Brunels Restaurant in Down

Fantastic atmosphere, food and service. Food is exceptional. The roast beef on Sunday was best I’ve ever had. You must go!

Extremely nice restaurant. Wonderful food and very helpful staff. Amazing meals - especially for carnivores but good vegan options. Well priced wine list.

Went here for our 4oth wedding anniversary on 31st March. Mentioned it was a special occasion and got a lovely glass of prosecco each and a cream egg as it was Easter Sunday. Food, ambience and service was amazing, a very special mention to Gayle who was amazing, a real asset to the restaurant. All in all a fab experience, will definitely be back. Thanks so much guys for making it a memorable evening.

Brunei’s is a striking blend of modern and traditional in both its architecture, decor and food. Conveniently located to Newcastle’s huge seafront free car park, it’s ambience is warm, intimate and stylish with superbly friendly staff. Tasteful and clever decor nods to Isambard himself and every detail speaks of care and quality. Above all quality underpins the superb dishes. We went for an early dinner and had 3 courses for STG 30, which was exceptional value, but the a la carte menu looked outstanding. The calamari with laksa starter was delicious and the main of cod was superbly presented, a treat for the eyes and palate with mash, samphire, kale and tender stem broccoli. Dessert of Guinness and date pudding with ice cream was an indulgent blend of luxury. Overall, a superb experience from start to finish in every way.

This restaurant is in my top ten, the food is great, atmosphere homely, the staff make you welcome and comfortable. Parking at the door or large car park opposite.

Small family Christmas Day lunch, beautiful courses and not rushed at all. I do find it can lack atmosphere especially when it’s not full but being Christmas Day it was full and this does make a difference

Called into Brunels without a reservation as I was in the area on business and had the family with me. Had an excellent dinner and the kids really enjoyed being seated in full view of the kitchen! I had the ribeye steak and my wife had the salmon and both of our meals were delicious. Steak was perfectly cooked. Would definitely return if in the area again. Highly recommended!

Great place if you’re looking for a good restaurant experience. The food is a high stand quality. Really recommended!!!

Wonderful meal served by friendly staff in a pleasant restaurant and atmosphere. The starters mains and desserts were all excellent. Will come again.

Enjoyed a lovely evening here. Service, food, wine & ambiance all 100% perfect. Would highly recommend.

My son booked for 5. Starters were all good. Mains included two Iberico pork and pork cheek. The food and plates were barely warm on arrival and having tasted the food my son spoke to the head waiter and the plates were returned to the kitchen. It took a while to replace the plates and our companions were almost finished. I told the waiter that the pork on this replacement plate was disappointing compared to the pork on my lukewarm first plate. The waiter explained that the pork had been removed from the original plates whilst the plates were heated and accompaniments replaced then the original pork put back onto the now heated plates. We realised that my son and I had received each others meats!! In these post covid times surely this is very wrong! This was related to the head waiter. The restaurant took off the price of my meal £27. Not good enough as two people received in others meat!! This was a birthday treat that was severly marred by very poor Kitchen practise!

Came across this wee gem while driving around Newcastle. Squeezed us in and we are so glad they did. Food with out of this world and excellent service.

We visited Burnel's last month for the first time, as it came highly recommended. We were not disappointed. The decor, atmosphere, the service and of course the food were all spectacular. The restaurant has an amazing feel. The food was absolutely on point and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. Some beautiful wines on the menu too. We can not wait to revisit in the near future.

A terrible experience. Sadly. We were a table of 6 who arrived 10 minutes late for our reservation. The food took roughly 35 minutes to arrive from the point of order. The reason for feeling compelled to write this review was as a result of the following. Once mains were over we were immediately provided with the Bill. We did not ask for the Bill and had not been offered desert or coffee etc. We were actually asked to leave as they had another group booked in behind us. Whilst I understand that a reservation is usually for 2 hours, the harried manner in which we were forced to leave was remarkable. What was worse was being provided with an almost £500 Bill with a £40.00 tip already added on! I have never eaten in a restaurant in NI where the staff tell you in advance what tip you were required to leave them! We refused to pay the tip and promptly left. It was a poor experience with food that was honestly not up to the price. The staff argued with us about being late and made no attempt to at least be subtle about getting us to leave. A truly poor service and experience from start to end. The staff need to understand the subtleties required in the industry and find more polite ways of asking paying customers to leave. Also, please don't TELL your customers what tip you have decided they are to pay. This is not America. Avoid.

Well located next to hotel, friendly service throughout though as a large party of 11, it couldn’t have been easy. we ordered a charcuterie board to share which was excellent. we then had specials like chateau brion, steak, sea bass, halibut, all of which was well done and presented. not too saucy, just the right blends, wine options were expensive and a little limited but that’s ok.

We were so lucky to get a table for dinner at the bar. The staff were lovely and we had prime view of all of the action. Cocktails seemed to be expertly made and lots of repeat orders. Our food was delicious. Duck spring rolls,...

Brunei’s, should be called Brutal! Sunday lunch was offensive, roast beef tough as boots and curling up at edges! Roast potato like a golf ball, so hard, the knife couldn’t cut it. Soggy vegetables and priced at £23. No staff enquired about our meal as...

Called in for lunch and it was terrific. Cauliflower soup and sandwich combo, so tasty. I would highly recommend this restaurant

From start to finish a lovely experience. Staff are excellent and food top notch. From the meet and greet to the top up of our wine was very professional. Would definitely recommend this restaurant.

My boyfriend and I ate in Brunels on Saturday. It was my birthday weekend and the waitress kindly gave us both a complimentary glass of Prosecco each. Such a lovely touch. It was our first time here. The food and the service was excellent. A...

Duck tough Risotto/chowder over seasoned Children’s menu overpriced Arrived early before the official opening time but made to stay outside in the cold because they needed to hoover and mop!! 20 minutes before opening !!??I explained that we just wanted to sit at our table...

I went to dinner here with my partner on the mayday weekend. As for the food delicious, service was the worse I’ve ever experienced. We waited 25 min for drinks a pint and a glass of wine. Then the food order was taken and we...

This is a nice restaurant in the town of Newcastle. The ambiance and the food were both really nice.

A beautiful restaurant with great food, wine and amazing staff. Go and try it for yourself. You will not be disappointed. Decor also lovely. We were served by Gayle who was super-helpful, very friendly. A top class restaurant on all counts. Particularly easy to reach...

From start to finish this place was top class. The food was amazing and the service was excellent and friendly. I had ribeye and my wife had fillet steak and both were sublime. The chocolate dessert was the nicest dessert I have ever had. Great...

What a find! Normally if we want a fine dining experience in Newcastle, we go to the Oak Room in Slieve Donard. However, this was recommended by a friend and it didn’t disappoint! The food is refined, elegant and incredibly tasty. The atmosphere is laidback...

As short notice we booked Brunel's for a friends birthday. It was a Thursday in January, the restaurant was quiet but that meant we were well looked after. Food (Scallops and Steak) were very good, well cooked etc. The only issue was it was probably...

We picked this Brunel’s based on the reviews here and it was just ok - but let me explain. We were excited to go out for dinner and specifically find a place that offered a good steak. Brunel’s had a chateaubriand as an option -...

What a gem of a place! Amazing service, lovely atmosphere and the best fillet steak I have ever had! Lovely to meet the very talented chef. Keep it up guys your place is amazing! Can’t wait to return

Last night my 3 sisters and I had a super evening in Brunel . Our harissa cauliflower and salt and chilli squid were really lovely starters and our fish main courses, hake, sea bass and salmon were all excellent. Chocolate brownie and lemon tart finished...

7 of us booked the restaurant last Saturday night for dinner. We added an extra person at the last minute and it was no problem and a lovely table. Food was fab and the pace of the evening perfect. Taxis are hard to come by...

The restaurant has a lovely atmosphere. The staff are unbelievable friendly and attentive. Loved the cocktail menu and the red wine was great. The muscles starter was to die for! Fresh wheaten bread. Steak was also nice. Nicely cooked and presented. We will be back

Great Sunday lunch, great choice on the menu. The chicken liver parfait was excellent. Pork belly was perfect. Service was good. So good to go back.

We have spent a good time and enjoyed the food well presented with an excellent service. I did feel a little cold with the air conditionning.

We visited Brunel’s for Sunday lunch and we were very impressed. Food was excellent and beautifully presented. Service was spot-on. However - not so good for vegetarians - there was one option, though they did offer to make a vegetable risotto. The option was a...

Had a bit of lunch here last week and loved every minute of it. Really good lunch menu, the head chef Gary even called out to see how we enjoyed his new menu. Had an amazing Oscar Wilde Old Fashioned made by Alan and great...

Have been to Brunels in the past for dinner but not for a year or two. Previously had really enjoyed the menu Returned today with family for lunch and found it empty Uninspiring lunch menu with limited options For a weekend it was very disappointing

Our evening meal was delicious. Everything was cooked and presented to the highest standard. Top marks for the chef. If you are visiting Newcastle you should definitely book a table here.

Extremely average food, at best and service didn't help to make up for that. We both were so dissapointed on our first visit to what is a beautifully appointed restaurant and location

Beautiful meal lovely staff & lovely surroundings. Good selection great venue by the sea front. Nice time given between courses.

Went for Sunday lunch - very ordinary food for what should have been a sophisticated experience - roast chicken - watery and undercooked. My husband had roast beef - we were keen to establish that he could have it medium rare - whilst it looked...

Overpriced for a very ordinary experience. Had expected it to be more sophisticated given Great British menu experience. Presentation basic, food fresh but not what was described on menu. Service slow and lacked attention to detail. Given the above and location would have expected to...

We had an excellent time at Brunel's. The food was amazing. For mains we had the steak and the duck breast. Both were like food from Masterchef. They looked fantastic and were really delicious. The cocktails were also excellent. The decor is stunning and the...

Have to say service here is excellent with friendly, efficient and professional staff. Our meals however were disappointing especially when viewed in the light of the cost. Starters of cauliflower soup and onion dish were poor, soup was very bland and onion dish was minimal...

Previously one of our favourite restaurants to eat in. Always expensive however usually thought it was worth it. This most recent visit is the 1st since the new chef started. Food was average as we had the sharing steak with a portion of fries of...

My husband and I were able to book a table short notice and we stipulated I was dairy and gluten intolerant. From the moment we sat down we were well looked after. The waitresses are so attentive and very friendly. Our meals were beautiful and...

Fantastic food & staff 🥇⭐️ The steak sandwich was perfectly cooked and the staff were brilliant, This place is a hidden gem of co.down 🏔

Everything was top class from start to finish. Friendly staff, tasty food and plenty of it. I asked Fiona to recommend a red wine for my Venison the the choice was superb. We were really well looked after and will definitely be back. The only...

Lovely setting, great food / cocktails and friendly, engaging staff who went out of their way to make my 'big birthday' that little more special.

You NEED to eat here. The quality and combination of flavours and the fresh beautifully cooked ingredients are simply second to none. Lovely atmosphere, friendly attentive staff. Without a doubt one of the very best dining experiences in NI today.

Not cheap, but in the best tradition of excellent Irish eating out. Great ambience, and super staff.

This place ticks all the boxes… staff are so friendly and accommodating, beautiful inside and a lovely atmosphere. Best of all, the food was amazing!! Duck heart, Foie gras, toasted focaccia & peach chutney was a new dinner menu starter. WOW this blew me away....

Called in on spec Friday afternoon. Front of house was accommodating and we had a perfect table. Just can’t fault the service and food. Good to see one of our favourite places back on form . Well done to the new team.

What a fabulous restaurant. We booked very last minute and we were accommodated with open arms. We were by far the last table of the evening but we were treated like the first. The staff are an absolute credit. Our food was absolutely outstanding.

The restaurant decor is fab. Staff very very attentive. As the menu was limited we were expecting a fabulous high end meal. Not what we got. So disappointed with everything. The food was just ok. My steak was under cooked but I didn’t send it...

My wife and I had a meal here and were very disappointed the choice of starters was extremely poor for a so-called good restaurant we gave that a miss and went for main course only we found these to be very expensive and the meal...

We had a walk around town and the prom before lunching, which was a good thing as we were very well fed at Brunels. As I was driving, I had alcohol free Erdinger, Jane had a large glass of house white which she said was...

Everyone needs a Caitlin and everyone needs a Gayle. Caitlin the waitress was so attentive to what we needed and Gayle provided a wonderful adjunct to our wine choices, as a fellow enthusiast. Our evening here epitomised the opposite of a lot of experiences in...

Visited the restaurant for the first time yesterday and had wanted too for a while, we where certainly not disappointed! Terrific food, cooked to perfection and staff where very attentive. Hats off to chef John and the rest of the crew, we will definitely be...

I don’t usually leave reviews, but Brunel’s was such a lovely night I had to share it. It was by far the best meal and experience we had on our minimoon. The staff are so friendly and attentive, nothing was too much and so lovely...

Just had dinner here. I've had the best lemon sole ever (& I'm a seafood lover!). My husband had the most beautiful lamb too. Snacks beautiful to begin with glass of prosecco for aperitif. Cocktails were superb. Service outstanding. Will be back. Many Thanks Brunels!!

Went to Brunels with my wife for a kid free date night! The food was outstanding, and as for the cocktails…amazing and reasonably priced might I add. Every staff member was incredible and couldn’t do enough for us. Ray at front of house was great....

Just had a lovely meal in Brunel’s. The food was delicious, well presented and the service was excellent. Will definitely be back.

Excellent food and well trained staff. Will visit again. Location is good and the decor and atmosphere is perfect.v Hilary Knox

This restaurant used to be the go to place in Newcastle. Sadly on the occasion they didn't hit the mark. (The owner chef Paul Cunningham is no longer on site...it shows). Table staff unhelpful..embarassed one of our guests with unwarranted opinions. Food ok (Lukewarm soup,...

This is the first time we have stopped here for lunch and it was a tasty meal. My husband had the fish and chips which came with smashed peas and tartare sauce. I never normally eat battered fish as it usually has soggy mushy batter....

My husband and I haven’t eaten out in a long time and this was a super lovely way to celebrate a night out without the kids. Staff are so attentive, friendly and helpful. They know the menu well. I am gluten free and felt very...

Had a lovely meal but couldn't believe they charge extra for sides. I got steak which I thought was dear but thought why not treat myself for my birthday but when I got the bill and realised it was an extra £4.50 for the side...

I really enjoyed my Sunday lunch here . Staff are excellent and we were made very welcome. Food quality was excellent I will be back

My partner and I had a delicious lunch at Brunel’s; the service was friendly, fast and good fun; would go back in a heartbeat! The chowder and mussels were both excellent, paired with a couple of nice glasses of wine. We would have returned for...

20th June 2021: 1. When you book a specific table at the kitchen & have it noted its for a special birthday dinner. You get given a table at the door & nothing was done for the birthday. (not even a candle in the dessert...

Had a beautiful lunch today in this amazing resturant. As always staff very attentive and food so... good. Our favourite place to eat while visiting Newcastle.

Absolutely superb! Great service, lovely atmosphere & the food was amazing. Had breads & chicken parfait for starters & steaks for mains. Although a little more expensive worth every penny. Can’t wait to go back this place never lets us down & lovely to see...

Booked this for lunch on Saturday, beautiful restaurant, and delicious meal, well spaced to other diners, I will definitely be back

My wife and I had an evening meal here with some friends. As we entered, a smiling member of staff welcomed us, and showed us to our pre-booked table. As we perused the menu, I was aware of a gentle bus of conversation from our...

Outstanding Reopening After five long months of Covid Lockdown, our first place we booked was Brunels, as it’s our favourite restaurant. And my oh my what fabulous food and service, we had the breads and butter as appetiser, pigeon breast for my husband it was succulent and delicious served with herb granola and burnt onions, I had the roasted fennel and caramelised onion soup such decadence. We both had the fillet for mains, it was so tender and an amazing depth of flavour, I had bearnaise and other half had pepper sauce both were amazing the steaks were served with balsamic onion and watercress salad, sides were champ, triple booked chips and tobacco onions. And the service was impeccable.Totally worthwhile waiting five months for, what a fabulous evening. If your anywhere near Newcastle you must book and sample this truly awesome dining experience.

I took my parents out to the Percy French for a special meal, but the welcome at the door was colder than ice and the concern about our departing the fairly quiet restaurant was non-existant. We felt like Titanic Steerage class.Anyway, we walked out of that fascade and into Brunel's, where we were welcomed instantly with a beautiful smile and excellent attentive service.... then came 5 star food at very reasonable prices. The atmosphere in the place was amazing, and clearly, the staff are happy to be there. This owner clearly understands what it means to deliver excellence, she is a shining star!! If you have not been to Brunel's, then GET DOWN THERE! :) Thanks to all the staff for a wonderful afternoon.

Once again we had a delicious family dinner. Roast beef and all the trimmings. Compliments to Paul and all the staff . We can't wait until we are able to come in in person when lockdown is over. Wishing you all a very Happy Easter.

Ordered a family meal for four for Easter Sunday Lunch. We all opted for roast beef which was absolutely delicious, very tender and full of taste, it was cooked to perfection. The roast beef was served with creamy champ, tasty roast potatoes, fresh veg and a light and crispy Yorkshire pudding. The main meal was topped off with an amazing gravy! Each person was delighted with their meal and we can’t wait to get back into the restaurant to experience the top class cooking and wonderful atmosphere that Paul and the rest of the staff are so well known for! Happy Easter to the entire team!

CovidCan't go outBrunels came to us Husband and I ordered a special treat to be delivered to our homePhoned in choices and timeEverything beautifully boxed upMains stayed hot while we ate startersChicken and leek terrine Goat's cheese with honeycomb Both where glorious Lamb main succulent Roast beef was really a steakHubby thrilled with his steak/roast beefChamp, roast potatoes and veg all lovelyNo faults Only ordered one dessert... MISTAKE... pannacota was fantastic unfortunately I had to share Seriously in these trying times it was wonderful to be able to have our favourite restaurant come to usGuys at Brunels well doneWe will definitely do this again x

I got the roast beef and it was to die for the beef was cook perfectly and the mash was delicious I really enjoyed it and I highly recommend getting it

We are true foodies we travel (although have been restricted with Covid) far and wide when hear of good food and service in a restaurant. Well I have to say that we are super fortunate to have Brunel’s on our doorstep 45 miles from home, what an absolutely fabulous restaurant with an amazing team Fiona front of house makes everyone feel welcome and caters for their every whim, whilst Paul has his team in the kitchen create irresistible culinary delights. Mum and I had a girly Saturday lunch here we had roast tomato and bell pepper soup which was amazing followed by turkey and ham which was so succulent, mum had Christmas pudding and she made ummmm noises with a huge smile on her face and that was before the expresso martini .It was so enjoyable I returned the next day with my husband for Sunday lunch and again it was unfaultable and decadent. Definitely one of the best places to eat in Ulster. If you haven’t been you’re missing out, make a reservation when they reopen you won’t regret it.

This is our third time visiting Brunels. The service is excellent. We were celebrating and they treated us so well, we felt very special. The food was amazing, a total taste sensation. Wine was excellent and delicious dessert cocktails to finish. It is the best!

Cannot fault this place. Food was exquisite, wine and drinks were lush, the staff were professional but also grounded and friendly and it was such a treat and pleasure to be there. Very clean and hygienic and a relaxing decor. Loved every moment. Can't wait to return.

Love Brunels. Beautiful food and great service. Always feels like a treat. Good atmosphere. Drinks menu is varied.

We had the seven-course tasting menu, which was fantastic. In all honesty it is rather six courses and the petits fours were not really a course in themselves but regardless it was a great experience. We went for the paired wines (including a local cider with one of the courses) and that was well worth doing. We were really well looked after throughout our meal and we could not recommend it here more. Next time we are in Newcastle we would definitely look to eat here.

My mum and I visited here on a Thursday night for a belated birthday present. They had a lovely unique cocktail menu - I got a lovely fruity cocktail topped with Prosecco (possibly forbidden fruits - or something - can’t remember the name) which was delightful For starters we had parfait - which was so creamy and smooth - the fruit and Walnut accompaniment cut the richness without being too tart - perfect. The bread that was also served was this was beautiful. Potato and leek soup was light and tasty - wheaten bread full flavoured and even the butter was perfectly seasoned. Mains were chicken and steak both were cooked to perfection. Particular mention to the champ which was so smooth and creamy - I would go back for that alone. No room for desert - but it looked tempting. The staff were all so friendly and helpful; very welcoming, and doing an excellent job on a busy night! Fantastic experience all round - will definitely return.

Fantastic evening of quality food. Great location and very stylish decor. Food was amazing, we both had the langoustine special and halibut dish, very tasty and great sides. Lovely italian wine recommended by the staff. Definitely streets ahead from anywhere else in the locality.

Amazing evening spent with friends! Food was absolutely to die for!! Paul the chef is a big feeder!! Couldn’t fault anything at all! Thanks again to Paul and all his staff for an amazing night! Will definitely be back! 😊

Without doubt the best food whilst on our Northern Ireland tour. I had Mussels and my Wife had fish. Cooked to perfection. The Waitress from Derry was really nice and offered some good advice for our visit to Newcastle. Don't miss it.

We had a delicious meal here on Sunday. The food was excellent and good value for money. The staff are lovely and the restaurant is spotless! There is a varied choice and the deserts are spectacular! We will be back.

Went yesterday 18.30. Service brilliant, food incredible cocktail beer and Primotivo. Good as it gets and price reasonable. I had fish partner pork.

From the moment we arrived we felt welcome. Friendly efficient staff and all relevant Covid-19 guidelines being adhered to. Food was delicious, starters went down a treat (smoked mackerel and pate), we both had steaks (£28) for main meal and cooked exactly as we ordered them. Rare that happens for me as chefs usually think they know better than I do and undercook my steak despite me ALWAYS expressing my desire to the waiter/waitress that I want it well done/no pink!!! With sides (all extra), a bottle of wine (Melea) which was delicious and one round of drink came to £125. Keeps the riffraff out I suppose. We shall return.

2nd visit & amazing food & staff excellent! After visiting with my husband for his birthday & having a lovely meal I went back with good friend & yet again from minute we arrived the staff were so friendly & helpful providing a great atmosphere. The quality & presentation of the food is superb & really nice if you get a table where you can see the chef’s at their work! Can’t wait to go back. Keep up the good work! X

Top class service from the moment you arrive. Visited for my wife's birthday celebrations. Excellent food and drink. 11/10

Had three course dinner with my wife on Sunday Great value Decor beautiful and superb atmosphere Food top class Service was excellent This is my new favourite restaurant

We recently visited Brunel's for a Sunday evening sitting. Although wet and miserable outside, there was a cosy and relaxed atmosphere within. We encountered a slight mishap in that our order was not processed meaning that we had a longer wait. That said, the staff and management went above and beyond to rectify this issue. Complimentary beverages and desserts were provided and we received a significant reduction in our payment. The food itself was outstanding and showed huge attention to detail. We will definitely be back!

An outstanding meal, served by charming staff in a beautifully converted house. Fresh langoustines, in their armour-plating proved a bit of a handful to get at, but perseverance paid off. The duck that followed was the best I have ever eaten, anywhere. Good quality, well-priced wine completed a delightful early-evening dinner.

Visited here for my birthday. We were staying at the Slieve Donard. I was very concerned about the covid cases in the town. The lady told us it was a family cluster. I was relieved to hear this. Sadly for the business owners it was extremely quiet on such a fabulous day which is unusual for Newcastle. The food waa oozing with flavour. We had cocktails afterwards... my husband had the smoking old fashioned, it makes quiet the entrance in a smoking bell jar. The food was very reasonably priced, the staff were super friendly. Toilets were spotless and tables were well spaced out. We will return soon.

I had no idea that I was going to such a special restaurant. The food was outstanding. I'm still thinking about my mackerel starter. It was a struggle not to lick the plate after my desert. Very friendly service, not at all formal despite the outstanding food