Derry Restaurants and Dining

(Derry, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, UK)

As with any Irish city of this size, Derry is home to scores of pubs. These eateries are perfect places to see daily life unfold, and they're also ideal for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.

The dining options in Derry (and all of Ireland, for that matter) have come a long way in the past few years.

Restaurant critics have taken notice, and many insist this is now one of the best value-for-money dining destinations in the UK.

What to Eat, and Where

Northern Ireland has undergone a culinary renaissance in the past couple of decades, and Derry is a shining example of how increased tourist interest and revenue can transform a city's dining scene. Visitors who have travelled across the entire UK will also be pleased to find how inexpensive many local restaurants are.

Any budget can be accommodated in Derry. Even the top award-winning restaurants in the city centre are relatively affordable. Opposite this, Derry has scores of pubs and friendly cafés serving traditional Irish fare at unbeatable prices. Restaurants on both ends of this spectrum are mostly located inside the city walls, being within easy walking distance of local hotels.

Irish food is hearty and satisfying. Typical dishes are built around generous portions of beef, pork or lamb, and they are often accompanied by potatoes and soda bread. Irish cuisine has a reputation for being less than heart-healthy, but innovative chefs are finding ways to cater for 21st-century diners without turning their backs on traditional recipes. Seafood dishes are also on the rise in Irish restaurants.

Derry's pub and club culture is strong. Waterloo Street hosts the best selection of nightlife options, including laid-back pubs and more energetic discos that cater for students and young travellers. There's really no better place to connect with the local population than on Waterloo Street.