The best restaurants in Southern NI

17/10/2020: After 3 hours in the Mournes, was looking forward to some warm coffee and a bite to eat. This place is a gem, fantastic location, food and coffee in abundance. Everything was overseen by Rachael who has personality in abundance to make sure all was in order. Worth the visit. Photo is of nearby Devils Coach Road. Thank you.

16/10/2020: A relative who lives down the road recommended we visit,we ended up going twice!What a spot,we went on a good day and the view around the coast was stunning,the second visit was misty and gave the view an ethereal look.Food was great,we had breakfasts both visits and the soda bread was lovely,my Daughter assured me her hot chocolate was gorgeous on a number of occasions.We ate inside and were sat by a wood burner which was lovely and intimate.We also ate outside and again had a woodburner to keep us warm.There are fields nearby with a lovely friendly cow and we were lucky enough to watch a sheepdog at work,so for Townies like us was great.The staff do a great job with the CV19 situation as it is very small inside and were attentive,even checking the fire was stoked up enough for us.I would highly recommend it.

12/06/2020: Really enjoyed my “el gordito” burrito and coffee, made a pre order for collection and in these pandemic times it was flawless and safe. In the words of a certain cybernetic organism - I’ll be back

27/05/2020: Imagine my delight at finding this place open. It was late afternoon and I was intending to get a take out Indian from the place on Monaghan street. As I pulled up near the Indian I saw that Maya was open, with notices in the window about social distancing, only one person in the cafe at a time and that it was takeaway only. That settled it, I planned to put in my food order and go grab a cappuccino, but the best laid plans and all that. According to the sign in the window the Indian didn’t want to take cash; I’d have to go on line and order and pay then arrive outside and ring it. I couldn’t be bothered so I drove around to the other Indian. They were happy with a walk - in and cash. Order placed I got to return to Maya for the best cappuccino around.

08/10/2020: A family of 4 were very lucky to avail of a late cancellation & secure a last minute booking on a busy Saturday night. They had been booked out since Tuesday we were told. Visiting Newry for the first time, this restaurant was a brilliant find. We went with trip advisor to decide where to eat. Courtney’s was just fabulous. We all 4 had steaks.... different cuts, cooking times & sauces & all were served up together in sweet perfection. We were all licking our lips after. Generous portions of side dishes too. We were absolutely stuffed! Lovely cocktails too. Staff were warm, chatty, helpful & of course we love that ‘ norn’ accent. Decor good, location lovely, overlooking river. I would highly highly recommend Courtney’s.Only one downfall..... perhaps social distancing was a bit tight for our current times. CHEERS COURTNEYS

03/10/2020: Just couldn't recommend Courtneys highly enough ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ chatting with Paula on Facebook messenger to arrange my booking was a complete pleasure... She even introduced herself to me when we arrived ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐our steaks were to die for, the sauces were devine, garlic potatoes the ambience and staff were top notch... Can't wait until our next visit ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

01/09/2020: Staying in a local village near this restaurant, booked 4 weeks in advance for our reservation. On arriving we got seated in the bar area, had orders taken here they lead to our table. Starters we all had soup, which was good Mains: Pork sons said was very good along with my husbands chicken I had cod found this to be a little tastiest, I felt the staff a little inexperienced & maybe they should have a mixture of age groups.

25/08/2020: Visited this resturant for the first time on Saturday night, what can I say , it was absolutely delicious from start to finish . there was a one-way system in place with hand sanitiser in reception area, we were greeted by friendly , helpful staff . They all wore visors & wore white gloves when changing the cutlery & glassware on tables. Chairs and tables were all cleaned down as soon as customers left , prior to resetting the table. The menu had a great variety for all pallets, all courses were delicious and ample in size . Plenty of time was given between courses and staff didn't rush you between servings which was great. Really look forward to returning here again in the near future.

11/08/2020: Called in for breakfast and what a choice and what great value - staff were lovely and the food was delicious. Also have lovely choices for lunch etc - well worth a visit

29/07/2020: Visited for breakfast on the way to the west of Ireland. The smell of bacon was just wonderful as i opened the door. We were given a hugely friendly welcome for our party of 6 and the tables were laid out with plenty of space between them for social distance. The breakfast menu has everything that you would want on it, including vegetarian options, lighter breakfasts and items that appeal to kids. Our order was taken quickly and for 6 breakfasts the waiting time was super. Every piece of food was cooked to perfection. I'm not a coffe drinker but I'm told it was also very good. Honestly couldn't find fault here, great food, great service and fair prices. I'll definitely be back.

05/08/2020: Breakfast treat Totally amazing in these changing times, has to be said James and first class team have it covered, sanitising station on entering, restaurant spotless, yet the most friendly and prompt service, maybe the reason customers excited at 9am, amazing breakfast,, a must visit

03/10/2020: Never a bad experience in the Moy Larder. The menu is huge for lunch! And plenty of build your own options too. Every member of staff was lovely on our recent visit. We got burgers and then traybakes for dessert. So lovely and quaint. I wouldn’t go anywhere else for lunch in the village, always a good meal. Thank you folks!

26/08/2020: We visited here on a Monday at 9am as part of 'eat out to help out' and will absolutely be back. The prices are great even without 50% off and the food was delicious. We ordered the pancakes with mixed fruit and nutella, spainish breakfast and eggs benedict with 2 x cappuccinos and a green smoothie which was lovely. The pancakes were so light and fluffy, some of the best we've had. The service was great and food delivered fast. Superb little cafe.

25/08/2020: Had a great family meal in Rices on the evening of 21st August. We were all very comfortable with the Covid regulations in place, tables well spaced out, hand cleanser available. Waitress was very helpful and pleasant. I had the Caesar salad for starters, huge potions, very good The fish n chips for mains were excellent. My husband had the chicken goujons and chicken curry. Fantastic garlic mayo with the goujons. The curry was particularly good. Great flavour. Would thoroughly recommend Rices for a meal

13/07/2020: Went to Rice's in Poyntzpass Saturday night and it was absolutely amazing!!! They have all the Covid safety measures in place, and allowing people to still enjoy a meal in a safe and relaxed environment we will be back again soon thank you team Rice's for a great night out ! Great food, lovely atmosphere and attentive staff! A must visit if in the area.

06/09/2020: We visited here recently for our wedding anniversary. This was not our first visit to the Brewers House and based on previous visits we had very high expectations. This time we took our kids (teenager and almost teenager)! The service was excellent. The food was even better. Great choice of dishes. Plenty for everyone to choose from. We all really enjoyed the fantastic food that was served to us. Excellent flavours and portion sizes. I had a few cocktails which were fab. Cannot wait to go back. Highly recommended

30/08/2020: Went to the brewers house last week for the first time and safe to say I will not be back!! On entering the premises I was ‘greeted’ by the rudest manageress I have ever encountered!! I was meeting a group of friends and when I walked in the door I was almost shoved back and told to get back outside as there was someone else in front of me. There was no sign or direction as to what to do when entering the building, and no one to meet and seat you when you did.I was so taken a back.I went back outside and waited. After approximately 10 minutes I walked back in and proceeded to find my own party myself.Food was ok, the restaurant is nice and the younger staff pleasant, however management would definitely need to learn some manners!!

15/09/2020: I have been going to Salley's for quite awhile and the service, food and staff are wonderful. I always enjoy each visit and i would especially recommend the Sirloin Steak. A special wee mention to Dean who always makes our trip very enjoyable.