Boasting a vibrant restaurant scene that blends traditional Irish flavours with contemporary dining and a variety of ethnic cuisines, visitors to Derry can enjoy an array of culinary experiences.
(Photo: Artis by Phelim O’Hagan)
One of Northern Ireland’s oldest cities, Derry has undergone significant change in recent decades, emerging as a dynamic cultural hub. The city’s growth is particularly evident in its burgeoning restaurant scene, which features a mix of classic Irish, contemporary and international flavours. To showcase its culinary excellence, we’ve hand-picked seven of the best restaurants across the city, all awarded Love LegenDerry Food Month status, an annual celebration of the lively food and drink culture in Derry and Strabane.
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Artis by Phelim O’Hagan
Artis by Phelim O’Hagan is the sort of place that quietly wows, despite being a relative newcomer to Derry’s bustling food scene. Opened in 2021, the fine dining restaurant in the city’s historic Craft Village combines the best of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with a bold approach to contemporary gastronomy. Under the watchful eye of Phelim O’Hagan – whose Michelin-starred pedigree and appearance on Great British Menu ensures his food speaks for itself – each dish showcases the calibre of its creator. From fresh Donegal lobster to indulgent steaks and foraged greens, it perfectly marries local produce with innovative culinary techniques. Pair it all with natural wines or a sip of Derry spirits, and it’s easy to see why this gourmet dining spot has rapidly gained wide acclaim.
29-31, Craft Village
Mekong
(Photo: Mekong)
Walk through the doors of Mekong, and you could easily forget you’re in Derry. Nestled within the city’s ancient 400-year-old walls, this award-winning street food joint whisks you straight to the streets of Bangkok or Hanoi. The flavours are as authentic as they come, the ingredients impossibly fresh, and the atmosphere warm and inviting. From zingy Donegal mackerel with spicy papaya to stone bass in a sour orange curry, every dish is a revelation. Wash it all down with a Thai beer or a Rough Brothers Street Beer – crafted just for Mekong. It’s street food at its finest, with a very special LegenDerry twist.
7-8 Magazine Street
Saffron
Located in the heart of Derry, Saffron offers a refined yet comforting taste of India, with a menu that reaches beyond your typical curry house fare. Owner Suki Nagra’s family have been serving these aromatic, authentic flavours since they arrived on the Northern Irish shores over half-a-century ago, and the dishes still pack the punch of tradition. Standout dishes include sweet and spicy jalfrezi, rich Nepalese-style chilli chicken and tender lamb rogan josh, all evoking the fragrant cuisine of the Punjab. And while the menu is laced with exotic spices, many of the ingredients are sourced nearby, bringing the best of both worlds to your plate.
2 Clarendon Street
El Tapas Grá
(Photo: El Tapas Grá)
Just a short walk from the city centre, within the busy Cathedral Quarter, this restaurant is a metaphorical love letter to Spanish tapas – with an Irish twist. Indeed, even the name is rooted in romanticism, with grá being the Irish word for love. Needless to say, the menu bursts with the same passion as the restaurant owners, featuring charcuterie boards overflowing with Spanish delights and locally sourced treasures, while dishes like Lo & Slo-glazed pork belly and Irish croquetas with colcannon fuse Spanish and Irish culinary traditions with a clever, contemporary spin. The robata coal fire adds a smoky finish to meats and veg, and the Spanish wines and bubbles are the perfect way to finish.
7 Waterloo Place
Fitzroy’s
A stone’s throw from the City Walls and the famous Derry Girls mural, Fitzroys has long been a favourite among Derry natives and tourists privileged enough to be let in on the secret. What started as a small family-run café has blossomed into a bustling 100-seat bistro, but the laid-back, welcoming vibe remains firmly intact. The menu is a diverse mix of international dishes alongside comforting Irish classics, with signature dishes like their signature creamy seafood chowder, served with Guinness bread, achieving almost legendary status. Don’t forget to finish with an Irish coffee.
2-4 Bridge Street
Castle Street Social
(Photo: Castle Street Social)
Tucked away in the city centre, with the city walls looming as a dramatic backdrop, this buzzing dining destination draws an eager crowd of patrons seeking good food and a lively crowd. The menu is as local as it gets, with several dishes featuring Corndale Farm chorizo and a fiery homemade ‘hot hot’ sauce laced with Dopey Dick Red Ale, transported directly from the nearby microbrewery of the same (easy-to-remember) name. Be sure to sample the decadent stout wheaten bread, a personal favourite of head chef David Lafferty, as well. The cocktails are just as exciting, especially the Hart of the City, which showcases the locally-produced Earhart Gin.
13-15, Craft Village, Shipquay Street
COUPE by The Dirty Souls
Perched high on Derry’s Shipquay Street, close to the city centre, Coupe by The Dirty Souls brings a slice of late-night New York energy to the city. With its laid-back vibe, slick tunes and expertly crafted cocktails, it has the air of somewhere you’d only stumble upon in the coolest corners of Manhattan. The Cajun and Creole-inspired menu is a playful mix of comfort and innovation, from lip-smacking fried chicken and smoked meats cooked over an offset smoker to unexpected pairings like pork belly with watermelon and feta. The eatery also stands out for its sustainability efforts, using local foraged ingredients and waste wood to fuel the smoker.
10 Shipquay Street