Foodie’s guide to Bangor & Holywood: 5 must-visit places to eat near Clandeboye Lodge

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At Clandeboye Lodge, you’re perfectly placed to explore the top restaurants in Bangor and Holywood. Our hotel sits at the heart of this thriving food scene, making it an ideal base for a gourmet escape in Northern Ireland. And with over 25 years of hospitality experience in the region, we’re proud to champion the local chefs, producers and dining experiences that make North Down so special.

Here are five must-visit foodie spots in Bangor and Holywood during your stay.

Coq & Bull brasserie, Bangor

Local, honest, unforgettable

The Coq & Bull brasserie at Clandeboye Lodge celebrates fresh, locally sourced Northern Irish ingredients cooked with creativity and care. Seasonal menus, curated wine pairings and a relaxed atmosphere make it one of the best places to eat in Bangor for both hotel guests and locals. Expect flavour-packed dishes, hand-crafted cocktails and exceptional hospitality, all served in a stylish setting.

🏆 Taste of Ulster accredited

Top Tip: Try the Blackwood cocktail- for a velvety and indulgent after-dinner treat.

Noble, Holywood

Seasonal, sustainable, refined

Just a short drive from Clandeboye Lodge, Noble in Holywood offers refined, ingredient-led cooking in an intimate setting. With its creative flavour pairings and meticulous attention to detail, Noble is a must-visit for diners exploring the region.

🏆 Michelin Bib Gourmand, Michelin Guide

Top Tip: Leave room for dessert - the chocolate délice never disappoints.

Underground Dining, Bangor

A unique culinary experience

What began as an inventive pop-up now has a permanent home on Bangor’s High Street. Underground Dining is known for bold flavours, creative menus and high-quality local produce. Their innovative style has earned it a reputation as one of the most distinctive restaurants in Bangor, Northern Ireland.

🏆 Good Food Ireland - Food Lovers Choice Award

Top Tip: The Beef Wellington is a consistent favourite.

Frae, Holywood

A neighbourhood gem

Frae brings simplicity and seasonality to the forefront of the Holywood food scene, offering dishes crafted from fresh, ethically sourced local ingredients. Its contemporary space is ideal for relaxed dining, making it one of the best casual dining spots near Bangor and Belfast.

🏆 Irish Restaurant Awards - Best Casual Dining

Top Tip: Try a glass from their evolving natural wine list.

Taste AND Festivals

Open House Festival, Bangor - a cultural experience in Ards & North Down. Image courtesy of Open House Festival

Celebration of local flavour

Taste AND Festivals showcase the food, drink and culture of Ards and North Down through a series of vibrant events throughout the year. Led by Ards and North Down Borough Council, these festivals connect chefs, producers and communities, offering visitors a deep dive into the region’s culinary heritage - from Bangor to the Ards Peninsula.

🏆 Local producers’ awarded Great Taste and Blas na hÉireann awards.

Top Tip: Seafood lovers shouldn’t miss the Tide & Turf Food Festival every September at Portavogie Harbour.

Stay at Clandeboye Lodge

The perfect base

After exploring the best places to eat in Bangor and Holywood, return to the woodland tranquillity of Clandeboye Lodge - the ideal base for any foodie getaway. Set in peaceful woodlands near Bangor and only 20 minutes from Belfast, the hotel offers boutique comfort, delicious dining and heartfelt Northern Irish hospitality.

🏆 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2025
🏆 Good Hotel Award 2024/2025 – Guest Satisfaction

Every detail is designed to help guests relax, recharge and reconnect. And if you want to explore even more of what Ards and North Down has to offer, discover our favourite local attractions, walks and experiences on the Out & About page.