Location: Portsalon
Top Restaurants in Portsalon
Countries
Portsalon Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Portsalon
Portsalon (Irish: Port an tSalainn) is a coastal townland in County Donegal, Ireland. It's situated on the scenic Lough Swilly and it is world-renowned for its beach, which was deemed to be the second most beautiful beach in the world by The Observer.
Things to do in Portsalon
1. Beach House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 369 reviews
Reviewed By JaxAmerican - NJ
If the review covered only the food, Beach House would get 5 stars. However, since service is part of the experience, we give them 2 stars and do not recommend.
For example, after we were seated the waitress bought us a carafe of water, but did not notice that there were no water glasses on the table, and then she disappeared. We had to flag her down to give our order, but she hadn't brought the wine list, so she went to find it....
Food: the oak smoked salmon starter was excellent, one of the best we had in Ireland. But looking around I see other tables with bread service; DH says "maybe it was something they ordered". Now it's 30 minutes in, suddenly bread service, but no mains.
Still waiting for the mains....watching Tidy Towns vol clean up the beach...ONE HOUR after we were seated the mains appeared.
Food: Pan seared cod w mussels & peas perfectly done; Baked Hale with chorizo onions peas totally awesome
Then we ordered dessert, it's 8:30
Umm....9:00 where's our ice cream? It's a little ridiculous...
Ok, 9:15, gave up, asked for check & got immediately. No response about ice cream...?
Also they still haven't picked up the check!
Spend your money elsewhere.
2. The Rusty Nail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
Situated at the foot of the Urris Hills on The Wild Atlantic Way, The Rusty Nail is one of Inishowen's hidden gems. With a welcoming open fire and friendly locals, The Rusty Nail provides a warm atmosphere to enjoy a good pint, a bit of craic, and of course great food. This traditional food pub, run by local couple Maresa & Enda McDonagh has an extensive bar food menu including favourites such pan-fried seabass fillets, cauliflower puree, grilled asparagus & salsa verde and grilled 30-day aged fillet steak, roast onion puree, watercress, traditional tobacco onions & red wine jus as well as a varied selection of pasta, vegetarian and gluten free options. The Rusty Nail hosts live traditional music sessions every Sunday evenings and caters for parties and family functions all year around. There are also many local activities nearby such as horse riding at Tullagh Bay Equestrian Centre, walks to Glenevin Waterfall, a visit to Dunree Fort as well relaxing walks on Leenan, Binion, or Tullagh strands. A journey along the Wild Atlantic Way wouldn't be the same without a visit to The Rusty Nail.
Reviewed By Almostgreynomad - Sydney, Australia
Recommended to go here, and was good advice ! Sunday afternoon, 5pm, trad singing .... very, very good ! Weren't going to .... but stayed and ate, and the food was great ... Lovely evening, and a really special treat for a visitor from Oz.
3. The Railway Tavern & Firebox Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 384 reviews
Our restaurant is located on the shores of Lough Swilly, at Fahan, Co.Donegal, in the premises of The Railway Tavern which was formally the Station House of the Londonderry & Lough Swilly Railway Company (L&LSR)..Our Main course dishes are cooked to perfection on our wood burning Firebox Grill, just like in the old days were the engineers on the locomotives, used their firebox to heat their snacks !The Bar and Restaurant still have the old fires blazing which create a very cosy , snug room to eat or drink in ..
Reviewed By Laura D
I have previously ate here with few friends, and decided to return, but unfortunately it just wasn't up to the standard that I was expecting.
Among making our reservation for 7:30 we were told the table was rebook again for 9, this wouldn't be a problem as we didn't intent to stay on drinking.
Upon arrival we stood at the bar awkwardly and waited to be served. The barman seemed pretty busy, but felt there should be another person on meet and greet. We ordered a drink and waited to be seated. By then another couple had came in and was waiting too. A waitress then by passed us and seated the other couple first even though we were in at least 5 minutes before them.
We were seated up stairs and got the menus. By this stage it was almost 8 before our order was taken. Soup came with steal bread. Nothing too exciting about the soup. After we finished our soup it felt like a life time before someone cleared our plates, here I had asked for another drink. Our mains followed after, still no drink, being placed in a corner I found it had to get the attention of a waiter without shouting across the room. The waiter did not check on our table during our mains. Finally a waiter came to clear the table beside when I had to ask for a jug of water. Even though there was water glasses on the table, they failed to give us one when we were being seated.
I finally got my drink after I had my main course finished. Just before desserts arrived I had to put on my coat it was getting very cold, desserts were some what average.
Food was average, service was below average. Wouldn't be hesitant to return, unfortunately.
4. Belle's Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 213 reviews
Reviewed By Margaret B - Belfast, United Kingdom
We had a late lunch in Belles kitchen which was really lovely...the surroundings were great and just right for the seaside!!. The staff were friendly and welcoming. The sandwiches I had were brimful of chicken and salad. My husband’s toasted Sandwich likewise..
We were sorry we hadn’t chosen to have an evening meal here as the food on display looked excellent. The price was very reasonable. We will definitely recommend and return to Bells when next in the area..
5. Olde Glen Bar and Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
Reviewed By old_poundbury - Dorchester, UK
Eat here with friends from Letterkenny on their recommendation. They weren't wrong. The place seems to be in the middle of nowhere but the food was without exception excellent. Great pace for couples or larger groups.
6. The Red Door Country House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 469 reviews
Renowned for relaxed dining, luxury accommodation and breathtaking views, The Red Door Country House is nestled on a 4 acre site overlooking Lough Swilly in Inishowen, Co. Donegal in the North West of Ireland.Built in 1789, the tradition of a country house is today cleverly combined with contemporary luxury and style.
Reviewed By R_Kernohan - Ballymena, United Kingdom
Last weekend I attended a Christmas wedding at The Red Door Country House on the shores of Lough Swilly, County Donegal.
From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, the hospitality we received was truly excellent. The location, of The Red Door Country House was stunning and quality of food... simply perfect.
I would highly recommend this location to anyone looking for a suitable location for a wedding or civil partnership. Their award winning restaurant is most certainly worth a visit anytime too.
7. The Traveller's Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 155 reviews
The Traveller's Inn, Milford is a family run bar and restaurant dedicated to bringing you the finest local produce in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Established in 1867, The Traveller's Inn has long been known as the home of good food, where the locals love to eat. Building on a great tradition, the venue has evolved to become a premier place of hospitality in the northwest. A visit to The Traveller's Inn lets you experience everything that is good about Donegal and Irish hospitality. That includes a warm welcome, excellent food, friendly service and exceptional value. The menu includes a large selection of matured meat, fresh poultry dishes and local seafood, so guests can savour the best of The Wild Atlantic Way in the relaxed and traditional atmosphere.
Reviewed By JimLivingstone - Belfast, United Kingdom
My family and I are frequent visitors to Fanad in Donegal and can now say without a shadow of a doubt that the best place in the whole county for a friendlydrink or good homely cooking, and always a warm welcome from Michael McBride and his staff, is the Travellers Inn. The menu is basic but delicious and always good quality. The beers include a local brew which is a real treat. But the most important factor is the warm and genuine welcome every customer experiences, whether new or old.
8. Ubiquitous Restaurant and Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 240 reviews
Reviewed By MikenLynn
We think that this was about as good as it gets in a dining experience in the area. Thoroughly modern, clean, attentive staff and absolutely the best grilled salmon I’ve ever had anywhere, and I do mean anywhere.
The presentation of the meals was uniquely a work of art. The preparation of both the salmon and chicken was flawless. Ubiquitous is just next door to a great pub where you can catch local traditional music on Thursday nights
Truly our best dining experience in Ireland yet.
.... interesting name......
9. Oscars Cafe Bar & Resturant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 203 reviews
Reviewed By preglad - New York
Oscar's does a subdued/bland art deco vista and provides something of a brick bread crusts removed menu. The super trad veggie soup -smallish portion- was acceptable, the accompanying brown bread slice tasteless. We ordered a medium burger, but were informed it had to be served certifiably terminated, with slaw side excessively mayonnaised.
At over E16, let's do a very kind rating of acceptable because it seemingly meets the needs of some out there.
10. The Singing Pub
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 346 reviews
Reviewed By A TripAdvisor Member
Been many times when here on holiday, quieter than usual as we’re out of season. But possibly the better for it, plenty of room service as always friendly and prompt. Enjoyed The haddock and chips, well cooked, tasty and very good value. Even better that my team won!
