The Gate Bistro in Derry

Visited the Gate Bistro after reading pretty good reviews on Google. Unfortunately, I was quite disappointed with the service, and the food did not live up to the reviews. The service was abysmal. I waited a significant amount of time to give my order, and in the end I went and ordered at the bar. The food then came relatively quickly. I ordered the chilli chicken pitta. While it looked fairly nice, it was unfortunately a little lukewarm and I think they overcompensated with the sauce to cover up relatively rubbery chicken. I ate half of it and half the chips before leaving. The place was nicely finished inside and bathroom was clean, but the service was very poor, especially considering it wasn’t that busy, and the food was definitely lacking. Would probably skip this one if you’re in town.

After we put our bags down, we headed straight for Gate Bistro (recommended by our host) and it also had really good reviews. After a long day of travel, drinks and pub food was exactly what we needed. Although we checked it out ahead of time, we didn't have very high expectations, so when we found out that some of the cocktails were a 2 for 1 special and the whisky was cheap, it was a pleasant surprise! Since I wasn't feeling great, I didn't get to enjoy the food options as much as I would have liked but my husband said the chicken fingers were good and he really liked his Asian bowl. The atmosphere was comfortable and pretty lively considering how quiet the rest of the town felt the whole time we were in Derry. I really liked the decor and our waitress was very friendly and chatted with us for a little bit as we were getting ready to pay. She gave a few suggestions on things to do while visiting Derry. Even with the difference in currency now being in pounds, we thought that this place was a great deal for everything we were able to get and would definitely recommend to anyone in the area.

Came in for the 2 for 1 cocktails, had the twister one it was amazing…!! Got food which was lovely and fast service..! All the staff were so nice and couldn’t do enough for us..! Would definitely come back and definitely recommend..!

Normal place but good. Friendly staff and good food. Rich salmon and mash a little bland but good.

My partner and I called in starving with no prior knowledge. We were served quickly and efficiently. We had several waiting staff check in who were friendly. Food was well priced, out quick and delicious - it made our day trip. One thing we find places take for granted is when you have a toddler but the staff here were friendly, engaging with her and made sure her food was out first. Really happy

Good spot food is lovely and the staff are brilliant

Get the Green Curry. Seriously.

Great atmosphere, with live music, amazing food!

Absolutely top quality! Everything was fantastic.

Was ment to go for a family meal. But after passing tonight with my family we had to cancel ...the place covered in tri colours. Not really a shared space .so disappointed really liked eating in here ..

Good Food Good Service Good Prices

Disinterested service. Really mediocre fish and chips, precooked then probably reheated in a microwave - soggy, tasteless. Woke up in the middle of the night with dry mouth, meaning the fish batter had been heavily salted. Very loud group of drunk, cackling people.

wait a little long but food so good, the only Irish who know how to make fries

Really busy place, with great food and excellent service.

I had a meal at this restaurant during Halloween and the food was awesome! Really tasty dishes and cool Halloween vibes. But just a heads up, it was super busy and the staff seemed overloaded. It took ages to get our bill sorted. Still, a great spot for a festive bite!"

Hands down the best wings in derry. I am a big wing fan, and these are undoubtedly the best wings I've eaten in any restaurant in northern Ireland. The noodles were a huge let down with my teriyaki chicken though. I was expecting egg noodles and they're more like the extremely thin Singapore noodles, with out much flavour. The menu should have stated they were Vermicelli. But the wings were phenomenal.

Very good place, and friendly prices Good value 👍

The Salt and Chilli Chicken is hot, I couldn't eat it, but if you like hot then this may be the dish for you. The live music was great, he's got a good voice, but don't expect to be able to have a conversation once the music starts. The servers seemed distracted.

Nice restaurant, good vibes about it, the Chicken pitta pocket was outstanding! first time trying it as we don't get anything like it in Scotland haha, I'll defs be back here when a come visit Derry again.

My husband and I ended up here after getting into Derry late one evening. It was a good experience. The Korean beef bowl was DELICIOUS! The service was good. I would highly recommend.

The staff were friendly and understandably busy on a Friday night. Our drinks arrived promptly and were better than good. Meals were ok I guess. The salt and chilli chicken was tasty but the stir fry vegetables served with it were quite limited - capsicum, onion, slices of chilli and spring onions, and a drizzle of sesame seeds. No broccoli, carrot, bean sprouts, mushroom, pak choy, zucchini etc. My chicken curry was good as far as it went, but again very little veg.

We love coming to the gate , the new menu was very disappointing and food was very poor.

Nice atmosphere to have a drink, We didn't try the food so I can't give you an opinion about it. It was a nice stop in the city center

Staff is friendly and it’s a cheap nice place but both the burger and the flatbread were terrible

The Gate has changed, and not for the better. It used to be a favourite place for eating out, sadly no longer. Although the staff are excellent, the menu has changed, and the food itself is now nowhere near the quality expected of this place. Bring back the old menu and the quality food that we previously enjoyed!

Beautiful food and great service!

Really good. Recommended if you are nearby

Staff were amazing. The gentleman that seated us and served us was an absolute delight! Brilliant Derry hospitality. Food was great also. Will definitely visit again. Thank you.

Been here a couple of times when visiting the city and it’s never disappointed. Seated quickly and drinks also arrived quickly. Food followed that pattern. I had the steak and chicken combo which was excellent. It was very filling and by the end I was struggling to finish. Beautiful sauce with it and smoky crispy tobacco onions 🤤. Fairly central in the city so very convenient to get to.

Great food and cocktails and not too expensive, I will definitely be going back.

Had a wonderful meal here, the food was excellent and the staff so lovely. Open on Sunday nights which was great after we drove around town a while trying to find somewhere to eat! Highly recommend 👍

Great food ,amazing staff. Have been here a few times now to eat would recommend.

We had a lovely dinner, lovely staff very tasty

Food was amazing and they even made me a cocktail that wasn't on the menu

Great spot,good food, friendly staff and located inside the walls.

It was really delicious. THANKS

Food, service, cocktails, and staff were all excellent. Great value for money as it is very reasonably priced for both food and drinks.

Excellent place to eat. Service was very friendly and relaxed. Food very good and prices moderate.

Excellent service and very friendly and helpful staff who put up with our nonsense and constant questions. Great place.

Lovely lunch, wide and varied menu. Really fresh and tasty. Excellent service, friendly and efficient. Reasonably priced. Definitely be back...

Watch out. Lunch finishes at 5pm then they have the real menu.

Popped in for a late lunch, no problem getting a table even though it was busy very friendly staff. Good choice on the menu we left our bellies full.

Had chicken ceaaar salad EXCELLENT.Never have I has a bad meal here...always buzzing and busy ..staff very friendly....recommend a visit .

The food was lovely and the servers were friendly.

Staff were friendly. Their service was top notch. Pay attention to everyone's needs.

Really sub par, cocktails. Sent one back and was forced to pay for it. Extremely rude staff, not listening to our complaints. Don’t waste your time folks. Mountains of drinks barely touched left at the bar. Avoid here.

Great food , lovely atmosphere & friendly service ... def be returning

Huge portions. Excellent quality. Friendly service. Good prices. Highly recommend.

Lovely staff, nice food and handy being right in the centre of town

Absolutely beautiful food and very reasonably priced.

Food excellent the delivery of customer service superb could not fault this venue at all

We had a meal last night for my sisters birthday the food was delicious compliments to the chef 😋 the service however let it down. Mix up in drinks, starters, no cutlery for our starters or main courses had to ask on both occasions for a staff member to get us the cutlery, 2 napkins for 4 of us, it wasn't particularly busy when we were in either. I'd recommend the food but I would be slow to return for the service.

First time I had meal in this Bistro the food was excellent, staff showed so much attention to clients, atmosphere very cosy

Only in town for one day and the hotel receptionist suggested we go to the Gate Bistro. It has a little bit of everything on the menu, and some interesting signature cocktails. Service was a bit slow at times, even though the restaurant wasn't busy, but everyone was super friendly

Lovely staff & atmosphere. Good Cosmopolitan too!

Lovely bar great staff. Didn't eat but the food did look brilliant.

Great service, fantastic atmosphere and delicious food!

Really nice , very welcoming staff

Good choice of food, hasn't booked but able to get a table for 2 at 3pm. Food Good.

We finally decided to visit The Gate Bistro! And we don't regret anything. A big plus for the friendly service! Very nice and helpful employees. . Everyone was very friendly. The appetizers and the food itself were very tasty. Served with class and richness. Everything is fresh. Large portions. We really left full and drunk. Delicious drinks. Very nice atmosphere. The place is well-kept. We were not disappointed. We will definitely go back there more than once. I recommend everyone to choose this place. One of the better ones in Derry

Food always Amazing ..Great spot

Friendly staff ,reasonably priced products under todays ever Increasing market. Worth a visit

What a lovely place, we went in for an early dinner the menu was good and reasonable, food was excellent and the staff were very friendly and attentive. Would definitely recommend The Gate.

Excellent!!! Can't praise the staff enough for the warm welcome cosy atmosphere. The menu is great with delicious food freshly cooked and definitely worth waiting for. It ment a lot that the staff are aware of the sunflower lanyard and made my Child's visit very special. It's great to see a local business aware of hidden disabilities. Definitely a hidden gem and a place of quiet rest and relaxation during the week or excellent local lively music at the weekend. A experience you won't forget.

Nice food staff ok very friendly

Food and cocktails were beautiful

Great place for food and drink. I would totally recommend

If there is even a reason to visit Derry this is it. The food was amazing. And cocktails are the best I've tasted anywhere. Highly recommend the "Jammy Joey". Staff are very friendly and attentive. Place was spotless and beautiful modern and eye-catching interior. Cant wait to visit again.

Nice place, nice cocktails and good food.

Beautiful food, friendly staff, nice pints

Friendly and efficient service in a pleasant environment. The food is decent and the portion sizes are generous

Very delicious dishes and very well presented

Food was superb,staff friendly, helpful.Food was served quickly,so still hot.YUM!!!

Fabulous food. Great attentive and quick service. Family friendly, very good price. Next time we sre back in Derry we will 100% be back here!

Delicious pasta with duck breast.

Best place in Derry ..currently for food ...

We ate here for my birthday last week and I have to say, it was absolutely brilliant from arriving to leaving. The staff, Stephen and Lauren, were amazing and very personable including interacting with our wee boy. The menu has plenty of variety and when our food was served, it was warm and delicious. We had starters and mains and then rounded it off with a cocktail for my partner and I, which were really good too. Great value for money. I'd recommend.

Went for lunch today and what a lovely lovely meal we had. The staff were all so lovely and friendly. When you don't know a place and picking somewhere to eat can be hard but the Gate Bistro was awesome. Good portions and great selection for lunch. Thank you....

Just came here randomly. Got a friendly reception. They have a nice mixed menu. The dinner was fabulous. I would come agian

Fresh and tasty food served by friendly staff 👍🏻 Get the garlic potatoes!!

Class act. Food was amazing n the service was 5 star. Everything was reasonably priced. Staff should be proud to work here.

Great place to eat if in Derry city Fantastic menu and reasonably priced always has entertainment on whilst you dine. Great range of draught beers to accompany your meal

Came here a few months ago for a cocktail to be told the tables weren't for people drinking it was just for people having meals and could we go somewhere else. So we did. Actually made me laugh out loud by the rudeness of the manager.

The food and the presentation is very good. But the measures against Covid19 are very poor/nonexistent. The waiters MUST wear face mask for respect to the customers.

One of my favourite places in the town they have great food very tasty could maybe doing few more vegetarian options however the ones they have are delicious and their cocktails are insanely good all of the staff are very friendly you are cert to have a good experience in this place

Delicious food in good portion at fair price. Liked the decor, presently has the spooky Halloween theme. :)

Had a lovely lunch here, the food was great and the Guinness was superb!

Staff were very friendly and the food was parful. Will defo be back .

The food and cocktails were unreal! And friendly staff.

Nice pub food in large portions and reasonably priced. Very friendly and prompt service.

Top class food 👌 with top class service 👏

Lovely food, cocktails and great friendly service

Beautiful food staff very friendly and helpful definitely recommend this bistro

Called into this restaurant on Friday just passing by whilst in city I wasn't really planning on going to derry as there was a mix up with train services lol nice location looking in restaurant food was okay the pepper sauce was abit too watery for me the baugar wasn't the best not much in a way of favour as I have had better baugars elsewhere, the chips were really nice I also thought there was too much tacboo onions on bugar, I had chicken chicken wings as starter the wings were nice I didn't get offered another drink are any dessert, staff seemed friendly enough

Really good food and fast service.

Superb venue, lovely staff and gorgeous food. Chef Leigh and team are fab. Will definately recommend and return 5⭐👌

Top class service, brilliant food and excellent atmosphere.

Great food at a reasonable price

Class place with great staff. Food was excellent with big portions.

Good portion sizes, great burgers and good open steak sandwich