If you live in the area and haven't eaten here, you must be crazy! I traveled from Donaghadee to attend a wedding at The Mill At Ballydugan and decided to book The Smugglers for a meal beforehand. The breads with tapenade and parfait were fantastic starters to share. The Finnebrouge Wagyu Fillet on the specials menu was one of the most perfectly cooked and delicious steaks we have ever had, as was the Sirloin. The pepper sauce was just right, not too overpowering but with the right amount of heat. The chips were excellent too. We shared the Double Chocolate Brownie for dessert, washed down with a wonderful Malbec. Instead of coffee, we opted for a cheeky Bushmills 10. The restaurant followed...
After a hectic few weeks, we decided to dine at this restaurant for our Friday night meal. I was disappointed to have missed out on the seafood specials that were featured on their Facebook page, but my spirits were lifted when I tried Chef Roy’s Saddle of Venison special. The meat was tender, the jus was full of flavor, and the potato fondant and local vegetables were cooked to perfection. The dish looked even better in person than in the photograph. Julie mentioned that most of the dishes are gluten-free, as the chef himself is gluten-free, which explains why the sauces and jus on the menu are always so delicious. We ended the meal with homemade desserts and a refreshing cocktail from the...
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.
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.
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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!
Visited the restaurant last night with my son and daughter. Since discovering this hidden gem, it is our go to place for the delicious food, friendly staff and the ambience. Couldn't recommend this place highly enough. Thanks to all the staff, it really lifted our spirits.
This is a super top class place for excellent food and wine. Lovely ambience also. I had duck as my main and found it to be excellent, also had starter and dessert that were a must but unplanned. Best dinning experience I've had in along time. Would recommend to anyone.
I recently enjoyed a delicious seafood pie made by Roy at this restaurant. The curry dish was also exceptional, packed with flavor but not too strong. The only thing lacking was Julie's warm smile and the efficient, friendly staff.
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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.
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!
