The 9 Best Donegal Town Restaurants for When You Want More Than Just Pub Grub
If you’re hungry in the heart of Donegal, you’re in luck. The best Donegal Town restaurants offer more than just pub grub. You’ll find delicious local food, fresh seafood, and cozy spots that make you feel right at home.
This guide will take you through the top places to eat so you can enjoy the best of the town.
1. Blueberry Tea Room and Restaurant
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Website: https://theblueberrytearooms.ie/
Address: Castle St, Donegal, F94 AH75, Ireland
Contact Details: +353749722933
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Price Range: $$-$$$
The Blueberry Tea Room & Restaurant is a family-run treasure that has been part of Donegal Town since 1993. Everything is homemade, from the jams and marmalades to the breads and desserts.
Fresh, local ingredients and Irish hospitality make this restaurant a favorite for both locals and travelers.
Breakfast is a must here, with the Donegal breakfast being filling and flavorful. Freshly baked scones with cream and jam, French toast, and porridge with fruit and honey are also popular.
The lunch menu offers plenty of delicious options too, like the sweet potato and quinoa burger, chicken satay in pita bread, and rich vegetarian curries.
You can also check out the daily specials, such as quiches, soups, and chowder, that are posted on the blackboards.
Desserts are another strong point. Blueberry pie, pavlova, apple crumble, and chocolate pudding are made in-house and served fresh each day. A pot of tea, cappuccino, or Irish coffee makes the perfect partner.
Pro Tip:
You can enjoy both indoor and outdoor seating here. The outdoor patio is perfect on sunny days and for when you want to soak in the town a bit more.
2. The Restaurant at Harvey’s Point
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Website: https://www.harveyspoint.com/dine/the-restaurant/
Address: Lough Eske Rd, Friary, Donegal, F94 E771, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 74 972 2208
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6 to 9:30 PM
Price Range: $$$$
For a fine dining option in Donegal, check out The Restaurant at Harvey’s Point. Sitting on the quiet shores of Lough Eske, it’s only a short drive from Donegal Town.
The restaurant is well known for its 4-course dinner priced at €69. The menu uses fresh local produce and offers dishes like seafood scallops, gravlax salmon, wild Atlantic monkfish, Irish Hereford beef fillet, and Barbary duck breast.
Vegetarian and vegan dishes are also available, such as tandoori cauliflower steak. The dessert menu is rich and satisfying too, with favorites like tiramisu and profiteroles with Baileys cream.
The lakeside views create a lovely backdrop, especially in the evening. It’s no wonder then that people go here for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and romantic evenings.
Pro Tip:
Stay at Harvey’s Point Hotel for the full experience. You can have dinner at the restaurant, relax by the lake, and wake up in a comfortable place in the heart of Donegal.
3. Quay West Restaurant
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Website: https://www.quaywestdonegal.ie/
Address: Quay St, Donegal, F94 E2A2, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 74 972 1590
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday – 5 to 9 PM
- Monday, Tuesday – Closed
Price Range: $$-$$$
Quay West Restaurant in Donegal Town is one of the best places to eat along the Wild Atlantic Way. It sits by the water with big west-facing windows that look out over Donegal Bay.
The restaurant is owned by award-winning chefs, and they focus on using local produce and keeping everything sustainable while serving delicious food.
The menu highlights the best of Donegal: chargrilled Aubrac beef, mountain lamb, and fresh seafood from nearby Killybegs.
Popular choices include king prawn gratin, hake, and crab linguine. Steak lovers will enjoy the ribeye and sirloin with rich house-made sauces.
Meanwhile, vegetarians and vegans can enjoy fresh soups, seasonal vegetables, and a vegan brownie with raspberry sorbet.
The drinks menu is just as good. You can enjoy cocktails, local craft beers, and Donegal whiskey. The elderflower fizz is a refreshing favorite. Desserts are also a highlight, with the famous Caramel Crunchie Sundae standing out.
Pro Tip:
Book your table in advance, especially if you want to catch the sunset. The bay-view seats fill up fast, and early booking guarantees the best spot.
4. Blas
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Website: https://www.thegatewaydonegal.ie/dining-in-donegal
Address: Lough Eske Rd, Mullans, Donegal, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 74 972 3011
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 5 PM
Price Range: $$-$$$
Blas is one of the best places to eat in Donegal. The name means “taste” in Gaelic, and the restaurant lives up to it. Since opening in 2015, this award-winning bistro has become a favorite for locals and visitors.
It’s set in the old Drumcliffe House, which dates back to the 1800s, and has been carefully restored. The space is warm, relaxed, and charming, so it’s a lovely spot for breakfast, lunch, or a quick stop for coffee and cake.
Breakfast at Blas is very popular. The French Toast with fresh berries is light and sweet, the Blas Breakfast is big and filling, and the potato-based Boxty is a local favorite.
Lunch brings more choices, with dishes like the Warm Goat’s Cheese Tartlet, Killybegs Fish Cakes, and Pork Bao Buns.
For dessert, the Marbled Red Velvet Brownie and Cookie Dough Skillet are crowd favorites.
But this place is known for more than its food. The service is kind and attentive and the portions are generous. Reservations aren’t required but the place is so popular, you might just need to.
Pro Tip:
Blas is family-friendly with high chairs and a kids’ menu, so it’s a good choice for family outings or groups with small kids.
5. The Lobster Pot
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063493423957&_rdr
Address: Burtonport, Co. Donegal, F94 HD91, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 74 954 2012
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Monday to Tuesday – Closed
Price Range: $$-$$$
If you’re looking for one of the best seafood restaurants in Donegal, The Lobster Pot is a must-visit. This family-run spot sits near the harbour of a traditional fishing village, making it the perfect place to enjoy the catch of the day fresh from the Atlantic.
Seafood lovers will be spoiled for choice here. The seafood chowder, packed with fresh fish in every spoonful, is a local favorite. For mains, dishes like the whole sea bass with roast garlic butter and the simple but perfectly done fish and chips never disappoint.
If you’re not a seafood fan, they also serve spicy chicken wings, steak baguette, and sizzling steaks that are just as satisfying. Be sure to save room for dessert—the apple pie with ice cream is highly recommended.
The Lobster Pot is also known for its warm hospitality. The owners and the team are always ready with a smile and a chat. It’s family-friendly, perfect for groups, and even has outdoor seating for sunny days.
Pro Tip:
Parking can be tricky during busy times, so try to arrive early. If the main lot is full, you can park by the ferry and take a short walk up to the restaurant.
6. Olde Castle Seafood Bar
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Website: https://oldecastlebar.com/
Address: Castle St, Donegal, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 74 972 1262
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 12 to 6 PM
- Friday, Saturday – 12 to 8 PM
Price Range: $$-$$$
The Olde Castle Bar & Seafood Restaurant is one of the best places to enjoy fresh seafood in Donegal. This well-loved gastro pub is found in the heart of Donegal Town, directly across from the historic Donegal Castle.
The menu is full of dishes that bring out the best of Donegal’s coast. The seafood chowder is a favorite, often called one of the best in Ireland. For those who prefer other choices, the lamb stew and steaks are excellent and filling.
Vegetarians will find fresh salads and delicious pasta dishes. Desserts such as the Summer Berry Tart and Lemon Meringue are also worth trying.
The drinks are just as enjoyable as the food. A pint of Guinness or Kilkenny is a classic choice, and local artisan beers like Kinnegar add a special Donegal touch. Gluten-free options are also available.
Pro Tip:
If you have to wait for a table, you can grab a drink at the bar while waiting. The locals are friendly, so it’s a pleasant way to pass the time.
7. The Harbour Restaurant & Bar
– Media Credit: theharbourrestaurantandbar
Website: https://harbourdonegal.ie/
Address: Quay St, Donegal, F94 R660, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 74 972 1702
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 5 to 9 PM
- Sunday – 1 to 8 PM
Price Range: $$-$$$
The Harbour Restaurant & Bar is one of the top places to eat in Donegal Town, right on the Wild Atlantic Way. They focus on three things: fresh local produce, great flavors, and good value.
The menu has something for everyone. Seafood takes center stage here, with creamy Seafood Chowder, Donegal Seafood Pie, and mussels in garlic wine sauce. Steaks are also very popular, from the Garlic Lover sirloin to the Surf & Turf with prawns.
For something more casual, the pizza menu is a favorite. The Admiral’s Seafood Feast and the Quattro Formaggi are both excellent choices. Families will find plenty of options too, including a kids’ menu and vegetarian and vegan dishes.
The Harbour is known for friendly service, a lively atmosphere, and large portions. You can enjoy cocktails and wines from the three bars. It’s also a great spot for Sunday lunch, group dinners, or special events in Donegal.
Pro Tip:
The portions here are big, so it’s a good idea to share a starter or dessert. This way you can try more dishes without getting too full.
8. La Bella Donna Restaurant
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Website: https://labelladonnarestaurant.com/
Address: 2 Bridge St, Donegal, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 74 972 5790
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday – 5 to 9 PM
- Friday, Saturday – 5 to 10 PM
- Monday – Closed
Price Range: $$-$$$
If you’re looking for one of the best restaurants in Donegal, La Bella Donna is a standout choice. Tucked along Bridge Street by the River Eske, this gem offers authentic Italian flavors, warm and stylish interiors, elegant décor and spacious bars.
It feels like a little slice of Italy right in the heart of Donegal Town.
The menu offers plenty of favorites, from fresh pasta and wood-fired pizza to steaks and seafood. Popular dishes include the La Bella Donna Pizza, Pollo Alla Parmigiana, and Penne Arrabbiata.
This spot is also family-friendly. Children can choose from a kids’ menu, and smaller portions of pasta are available.
Upstairs, the Bellini Cocktail Bar serves cocktails, wine, and light bites, with views of Donegal Bay.
Pro Tip:
Ask about their gluten-free pasta if you have special dietary needs. This way, you won’t miss out on their dishes.
9. Chandpur Restaurant
– Media Credit: chandpur_indian_restaurant
Website: http://www.chandpurdonegal.com/
Address: Unit 4, Main Street Car Park, Donegal, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 74 972 5452
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 4 to 10 PM
- Sunday – 4 to 9 PM
Price Range:
Chandpur Indian Restaurant brings the taste of India to the heart of Donegal. This family-run restaurant has won many awards, including Best Indian Restaurant in Ireland seven times.
The menu is full of authentic Indian and Bangladeshi dishes, made with fresh local produce and spices from Asia.
You can look forward to classic curries like korma, bhuna, and vindaloo sitting alongside house specials — such as Lamb Bangla, Chandpur Special Curry Delight — and a range of tandoori dishes.
On Sundays, the all-you-can-eat buffet offers a mix of starters, mains, rice, and naan for €14.95. Families are well catered for with a children’s menu, while attentive staff ensure everyone feels looked after.
Pro Tip:
Arrive early between 5 to 7 PM on Monday to Friday to enjoy the Early Bird menu. It offers great value with set meals that are cheaper but still just as delicious as the main menu.