The Smugglers Table - Down

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!