Derry’s food scene thrives on fresh, regional produce, with fine dining venues like Browns and Umi emphasizing seasonal ingredients. Casual and budget options, often pub-based, focus on hearty, affordable fare, reflecting Derry’s warm hospitality and vibrant atmosphere.
Restaurants across all categories are likely to prioritise local suppliers, with fine dining venues introducing more sustainable or foraged dishes, aligning with Derry’s focus on authentic, regional cuisine.
Fine Dining
- Browns Restaurant and Champagne Lounge (Derry City, Waterside). Voted Best Restaurant in 2016, Browns is Derry’s premier fine dining destination, offering a sophisticated yet approachable experience in a smart, bistro-style setting with striped banquettes and black-and-white photos. Chef Ian Orr’s menu focuses on seasonal, local ingredients from suppliers like William Grant & Co., delivering creative dishes with a six-course tasting menu option. Ideal for special occasions or foodie travelers, the service is polished and the ambiance elegant. Turf-smoked beef, known for its smoky, salty flavors, and beetroot macarons with smoked cream cheese are highlights, showcasing innovative canapés and mains. Browns will introduce new tasting menu variations or wine pairings, building on its reputation for seasonal excellence and local sourcing, as noted in its long-standing awards.
- Umi (Derry City, Centre). A Derry institution, Umi offers a fine dining experience with an Asian fusion twist, blending Japanese techniques with Irish produce in a fun, modern setting. Chefs Sean Lafferty and Gary Moran create a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for couples or groups seeking refined yet approachable dishes. The menu balances sushi, dumplings, and heartier mains, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Pan-fried cod, duck confit, and crispy pork dumplings with chili rayu and soy are standouts, alongside a bittersweet salad and vegan Korean kimchi bao bun. Umi’s inclusion in the 2026 101 Great Irish Restaurants guide suggests continued innovation, with new sushi creations or their own Austrian Blaufränkisch wine gaining prominence.
- The Waterfoot Restaurant (Derry City, Waterside). Located at the Waterfoot Hotel, this restaurant offers an exquisite fine dining experience with a focus on fresh, local produce. The elegant setting and fabulous cuisine cater to discerning palates, making it ideal for business dinners or special events. Diners can expect meticulous dishes and warm hospitality in a refined atmosphere. Expect dishes like seared local seafood or grass-fed beef, reflecting Derry’s rich produce. The Waterfoot will introduce new seasonal menus or tasting experiences, aligning with Derry’s growing reputation as a foodie destination.
Casual Dining
- Brickwork (Derry City, Centre). A recent addition to Derry’s food scene, Brickwork offers a vibrant, youthful atmosphere with a relaxed, casual dining experience. The welcoming team serves fun, tasty dishes using local ingredients, ideal for lunch or a casual dinner with friends. The menu is diverse, catering to various tastes in a modern setting. Steamed bao buns with marinated pulled pork or fish fingers, paired with sharing platters featuring salt and chili battered prawns and sticky BBQ back ribs, are highlights. Brickwork will expand its sharing platter options or introduce new local craft beer pairings, building on its youthful appeal and recent opening success.
- The Walled City Brewery (Derry City, Ebrington Square). This multi-award-winning brewhouse and restaurant offers a relaxed, casual dining experience with a focus on uniquely local, flavorsome food and craft beers brewed in-house. The vibrant setting in Ebrington Square is perfect for locals and visitors seeking a taste of the North West, with a menu emphasizing regional produce. Pintxos like mini Thai pork cakes with homemade sweet chili jam and BBQ beef rump with kimchi and curry aioli are legendary, showcasing local butcher ingredients. The Walled City Brewery will expand its taproom offerings or introduce new craft beer-inspired dishes, enhancing its “Taste of the North West” reputation.
- The Gown Restaurant (Derry City, Bishop’s Gate Hotel). Housed in the historic Bishop’s Gate Hotel, The Gown offers a casual yet character-filled dining experience with original wall paneling and a menu inspired by seasonal, local ingredients. The relaxed atmosphere is ideal for lunch or dinner, appealing to both tourists and locals seeking quality Irish cuisine. Seared pork rack chop from William Grant & Co. with bubble and squeak croquette and sage and onion jam is a standout, praised for its local sourcing. The Gown will introduce new seasonal specials or hotel dining packages, leveraging its historic charm and local focus.
- Saffron (Derry City, Centre). This fine Indian restaurant offers a casual dining experience with authentic flavors and European influences in a luxurious, welcoming setting. Ideal for families or groups, the vibrant atmosphere and fresh, local ingredients make it a go-to for Indian cuisine lovers in Derry. Expect classics like butter chicken or lamb rogan josh, crafted with fresh produce. Saffron will introduce new regional Indian dishes or spice-focused specials, maintaining its reputation for authenticity.
- The Exchange (Derry City, Centre). Located within Derry’s historic walls, The Exchange offers a casual yet special dining experience with luxurious decor and a bustling atmosphere. The menu features creative, locally sourced dishes, perfect for a relaxed night out with friends or family. Rxpect modern Irish fare like local seafood or beef, paired with creative cocktails. The Exchange will expand its cocktail menu or host new food and drink events, capitalizing on its central location.
- Quaywest (Derry City, Waterfront). Situated in a historic building on the River Foyle, Quaywest offers a casual dining experience with unrivaled food and atmosphere. The Euro-Asian decor and focus on fresh, local produce create a vibrant setting, ideal for groups or casual dinners. Pork belly, oven-baked salmon, and supreme of chicken with herb stuffing are popular, as featured on the Wine and Dine menu. Quaywest will introduce new waterfront dining specials or seasonal menus, enhancing its scenic appeal.
- Primrose (Derry City, Quay). Part restaurant, part cocktail bar, part French-style patisserie, Primrose offers a casual dining experience with river views and a focus on local craft beers. The relaxed, foodie-approved atmosphere is perfect for a laid-back meal or dessert stop, with a “scratch” bakery producing fresh breads and cakes daily. Roasted cod loin with parsnips and butter sauce and strawberry and white chocolate scones are highlights, alongside gluten-free lemon and blueberry drizzle cake. Primrose will expand its patisserie offerings or introduce new craft beer pairings, reflecting Derry’s vibrant food scene.
Budget Dining
- Mama Masala (Derry City, Centre). This budget-friendly Indian restaurant offers delicious, affordable meals in a casual, family-oriented setting. Diners can expect authentic Indian flavors with generous portions, perfect for a quick lunch or takeaway. The warm hospitality enhances the experience, making it a local favorite. Reviews praise curries and naan breads for their outstanding flavor and value. Mama Masala will introduce new budget-friendly combo deals or takeaway specials, maintaining its appeal for affordable dining.
- Badgers Bar and Restaurant (Derry City, Centre). A Derry institution for over 30 years, Badgers offers budget-friendly dining in a quirky setting with the famous Derry Girls mural. The casual, family-friendly atmosphere and fresh, local ingredients make it ideal for affordable meals or drinks, with a focus on Derry favorites. Expect pub classics like fish and chips or burgers, praised for their freshness. Badgers may add new Derry-inspired specials or themed events tied to its Derry Girls connection.
- The Thirsty Goat (Derry City, Centre). This quirky pub and restaurant offers budget-friendly dining with a warm welcome and a full all-day menu. The casual, lively atmosphere is perfect for locals and visitors seeking affordable, hearty meals in a fun setting. Expect Derry favorites like shepherd’s pie or local seafood chowder. The Thirsty Goat will introduce new budget specials or live music nights, enhancing its community vibe.
- Friel’s Bar and Restaurant (Derry City, Centre). Run by the fourth generation of the Friel family, this historic bar (over 150 years old) offers budget-friendly dining with a real old-world feel. Diners can expect affordable, homemade pub fare in a cozy, memorabilia-filled setting, ideal for a casual meal. Expect traditional dishes like Irish stew or fish and chips, reflecting Derry’s heritage. Friel’s may add new budget-friendly specials or family dining deals, leveraging its historic charm.
- Dungloe Bar (Derry City, Waterloo Street). Established in 1892, this budget-friendly bar offers affordable, high-quality meals in a lively setting with live music. The casual atmosphere and focus on local produce make it a great spot for a quick, budget-conscious meal or pint. Expect pub classics like bangers and mash or local seafood, served daily. Dungloe Bar will expand its live music offerings or introduce new budget specials, enhancing its Waterloo Street appeal.
Dining in Ireland
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Award winning restaurants
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow – Overall – County winners – Georgina Campbell – Good Food Ireland – Michelin Star
County Derry:
Ireland’s county Derry offers a rich historical tapestry, with the city’s 17th-century walls providing a walkable journey through its past. The Guildhall and Tower Museum explore Derry’s maritime and political history, while the Peace Bridge offers scenic views over the River Foyle. Derry is Ireland’s 15th largest county by size (2,067 square km) and sixth largest by population (252,231). Population previously peaked at 222,174 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 139,693 in 1926. In terms of hospitality, Derry is Ireland’s 16th most visited tourist county with around 135,000 international visitors per year.
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