Not a definitive list — there’s far more to choose from — but a solid spread across Portrush, Bushmills, Coleraine, and Ballymoney. (Note: several entries reference awards from 2018–2019; worth a quick check that names, menus, and hours are still current before this goes live.)
Adelphi Bistro — 67-71 Main Street, Portrush, BT56 8BN · 028 7082 5544 · adelphiportrush.com/bistro Part of the 4-star Adelphi Hotel. Strong on coeliac/allergy-aware menus, with a kids’ menu too.
Babushka Kitchen Café — South Pier, Portrush, BT56 8FN · 07780 502012 · babushkakitchencafe.co.uk In the old lifeboat station on the harbour, overlooking West Strand. Brunch-focused, good coffee.
Counties Restaurant (Portrush Atlantic Hotel, now “Port Kitchen Bar”) — 73 Main St, Portrush, BT56 8BN · 028 7082 6100 · portrushatlantic.com/dining Head Chef Nigel Steele won a national best-burger competition in 2019 — the North Coast burger is the one to try.
The Deerstalker Bistro (Golf Links Hotel) — Bushmills Rd, Portrush, BT56 8JF · 028 7082 6611 · golflinksportrush.com/dine Burgers, duck, steak; wood-fired Neapolitan pizza next door at the Pizza Library.
Edition Café — 15 Kingsgate Street, Coleraine, BT52 1LB · 028 7035 3291 · editioncafe.com Breakfast/brunch till 3pm, vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free friendly. Cod and chips is the one to get.
55 Degrees North — 1 Causeway St, Portrush, BT56 8AB · 028 7082 2811 · 55-north.com Family-run, beach views, gourmet burgers and pasta, solid kids’ menu.
The Gas Bar (Bushmills Inn) — 9 Dunluce Road, Bushmills, BT57 8QG · 028 2073 3000 · bushmillsinn.com/restaurant-and-bar Irish tapas, peat fires, live music — and, unsurprisingly given the location, a serious whiskey list.
The Harbour Bar (Ramore) — 6 Harbour Road, Portrush, BT56 8DF · 028 7082 2430 · ramorerestaurant.com/harbourbistro Wood-fired grill, steaks from JD Hart & Sons butchers. Kids welcome but not served after 8pm.
Inn on the Coast — 50 Ballyreagh Road, Portrush, BT56 8LT · 028 7082 3509 · innonthecoastportrush.com Steak and Guinness pie, harbourside fish and chips.
Joey’s Bar — 15 Seymour Street, Ballymoney, BT53 6JR · 028 2766 3095 · joeydunlop.co.uk/joeys_bar Run by the family of motorcycle racing champion Joey Dunlop — a pilgrimage stop for bikers, memorabilia on the walls.
Kiwis Brew Bar — 47 Main Street, Portrush, BT56 8BN · 028 7082 2402 · kiwisbrewbar.com/our-food Craft beer, burgers, wings — Wing Wednesdays if you can handle Carolina Reaper sauce.
Leona’s Tea Room & Bakery — 41 Magheraboy Road, Portrush, BT56 8NU · 028 7082 3507 · magherabuoy.co.uk/leonas-tea-room Traditional Irish afternoon tea; five different homemade scones, baked fresh daily.
Dawson’s Bistro (Magheraboy House Hotel) — 41 Magheraboy Road, Portrush, BT56 8NU · 028 7082 3507 · magherabuoy.co.uk/the-bistro Local beef from Dunluce Farms, good local craft beer and gin selection.
Neptune & Prawn — 4 Kerr Street, Portrush, BT56 8DQ · 028 7082 2448 · ramorerestaurant.com/neptuneandprawn.php Asian and seafood sharing plates, open 7 nights. Not really set up for kids.
Ocho Tapas Bistro — 92-94 Main Street, Portrush, BT56 8BN · 028 7082 4110 · ochotapas.com Spanish tapas with a Northern Irish twist; they also run cookery classes.
The Port Hotel (Cellar Bar) — 53-57 Main Street, Portrush, BT56 8BN · 028 7082 5353 · theporthotel.net Grill bar, karaoke, weekly quiz night.
Quays Bar — 63 Eglinton Street, Portrush, BT56 8DN · 028 7082 3889 · quaysbarportrush.com Pub grub — beef and Guinness pie, cod and chips.
Royal Court Hotel — 233 Ballybogey Road, Portrush, BT56 8NF · 028 7082 2236 · royalcourthotel.co.uk/restaurant Carvery daily through summer.
The Smugglers Inn — 306 Whitepark Road, Bushmills, BT57 8SL · 028 2073 1577 · smugglersinnireland.com A mile from the Giant’s Causeway, can cater for large parties and weddings.
Tides Restaurant — 21 Ballyreagh Road, Portrush, BT56 8LR · 028 7082 3833 · thetidesportrush.com Sea views, three courses for the price of the main. Book ahead.
Indus Valley Restaurant — 4 Dunhill Road, Coleraine, BT51 3NA · 028 7035 4242 · indusvalleycuisine.com Regional Indian dishes, AAA Guide of Excellence holder.
The Wine Bar (Ramore) — The Harbour, Main Street, Portrush, BT56 8DF · 028 7082 4313 · ramorerestaurant.com/winebar.php Lively atmosphere, wide menu — steaks, Wellington, pizza, pasta.
The Galley Kitchen (Portrush Yacht Club) — Harbour Road, Portrush, BT56 8DF · 028 7082 3932 · portrushyachtclub.com/galley-kitchen All-day breakfast, including a Slimming World-friendly option.
Zinc Restaurant — 1 Roeding Foot, Ballymoney, BT53 6JJ · 028 2766 2341 · facebook.com/zincrestaurantballymoney French, Irish, and seafood, well regarded for value.
