Saltwater Brig in Ards

Amazing food, great welcome, and hospitality. A wonderful place. Can't recommend highly enough. Thank you 😊

My husband and I had a lovely meal. Staff were friendly, but the food was first class

Small family run business and you can feel it from the moment you step through the doors. We keep coming back because the food is just outstanding. The quality you'd expect from a posh restaurant in a little homely feeling pub has really taken me by surprise. I find it difficult to enjoy a meal out a lot of the time because of how picky I've become over the years but the the first time we ate there I felt like every single element was 10/10 and we keep coming back to find the quality is always the same which is rare these days. Even on a packed Saturday night the service is excellent. Frist of all Staff - they are all quite young with just one lady running the show who is clearly quite experienced. That was the case on each of our visits with a different "lady in charge" who I assume are either owners or the family. The care they put into accommodating us even when it's packed is just wonderful and even on one occasion when we arrived after kitchen had closed they did not turn us away and we got some hot chips to sustain us before we hot home. As I mentioned rest of front staff are quite young and I come to expect the young gen z servers to be grumpy and unprofessional because that's the experience I've always experienced "in the city" but the ones at Saltwater brig are always friendly, polite, attentive and accommodating. They are the most hardworking kids I've met in a long time and it makes me feel even more determined to go back and support this small business with my custom. Now onto the food... we had few soups there and they were always quite homely and delicious. My only issue was that I couldn't horse it in me quick enough because it was pippin hot which of course is more of a compliment than a complaint. The deep fried brie starter was also incredible as the panko coating was super crispy and delicious in itself rather than stodgy with frying fat as it can be in some places. The accompanying cranberry dip was tasty and complimented it well as well as rounded small salad with delicious balsamic glaze. We had tried various mains the crispy salted chilli chicken strips, roast beef, turkey, steak and seafood platter. All were delicious but chicken and beef really stand out. The chicken strips were very crispy but not too dry as chicken was still tender. The roast beef is always so tender it falls apart under the fork. I have also been really impressed by the sides - the gravy is homemade and tastes like good roast not like gravy granules you get in most places, the mash potatoes were perfect and fresh rather than cooked ahead, kept in the fridge and reheated later (I'm fussy about it so I can tell the difference). I always enjoy the perfect texture of spuds and even the chips had been wonderful. As a failed vegan I love my veg and the ones the Brig serves are never leaving me disappointed. At times I go through them first before I touch rest of my dinner. There is usually a mix of seasonal veg like carrots and/or parsnips, tenderstem broccoli and on one occasion shredded young cabbage. They are always full of flavour and well seasoned. I never feel like they are just an afterthought like I have found in other steakhouses. Side salads are also nice. The deserts are always amazing and it is tough to say no to the apple crumble even after the mains have me bursting at the seams. The apple is perfectly roasted not tart but not too sweet with the crumble topping very buttery with touch of cinnamon absolute poetry. On one occasion we asked for it to go because we were too full but couldn't resist it. Even reheated at home it was delicious. The drinks selection at The Saltwater Brig could be a separate review in itself. They have incredibly wide selection of Irish whiskies and other spirits. We always drive so don't get to try it but they have Guinness 0 and another alcohol free lager on tap (carlsberg I think) plus alcohol free cider and good soft drinks selection. Thank you Saltwater Bring, will be back.

Fabulous food you won’t leave hungry and lovely friendly staff. ❤️

Great food staff very friendly and attentive

Lovely place and the food is beautiful

A fabulous place for food with a lovely atmosphere. We went here after having been to the Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry.

First time here. Won't be the last. Lovely food great atmosphere.

On the recommendation of a friend we called for lunch in The Saltwater Brig. There is a large carpark just across the road so parking is not a problem. On entering all the staff were extremely welcoming and professional, inside is quite quirky with lots of memorabilia, there appears to be a conservatory and an outside dining area. The menu was quite extensive with dishes to suit everyone also a well stocked bar. The food was excellent and very reasonable. I would imagine if you were calling at the weekend or in the evening it would be best to book. The Saltwater Brig is now on our goto list and we will look forward to visiting again in the very near future.

Great food, very friendly staff - we came away very well fed!!!

Booked a table for 4pm , change of plan meant we arrived just after 3pm. Not a problem to the lovely lady at the desk . We were seated and both chose seafood , mine was cod in beer batter with garlic fries , my other half had the seafood special of smoked salmon , prawns , rollmop herrring , with salad and wheaten bread . Both meals were delicious with generous portions . Can’t wait to go back ASAP

Just a great place, a nice laid back atmosphere. The staff couldn't be more accommodating, just a perfect level of attention without being too much. Food is consistently good, plenty of choice, served quickly and without fuss. The Guinness deserves a mention, they know how to pour a pint. It's a bit of a run for us but it's well worth a drive down the peninsula for a great meal.

Lovely place,lovely helpful staff, meals were delicious and came out piping hot.. We were in the area on holiday,sadly we are leaving soon..but I would recommend it for a nice meal and drink

We love this place for dinner, especially Sunday roast beef, cooked to perfection everytime, good reasonable prices, staff very professional and friendly, the staff work hard, always kept on their toes giving an excellent service. Thank you salt water brig!

A lovely experience. Wonderful food, great atmosphere and the service from the young waiting staff was friendly and a credit to themselves and the establishment.

Friendly service and excellent food. We have eaten here several times and it never disappoints. We are a family of six with two teenagers and two small children. The kids menu is good.

Great food, service and prices! Book in advance

First visit and was very impressed.

Warm and welcoming atmosphere, interesting decor. There are outdoor tables in the garden. The staff are very friendly and the service is quick. The portions were very well served! Impressed by the quantity.

Stayed over in the car park in our campervan last night. Had a meal and it was delicious. Hubby had the big burger and what a feast it was and so delicious. I had the lobster and langoustine burger which was beautiful and something just that little bit different. The atmosphere was lovely and it's such a quirky little place. The staff were delightful and so friendly. Would highly recommend 😋👍

Beautiful country pub/restaurant just outside of Kircubbin. Staff super friendly, food beautiful and has the most amazing beer garden and outdoor space. A definate must if you're visiting the Strangford area. My go to restaurant when at my caravan. Have been many times and never been dissapointed. We love it! ❤️

It's a while since we were last in the Saltwater Brig but once again it didn't disappoint.

SuperDuper scampi and battered cod plus the yummy cheesecake. 5***** all the way --- actually, make that 10****** Highly recommended. Worth every penny and more.

Nice traditional restaurant/bar, child friendly, nice food. Outdoor eating/drinking areas too

If you're in this part of the Ard peninsula, a visit is practically compulsory. This place has a long and fascinating history - for a while, long ago, it only opened one day a year! But fortunately it's open rather more often these days. The food was good and plentiful, and there were plenty of local people eating, which is always a good sign. Service was friendly and efficient.

Compliments to the chef. Food was amazing ! We thoroughly enjoyed our night. Brought friends from Limavady here on Saturday night. We weren’t disappointed. Friendly staff and great food. Will be back.

saltwater brig was recommended to us by a local following a long drive, it did not disappoint! we both had the seafood combo and it was just what we needed, delicious! Great venue with fantastic staff a total surprise. I did notice when we sat down that there was a steady stream of customers coming in, people obviously in the know!! Very encouraging to see a country pub doing well, they deserve it We also noticed the meals coming to other tables, all looked fantastic also, hats off to saltwater brig!!

What a find! Really friendly staff team, who were very welcoming. The food is divine. I had the softest, most well cooked squid I've eaten, anywhere in the world. The scampi, in a tempura style batter was melt in your mouth. Served with garlic Parmentier potatoes and a caesar salad. My husband had chicken wings then the seafood combo, which he visibly enjoyed. It was really good value for money and a lovely end to our first visit to Ireland. We even stayed over in their car park in our motorhome. Thank you so much to the landlord and his team for a great evening

Good food and service. Called in for Sunday lunch without booking and we were offered a nice table. We opted for the roast dinners, roast beef and turkey & ham. The waitress took our orders and brought a jug of water to the table. About 15mins later we were presented with beautifully cooked plates of food. The meats were tender and the vegtables nicely cooked. We both enjoyed our meals and look forward to returning soon.

Free motorhome parking overnight...friendly staff...

I recently attended a wedding there and can thoroughly recommend it for a family reunion or a beautiful family get together that needs to be celebrated.

From the moment wee walked in the service was great. Wee were out with friends for dinner food was great and very filling Great spot for food and a few drinks. We had curry fish and bbq combo all great

Bit slow but they were busy! Not there fault.

About my 6 time here food staff and ambience first class . Visited with relatives and it didn't disappoint not a scrap of food left on our plates many thanks

Very varied menu reasonably priced quick efficient service in a cosy setting

Had a fantastic mid week meal out with the family. The place was packed and the food excellent. It was our first time and it certainly wont be our last. It had a welcoming and cosy feel to the place and the staff were great. Thank you

What a brilliant place to eat and enjoy the atmosphere. 6 of us ate here today including 2 young kids. The food was amazing. I would recommend the seafood combo. Such a big plate of food, good job too as my son pinched quite a bit of it! My wife had the sea bass and said it was lovely. I had a look outside and there is a large beer garden too. Carpark is across the road with lots of space, but take care crossing the road, especially with kids. Well worth calling in if you are out and about this summer.

Travelling from Newtownards through Kircubbin towards Portaferry, you will pass Saltwater Brig. And it would be quite the mistake on your part if you didn’t stop for a bite or a beverage at this long-established (circa 1765, would you believe?) pub and restaurant. “The Brig” has a traditional feel, not only in the comfortable interior with a cosy “snug”, main bar and relaxing beer garden with its beautiful views over the Lough, but also in the menu, featuring lots of pub-grub style favourites using top quality locally sourced ingredients. We were greeted by the wonderful Orla, who has been at the helm of Saltwater Brig with Joe for nearly twenty years, and enjoyed one of our favourite white wines, a crisp, summery Green & Social Verdejo while we perused the menu. And the chef kindly sent out an amuse bouche of Cream of Chicken & White Onion Soup to whet our appetites! To start, the delightful Donna served us a Portavogie Prawn Cocktail with Hand Shelled Prawns, Mixed Baby Leaf & Cherry Tomato Salad, Salsa, Marie Rose Sauce, served with Wheaten Bread. We also had a bowl of Fresh Strangford Lough Rope Mussels in a White Wine & Garlic Cream, with Toasted Sourdough to mop up the delicious sauce. To follow, the Seafood Combo-an incredible selection of Beer Battered Portavogie Scampi, Crispy Salt & Chilli Squid on Asian Slaw, Lemon & Black Pepper Crumbed Cod Scampi, Battered Smoked Cod Goujons and Trio Of Dips, came with a choice of side. We went for some golden, crispy chunky chips. And the Pan Fried Seabass Fillets on Herb Crushed Potatoes surrounded by a White Wine Cream Sauce packed with Prawns, and served with Tender-stem Broccoli was delicate and delicious. To finish, the Spiced, Bramley Apple Crumble, fragrant with Oats & Cinnamon, came with a jug of steaming Home Made Vanilla Custard & Vanilla Ice Cream. And for a nightcap, the extensive Whisky Menu has plenty of old favourites, and some newer drams. Thank you so much to all the team at Saltwater Brig for a great evening of food, drink, and craic!

Always somewhere you can rely on for good food and company. Sadly can be a restricted choice late on in the day!

An excellent place to eat quality affordable food with exceptional service. Wherever I'm on the Ards Peninsula and need fed, I'm going here. Try it you won't be sorry!!!

We had an EXCELLENT 3course meal here for my Birthday - Glorious Food & Atmosphere.

Called on Wednesday of Easter week and enjoyed an excellent meal! Service was great and meals arrived in a timely fashion despite it being very busy. Food was delicious with very generous portions. Have eaten here a few times recently and every time had an excellent meal…thought it was time I left a review to recommend to others!

Food and service were first class.. Great pint of Guiness also..I got salt and chilli squid to start and a gluten free battered cod..staff were lovely. nicest meal out in a long time.

Just love the Brig, great place to eat.

This was our 2nd time in the Saltwater Brig, the food and the service was excellent. Would highly recommend visiting if you are in the area.

Excellent food. Traditional restaurant and bar. Nice friendly staff. Will definitely be back again 😄

Regular visitors here for a Sunday lunch. Food and service always great. Accommodation of dietary requirements excellent.

We had another great meal at our favourite restaurant on Sunday evening. All our food was top quality, well cooked and presented and I would definitely recommend the roast beef dinner and the delicious seafood combo ! On top of the great food, every one of the friendly, smiling and attentive staff made us feel welcomed and relaxed. Looking forward to our next visit already !

Visited 16th March. Had a great meal "Meat Combo" absolutely delicious. Staff were attentive but not overly so. Only criticism, could use better ice-cream.

A quaint country pub/restaurant. A lovely atmosphere and friendly and helpful staff. Food was delicious. Will definitely be back and ill recommend it to anyone who ventures down to Strangford lough. The manageress was so nice. Five stars to you all

We went here for mother and mother in-law late lunch. Warm cosy restaurant. Very friendly staff and efficient staff. We got lovely table near the fire and beside the window. We had 2 main courses and 3 starters and sides. All beautiful and very tasty. Wld definitely recommend this restaurant. Also appreciated the lady manager making a point of saying goodbye.

Was here on Saturday night, we had the steak and the combo meal! The wings and chicken strips were so good!! Onions rings were fab.ribs too!!was one of the best I’ve had ! If I had to ale any criticism, it would be that the lighting was very bright!! Staff were lovely as always!!really good atmosphere

Great meal and service as per usual. Thanks again

such a warm welcome from Donna and team beautiful food and warm friendly atmosphere and welcome to stay overnight in our motorhome

Wanted to give more stars. The service was excellent. Food was delicious. Plant based salt n chilli bites was the best. The slow roasted silverside of beef was spot on. The pint of Guinness was refreshing. Saltwater Brig is one of the best. Worth money.

Love love love this restaurant from its excellent food to its amazing staff especially Donna excellent service always with a smile...we had the seafood combo & sirloin sizzler dish delicious....will always come back & recommend anyone...

Had l lovely dinner here with my daughter son in law and grandchildren. Food lovely very friendly staff. Will be back .

Staff were friendly and service was excellent. I had a roast beef dinner and it was flawless. My son had a kids fish and chips which was both quality and well made. Many restaurants throw processed rubbish on the kids menu, but this was just like a mini version of an adults fish and chips, and my son enjoyed every crumb of it. Prices were reasonable too.

Came here for the first time today. Got the seafood combo which was MASSIVE! and the chilli mayo cubes and both were divine wow! The light crisp batter on the fish was amazing and everything was so fresh. Nice friendly staff. The pavlova for dessert was to die for!

Friendly and helpful staff. Food and portion size was very good. A little bit too cosy, I'm not interested in the neighbours conversation and I'm sure they were thinking the same as we had 2 toddlers. Garden could do with something for the little ones to keep them entertained while the adults keep drinking and spending.

Always first class in food and service, lovely relaxing atmosphere , beautiful setting in the rambling countryside, just the perfect place.

Called in today on our way past and were welcomed by lovely staff! We hadn’t booked a table but they quickly got us sorted for a table suitable for us and our 2 kids. The service was fantastic with food and drinks being served promptly. I had the roast turkey dinner and my husband had salmon. Both meals were amazing, we both commented the best we’ve eaten in a while! We will definitely return in future. Thank you!

Good food and service - in a traditional pub setting. Really enjoyed the cod and chips, and the scampi and chips were also very good.

Another lovely meal at the Saltwater Brig, great food, service and atmosphere.

Great menu, with GF options too. Friendly staff and a lovely atmosphere.

Hadden been to the brig for a few years, but can honestly say better than ever. My wife and I had the two course Sunday lunch, the roast beef and turkey and ham absolutely delicious, veg and potatoes cooked perfectly. Will be back soon

Class find for a lunch or dinner thur to sun nice fire 🔥 cosy spot if the fire stays lite eh girls...

Fabulous food. Lovely and cosy. Great atmosphere and great staff. Highly recommend it for quality food

What a great place... Food absolutely delicious, and great portion sizes too. Nothing not to like. Good atmosphere, lovely friendly staff, great service, and you definitely won't go hungry. Massive car park over the road and plenty of seating inside for a big or small group of diners. Sunday roast is very recommended!

Delicious food and warm welcome.

Hadn’t been here for sometime. Myself and my partner stayed in Portaferry and this place was the nearest. The starters Pate and Goats cheese were excellent. The main course mixed fish and Scampi were equally as good. On the whole the food was great and the service was also excellent. Great value for money too.

Excellent food! Staff are very friendly, welcoming, and kind. Guiness Zero on draft! Winner!

Went for a drink today, service was 1st class as always. Hats off to the staff.

Lovely food, staff nice and friendly..chef is quick ..didn't wait long after ordering.. definitely recommended 😁

Quaint surroundings and the food was great. Good choise of dishes. My only problem was what to choose. Will be back to try some of the other choises

Living locally we visit the Brig a few times a year and it's always good but last night it was outstanding. The menu has been revised and I look forward to eating my way through it. I would personally recommend the seafood combo which was cooked and presented to perfection, packed with flavours and reasonably priced.

Our goto restaurant, friendly and welcoming staff, excellent food what's not to like

Lovely bar inside, good atmosphere and great food at reasonable prices. Varied menu making it hard to decide. Staff very welcoming and polite. Will definitely return very soon.

Delighted, the food was very good although we were disappointed with the scampi, which is why I gave it 4 stars. We have been to many restaurants and we can honestly say that the service and the waiting staff were the best we have ever come across. They staff were friendly and not intrusive which is the way it should be. Well done Saltwater Brig, loved the atmosphere and we will definitely return.

Wonderful food. Excellent service. Great value. What more can one say? Never disappoints. Best local ingredients. Relaxed dining in a convivial atmosphere.

Just had some great food to day, 20/09/2923, first time there, but will be back.

Hadn't been in ages and was pleasantly surprised. Had scampi and chips... beautiful.

My husband and I and a couple of friends had lunch here in their sunny beer garden on our recent trip, the food was delicious and the staff very friendly. My husband left his prescription sunglasses behind and they went above and beyond by posting them back to us in Dublin, they couldn’t have been more helpful. A big thank you for your kindness!

At the Saltwater Brig the food is first class , welcoming staff, and chilled out atmosphere.perfect ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Had to negotiate traffic diversions from roadworks and was well worth the visit with an unexpected great choice for lunch. JP Wicklow

It was great to find this fine pub/restaurant/beer garden. Locally sourced fresh food with decent portions lead to a great dining experience for our party of four. The staff could not have been more helpful and created a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We look forward to returning again for some craic on our next trip up from Dublin. A big thank you to the Brig crew for making our visit so memorable.

Beautiful place with unintrusive but attentive staff. Food was A class. The crumble the best I have ever had

Visited this place twice during a recent week long stay in Kircubbin. The staff were all friendly and smiley. The food was great and of good quality. Would highly recommend.

Very friendly staff and a lovely atmosphere, sat outside and enjoyed the sun.

Absolutely beautiful sunday roast. Melt in the mouth roast beef, lovely creamy mash, great roasties and veg with a huge yorkshire pudding and a delicious gravy Had the chicken caesar salad as a starter. Tons of chicken, bacon and croutons Great value and thoroughly delicious. Highly recommended

Amazing place with nice and smiling people. Felt welcome from the beginning, in a natural way. The food is extremely fresh and tasty. Big up for the starter I took, the fish bucket or something similar, great combination and really fresh selection.will be back

Called on the off chance we could get some dinner. They were fully booked but had a table free for just over an hour which was offered to us, but were told what time we would have to leave from the table. Food was excellent,...

called in for lunch 2 weeks ago and had great food and great service

Fabulous meal had here today with my family. Great portions and great tasting food. Staff were extremely polite, welcoming and efficient. A great all round experience. We will back next time we have a family day out on the Peninsula!

Great place, friendly, helpful staff. Food was first class.

Very nice atmosphere, friendly staff, though the highlight was definitely the food: best veggie food I’ve ever had from a restaurant, and my brother and sister both say their burgers were one of the best they’ve ever had.

Was here on the 16th august called in for a drink with a friend was greeted by a very rude boss of the restaurant said I was far away from home in Portaferry came across very sectarian blonde hair women stood an stared at us...

I had the chowder (starter size) and glass of house white. Lovely ...enjoyed it. Nice cosy atmosphere and friendly staff.

This is an excellent restaurant with a first class menu and super fresh food, prepared with love and served with care and a pleasant smile. Book to ensure a seat as it is well visited for obvious reasons.

We stopped here for dinner in the beer garden with our two dogs after a trip across on the ferry. What a great little spot, fabulous food and they were so great with the dogs who were pleased with a couple of sausages. We will...