take a visit up to Derry/Londonderry, or if you are just looking for somewhere different to grab some dinner, The Gate Bistro is the place to be!

Check out their website here: The Gate Bistro

4) Corr's Corner- Newtownabbey

My extended family and I visited Corr's Corner Bar and Restaurant back in September of this year for my dad's birthday. We hadn't been before but after looking at their menu online, we couldn't resist trying it out. I didn't remember to take any photographs of the meal I tried but I know it was their barbeque chicken burger and chips and that did not disappoint. 

A couple of my family members have allergies and the staff were quite helpful when it came to what they could and couldn't eat, especially when it came to desserts which my family especially loved. 

Corr's Corner boasts a relaxing atmosphere while also being busy. The service was great- there was 8 of us and the food arrived promptly. I would recommend Corr's Corner for any birthdays, parties etc. you have coming up. 

Check out their website here: Corr's Corner Hotel and Restaurant

5) Common Market Belfast- I have yet to visit!

                                                       Image from: Belfast Telegraph, 2021

Last on my list is one place I have yet to try- Common Market in Belfast City Centre. As someone who is indecisive when it comes to choosing what I'm going to eat, Common Market would be perfect as they host a range of different food options at various stalls. I would be keen to try many of these places, including:

• Hey Chick- serving up fried chicken burgers, vegan burgers, loaded fries and more
• Lasa- which serves the most incredible Spice Bag as shown on TikTok
• Ball and Roll- serving up hot dogs with many toppings, Caesar salad and pork bites

Feel free to leave any comments on your own experiences at Common Market down in the comment section of this post. Check out their website here: Common Market Belfast

Northern Ireland has a lot to offer when it comes to food spots. Be sure to check out one or more of the places on this list for some incredible food and a great atmosphere!