The best restaurants in Southern NI

18/12/2020: All good Covid wise. Starters were lovely. We both had Christmas dinner for mains. Wasn’t overwhelmed. Veg was just plain not caramelised or anything. Never had broccoli with Christmas dinner before. No cocktails sausages which I love with Christmas dinnerFemale staff were lovely. One guy member not terribly friendly but ok and his service was good

15/12/2020: I have been going to this restaurant for quite a time now and I love the food and the great customer service by all the staff but a special mention to Debbie who does everything she can to accommodate the customer's Debbie and her family have a wonderful restaurant and I would certainly recommend it for a meal.

05/11/2020: So it was freshly made doughnuts that brought us here. They had advertised on Facebook that these were being made today so it’s impulse buying. The selection included lemon curd, chocolate, raspberry (with a real raspberry atop each doughnut), strawberry (with a slice of real strawberry) and one with a wedge of honeycomb. They sure are a premium product, top priced at £2.8 each or 6 for £15. I got 6. They tasted very good but not wow. I got a flat white coffee too which was ace (£2.7). Was I glad to try them, well yes. Would I buy them again, no as they are too darn pricy. So when I next want a doughnut it’ll be into the shelbourne bakery just around the corner - their doughnuts have a lighter texture, they have more flavour and are less than half the price. I’ve no doubt that the Finegan & Son doughnut is a small batch, better quality doughnut with more expensive ingredients, but not worth it at over twice the price.

12/10/2020: This was the first time that we visited Finegan & Son. We decided to go for brunch. With everything going on at this present moment, we expected the coffee shop to be adhering to government regulations regarding covid-19. Upon entering the shop, it was immediately clear that this was not the case. To our shock, the staff behind the bar preparing food and drinks weren’t wearing face masks or visors. We waited at the door to be seated and a member of staff showed us to a table (also not wearing a face covering). The tables weren’t 2 metres apart and customers not seated were chatting closely (also not 2 metres apart). Forget social distancing!It’s a real shame because the food and the coffee were lovely. However, we were so disappointed and were made to feel so uncomfortable that we certainly won’t be back.

27/09/2020: this place is in such a beautiful spot in a restored church , seating areas inside and out . Service on our visit was excellent and we sat outside on a beautiful sunny September morning for eagerly anticipated brunch . one way system , very well organised and strict safety measures which was very encouraging . Sunday brunch is served till 12 30 . we were told on arrival they were busy and food would be 15 to 20 min wait , this was fine and it arrived quicker than expected . but .. the food was really not nice .. I haven’t been to someone in a very long time where I found the food difficult to eat because of the taste . Everything had a strange taste of cooking oil which overpowered all the flavour of the food . This has put me off returning any time soon and it’s such a shame as I would have rated this place very highly in previous visits .

20/09/2020: First time here... Booked a table last minute after getting off the Carlingford Ferry and they were able to accommodate us. Originally offered an outside table but on arrival it was no problem changing to inside as it was a bit chilly ❄️Such a beautiful restaurant, lovely original church features have been kept.Covid measures brilliant, all staff wearing visors, doors open to let the air circulate and tables far enough apart.My little girl is a very plain eater and our request for pasta for her was no problem at all, really appreciated especially during the ongoing situation when places are trying to keep menus straightforward.The food was excellent, I had the fish special and it was absolutely gorgeous and portion size was perfect. Kids meals very good quality. Desserts were beautiful and they were even able to accommodate my dairy intolerant toddler so he wasn't left out.Staff were very friendly and especially engaged with the kids which means a lot.Will definitely be returning, maybe for a bite if lunch and coffee next time we are in the area.

23/08/2020: First visit to this excellent establishment since lockdown eased. Very impressed with the manner in which all government regulations were observed. Felt very safe and, as always, the food and service were excellent. Well done to everyone.

22/08/2020: We went as a group of 3 last night and we can't recommend the place enough. Staff are amazing and can't do enough for you. Food wise, we'd highly recommend the calamari and the duck starters. Amazing. Can't wait for the next visit! Thanks for having us!