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17 Of The Best Restaurants In Sligo (From Fine Dinging To Tasty, Casual Eats)

17 Of The Best Restaurants In Sligo (From Fine Dinging To Tasty, Casual Eats)

In search of the best restaurants in Sligo? Our Sligo restaurants guide will make your belly happy!

There’s lots to love about a visit to Sligo, and no end to the things that you can see and do, as you’ll discover in our Sligo attractions guide.

But for us, one of the highlights is the amazing food scene in this fantastic part of Ireland, with a mix of rustic Irish classics to haute cuisine from around the world on offer.

In the guide below, you’ll discover the best Sligo restaurants on offer, with a little bit of something to tickle every fancy.

Our favourite Restaurants in Sligo

The Venue Bar

Photos via the Venue Bar and Restaurant on Facebook

The first section of our guide to the best restaurants in Sligo tackles our favourite places to eat in Sligo.

These are pubs and restaurants that we (one of the Irish Road Trip team) have munched away in at some point over the years. Dive on in!

1. Eala Bhán (Sligo Town)

Eala Bhán sligo

Photo via Eala Bhán on Facebook

You’ll find Eala Bhán in the very heart of Sligo Town, nestled on the banks of the river. The name translates to ‘white swan’, and you’re likely to see these majestic creatures out of the windows as you dine.

The food is out of this world, all locally sourced and high quality. They specialise in local seafood and 100% Irish beef steaks, but you’ll find several other classics, all with a contemporary twist. The incredible food is paired with a fantastic atmosphere — a winning combo that keeps us coming back again and again.

If you’re on the lookout for Sligo restaurants to mark a special occasion, you can’t go wrong with an evening at Eala Bhán.

2. Davis’ Restaurant & Yeats Tavern (Drumcliff)

best places to eat in sligo

Photos via Davis’ Restaurant & Yeats Tavern on Facebook

Family-owned for more than 35-years, Davis’ Restaurant is a cracking find. Their menu covers dishes from across the globe, including curries, burgers, and schnitzels. On top of that, you’ll find a host of classics, such as fish and chips and Irish stew.

You get a good plateful of feed at a decent price, and it’s the ideal place for a hearty, unfussy meal after an active day. Plus, the adjacent Yeats Tavern is packed full of character and makes for a perfect place for an end of day pint or 2.

3. The Driftwood (Rosses Point)

The Driftwood

Photos via the Driftwood on Facebook

The Driftwood is a quirky, beach house style, hotel in the heart of the picturesque village of Rosses Point. It has a fantastic little restaurant/bar/cafe, that’s perfect for a casual lunch or light snacks while you gaze out the window and across Sligo Bay. But for us, it’s all about the Smokehouse Restaurant!

The menu boasts a tasty selection of dishes, with an emphasis on smoked meats and seafood. Gorgeously tender, and packed with flavour, the slow-cooked dishes are worth traveling for, and promise to melt in your mouth.

4. The Venue Bar and Restaurant (Strandhill)

The Venue Bar

Photos via the Venue Bar and Restaurant on Facebook

If you’re looking for Sligo restaurants that boast stunning sea views, this place will be right up your street! The Venue is one of those places you can’t help but come back to, with its charming, rustic decor, complete with wooden beams, barrels, and roaring fireplaces.

They serve up some fantastic food as well, featuring sumptuous seafood dishes using the freshest possible ingredients.

You’ll find classics like fish and chips, alongside dishes from around the world, given an Irish twist, such as their amazing Thai Prawn Curry. Afterwards, the bar is a great place to sink a few pints and get to know the locals.

Related read: Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Strandhill (from fine dining to casual, tasty bites)

5. Beach Bar (Aughris head)

one of the most unique sligo restaurants

Photos via Beach Bar

With its thatched roof and 300-year history, the Beach Bar is one of the more unique Sligo restaurants on offer. Surrounded by rolling green fields, mountains, and the wild Atlantic, it’s a stunning place to detach from the modern world and sink into utter relaxation.

On a sunny day, the outdoor seating is one of the best places to be, gazing over the waves and enjoying a huge seafood sharing platter.

Fresh fish and shellfish make up a large part of the menu, but you’ll find plenty more besides, such as burgers, steaks, and bar classics like Irish stew.

6. The Strand Bar (Strandhill)

strandhill beach food

Photos via the Strand Bar on Facebook

The Strand Bar is the heart of Strandhill, and has been welcoming locals and tourists alike for more than 100-years. Family-run by 3 surfing brothers, it offers a fantastic blend of rustic charm and playful modernity.

Just a stone’s throw from the beach, it’s ideal for a hearty feed after hitting the waves. The menu ranges from their famous Guinness stew, to stone-baked pizzas, and of course, plenty of seafood.

Don’t worry if the weather isn’t on your side — indoors is spacious yet cosy, with a welcoming attitude helped along by the roaring fireplace.

7. Pudding Row (Easky)

Pudding Row

Photos via Pudding Row on Facebook

Part deli, part cafe, Pudding Row is a real treat to visit for some incredible home-made goodies. Located a short stroll along the Easky River from the sea, they offer a sublime selection of baked goods, ranging from fresh bread and sausage rolls to a huge selection of cakes and sweet treats.

You’ll also find preserves, pickles, and all manner of jarred goodies. Pick up a picnic pack and head to the sea for a great afternoon at the beach. They also stock a wide range of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free goods.

8. Gilroy’s Bar and Áit Eile Restaurant (Enniscrone)

Gilroy's

Photos via Áit Eile Restaurant on Instagram

Sitting in the heart of the quaint seaside village of Enniscrone, Gilroy’s Bar and Áit Eile Restaurant is a must-visit if you’re in town. The ocean views from the patio are spectacular, and there are few better places in Ireland to grab a tasty lunch with a view.

Proudly focusing on fresh, local produce, you can expect huge flavour and an exciting menu. There are plenty of seafood options, as well as pizzas, steaks, and vegetarian dishes.

Related read: Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Enniscrone (from pub grub to meals with stunning sea views)

9. Shell’s Cafe (Strandhill)

shell's cafe strandhill

Photos via Shells Cafe on Facebook

Shell’s is a wonderful little cafe in Strandhill, just a few feet from the sea. Packed full of character, they offer a range of tasty treats for breakfast, lunch and brunch. Their full Irish can’t be beaten if you’re looking to start your day well, and they also offer a lovely cup of coffee. 

Freshly baked goods are ideal to take down to the beach, and on Friday evenings they offer a fantastic fish menu.

10. Hooked

one of the fancier restaurants in sligo

Photos via Hooked Restaurant on Facebook

You’ll be instantly hooked (terrible pun, I know!) by the quirky decor on display in this charming bistro in the centre of Sligo Town.

The food is absolutely stunning, with cuisine from across the globe sitting side by side classic Irish staples.

Locally sourced ingredients ensure top quality, with an array of seafood dishes, steaks, veggie options, and burgers, all using the freshest produce available. The service is second to none, with friendly staff and a welcoming environment. For drinks, you’ll find local craft beer on tap.

11. Coach Lane Restaurant @ Donaghy’s Bar

Coach Lane

Photos via Coach Lane Restaurant @ Donaghy’s Bar on Facebook

Coach Lane was one of the pioneering ‘eat local’ restaurants in Sligo, and has been offering incredible food for more than 20-years. Seafood features heavily on the menu, with an array of fresh-caught fish and shellfish to choose from. There’s also Irish lamb and beef, served alongside seasonal Irish vegetables, fruits, and salad.

In addition to the fabulous food, they offer an extensive wine menu and provide pairings to match your meal. The friendly yet professional service rounds everything off, making this a firm favourite.

12. Hargadon Bros.

Hargadon brose sligo town

Photos via Hargadon Bros. on Facebook

Having been in business for several generations, it’s clear to see that they know what they’re doing at Hargadon Bros.

Part pub, part green grocer, part deli, and part restaurant, stepping through the door takes you back in time to a world of snug wood panelled nooks, stone floors, and clay jugs.

It’s worth a visit for a pint and to soak up the atmosphere alone, but they also offer incredible food. Proud to know their suppliers by name, they offer the best local produce, with a wealth of seafood dishes, Irish steaks, and plenty more to make your mouth water. 

This is one of very few pubs that can go toe-to-toe with the very best Sligo restaurants. They pour some of the best Guinness in the county, too!

13. Flipside

Flipside

Photos via Flipside on Facebook

If you’re mad about burgers, then get yourself down to Flipside! This is one of the best burger joints in Ireland, and their simple premise ensures no compromises. With an aim to bring the finest burgers to Sligo, they use 100% Aberdeen Angus beef reared in Sligo County, and you can taste the difference.

Cooked fresh to order, you can choose from a host of varieties, as well as juicy chicken burgers, and even a tasty vegan burger. 

If you’re in search of casual Sligo restaurants that pack a punch, carve out some time to visit Flipside.

14. Jalan Jalan

Jalan Jalan

Photos via Jalan Jalan on Facebook

Bringing a taste of Asia to Sligo, Jalan Jalan offers a fantastically diverse menu inspired by Asian street food classics. Prepare for a taste sensation as you take a tour of cuisine from China, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Fresh ingredients and spices ensure the food bursts with flavour with every bite.

Inside the restaurant is cosy and welcoming, with an excellent team who’ll make you feel right at home. They also do an incredible take-away service.

What great Sligo restaurants have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some other great restaurants in Sligo from the guide above.

If you have a favourite Sligo restaurant that you’d like to recommend, drop a comment into the comments section below.

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Laura mckernan

Friday 12th of April 2024

Bella & Brava coolaney sligo is the best. Real woodfire oven, the chef is Argentinian. He Cooke pizza, fish, steak and bread all in the oven. Using local produce and cooked to order. Unreal experience. Check it out.

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