The Smugglers Table in Down

Can’t say enough about this fantastic little gem. Dined here a few weeks ago with friends and had a wonderful whole Dover sole, cooked to perfection. We decided that we would like to come back and try one of Roy’s tasting menus and we were not disappointed. We had six totally delicious Indian themed courses each one cooked authentically and to perfection and served in a really creative way. The service was excellent with just enough time in between to enjoy each course. Roy, who does all the cooking to order, is really passionate about his restaurant and his choice of menus ,and Julie , front of house is so welcoming and friendly , they do make a great team. Unfortunately I don’t have any photos of our food as I was focused solely on savouring the meal. Thanks to Roy and Julie for a really lovely evening.

We stumbled upon this gem while traveling from Belfast to Dublin and were thrilled. The staff were fabulous and helpful sharing their favourites! We enjoyed the burger (the best), fisherman’s pie (delish) & the clubhouse sandwich (outstanding). We sat inside although the outside seating is fabulous, very welcoming either way. Off the beaten track and highly worth it. A must try!!

What a wonderful experience. The food was fantastic and the staff so attentive. Nothing was too much trouble. I would thoroughly recommend a visit

After a very good afternoon walk we had booked early dinner, perfect. Really fresh flavors one food, great service. Very attentive and affable.

FABULOUS food, as EVER! Roy and Julie provide a delicious dining experience whether a quick lunch or a four course dinner. ALWAYS the same extremely high standard and served with such warmth and friendliness. It’s clear they just love what they do and always have the customer’s best interests at heart. We never tire of dining here.

Just had the most delicious seafood pie prepared by Roy. The curry was also amazing full of flavour without being overpowering. The only thing missing was Julie's smile and the efficient and polite staff.

After a busy few weeks, we returned here for our Friday Night Dinner. Had been naturally upset I had missed the weeks of stunning Seafood Specials that had flashed up on Facebook!However, this was soon righted when I ordered Chef Roy’s Saddle of Venison special. Tender meat, flavour packed jus, beautifully cooked potato fondant, an array of local vegetables. The photograph doesn’t do it justice. I remember Julie explaining that most of the dishes are gluten free, as the chef is gluten free. That explains why the sauces/jus throughout the menu (as well as the seafood chowder) are always flavoursome - they’ll never be stiff with a gloppy flavourless roux. Meal was rounded off nicely with authentic homemade desserts & a chipper cocktail from the bar.

If you live in this area and haven’t eaten here you must be mad !!Traveled down from Donaghadee to attend an evening wedding @ The Mill At Ballydugan so decided to book The Smugglers for a bite to eat before hand.Breads & Tapenade and Parfait to share for starters were fantastic.The Finnebrouge Wagyu Fillet on the specials was up there with the most perfectly cooked delicious melt in your mouth steaks we have ever had, as was the Sirloin, the pepper sauce was perfect not overpowering but with just the right amount of peppery heat. Chips were class as well.Shared the Double Chocolate Brownie to finish.Washed all this down with a crackin Malbec and skipped coffe in favour of a cheeky wee Bushmills 10.Social distancing done just right, sanitiser on every table and the service staff using face visors gave peace of mind during these mad times.All in All, a fantastic couple of hours spend in lovely surroundings with fantastic food and brilliant staff.I will definitely be looking for a reason to get back.

I would highly recommend the Smuggler's Table after a recent meal there on a weekday evening. The staff were extremely friendly and accommodating, and the food was delicious - the lamb dish in particular was simple, hearty and perfectly executed, especially taking into account that we all wanted it cooked differently!

Our dining experience was so good on the first night, we decided to return there for our second night in Killyleagh. Julie was knowledgeable, calm and accommodating and on both nights we received excellent, friendly service from all the staff. But it was the perfectly cooked hake atop a bed of delicately flavoured mash and the plaice with the flavoursome fennel dressing that won my vote. I also felt that space was optimised so that we felt safe in these Covid times.

Had Sunday lunch here recently. The roast beef was exceptionally well cooked and beautifully tender, with great veg and really tasty gravy. It was marvellous. My wife had salmon, also delightful. Booking ahead would be a good idea.

Since the easing lockdown, I’ve become a fan of the new Specials board here. I thought the Monkfish & King Prawn Thai Red Curry was quite something, but then I tasted the spectacular delight of the Finnebrogue Wagyu fillet.I was a bit cautious about requesting it rare, as I’d seen pictured, but I needed have been. Such is Roy’s cooking it was absolutely perfect. It’s all about perfection, flavours & quality food here. Scenic Strangford Lough is a stone’s throw away from the restaurant, so makes for a nice post dining walk. Plenty of Oystercatchers, curlews & the famous Heron are always paddling about. Well worth the trip down from Belfast.

So lovely that this family run restaurant has reopened post lockdown. Had an absolutely delicious meal there last night...perfectly cooked fish, charming service and all very clean. Welcome back!

This is a super top class place for excellent food and wine. Lovely ambience also. I had duck as my main and found it to be excellent, also had starter and dessert that were a must but unplanned. Best dinning experience I've had in along time. Would recommend to anyone. ☺

Visited the restaurant last night with my son and daughter. Since discovering this hidden gem, it is our go to place for the delicious food, friendly staff and the ambience. Couldn't recommend this place highly enough. Thanks to all the staff, it really lifted our spirits.

We’ve enjoyed coming here for a number of years now. Roy and Julie are a hard working & modest team, with a lot of talent between them. The weekday specials are always worth looking out for - everything is done with precision. The trout special (pictured) was magnificent. Even the beetroot in the starter was cooked in house. The emphasis here is on quality local produce, imaginatively cooked and beautifully presented. Sundays here are worth the trip down from Belfast. A reasonably priced set menu includes a tender sirloin steak for a modest supplement. I glanced at the new weekday menu on Sunday: hilights include duck wings, hake with chorizo and red tail prawns & a fillet steak. Well worth the trip down from Belfast.

My wife, son and myself visited for dinner on a cold Wednesday evening. We recieved a lovely welcome off the waitress and we chose to sit next to the lovely woodburner. The food we recieved was excellent the chowder was delicious and the fish cooked to perfection served with some lovely Wheaton bread. The main of belly pork was fantastically presented and was matched in its flavour, my wife and son had the baked cod which looked delicious and they both agreed it was. Just before we left we got to say hello and thank the lovely chef Roy for our meals a really nice guy. All in all a hidden gem just don't tell anybody

A group of us spent New Year's Eve at this restaurant. The food was extremely good, with wonderful presentation. The staff were very attentive and very friendly. We will definitely be returning again.

Once again this restaurant excelled. Relaxing ambience. Food magnificent, service excellent. A place not to be missed. Looking forward to going back.

Six of us went for Sunday Lunch and I was unsure of what to expect. The day was misty, wet and grey, but when we arrived we were greeted by an open fire and an ambience of time gone by. The food was tasty and the portions generous, the service was so friendly and welcoming. The whole experience was lovely and I definitely will be back. I am nearly reluctant to write this review as I would like to keep it a secret, but it was so nice I have to share it.

Visited with my family last Sunday. Warm welcome on arrival. Good menu, food was hot and tasty. Portion size was okay, not on the large size.

We booked a table after a visit two years ago! Just as brilliant, food excellent and atmosphere great , we'll be back again !

I eat in this restaurant once a week. Nothing is too much trouble to Julie and Roy. The food is amazing and cooked to perfection. I have eaten in lots of restaurants but this one is the best especially their breakfasts. You will never taste a nicer fry or french toast. Folks definately worth a visit

Once again this restaurant excelled. Every course was exceptional. This was a Sunday Menu but choices were excellent and catered for all tastes. The pasta dish was cooked to perfection. Leave room for dessert as it will be worth it.

We had the set 2 course meal on Sunday evening. The atmosphere is this little restaurant is lovely. The staff attentive and the food delicious. The small pub at the back is full of character. Will definitely be back .

Great food, service excellent and good value for money . Lovely cocktails and great choice of wines.

We had been on a forage day in Castle Ward and wanted to stay local for dinner

I have visited the Smugglers Table a few times, always had excellent food, very good attention from the staff, and attention to detail when tacking my order.

Quaint restaurant in Killyleagh a short distance from the water's edge. Charming surroundings, super food, great service and good value - a smuggler's delight!!

I had a really enjoyable 3 course meal here and couldnt fault it.The meal was delicious,beautifully presented with fresh produce.

Wanted a quiet night, close to home. Not for the first time an excellent meal. Very friendly and pleasant staff. Well deserved 5 star rating. Food was perfectly cooked, and as always made to feel welcome. Will be back.

We had a lovely meal to celebrate our anniversary, while on holiday in the area. Thoroughly recommended, but it is a small place so best book in advance. Only surprise was that the drinks and food needed separate transactions.

I’ve been going to the smugglers for some years all ways day time and all ways lovely food but on Saturday night I had the nicest meal I’ve ever had in it I had the strangford mackerel ,and I love mackerel but the flavour of this dish was totally beautiful such a common fish but this was the nicest fish dish I have ever had in my life and I’ve had my fair hare of food but such a lovely peaceful,relaxing place with fine food and service especially Julie always goes out of her way to say hello highly recommended

Excellent food and service by very friendly and polite staff, would recommend it to all who enjoy dining out.

Welcoming staff made us most comfortable and went out of their way to accommodate us in spite of our party numbers having increased. Food delicious with excellent service. Will definitely return

Beautiful cosy restaurant, very friendly and polite staff, food excellent, and to top it off meeting with a celebrity, what more could you ask for on your birthday 🎂. Would recommend definitely to any one. Will definitely be back. 😊

This was such an expected treat, on entering the restaurant we were unsure what to expect. the maitre D met us at the door and led us directly to a lovely table. The atmosphere was low key and convivial.

Superb. On making telephone reservation staff member asked if anyone in party with allergies. Advised 1 coeliac. On arrivial waiter was aware coeliac in group. Went over the fantastic menu options, the vast majority which were gluten free. Stated chef was coeliac. Food was excellent. Wine list great. Reasonable prices. Service magnificent. Beautiful quaint restaurant ; so much better than any other restaurants in the surrounding area.

Visited to celebrate our anniversary. What a find. A beautiful restaurant serving delightfully refined dishes. Highlights include the venison and lamb mains. Julie was very helpful in reserving a table for us even though I contacted her on a day they were closed.

We went for dinner after a recommendation from the lake side inn in Downpatrick. ( another place worth a visit ).

Excellent evening. Nothing was to much trouble when ordering. I had the venison cooked to perfection Staff were amazing They do a lovely rhubarb and ginger gin

I do not return to many eating establishments I visit as I like to try new places but this one always gets me back... great service, price and of course excellent cuisine.Never been disappointed at any time with the food being served.

Loved our Sunday lunch here. Great meal. The fish was delicious as was the soup. Great service too. Would not hesitate to recommend.

We were winding down our Ireland venture and decided to try a nice restaurant and wanted a good steak. We should have looked a bit further. The seafood looked much better (and probably was) but we were looking for a steak. I guess this is where the US has spoiled us. We each ordered their steak and I would say it was on par with a low cost steak house. It was very tough and chewey. A big disappointment for us. The service was good - a nice redemption!

Visited with a group of 7 of us and I think I can safely say all of us came away thoroughly impressed with the evening. Food was excellent (chowder was particularly brilliant) and a good wine menu too. Having the bar at the rear of the restaurant also means the evening carried on even longer. Would thoroughly recommend a visit.

Really good food and lovely Gin serves. Lovely staff as well. food is top notch. lovely location in Killyelagh but is a wee bit outside the town.

Absolutely outstanding food having had two starters - goat's cheese & parsnip & hazelnut soup which wetted the appetite from the outset. The main courses - steaks & a risotto dish rounded off the a truly enjoyable evening at the Smugglers Table. The surroundings were exceptionally clean with a selection of photographs and newspaper reports delving into Killyleagh's rich history. Both Julie and Roy are an absolute credit to the restaurant being both extremely courteous and helpful in every way. A highly recommended venue.

Fomos almoçar e a comida estava deliciosa, o aténdimento simpático e eficiente. A decoração é igualmente um espetáculo para saborear. O irish stew estava divinal!!!

Great little restaurant friendly helpful staff, supplying great food in a cosy atmasphere, The Finnebrogue Venisan a stand out. Highly recommended.

Don't let the surroundings put you off. The food inside is excellent. The menu choice is small but always includes catch of the day. Julie is particularly friendly and looked after a family member with a nut allergy very well. One suggestion would be to tidy up the car park to make the pub/restaurant look more attractive.

Dropped into The Smugglers Table this afternoon for a spot of lunch having heard great things about it and wasn’t disappointed. My partner and I ordered the burger and the fish pie. Both dishes were top notch but if you like fish I can’t recommend the fish pie highly enough. Shared a dessert of apple and blackberry crumble with custard. Fantastic!

The Smugglers Table really is excellent - the menu isn't huge, but it's great food well cooked and presented. There's a very friendly atmosphere and the staff are lovely. It's small, so it's always advisable to book a table. We've never been disappointed in our meal here.

Family of 4 arrived at the restaurant on Saturday evening (16th March) for our booking at 7.15pm. Upon arrival we were told that there was no record of our booking! We explained that we had made the booking on 23rd February and the lady had asked us to change our time from 7.30pm to 7.15pm. The guy then disappeared with the bookings diary! On his return we were informed again that there was no record of our booking & there was nothing he could do. Restaurant was fully booked & the bar was busy due to rugby being shown on tv. We were basically left without even an apology or suggestion to try another restaurant. We had travelled from Co Antrim & did not know the area at all.

Booked a table for two at the Smugglers Table for Sunday lunch and my wife and I were impressed. The menu is well priced with a decent range of options. The service was friendly and efficient and the dining area was relaxed and cosy. Our meal was really nice and the portions generous. Well done Julie keep up the good work.

When we arrived the restaurant was quite slack . We ordered drinks and our starter I had the chowder which was serve red with wheaten bread the serving was ample although those who had the pate thought it was a bit sparse. My main was Hake on a bed of bean type caseroul and a portion of sweet potato fries...very enjoyable the others had plaice and enjoyed their meal but also were glad they had ordered chips. In my opinion food and service would bring me back

Great Sat evening meal - lovely atmosphere but what happened the Espresso Martinis (espressoless!) - should be easily fixed and hence a post worth sharing!

After reading the review in the Telegraph decided to try this inn for lunch as it appeared to have been given great marks.

Yesterday my sister and I travelled to this gem of a restaurant. Julie and her colleagues are so welcoming, knowledgable and Chef Roy is a star. For starters I opted for the Mussels, and my sister opted for mini prawn sandwich - both of which were divine. For mains, I chose the slow cooked beef and it is quite simply melt in the mouth, whilst my sister chose turkey and ham - yummy. All food is piping hot and a joy to eat. We were so full we could not contemplate a dessert but for those who did I am sure they thoroughly enjoyed.

My partner and I had the pleasure of going to this restaurant on Valentines evening, the food was amazing, the ambience romantic and the customer service second to none. 2 very pleased customers left the restaurant. Highly recommend!!

Checked out Killyleagh’s top restaurant for lunch and was well pleased with food and service. Special sweet potato and chilli soup was great as was the fish pie. Another local gem for food.

We fired down here in tea-time traffic to claim our table after making a last minute booking. And we're so very glad that we did...tasteful decor meets beautifully cooked local food & excellent service...absolutely nothing could have been improved...

One Friday night we ordered pizzas and sat in the bar. Rather than sitting up on tall stools, as I had imagined, we had a small table for four people and the waitress brought the food into us. It was delicious, fresh, hot and I absolutely loved the seafood pizza.

Had breakfast with family here recently and everything about the visit was excellent. Great service and very high quality food made it very enjoyable. Also very good value for money - would definitely recommend

We popped in for eats after a Winter Walk. Although we have eaten here in the evening previously, it was a first for the lunchtime

Had a fabulous Christmas lunch here. Presentation of food fantastic. Best parfait I have ever tasted! Fish was cooked to perfection - sauce, potatoes and veg perfect. Couldnt recommend this restaurant enough! Beautiful food and excellent service. I will be back very soon! Gin menu in bar is fab also

Visited as a party of 7. Each meal was well presented and tasted even better. The service was excellent. Really good afternoon and great value. Will return.

Simple decor, decent service, range of food to suit most tastes, beautifully cooked. Only comment would be that no one asked if we wanted more drinks, but that saved us some money! Nice touch - when head barman noticed we had ordered 3 different gins, he came thru to the restaurant with a hot gin for us to try.

This is the worse option to have a dinner in all Ireland. Appalling service and food. :) ------_------

What a beautiful wee restaurant tucked away beside strangford Lough Killyleagh, The food is fantastic how lucky wee are to have such a Fantastic Chef Roy.... And not forgetting the staff in my he restaurant very friendly little place . Would highly recommend

Chef Roy and his team are brilliant. The food is amazing and service brilliant. Would highly recommend eating here. The homemade lentil and bacon soup is mouthwatering. Well done you deserve the award you received

Had a delicious dinner here with friends. Beautifully presented and cooked. Well worth a visit and will return.

4 friends dined here last night and food just simply delicious. Service was good and staff friendly. Well done.

This was the second time we have eaten at Smuggler's. The food is simply superb, well seasoned and cooked to perfection. The Catch of the Day is always worth a go, today it was pan seared cod with king prawns and mussels. The starter of a smoked chicken and wild mushroom terrine was sublime. The atmosphere is relaxed and the staff very friendly. Highly recommended!

We went here on Saturday night for my birthday and had a perfect evening. The food was simply superb: we had a delicious smoked chicken and mushroom terrine for starters, perfectly cooked steaks with all the trimmings for main course, and a wonderful chocolate fondant with salted caramel ice cream for dessert. We had great chat with the owner Mervyn, and all the staff we had contact with, including Mervyn behind the bar, were very friendly, welcoming, and professional. Delicious wines and cocktails, fantastic selection of gins and whiskeys....this is truly a gem, and we will be back soon.

I visited the Smugglers Table today with my daughter for dinner. We both really enjoyed our meals. I was glad we booked as the restaurant was busy but that didn’t effect how helpful and pleasant the staff dealt with us. Definitely recommend a visit.

We had a party of nine,including two children. The staff,food and welcome was excellent. We had pre booked with Julie and she was wonderful. Highly recommended, we were so pleased.

Found this on trip advisor as was here on holidays, from the outside was unsure if we should dine here but once inside was pleasantly surprised food menu had plenty of choice and standard of food was excellent, had a lovely meal here and staff were very pleasant! Would definitely recommend!

We were in the area for one night only and I can say I am so pleased we chose to eat here. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings they do three courses for £19.95 but even if I had paid more I would still be writing a review as the food was excellent. I had mussels cooked with tomato chilli and garlic to start, they were delicious. Then monkfish crushed new potatoes and broccoli with a lemon and cream sauce and pannacotta with honeycomb and fruit coulis. The meal was beautifully presented and fresh and tasted delicious, the staff were friendly and not pushy. I would return here again if I was ever in the area. I would highly recommend this restaurant.

We had an excellent three course meal at this restaurant which is a hidden gem! We recommend it to anyone who enjoys good cuisine. Personally I really was glad that I chose the sea bass for main course - delicious!

This is a beautiful restaurant based in Killyleagh, Co. Down. The service was great and the staff are very friendly and welcoming. The food is delicious - I had the pasta and it was cooked to perfection!! Definitely worth a visit and we will definitely be back!

I have been going to the Smuggler’s Table for more years than I care to remember and always enjoyed its cosy layout as a great place to have a few drinks with friends. Food wise, always just pub food that was okay but nothing special.

Went with husband and daughter, could not fault it in anyway. Food was delicious and the staff were fantastic. We will definitely be there again.

This is a firm favourite of mine. The food is always excellent, gin menu is (almost) as good, and staff are always very welcoming. The perfect place to hold a party too! An absolute must visit!

Had a wonderful family meal here for my birthday. Service was amazing as was the food. Can’t wait to go back again. Keep up the good work guys.

Just left here and am utterly gobsmacked at the price and quality. Have eaten all over Ireland in the past 2 weeks and this has by far been the best place. 2 course menu for £15.95.......quality of the highest degree......the meal was outstanding . Sorry We’re only visiting for 1 night or would have been back. This place should be at the highest ratings of quality and not forgetting the very friendly staff and the chef who came to our table.....thanks a million for a lovely last night of our holidays and won’t forget this !!!

We had a family dinner here last weekend, nice staff and lovely surroundings. Food was excellent, clean plates all round. Inpressive gin menu too! There is a takeaway for pizza/burgers round the corner from the restaurant which is very reasonable and does very nice pizzas.

We drove to Killyleagh to visit the amazing castle

Arrived by boat and this was recommended by sailing club members. Had a friendly atmosphere and was tasteful.

This is a hidden gem, the food was excellent, but I can’t really comment on the atmosphere as I was with a colleague. However it’s somewhere I would like to take my hubby, because I’m sure he would love it. I had the catch of the day, the presentation was lovely and the cream and sorbet was delicious.

My husband and I called here on Friday evening for an early dinner as we had a concert to go to in the evening- although there wasn't anyone around there was a lovely atmosphere; attentive and chatty staff (in the bar where we had a drink beforehand and restaurant), nice music and a lovely homely setting. The food was delicious- we shared some bread/olives/dips to start and it was some of the nicest tapenade I've ever had. My main was great- the pan fried cod special with mussels, tender stem broccoli and creamy mash. I hate food that is over seasoned with salt but this was just gorgeous! The glass of Sauvignon blanc to go with the meal was also exceptional. Dessert too was good, the chocolate fondant. We will definitely be back and would highly recommend this place!

Arrived to we welcomed to a glass of sparkling. Six course set menu each with a different wine. Good food well served.

Smugglers serves a very good breakfast in a clean and comfortable environment, service was good, plenty of choice and the food was freshly cooked and very tasty at a reasonable price,will return when in the area.

Took my parents for a meal at the weekend. The food is first class and the decor is welcoming. The staff are friendly and polite. We had a lovely meal, the table was slightly crampt but that is a minor issue. The portion sizes are adequate but if you are a big eater then you would need an extra side with the main. Would definitely recommend this restaurant and will be visiting again.

We meet up with some friends and they suggested going to the Smugglers. This is somewhere that we have wanted to go to for a long time and we where not disappointed. The food was lovely and the staff so friendly. It was a great night and we ended up going to the bar afterwards and again the staff were brilliant. The bar man was helpful and when it came to closing time asked did we need help to get a taxi. Which was really nice and decent. The food was so lovely that myself and my wife went back the next morning for breakfast. The breakfast was lovely and again staff were good. Please don’t be put off by what it looks like from the outside as staff and good and interior so makes up for it. We will be back as they have just introduced a new menu so need to try it.

Excellent food in a relaxed ambience with welcoming and friendly staff. The food is freshly cooked , locally sourced and well presented. Wine list is good and reasonably priced. Strongly reccomend a visit if you are not already a regular.!! If not why not ?

I can say without doubt this restaurant is by far the best my family and myself have eaten in .it is simply outstanding we loved it that much we had our wedding reception there...

This is a quirky place in Killyleagh that does very good food. The restaurant part is done up nice with the pub at the back being rather more rough and ready, but this adds to its quirky charm. We came here for lunch on a Sunday and thoroughly enjoyed the food. It's great to have somewhere like The Smuggler's Table in this neck of the woods.

After looking at lots of photos of beautiful food we booked a table but we were disappointed to find the...

This restaurant is a gem. It's a bit off the beaten track but well worth the visit as the food...

We ate here early on a Sunday evening. In addition to standard fare, there is a nice variety of choices....