Castle Street Social in Derry

3 stars purely on the basis of how friendly & helpful the staff are. Was a regular here every 4-6 weeks from opening till late 2022. Food was always exceptional on each visit. Revisited last night with family & was so disappointed. Squid starter was inedible & the sauce accompanying it was clearly not made in the kitchen, the roast chicken was a pan-fried piece of fillet & as for sides - frozen chips are in my opinion a cardinal sin in hospitality establishments in Ireland! Such a shame given the previously consistent high quality. Sad to say as locals we definitely won’t be returning.

This was my first meal in Derry and it did not disappoint! I was seated shortly after 5pm at a window table, so I got to watch the bustle of Derry Halloween festivities while enjoying an espresso martini and their vegan lentil cottage pie (salad side). Price point was good. Service was friendly and efficient (even as the place was filling with costumed ghouls and goblins). Will definitely tell others to check it out!

My experience was disappointing due to a misunderstanding over drink charges. We were told we had to order both an appetizer and a main dish in order to have an alcoholic drink. I specifically asked the waitress if the drink would be included in that price, and she assured me it would be. However, when the bill came, we were charged for everything, including the drink. When I questioned it, she insisted she hadn’t said that the drink was included. I felt misled and disappointed. I hope the restaurant clarifies its policies to avoid similar situations for future customers.

They force you to order a two-course menu if you want to order an alcoholic drink. In addition, they told us that the drink was included in the menu and then charged us separately. A scam!

Disgusting treatment. They also lied to us about the prices, saying that the menu included alcoholic drinks and then they charged us for them separately. In addition, they forced us to order more food than we wanted. A scam!!!

Very good food! Price performance ratio very good!

Excellent food and service. We had the chicken wings, smash burger, lentil cottage pie, and garlic fries all were excellent. Recommended

Fantastic place for food. Great for any vegetarian or vegan diners.

The loud music overwhelmed any chance at conversation. The food was acceptable to good. The service was decent. A four star except for the loud music.

Food was excellent. They were able to seat us without a reservation, although reservations are probably preferred, even though it is not indicated on the website. Duck breast and Sunday roast of beef cheeks/brisket are both recommended. Vegetable side was very bland. And the music selection was good, but way too loud for the size of the space.

Genuinely the best roast Sunday dinner I've ever had! The pork belly and nut roast is also delicious. Lovely cocktails and nice vibe too

Très beau restaurant proposant des formules a 26 et 32 livres pour entrée/plat ou entrée/plat/dessert Cuisine inventive et plutôt bonne . Déco très sympa. A faire

Very nice restaurant offering formulas at 26 and 32 pounds for starter/main course or starter/main course/dessert Inventive and quite good cuisine. Very nice decor. To do

This is the second time I've been here and i thought it couldn't get any worse than the last time; how wrong I was!!! The service is absolutely shocking!!! Over an hour and 15 mins an still no main course. Not offered a second drink, or asked by staff how our starter was, which was cold; we ate it anyway because we were sooo hungry from waiting. After 40 minutes after finishing our starter, and still no sign of a main, or a second drink, we started to think that we had some how taken on the super power of invisibility. Staff actively ignoring us and walking pass without clearing the table. It wasn't that the restaurant was busy, only 5 tables and at least 5 servers, they just congregated downstairs at the bar only appearing upstairs to fire out the long awaited basic meals that customers ordered a number of hours prior. We waited that long it felt like I was watching people age right infront of my eyes... The look of disbelief on other customers faces, questioning "has kitchen staff gone on strike??" ... "are we waiting for some sort of delivery to arrive before the food is prepared??" ... "is it table numbers in a hat were the next lucky table number pulled out might just get an interaction with servers, or better still a second drink, or could they be lucky and hit the jackpot and actually get some food on a Saturday afternoon??? After, losing the will to live, and being over come with hunger, I gathered up the courage and asked a floor staff member (thats was galloping as fast as she could past the inconveniences, that were customers) when we are likely to get our mains and was told in a bit; asked again and told shortly; ask a gain for a timeframe and told at least another 10 mins!!! Over an hour to cook a chicken burger and chips, SERIOUSLY??! What the hell was the kitchen staff doing, killing and plucking the chicken??! Or out picking the spuds??! We told them to keep the mains, paid for our diet cokes, and cold starters, and left for Supermacs in Foyleside. SuperMac took 10mins to cook a chicken burger and chips and the guy serving was an absolute delight. Ive worked in hospitality for many years and I am very patient (thats why I wanted to give this place a second chance-big mistake!!!) Save your money and will to live, and avoid this place like the plague; or have a large meal before coming because if you're hungry before coming here you'll be waiting that long to get your dinner, the people of Derry/Londonderry may start an appeal for you. Derry/Londonderry deserves better custom service than this level of torture from these slow, disinterested, staff working for a poorly managed so called restaurant!!!

Great place for a meal after walking around the walls. The ambience and staff are great and there's a whole separate menu of vegan and veggie food. What isn't there to like?!

A great place to eat. Don't walk by! We visited on Sunday lunch time. I had the Roast Dinner, Beef Brisket & Cheek, and my husband opted for Battered Fish with chips. Both were fabulous. Followed by Carrot Cake, the very best I've ever had! My husband loved the Apple & Rhubarb Crumble. A big thank to the Chef and lovely Staff team. I'm Coeliac, and this was a lovely menu with plenty of options if you need to avoid gluten.

A place with a modern style and relatively low prices. Content menu, I ordered a smash burger and the meat was sometimes charred, with a very dry taste given by the preponderance of the cheese, similar to thin slices, over the rest of the fresh ingredients. The local beer is excellent. The waitresses are nice.

Restaurant in central Derry (Londonderry for loyalists). We ate both meat and fish well (the inevitable sauces are separate). Cozy atmosphere, good service

Excellent meal, without reservation in advance and the cocktail was also excellent

We had the pan seared Cod on a bed of vegetables. Very good also the brisket and noodles. A good twist on something to do with brisket but im from South Carolina USA and brisket is BBQ. Service was great The location was beautiful.

Amazing food, great choice, friendly service. Nothing bad to say. Welcome was warm and staff sorted us out with a table on a busy night despite us not having booked. Lovely stuff.

Great food, amazing service. We had pasta, a vegan nut roast, and fried haddock. Everything was absolutely delicious. The vegan dessert (an apple-rhubarb crumble with ice cream) was really tasty. Great selection of vegan dishes.

Delicious food! Really tasty and gorgeous options. Loved the 2 or 3 course option. The staff were really lovely and gave great recommendations. Easy to find, right off the city walls.

Without doubt the best restaurant in Derry. Incredible cuisine and flavors that make us want to return to Derry for the next vacation 😁 A big thank you to the chef and his team.

Totally delicious food, nice service and nice atmosphere 😍 I gag immediately..!!

I wanted to give this restaurant a good review the moment I walked in. Great drinks, good food, horrible service. Probably some of the worst service I’ve had in a long time. We were one of 4 tables on a rainy afternoon, with 3 servers on shift, and it took me asking 4 times for water to finally get some. Our drinks ordered took over 20 minutes to come out. The servers were more focused on talking and singing in the back and we were not the only tables evidentially frustrated. We finally were so tired of waiting after being there an hour and a half for our dessert to come out that we demanded our bill and left without enjoying what we paid for. I’ve waitressed before and understand other duties and how challenging customers can be, and insist that whoever’s with me always has a good attitude to servers if they dine with me, but despite good manners and patience it was pretty unreasonable the lack of service that was provided. Would recommend you walk through the castle’s wall and keep going past this place unfortunately

I wanted to give this restaurant a good review the moment I walked in. Great drinks, good food, horrible service. Probably some of the worst service I’ve had in a long time. We were one of 4 tables on a rainy afternoon, with 3 servers on shift, and it took me asking 4 times for water to finally get some. Our drinks ordered took over 20 minutes to come out. The servers were more focused on talking and singing in the back and we were not the only tables evidentially frustrated. We finally were so tired of waiting after being there an hour and a half for our dessert to come out that we demanded our bill and left without enjoying what we paid for. I’ve waitressed before and understand other duties and how challenging customers can be, and insist that whoever’s with me always has a good attitude to servers if they dine with me, but despite good manners and patience it was pretty unreasonable the lack of service that was provided. Would recommend you walk through the castle’s wall and keep going past this place unfortunately.

Excellent restaurant with great food. Right along the wall. Cool atmosphere.

Fabulous Food! Lovely staff couldn’t do enough! We were walk in customers but lucky to get a table! Incredible food at a reasonable price ! Thoroughly enjoyed!

Great place food was amazing and great value

First time was on Easter Sunday so quite busy. Still great food and efficient and friendly staff. Will go back at a quieter time.

Alot if reviews here are positive but go back to last year. I've been several times and it has got worse each time. Recent visit with my family was very disappointing. Food on a limited menu not available, started were very basic and unappetising. Out steaks weren't cooked as requested and poor quality. We also had some battered haddock which just wasnt great. Finally,all sides were just about warm. Very disappointing meal and it wasn't cheap at all. I first went here 18mths ago and it was packed, great atmosphere, the staff were great and food very good. Now it is half empty, lacking any ambience, cold, food average at best and staff are inexperienced and un-engaging ( I got 2 of the worst poured pints I've got in here - for anyone to leave them down to a customer tells me either they don't know any better or don't care). Unfortunately this is an avoid for me now which is a shame as it has potential but seems on the slippery slope to eventually shutting their doors. 3/10.

Had a great family dinner at castle Street social. Great ambiance and food was good. Appreciated the options for kids such as mash with soup, or mash with gravy. Would recommend

Beautiful food friendly and helpful staff

Best chowder I ever had! 👌🏼 And thanks for making the amaretto sour even though it wasn’t on the cocktail list 👏🏼

Great, fresh food, recommend for vegetarians especially - though the meat dishes also looked well.

Everything was first class, the sevice and the atmosphere was brilliant, the staff where very attentive and welcoming, and the food was amazing, I honestly couldn’t recommend it highly enough, already looking forward to my next visit.

The food was so nice, the customer service is excellent and well as the price being reasonable. Will definitely be going again!

Great service, great food. One of our all time favourite places to eat. The Derry Milk chocolate is also yummy. Been here loads do times and will go back

Had a table booked but had to wait a good while to be seated. It was Halloween weekend in Derry though so the place was packed. Food was absolutely amazing when we got it. Reasonable prices too. Staff were super friendly and pleasant despite being rushed off their feet. Would reccomend a visit!

Food is great and the vegan menu has a great selection, even in desserts. Ive been here many times now and never have any complaints!

Really great food and service loved the vegetarian/vegan choices

We stopped in on a whim around 5:15pm and asked if they could seat a party of 5. They said they could if we could be done by 7pm. We were tired and said we could. Service was prompt and courteous and cocktails and beers arrived quickly. We ordered 2 specials (stone bass with pasta), roast lamb rump, ribeye steak, and soup special with a nice salad. We never felt rushed and meals arrived after 15-20 minutes and everything looked spectacular. To a person, we all felt each bite was better than the first. We’ve been in UK and Ireland for almost 3 weeks eating in pubs and restaurants. Without a doubt this was the most amazing meal we’ve eaten. Food was hot, fresh, properly seasoned, and perfectly prepared. The service is terrific and the entire team works with wonderful efficiency. We were so pleased we’re planning to return for my wife’s 60th birthday dinner.

Omg the food was delicious and the service was first class

The service was spotless and the food very good. We’ve got fish and chips.

We were doing the tourist thing and we arrived quite late for lunch. Even so, they let us have lunch without a problem. Very nice people. After all that, a very good meal and in quantity!! To highlight the Angus hamburger.

Waiting an hour for my food☹️crap!!!!!!!

Amazing food and great service, good value with ample food portions would definitely recommend for a visit

Menu looked great beforehand , so was delighted as a GF customer. Booked well in advance for a friends birthday. Initially the “specials• board didn’t match their “specials menu• in terms of pricing, I advised them to change the £7 difference, to avoid confusion. Secondly I asked for a rare steak, I then receive a very well-done steak which was disappointing. I informed staff, while agreeing to eat it anyway, and was met with “glaring “ from 3 other waiting staff after my comment. I didn’t accuse waiting staff of incorrectly cooking a steak, not did I return it, but I was noticeably glared and pointed at after my comment. I said I would eat it anyway. We sat with our finished dinner plates for 55 minutes, one of our party asked them for the bill, we paid it with service. No offer of dessert. After exchange of money, they cleared our dinner plates.

Delicious ragu linguine, nice fresh salad with light dressing; duck cooked just to a T, vegetables ditto. Excellent bottle of Sauvignon blanc. Friendly, helpful and prompt service. Music, but not too loud. Beautiful old building. A real find.

Service a little long, dish ok. The fish is excellent

Went out for a meal with the mrs and her friends. Very nice place with a decent atmosphere. Food was good, although I asked for rare steak and got medium rare, I didn't bother complaining as the staff were very busy! Chap in a newcastle, although didn't serve us, was running everywhere doing pretty much 80% of the serving and order taking. Not sure if he is a manager or not bit deserves a raise either way! Service was good, not amazing as our drinks took a while and one order was forgotten. All in all I would recommend but certain staff appeared to stand and do nothing whilst others appeared overworked!

The staff were very friendly and shared a good laugh with us as we figured out what was actually available (we arrived quite late in the evening). The meal was well prepared and generous. My 82 year old mother wanted a scoop of ice cream for dessert. She was told they only had sundaes. So she asked for a sundae with no syrup, no chocolate and with only one scoop. LOL. She got a sundae fit for a group of 4. oh well!

Very nice food for everything even the salad👍🏻👍🏻, and good service in the small city

As a big fan of ribs, these are now the best I've ever eaten!!!

The restaurant is very nice and charming. The menu is small, which is a good thing. The food was delicious,and the time was well spent with few cocktails after dinner. The only down side is the staff is a bit unorganised and I had a feeling that without the manager on the floor the staff would have no idea what to do and tool a really long time to acctually bring the food to the table. Overall, I would recommend the spot. However, keep in mind you will be waiting for your food for a good while.

Went here for a meal with a few friends tonight. I got the roast chicken panang and it was genuinely the nicest meal I’ve ever had. Éava who was looking after us was absolutely amazing, her service was top class and she really good craic. Would definitely come back for her service alone.

Came in today and was served Eava . Food was amazing and the portions were massive. Eava made our experience ever better and was very helpful and attentive. Will defo be back again.

Food was amazing and cocktails were gorgeous, staff was very helpful and quick with service, Eava was fab!

Went for lunch with family. Tasty food and good service.

Excellent food and staff were extremely considerate and helpful. The quality of the food along with the reasonable price was great!

We stumbled upon this gem of a spot while walking the city. It felt like we had been transported back home to Portland, OR. Great atmosphere inside, great music and amazing food with beautiful presentation. If you’re in Derry come check it out!

Just had Dinner here, wow it's just brilliant, had Courgette Soup as starter, well it was amazing, had Pork Belly (served with Pork Fillet and Deep Fried Crispy Black Pudding an excellent mix) as main with thee best onion rings I've ever tasted and chips. Megan and your colleague were top class. As I'm a National Tourist Guide and Tour Manager I eat out a lot and this is up there with the very best of restaurants. I'll be back!

Fantastic place and staff. Lots of vegan and gluten free and seem to cater for any diet need. Delicious food. The tempura veg and the nut roast were great.

What a great place! Troy and his team make you very welcome to enjoy great food, great atmosphere, terrific bar. Best place we found in the gorgeous town of Derry, and this restaurant is in the oldest part of Derry. Doesn't get better!

This place has the most amazing food iv ate here so many times and I'm never disappointed, staff are lovely and service is amazing 👏

This is a fabulous restaurant. It was recommended to us by the girls in the pickled duck cafe. It is a short walk up the hill from the tower museum. The food is fab, the staff are so attentive and friendly. I had the treacle bread with vegan spread starter, the chickpea burger and garlic fries followed by a vegan apple crumble. The food was excellent. I had a look at the other dishes served and they were like mine, well presented and looked and smelt delicious. I would have no qualms recommending this gem of a restaurant to anyone. It made our evening, as our previous evening's dinner in our hotel was a disaster. Cheers guys, you are a fab team. Note to owner, the guys working for you are great ambassadors for your business, you have hit the nail on the head with your staff and your menu. 100%. If ever I visit Derry again I'll be back.

The best burger I've ever had 😊👍

Have eaten here many times. This time it still remains excellent. The quality and selection of food is excellent . Service was also excellent. We didn’t book but perhaps you should if you’re going at a busy time. The value is exceptional . Go. You will not be disappointed .

Fantastic food and amazing service! And allergen friendly! A must go!

From we walked in the door, every part of r experience was amazing, from the staff, quality of service and food. Omg the food was amazing. Never tasted better. Steak melted in your mouth, and the flavours were unreal..everyone of r 9 party devoured everything clean plates all round..even r vegan member. Staff were unreal, no rush,chilled the atmosphere, ..went back for easter Sunday and will be back again

I would definitely recommend booking this restaurant as it was deservedly very busy on a Friday evening. Most of the menu is described as “Small Plates” but they really are very generous small plates. The choice of a side dish is also included. We both had the haddock risotto, which was nothing short of excellent. We had a very pleasant evening.

Fabulous lunch here on Friday. Wee gf fish & chips simply devine and goat cheese beefroot and walnut salad delicious 😋. Friendly service excellent food and lovely music, what more could you ask for?

Excellent food, great gluten free choices. Service was fast and friendly. Reasonable prices. Will definitely be back.

We just crush the door at 9pm, five uf us, whitout reservation, on 29th december. We almost leave when a Deadpool sweater wearing guy stop us and gave a table. We go blind on his recomandations: Mc Atamney's Picanha Steak and Greencastel Cod. We are Hungarians, we eat spicy... etc. But I can tell it was the best meal served in Ireland! PS to Owner: Take care of the chefs! They are very professional!

Following a recommendation from a local we were lucky enough to get a last minute reservation here on a busy Friday night before Christmas. Was so glad we did. Understated surrounds ( you'd miss it from the outside) but a warm buzzy atmosphere and a...

We asked Rebecca, the waitress we had limited time to eat and she made sure we were served as soon as she possibly could. Delicious Sunday Lunch. We will be back.

I love this restaurant. It appears very unassuming but the food is anything but. I had sea bream with risotto and it was perfectly cooked and delicious. Anything I have had here has always been excellent. If you haven't been then I thoroughly recommend going....

Food was excellent and not too expensive (£40 for 2 dinners and 2 desserts), and we were lucky to be squeezed in without a booking, although staff weren't the friendliest. Party atmosphere inside on a Saturday night.

Only had instant coffee, poor end to the meal

Average food and instant coffee. Service was ok, although not very attentive. Much better options for a night out in Derry

We went on a Thursday evening, when we arrived told to wait as we were " walk-ins" we looked around and there was only two tables in the restaurant eating and the rest was empty. ( only two members of staff working and one was...

great food for a vegan and vegetarian, was struggling to fine fresh food being a veggie but was very pleased with this place, it was cold inside but the food was worth it, value for money, friendly staff, clean. good atmosphere.

Always had great service and food here

Nice restaurant located inside the city walls. Very well decorated and the food was delicious. My only remark is despite the very friendly staff the service needs to be improved (very young inexperienced servers). But I would visit it again.

My wife and I stopped here for dinner without a reservation and were able to get a table. The food was all excellent and the service was friendly.

Fabulous food and menu (normal and small versions which was perfect). All the young staff were so friendly and always quick, quietly working away. Thank you all, our wee group loved you xx

Great food and a nice selection of dishes at a reasonable price! Plus the staff were friendly and attentive. Only positive things to say!

Excellent, delicious and very good food, plated with very good taste. a place to go without hesitation, you will not leave there dissatisfied, the workers are very friendly at all times and with a very pleasant and comfortable atmosphere, 100% recommended

Nice early evening dinner in centre of town Loved the cocktails and enjoyed a selection of the small plates to share! Great tasty food, generous portions, friendly staff ( although the manager appeared a bit curt when we arrived - as we arrived 5 mins early) but the fab service from the rest of the team made up for it Great location Highly recommended

Arrived late in Derry and wandered into town to find something to eat, stumbled upon this restaurant liked the menu and asked if they had a table, fortunately they did and we were well rewarded as the food was excelent.

Good service, fine food. Thanks

We visited this restaurant tonight and was very happy we decided to come here the food was fantastic the staff were so professional this was the first time we had been here but will not be the last very happy with the whole experience and...

Brilliant atmosphere and choices.

Really friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Staff are amazing and very attentive. Food is exceptional!!!! This was our first visit and we will definitely be back, highly recommend😀

Can’t speak highly enough of this restaurant - had an incredible meal there and the staff couldn’t have been more helpful, friendly or accommodating! The food was delicious with a very original menu - vegans in our group were catered to very well which was...

Tasty food, friendly staff. We had trout and picanha (beef), both really good. Awesome dinner!!

If you are tired of fish & chips, I recommend you go there without hesitation. The meals there are very good and inexpensive.

Highly recommended! Great food, friendly maids. Excellent food. Highly recommended. Very friendly waiters/waitresses. Excellent food!!!

An incredible place to dine. Upon arrival they seated us immediately without waiting and the treatment received was excellent and very friendly. The food was delicious and very affordable in price. We would return without hesitation and I recommend it to everyone in addition to the great atmosphere there was. Thank you very much for an unforgettable night.