With exceptional produce in our Food Heartland and brilliant culinary skills in our kitchens, it comes as no surprise that many of Armagh’s finest restaurants have received prestigious awards.
Although there are many restaurants serving cuisine to suit all tastes, there is one particular food the Orchard County is famous for. Yes, that’s right, the apple.
Armagh’s countryside comes alive with colour in September, as the Armagh Food and Cider Festival takes place in celebration of foodie delights and of course the Bramley apple.
It is well known that this particular fruit covers the local countryside with about 6000 acres of trees producing around 40,000 tonnes of apples each year. These are used in baking, sauces, juices, and ciders. As you may have guessed, if you’re looking for dessert, something including apple will more than likely be on the menu!
With a wide variety to pick from you will find it difficult to choose a few restaurants from the seemingly endless list. Not to worry, we have you covered below with our top 5.
5. Wee Paddy’s Bistro
If you happen to find yourself in Lurgan, this is the place to go. A real hidden gem.
Wee Paddy’s is where fine dining cuisine meets tasty home cooked food. All beautifully presented, it tastes as good as it looks. The portions are very generous too, so you won’t be going home hungry.
They have a varied menu of steaks, seafood, burgers and plenty more. Although make sure you finish with their famous ‘Cheesecake of the day.’
Somehow, no matter how full, we can always make room for dessert, and you really don’t want to miss this one.
Although you may need to be rolled out the door after! Kids eat for free on a Sunday so bring them with you if you can.
Address: 2 Church Pl, Lurgan, Craigavon BT66 6HD
4. Zio Restaurant
Zio began back in 2009 and has been serving their Mediterranean inspired cuisine ever since.
For anyone who wishes to try something different to the classic tomato or white wine sauces, get yourself into this family restaurant with a menu that would inspire even the most passionate food lovers.
Great Italian food from pizza to steak and it’s all done well. Modern European with an emphasis on Italian, you will not be disappointed.
The sweets selection and coffee afterwards fits the bill, which isn’t expensive either.
One of the best restaurants in North Armagh when it comes to ambience, service, and food combined. The fact that you always have to book in advance says a lot about its popularity.
Address: Unit 1, Millenium Court, 41 William St, Portadown, Craigavon BT62 3NX
3. 4 Vicars
4 Vicars recently opened in May of 2014 and is the vision of husband and wife, Gareth & Kasia Reid. It is the current holder of the prestigious Georgina Campbell award for the ‘Best casual dining restaurant in Ireland.’ Yes, the WHOLE of Ireland.
Vicar’s restaurant is situated in the beautiful surroundings of Armagh City directly adjacent to St Patricks Cathedral on Vicars Hill. The area itself is steeped in history and makes for a nice visit either before or after your food.
The restaurant has three intimate dining rooms all housed within the beautifully converted Georgian listed building. They also have a garden terrace overlooking the Navan Fort, but using it depends on our unpredictable Irish weather.
When booking we advise asking for a table in the conservatory at the back of the building as the views are spectacular.
Address: 4 Vicars Hill, Armagh BT61 7ED
2. Uluru Bar and Grill
Uluru is a casual dining, Australian Neighbourhood style restaurant in the city centre of Armagh. With excellent chefs and great customer service, they have won awards for their authentic cooking that has an Australian twist. Locals say this is the place to be.
Spread over two floors, their 160-seat restaurant contains ebony stained windows and naked ceilings that are inspired by the stylish pop-up restaurants across Melbourne, Australia.
This is one of the few places in Ireland where you will find Kangaroo on the menu. If you’re feeling brave why not go with the ‘Charred Kangaroo’ as a starter or the ‘Kangaroo Loin’ for a main. It can’t be that different, right?
At least you can say you’ve lost your Kangaroo Virginity, weird as that may sound!
Address: 3-5 Market St, Armagh BT61 7BX
1. Embers Coffee House and Grill Bar
On their extensive menu, you’ll find something to suit the whole family, homemade burgers, freshly battered cod and chips, ribs, pasta or char-grilled steaks. Embers have it all.
Well known for serving one of the best Cappuccino Lattes and Expressos in Armagh they also have an excellent drinks menu. Their homemade scones are a must, as are the tempting array of tray-bakes, waffles, and cakes.
The portion sizes are there to fill you up, and the presentation is also top class. You may need to open your belt to find room for dessert, but you won’t regret it as they are to die for. Once the waistline has recovered, you will definitely be back!
Address: 7 Market St, Armagh BT61 7BW
