Dawsons Restaurant in Magherafelt

We go to this amazing restaurant as often as possible as we live 18 miles away but would be in it all the time if we lived closer, it's worth every mile. Service is fantastic & the food is just a completely different level. We attended for the 6 course taster menu (not the first time) & every course was exceptional! Accompanied by lovely wine & company not to mention the front of house Martina, Maria, & all the staff giving top quality service & detail to everyone of the customers. Stephen hope owner & chef should deserves praise beyond praise for his culinary delights! Our taste buds were dancing. Thankyou all. Might return today for the Sunday lunch 😋

Excellent restaurant. Great service, somewhat limited menu but very well done. The pineapple dessert is as good as it gets.

From the moment you step inside, the warm ambiance and attentive service set the tone for an enjoyable meal. We stopped by for Sunday lunch and Dawson’s didn’t disappoint!! The staff at Dawson’s are knowledgeable and friendly, providing impeccable service without being intrusive. They are eager to share insights about the menu and offer recommendations, making you feel genuinely valued as a guest. The menu is a testament to the region’s rich culinary heritage, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and is delicious. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted, showcasing the chef’s skill and passion. Considering the quality of the food, the attentive service, and the overall dining experience, Dawson’s offers great value for the price. It’s clear that a lot of care goes into each dish, making it worth every penny. Dawson’s Restaurant in Castledawson is a culinary gem that deserves a visit.

I love it here the food is delicious

Went with three friends last Friday evening for their Friday two course special menu offer. One of the party and I had an extra course. All three were excellent and served by very friendly and helpful staff. Cant wait to go back again. Best restaurant I have been in for some time.

A lovely spot halfway in N. Ireland between Londonderry and Belfast making it easier to meet with friends. Friendly staff and helpful. Food very good and portions more than adeqate. Nicely presented also. Staff a little over-attentive during the meal. One check may have been enough but i think we had 4. I only drop it one star as we were asked to give our table up for another booking (which had been noted at the time of booking to be fair) yet there were 6 tables around us which were empty . No-one was waiting at the door for a table and we were around for another 10 minutes talking to staff. Not sure why we were encouraged onwards but did feel a bit "turfed out". Fully understand when the tables need turned when space is at a premium but in this case it didn't appear like that.

We went 10/08/24 for taster menu. We have went twice previously for the taster menu & we love good food. Also went to other tasting menus at other eateries. WOW food was best we have ever eaten! Also the cheapest we have paid for a taster menu all accompanied by live music. Really cannot say adequately how amazing everything was from the fantastic staff ( so friendly, pleasant, & top service) well done to Stephen hope chef, front of house martine, Maria & co. The most enjoyable evening we can remember. Can't wait to next taster eve, & perhaps quite a few Sundays in between. 😉😋 thankyou all x

Out for Sunday lunch for my birthday The orzo starter was amazing....flavours were out of this world. Quite possibly the best starter I've ever had. Unfortunately the rest of the meal was not up to the same amazing standard. We all ordered roast dinner for Sunday lunch. It was fine.....just rather pedestrian. My own Sunday lunch tastes better. Lamb was tender but overcooked. Dessert of brownie was again fine, however, overcooked as brownie was not gooey at all and a bit dry. V long wait between starter and main of at least 45 mins. I certainly wouldn't complain about the meal to wait staff, as it wasnt that bad, but will sadly not be returning as it was a bit disappointing

As always, a warm welcome, attentive staff and great food.

Beautiful restaurant and gorgeous food lovely friendly staff

The food was delicious and staff really friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend the 3 course Sunday lunch and it was very reasonably priced for such high quality food.

The food was absolutely delicious and the staff were very friendly and helpful. I highly recommend the 3 course Sunday lunch and the price was very reasonable for such high quality food. Would definitely visit again 😀

We turned up 15 mins before they officially opened as we had a long motorcycle ride and needed a coffee and a break .Maria informed us that if we take a seat in the out door area it would not be a problem to serve us. Not only was all the staff we came in contact very welcoming you could see by their attention to customer service that this is a well run establishment. We wish them all the very best for the future

Just home from Dawsons restaurant for a birthday treat and what a treat it was. We were given a very warm welcome from all the friendly staff. Roasted tomato soup for starters. Piping hot and delicious flavour. Steak for main course cooked to perfection couldn't get better anywhere. Barbecued pineapple for dessert it is a treat for you taste buds.Great restaurant best one in this area. We'll done to Stephen and all his staff. Looking forward to our next visit.

Book this restaurant!!! Incredible food, lovely venue and the most lovely friendly staff!! My mum and I ate here and had the best steak we've have ever had. Will absolutely visit again when we’re next in Ireland!

Beautiful restaurant…. Lovely vibe in the premises… staff are very pleasant and the food is to die for 😊😊

Up there with one of the best restaurants I’ve visited in Ireland, and my top 3 in the whole of Ulster. The staff were great craic with our group of 6, and the atmosphere in the restaurant was busy in a nice setting. For starters we tried the duck egg, salted Chili chicken (best a few of us had ever had!) and goat’s cheese. Mains I had the braised beef - so tender, with gravy and mash. My partner had the lemon sole, others had the orzo, fillet steaks and supreme of chicken. We had some wine and orange gin also, everything was top quality, even the garnish served with the starters was extremely fresh and really made a difference, the fine details. Desserts were the BBQ pineapple and dark chocolate fondant, unbelievable ! Raspberry sorbet with the fondant was particularly good. 10/10 for all of us, we will definitely back, it’s our new special occasion dining choice now for sure. It worked out roughly £50pp between 6, but we had 3 courses and some drinks, I thought this very reasonable compared with Belfast / Dublin restaurants.

Up there with one of the best restaurants I’ve visited in Ireland, and my top 3 in the whole of Ulster. The staff were great craic with our group of 6, and the atmosphere in the restaurant was busy in a nice setting. For starters we tried the duck egg, salted Chili chicken (best a few of us had ever had!) and goat’s cheese. Mains I had the braised beef - so tender, with gravy and mash. My partner had the lemon sole, others had the orzo, fillet steaks and supreme of chicken. We had some wine and orange gin also, everything was top quality, even the garnish served with the starters was extremely fresh and really made a difference, the fine details. Desserts were the BBQ pineapple and dark chocolate fondant, unbelievable ! Raspberry sorbet with the fondant was particularly good. 10/10 for all of us, we will definitely back, it’s our new special occasion dining choice now for sure. It worked out roughly £50pp between 6, but we had 3 courses and some drinks, I thought this very reasonable compared with Belfast / Dublin restaurants.

Behold, the £30 fillet steak extravaganza, accompanied by a dried mushroom and the tragic tale of half-tomato. It's like the restaurant read my mind... or maybe just my wallet!

I have visited many MICHELIN Guide star restaurants and this humble chef deserves a solid star!!! There is flavor, balance, structure and atmosphere here. What more do you need to spend an evening with friends?

I have visited many MICHELIN Guide star restaurants and this humble chef deserves a solid star!!! There is flavor, balance, structure and atmosphere here. What more do you need to spend an evening with friends?

Gorgeous food in a lovely setting. Could maybe do with a few more menu options but to date anything I have eaten on my couple of visits has been absolutely gorgeous.

This is my second visit to Dawson’s and I will definitely be back. Once again the food was excellent - highly recommend the Goats Cheese (starter), the steak (main) and the rice pudding (dessert). Although I have no doubt that whatever you choose will be excellent. Looking forward to my next visit. Very attentive service too.

Coming from Portstewart, myself and four others had a great dining experience at Dawsons. Starters, main course and deserts were superb. We all had a taste of each other's - my favourite being the duck egg, followed by the tender braised beef - delicious; wholesome homemade ingredients. Martina and her staff gave us great attention and craic with the overall vibe of the restaurant warm and welcoming. We will be back!

Beautiful experience, gorgeous food and the staff were very friendly would highly recommend

Hidden gem. Great food. Lovely ambience. Friendly staff. Will definitely return. Reservations essential.

Beautiful cosy restaurant, with excellent staff. Spectacular food at very reasonable prices. This is my favourite place to dine & don't mind the 17 mile drive, its worth every mile. If your within travelling distance treat yourself to a culinary delight you won't be disappointed. Congratulations to Stephen hope owner/chef, Martina, Maria & all the front of house staff.

Yum, yum, yum. I try to get to this restaurant any time I’m in the area. Excellent food, wine and service. Brought my brother who lives in Belfast. He was blown away. Best restaurant in the area. Bravo, keep it up. Looking forward to the next time.

A hidden gem in the heart of Northern Ireland in mid Ulster. Didn’t realise this restaurant existed in this little country town. The food and wine selection was lovely and it was difficulty to make a choice. Will definitely return.

NYD dinner delicious, perfect steak and salt and chilli starter amazing.Thanks to the lovely Maria for looking after us she was fabulous.. will definitely return.

Great food and service, poor lighting, could barely see the small writing on the menu

Had a beautiful meal with a large family group including some with allergies. Staff were very attentive. The food was excellent and enjoyed by both adults and kids. Would definitely recommend for top quality food in the Mid Ulster area.

Visited Dawsons for Sunday lunch and the food was only matched by the brilliant friendly service. Looking forward to going back.

First visit for special tasting menu. Have to say not disappointed. Food and wines were to die for and very attentive and friendly staff. Live singer added a special touch! Overall a very special evening. Thanks to all.

Always top quality in everything the best food, service and staff.

Fantastic restaurant, food, and service were equally outstanding. Very relaxed atmosphere, had an amazing Sunday lunch and will definitely be back soon.

Wonderful restaurant. Staff and food excellent.

Having viewed many local restaurants in the area in this site we decided to go here due to the interesting menu and great comments. We weren't disappointed. The food and service were excellent and accommodation of allergies was done without any alteration of the rest of the dishes, just the removal of allergic item. Chef and staff seemed determined to make sure we left happy, we certainly did. We'll be back.

Food delicious & well presented

It has been a long time since I enjoyed a meal in a restaurant like this. food was superb. goats cheese starter, so so good. I had slow cooked beef, just to die, for my husband had trout again superb. The waiting staff were so friendly and courteous.The service was so good. I cannot wait to go back.

Went there for Sunday lunch with my family and honestly, we couldn’t be more impressed. The service was excellent and the food stunning. I live in London and have done for 8+ years and Dawsons would sit anywhere in London as a great restaurant. Can’t wait to go back!

Great meal . Staff where very attentive. Could not be faulted . Definitely recommend to anyone .

Gorgeous food, great atmosphere and excellent service 👌

Great food, great service, great atmosphere, and great company = a GREAT DAY. Thanks

Yet again, we had a great lunch. The soup was outstanding and, I forgot to ask for a half portion of lamb roast. It was a huge portion!! Should I say 'man size' but not for tiny me!! But so delicious! The staff are terrific too.

As always a fabulous meal in beautiful surroundings, and the staff are excellent.

Family celebration Ruby anniversary for our parents. Food and service was just 1st class with our own private area. Love going here for a treat.

Fantastic place. Good value for money. Nice atmosphere. Perfect little spot in our own home town 🥂

Everything has been perfect this year.

Fantastic restaurant, some of the best food I have ever eaten. The steak was superb!

We recently celebrated a special birthday at this venue and can't speak highly enough about the food and service. The staff were extremely friendly and attentive and the food was first class. We received five star treatment throughout . My thanks to all involved for making it a night to remember.

Food delicious. Service amazing. Attention to detail👍. Can't wait to go back 😋

This was our 2nd visit & cannot wait to return. Warm welcoming attentive staff & amazing food. Warm, comfortable very clean surroundings. We had the 6 course tasting menu. . WOW. Perfect sized portions & mouth watering food with excellent value for money. We will see you again very soon. 😋 Will post pictures next visit as we just could not wait to eat our food. Congratulations to the chef & all the lovely staff!

Staff & food amazing, warm welcoming attentive staff. Beautiful clean, comfortable surroundings. This was our 2nd visit (travelling from antrim) worth every mile! We had the taster menu & every course was fantastic also to mention value for money. 6 courses (very well portioned so it's manageable) had my sister in law with us for her first visit & she purchased a voucher to ensure we will return with more family members in very near future. We'll done to the chef & staff. Can't wait to return. See yous soon 😋👏👏👏

The food in Dawson's is of such a high standard, and the staff are so good, very professional but with that informal friendly touch that makes it a lovely experience from start to finish. From the cocktails to the starters, mains, desserts and coffees, it was all exceptional, often with just a little point of difference, and difficult to pick out any favourites, although the lamb was the best we have ever tasted. We are so lucky to have this great local restaurant on our doorstep, and can assure anyone it is well worth travelling to!

Had such a wonderful meal here this evening. We received such a warm welcome and the staff were very attentive throughout the meal. Food was outstanding and the sticky toffee pudding was so light we will definitely be back

From the moment you arrive in Dawsons you are made to feel special. Then comes the food and that is also special. We had not been able to return to this restaurant due to Covid but the wait was worth it.

Had the six course taster menu and every morsel was just fabulous. Highly recommend it.

We visited this restaurant for 1st time travelling from Antrim. We searched the Internet for few days to get good food & comfortable surroundings, so glad we chose this restaurant. Was excellent from start to finish from the warm reception & very friendly knowledgeable staff. Our drinks order arrived promptly & the time between courses was spot on. Our party was 4 people, my mum & dad in law ordered from the early bird which was very reasonably priced, with my husband & I ordering from the a la carte menu. All the food was of the same exceptional standard. Could not pick a favourite as it was all so good, scallop & goats cheese starters seabass, fish pie & braised beef mains. Well worth travelling for & we will return. . Thankyou to the chef & staff for the lovely evening.

Went for dinner for our wedding anniversary. Food was fantastic. All the staff were very friendly and made us feel extremely welcome. Would definitely go again. 😁

Loved our night here. Friendly, relaxed informal, great service and food and drinks were excellent. Would highly recommend especially the 6 course tasting menu for £45 which is great value.

We had the 6 course tasting menu last night . It was fabulous . Unbelievable value for money . The desserts the best I’ve ever tasted . The Service was amazing . Well worth travelling for .

Excellent food beautifully served. Highly recommend. Look forward to visiting again.

Superb! Highlights were the goats cheese starter and the crème brulé, but excellent from start to finish. Great service too.

Stunning food and service as always. Great for those special occasions. Also according to my nieces Holli and Lucy the chips are 'Amazing' and Gordon Ramsey couldn't make better...😂

A lovely evening with great food!

Delicious food, warm and friendly staff... This visitor from Scotland had a great evening...

As always Dawsons never disappoints. Staff polite and helpful, food was terrific. I just wish I could do this every evening.

The restaurant was excellent would really recommend it. The menu was concise which I love as you know the meal will be fresh. As a party we had the goat cheese, salt and chilli chicken and Orzo for starters. Then a steak, braised beef and cod for a main course. All the food was great, I had the beef and would really recommend it. The staff were friendly, and engaging. Without it being forced.

A fantastic eating experience, food was 5* and the staff were very friendly and welcoming. We will definitely be back great food and good prices 👌

Excellent food and service, if I had to make any complaint would be that the prices have increased significantly and portions were slightly smaller thow I will still return again. Ps still only light girly beer on tap.

Great food, warm a friendly service from the staff. Highly recommended.

Were do I start ? From the lovely warm welcome by the manager “ come in you must be freezing and hungry” to the lovely decor , the beautiful table at the window , great atmosphere which a lot of restaurants lack due to C19...

First visit back to Dawsons since lockdown and if its possible this restaurant just keeps getting better and better, met by Marion on arrival - great to see her again looking so good after the birth of baby Carragh... waiting staff as always were friendly...

Ticking all the boxes. Great food. Great wine. Great service!

Brilliant service. Brilliant food!!

Great food, great service and great atmosphere. Same as it’s always been. Thank you. We will definitely be back.

Had an excellent experience at Dawson's from start to finish. Our food was delicious. Four of the party had steaks, all of which were cooked to perfection, and the restaurant also offered a good vegetarian menu. All staff were friendly, attentive and very obliging. There...

Had a meal in this restaurant last Sunday evening and have to say it was one of the best I've had in a long time. I went for Goats cheese salad followed by the Seabass absolutely delicious , from the presentation to the flavour it...

Absolutely love Dawsons, its one of our favourite restaurants and we call as often as possible. The food is always delicious, their staff are fantastic and overall experience is always first class.

Visited tonight for the 50% off deal. 3 courses for £11.95 (£10 off). Certainly would not pay £21.95 under normal circumstances for this mediocre meal. Crab starter was a small brioche finger roll with some crab stuck in it and a bit of dressing on...

Have been to Dawsons twice in the past 2 weeks. Both times excellent service, very friendly staff and food was lovely. We go back as the standards are high with regards to Covid, all staff wear masks and i witnessed tables, seats etc being cleaned...

We had Sunday lunch here today to celebrate a family birthday. There were 4 adults and 2 children. I was absolutely amazed at the attention paid to us by the staff and particularly to the children. The brie starters were delicious- the meat main course...

Food was georgus and service was exceptional.

My wife and sister had the sea bass very nice they said and i had filet steak have had better a lot of tendons through it sorry to say that but true other wish nice place

From the 7 courses we tucked into, none of us could choose a favourite. From start to finish the food was superb! Not only that; the atmosphere, waiting staff & entertainment all combined created a great evening. Such a well executed night! Very talented chef...

Excellent food, great service absolutely perfect

Have been here a few times and each time I've thoroughly enjoyed it. Ive eaten the steak, braised beef, sea bass, all amazing. Very friendly staff, always helpful, and knowledgeable, I am very happy to highly recommend.

Great restaurant. Beautifully presented food. Extensive menu. Great value friendly service. What more can I say 5*

Been here before on a few occasions and each time the food has been delicious. So I have recommended it to friends and even bought gift vouchers but I'm afraid I won't be doing either of that again. Was so disappointed on this occasion with...

Lovely place. Fantastic food. A hidden gem. Chef and staff amazing. I drove from Belfast to have dinner there with friends from the area and it certainly was worth every mile I drove. Will definitely be back.

What a total meal experience tonight. 11 out of 10. Stephen Hope and his beautiful wife Marion are just amazing. The meal the staff the atmosphere was 2nd to none. We have to mention Maria, Grace and the young man doing the bar (sorry I...

Had a terrible experience, firstly went one Saturday night, awful, attentive enough staff but food, a lot to be desired!! Thought perhaps we hit bad night so gave it another go mid week..Arrived, restaurant was cold, table for two very small, we where sat at...

When you rave about a place to friends it can be scary when you finally take them. No need to worry Dawson’s is just Class. As one off my friends said “they had us in their hands from the moment we were greeted until the farewells after a truly Delightful culinary experience. Now who will we take next time?

Had birthday meal Amazing food good portions . excellent service , beautiful decor can’t wait to next date night 😋

Went here for a family celebration - a 70th Birthday party. The food exceeded our expectations and the service was so friendly and attentive. We will certainly be back and would highly recommend.

As usual everything was perfect

Beautiful meal, fantastic attentive staff - couldn't ask for more. Will definitely be back!

I had a lovely meal here recently! The staff were so friendly and couldn’t do enough for us. The early bird is great value. I don’t understand why this restaurant is not busier! It’s a real gem!

Beautiful food as always in Dawson’s. Quickly shown to our table, excellent service, fabulous menu. When we were too cold our waitress very kindly switched off the air con (sister of the owner). Food was freshly cooked, absolutely delicious. Excellent venue, superb staff. Would highly recommend.