The Artisan Cookhouse in Down

What a delightful restaurant, doing a bit of a loop of the Co Down area, decided to go out to Strangford for a look-see. Quick Google and Artisan Cookhouse was top of the list! Went for the burger and fish and chips, both great. BUT the piece de la resistance was their peanut parfait dessert, a masterpiece! Very enjoyable, lovely staff and great value!

This is a great find in a quiet village. Staff are very welcoming with great sense of humour. Food was wholesome, tasty and imaginative. Beautifully prepared / presented in this elegant and modern restaurant

Excellent food, relaxed atmosphere. Helpful, professional, and friendly staff. A very enjoyable meal. We had a lovely meal and would recommend eating here.

Such an amazing stay, friendly welcome, beautiful room. Breakfast and evening meal first class. Defo be back soon. Thanks

There's something comforting about this place. Scrupulously clean and unpretentious is a good start. Spotting a friend who'd finished her meal and declared it fantastic set the tone. Having faith in her recommendation saved my dining pal and I from taking attention from each other. We ordered the one remaining seafood sharing plate and a side of fries without looking at the menu. Our conversation didn't miss a beat. The service is casual and assured, my favourite kind. I loathe being fawned over with detailed descriptions of what's on my plate! The short pudding menu gives meaning to " short and sweet" . Everything sounded wonderful and I knew it would be. My peanut parfait with chocolate ganache and sesame snap was possibly the best desert I've ever had. I grinned throughout. The coffee excellent too which is an important detail often overlooked. I suspect the owner and host, himself a chef presides over every detail including the maintenance of the coffee machine. It shows and it matters. My water taxi home to Killyleagh rounded off a perfect evening in this most stunning part of the world. Much kudos to the whole team at The Artisan.

We had a two course meal consisting of the chicken sweet chilli starter, prawns, tempura cod and beef burger. Really plentiful and tasty. Nice presentation. Our only tip would be to let customers add their own salt to the chips please. Other than that, was perfection.

We stopped before before going on the ferry and we were wowed! An extremely reasonably privt meal that was top quality. I would highly recommend to go. Service was top drawer and food was even better.

Visited one lunch time mid week we had the two dishes for £22 good selection on the menu absolutely lovely food well worth the price. Although empty when we first arrived people started coming in afterwards,staff were very pleasant well worth a visit. We will be back.

Called in for a mid-week lunch. Was very quiet. Good interesting menu and a good range of specials. Had a 22quid special for 2 courses which was good value relative to some other very ordinary stuff I have had. The fish was excellent. The service was polite and attentive. The wine list I found to be ordinary and frankly seems to be lazy and similar to other places. No real thought given the quality of the cooking. Thought was a good value and am sure would have felt better if more people had been there.

Well not much restaurants in Northern Ireland are able to serve some quality and refined food. But very happy with our experience there, and the staff even very young was very profesional. Will recomment, hopefully they will be able to keep the same level. Just one bemol but it's for all restaurants in NI, difficult to have a table after 8.00pm ...nightmare even the week end

We enjoyed a truly excellent meal at the Artisan. We visited on a Friday Evening at 5.30pm and were able to benefit from the 2 for £22 deal. Main Courses were divine and service was exemplary. Huge thank you to the brilliant team!

From the minute you walk through the door you just know it’s going to be good. Great buzz about the restaurant with happy diners. Menu isn’t huge but what it does have is some of the best locally sourced produce about. The mushroom, asparagus with truffle soup was simply delicious with their even better homemade baby Guinness wheaten bread. Korean pork belly bites were soooo good. Salmon mains didn’t disappoint and the surf and turf was delicately bursting with flavour. Drinks menu has got you covered no matter what your tiple is and the cocktails don’t come out of a machine like some other local establishments!! Keep up the great work and we look forward to coming back real soon….

Super food, in comfortable surroundings. Friendly service. We are looking forward to coming back again. What a great find in this picturesque village sitting beside Strangford lough.

My sister and I had a fantastic meal here today food and service beautiful it is a real credit to the business and Strangford. Will return.

We have enjoyed many meals in the restaurant most recently with a group of girlfriends. We had a selection of starters which we shared. The pork belly bites were gorgeous as were the tempura vegetables. The white lady cocktails are to die for. Great spot

Lunch on two occasions last week. The food and service are both excellent. Value for money ratio is also excellent. We plan to return soon. A great advertisement for Strangford and County Down.

Good food,great service and a good atmosphere all added to a very nice night out in strangford.lovely reception from the staff and our evening was made by the service staff.

Simple good food ,well cooked. Good service and reasonably priced. Premises are clean and welcoming. Good service

The last time I was in Strangford was quite a few years ago, and this little place has changed a lot since then! The decor is fresh and modern and we were warmly welcomed. We were even able to move to a table with more suitable seating for one of our party who has a back problem. We decided immediately to choose a starter / main course combo as it is great value for money. Two of us started with the perfectly cooked asparagus, although we all had different mains. Everything was delicious, beautifully presented and served by friendly staff. We couldn't fault anything and will most definitely be back!

We eventually got around to trying Artisan Cookhouse for lunch on Sunday - and after the experience we’ll certainly be back again soon. I had the Tempura Cod and my wife had the Beef, and both were superb. Desserts were also excellent. Despite being busy, the service was friendly and efficient and we were made feel very welcome. Already trying to work out when we can return again!

Fantastic food and a wonderful atmosphere. This is a gem and a great place if about to catch a ferry across the lough .

Everything g about this restaurant is great .. Has a lovely atmosphere and the decor is spot on . Staff are efficient and friendly and the chap who owns it, is obviously in charge and runs it well. Food is always excellent Service is great...

Called for lunch and so good we booked for next weekend, the staff were attentive without being intrusive, the food was superb, the best chowder we have ever tasted and the pricing is exceptional for the standard of gastronomy, starter and mains for £20 or...

Just had dinner here cannot rate it too highly. Outstanding food, lovely atmosphere and excellent service. I will definitely visit again and will reccommend to friends.

Excellent menu, really friendly service, good value for this quality of food, good flavours, spicing and presentation.

Our family (2 adults and 2 kids) ate here on New Years Eve and I just had to come on and write a review - it was fantastic! The decor is so fresh and welcoming, staff are fantastic and everything is just outstanding. We have...

For such a little village this restaurant is fabulous. The food was the best I’ve had in years and staff were lovely. Highly recommended.

All courses served with perfect timing. Food delicious and perfect portion size. We have been to The Artisan on multiple occasions and have never been disappointed. Next visit we will definitely take the opportunity to stay in the new accommodation now available.

Crabs claws to start and smoked haddock with poached egg as a main. All cooked and presented to perfection. My wife had celeriac, beetroot risotto with goats cheese. She said the same. 10 at our table. All delighted with the food and service.

Booked Artisan for a family Sunday lunch and we were very impressed with the food, service and the good options for wine available. Best restaurant I have tried in the area for a very long time - food and good service is at the heart...

Visited with family . The chicken was lovely with a delicious side . Limited vegetarian options . One of the party was dairy free and the owner very helpful giving details of available options and anything they could do which wasn’t actually on the menu....

We have dined here on many occasions and always receive great service. Today there was a gentleman with his young adult son who had special needs, the young waitress with dark hair went above and beyond, she showed them kindness and respect which made them...

Heard a lot about this place and read the reviews beforehand so looked forward to trying it out. Plate and decor presentation along with staff friendliness is great but unfortunately there was some average taste and average quality to some cooking and ingredients. We went...

We had heard a lot about the restaurant so thought we’d give it a try. Ambiance was ok, staff very nice and friendly and food was average. Don’t go if you’re really hungry as serving is not large (mains). I had a burger which was...

after enjoying 2 hours on a cruise of Strangford Lough with a very special person, we both had what can only be described as a stunning meal in this eaterie. As my pal doesn't eat mains , we had 4 Small Plates, the mixed olives...

Visited with my wife following a recommendation from a friend. Lovely restaurant. Seats by the bar area where you could wait for your table and have a drink during busy periods. Staff were very friendly and attentive. Choice of small plates or you can choose...

We had a fabulous lunch today at the Artisan. As a family of 7, and of varying ages we were all delighted with our meal. Service was also excellent, thank you all.

This restaurant is absolutely excellent . Great food , service and ambiance. My only regret is not visiting this restaurant long before now.

We enjoyed a really great meal here last Thursday. Shared a few small plates - crab claws, padron peppers, bhajis and a lovely fresh salad. Everything was cooked, prepared and presented beautifully. Service was efficient and friendly. This is a great restaurant. I would recommend...

Dock the boat on the pontoon and then walk up to this perfect place for brunch. Menu for later looks good too. Staff so friendly and great food.

We turned up here on the chance they weren't fully booked. They were, but if we were ready to eat they could fit us in before one of the later covers. We said we were fine with that so were shown to a table. Very...

My friend and I so enjoyed our selection of small plates on a Saturday lunch time. Service is always spot on and delivery of food is swift. These people understand food and it shows. Strangford is a beautiful little seaside town. The Artisan adds icing...

We dined here on a Wednesday night, the restaurant was first class and fine dining at the top end. The food was excellent , beautifully presented with all of us enjoyed our choices. I would have no hesitation in recommending it.

Just wow!! We were looking for somewhere to eat after we went to the Aquarium and found this online and due to reviews, decided to give it a try. From the moment we walk in, we were impressed with the warm welcome of the receptionist....

We booked here on Monday the 18th July, from introduction, it was informal but very professional. The starters of prawns& the salt / chilli squid was exceptional, particularly the tempura batter on the prawns. My partner had the burger to her taste, her words were...

Lovely spot. Really nice place and the food is excellent. The service is good and the place is clean. Reasonably priced. Would recommend.

Incredible, well considered menu, tasty dishes presented excellently, with wonderful service too. My second visit and just as good if not better than the first. Drinks menu is really good too 5star all round, well done team . Keep up the good work and the...

Ideal seafood chowder followed by smoked haddock with potato rosti, poached egg and asparagus. Sparkling water complement. Nothing could beat it in the locality. Too full to go for peanut butter parfait which loved ones recommend. Attentive staff.

Saturday lunch for 10. On the whole excellent, particularly outside a large urban centre. Some of the dishes were spectacular -

We had a family dinner here mid week and the service and quality of the food was wonderful. We would definitely come again. The standard was great.

In fairness this was the end of summer last year - but it has put us off for over a year from going and we are often in the area. The manager didnt seem to be there, instead a group of young women who couldnt...

A first class lunch experience. Menu, service, food, wine list and service were all excellent. Very good value for money too. This wasn’t our first time here and it won’t be our last.

cool wine.... cool food.... cool cocktails.... chilled out establishment who know what they are doing..... from Portaferry with love.... you wont go wrong with the artisan....

Fabulous food- friendly service - helped us celebrate a surprise birthday bash - thank you! The Chowder is delicious

We enjoyed excellent starters of sweet chilli chicken and a small portion of breads tapenade humus and pesto. Tempura cod and fat chips as the main. Nose glass of Malbec. The flavours were excellent and would highly recommend. Well worth the money. Great staff.

Happened upon the Artisan by chance last night and so glad we did. Despite being very busy, the staff were excellent in their service, unobtrusive attendance and friendly demeanour. I enjoyed oyster mushroom starter while hubby had the chilli chicken. Both very nice & just...

First time visit great welcome restaurant full and great selection of wines and food / burger n cod selected with trimmings and all excellent

We live locally and have tried many restaurants in County Down - The Artisan is one that we find ourselves going back to time and time again as it's difficult to fault. Food: there's always an excellent selection of dishes which are all delicious and...

Came here on a Thursday night with friends. Lovely warm greeting when we arrived. Food was INCREDIBLE. So so delicious. Beautifully presented also. Lovely wine list. Great staff. Would definitely return.

We were staying overnight in Strangford and I had phoned Cuan and Lobster Pot to book a meal both closed on Wednesday !! I phoned Artisan Cookhouse and booked and what a meal we had it was fabulous. Staff very pleasant and helpful so glad...

Attended the tasting event last night and as always we were all suitably impressed by the quality of the food, the staff and the wine. There was a good vibe in the restaurant and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Well done to everyone and...

This is the 3rd time in recent months that i have visited and it has been superb each time. The food is excellent but is matched by the great service.It's a lovely open airy,bright and modern restaurant with really good choices .Can't recommend it highly...

Absolutely amazing food and even better service everything made in good time even though the restaurant was packed, outside area aswell, 100% recommended, meals for every age, and I would just like to re emphasis how great the staff are!!

A treat to visit with great food served by pleasant polite staff with Alastair in full control of the timing of everything that you request. The chef obviously takes great pride in his presentation and his desire to please with our local produce cooked to...

Beautiful food, great service and lovely location. There were 8 of us for dinner and we had a brilliant time

Top manager / owner, accommodated us on a busy Saturday, beyond normal kitchen opening hours. Excellent professional staff. Piping hot food, chilli chicken wraps quite simply awesome. Busy spot with great atmosphere for families / couples / lads dinner out in beautifully decorated modern restaurant....

Such a lovely meal. The best chowder ever with Guiness bread. I can not rate this place highly enough the surroundings were simple and clean. The service was excellent and the food great. If we ever return to this area we will definitely return. Thank...

Excellent quality food and service. Surf and turf cooked and presented with great pride. Just go....!

Excellent food in Strangford. The quality of the fishes were outstanding. I had the mushroom linguini with Pesto cream and Salmon with Chorizo as extras. Sublime! My husband had smoked haddock on Rosti with Asparagus. Again blown away! We shared a lemon tart with home...

We visited for the first time for my birthday, on the recommendation of friends. We certainly weren't disappointed. The food was beautiful and well presented. My steak couldn't have been more perfect, but on tasting a friend's madras, I was a bit sorry I hadn't...

Just stopped for a coffee in Strangford and came across Artisan. They kindly gave us a table to have some coffees and were soon drawn to the dessert menu. The pumpkin panna cotta was tremendous - a feast for the eyes and the taste buds....

We visited this restaurant today for the first time. Could only say it was an excellent experience. The food was first class and equalled any meal we have had in N. I.The host and owner, Alaister , and his staff are welcoming and informing. The...

We came on it by chance one evening, great food and although it was very busy good service, must return.

We had Sunday lunch here and it was fantastic. I had the beetroot and goats cheese risotto, my husband had the smoked hake, and my daughter had the chicken supreme. We shared some hummus to start and had the cheese board and peanut butter parfait...

arrived for Sunday lunch, the restaurant was busy, we were shown to our table, we were made to feel most welcome and looked after excellently throughout our visit, our food was delicious I could not find fault with anything, the staff were very professional and...

Excellent food, cleanest restaurant we’ve been in for a long while. Staff friendly and efficient. Very welcoming and a lovely hour spent in Strangford.

3 of us had Beautiful food, all served nicely. I had fried sea bass fillets on noodles and veg with a fragrant Thai curry. Really lovely. Couldn't fault it. Will definitely return

Just had lunch at the Artisan Cookhouse and have to say it was the best Cod I have ever tasted, the staff were very friendly and an overall great experience, the cocktails are good too 5 stars all round

Walking towards this lovely restaurant brought a feeling of high expectation. The sound of chatter and great lighting gave a good first impression. Greeting and seating was swift and efficient . The menu although small was interesting . The food starting with olives peppered with...

Best steak I've had in years cooked to perfection, service was great too Thanks will definitely return when I'm in the area

So disappointing…. Portion control non existent portions are extremely small … one example the starter… ‘Pan Fried King Oyster Mushroom Caramelised cauliflower, curried jackfruit samosa, granny smith.’ This would not have covered 1/4 of the plate it’s ‘only’ the ‘stock’ of the mushroom… that you...

The food was simply amazing and was not too dear for us. The service was great, despite covid staffing issues, and we loved everything we had. By far the best restaurant in Northern Ireland I've been to in over a year

After disappointment and unusual treatment at The Cuan, The Artisan rescued us with a table for four and a delicious meal. The staff all polite, courteous and very helpful. Next time straight to The Artisan!! Big thank you to the kitchen team also.

There were four of us, two from Belfast and two from Wicklow, all with high expectations for our first experience in the Artisan Cookhouse - we were not disappointed!

Walked into the restaurant at 3pm asking for a coffee & a snack; was shown the lunch/ dinner menu; asked the waiter if they did any pastries, he said no & showed us the dessert menu. We ended up ordering two coffees & a bowl...

Another excellent meal at lunchtime today. Cocktails in the sun and succulent southern fried chicken with garlic Mayo and fries. Excellent service from friendly staff. Can’t wait for our next visit.

Great food as always. Artisan is a really lovely restaurant with delicious food and friendly staff. I love coming here when I visit home.

We had a lovely breakfast here al fresco as we had our little pup with us. The staff were very friendly, all wearing masks or visors . The restaurant was very good value and we had a very nice breakfast.

Beautiful breakfast/brunch menu. Food was absolutely delicious and staff were very friendly. Would definitely recommend!

We came to the Artisan Cookhouse last year for the first time, whilst on holiday from London, and had the most delicious artichoke and truffle soup for lunch. This week, we were back in Strangford again and booked in for an evening meal. The four...

This is my second visit to Artisan and both times, great food and great service. Both occasions with family for lunch and everyone agreed food was better than anywhere else in east Down area. Restaurant busy and good COVID19 safety measures in place. I had...

We waited over half an hour for soup and fish and chips. Tiny portions and the soup wasn’t nice at all. Overpriced. Go to a chipper and get nicer food for half the price. Wouldn’t recommend at all. Hardly anything on the menu to choose...

Went here for lunch with 2 friends. All covid measures in place and adhered to. Staff were professional and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble. Food was good if a little pricey for lunchtime.

I had arranged our cycling group of 12 people to have our Sunday Brunch here as a stop on our lap of Strangf ord Lough. The staff were extremely helpful and were prepped for our visit; the most fantastic granola was waiting for us and...

Sadly extremely disappointing for the price. It seemed so nice from the reviews and menu, but... and it’s a big BUT. I asked if the rice in my preferred main could be substituted for whole meal rice as I am diabetic; I was told that...

My wife and I had a meal here on the 15th August it was amazing. So we decided to go back to celebrate our wedding anniversary again we were not disappointed it was absolutely delicious. I would strongly recommend anyone to visit you will be...

Excellent food and service. Highly recommend and have already booked our next meal there! Have heard from local people that it is most consistent when it comes to high quality food. Tables have glass screens between them and staff wear visors so felt safe Covid-wise.

Visited the Artisan Cookhouse 2 nights in a row. The food is superb and the staff where most attentive and friendly. I can highly recommend this amazing restaurant. The food is outstanding.

Myself and 2 friends went for breakfast this morning Saturday Very friendly staff member greeted us and brought us to our table with menus. I ordered the stacked pancakes with a selection of fresh fruit, my friend ordered eggs benedick and the other ordered a...

Had a delicious lunch yesterday. Very impressed with the quality of service and food. Staff were very courteous, efficient and restaurant very well organized in terms of current restrictions even with perspex screens separating the tables. Steak sandwiches and Sea Chowder were excellent and highly...