The Cuan

Someone from this business manages this listing.

781 reviews

#3 of 3 Restaurants in Strangford££ - £££, Irish, Bar, Seafood

+44 28 4488 1222+ Add website

Hours

Sun

8:00 - 23:00

Mon

8:00 - 23:00

Tue

8:00 - 23:00

Wed

8:00 - 23:00

Thu

8:00 - 23:00

Fri

8:00 - 0:00

Sat

8:00 - 0:00

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Ratings and reviews

4.5

781 reviews

#3 of 3 Restaurants in Strangford

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Food and ambience

Local cuisine, Irish, Bar, Seafood, Pub, British

“The most delicious seafood chowder”

“... prawn cocktail and I ordered seafood chowder , first impressions on the c...”

“We chose fish and were far from disappointed with both the scampi and the Cat...”

“We ordered scampi and it was absolutely delicious.”

Location and contact

6-12 The Square, Strangford BT30 7ND Northern Ireland

+44 28 4488 1222

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Does this restaurant allow dogs or considered pet friendly?

Yes

Unsure

Details

Manage this business?

About

The Cuan is situated on the shores of Strangford Lough, overlooking the village green in Strangford, County Down. A perfect setting for a mid-week break, weekend getaway or an activity lead holiday with the family. After an extensive renovation and under new ownership, The Cuan re-opened in 2021. Our stylish and well-appointed bedrooms offer the very best in comfort and privacy and include a Nespresso coffee machine and handmade Irish toiletries. Casual, yet impossibly chic, our restaurant, bistro and bar menu features standout showstoppers, specialising in Northern Irish seafood dishes, emulating the coastal sights, sounds and sensations of this stunning part of Northern Ireland.

PRICE RANGE

£8.00 – £50.00

CUISINES

Irish, Bar, Seafood, British, Pub

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Breakfast, Dinner, Drinks

FEATURES

Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Dog Friendly

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4.5

781 reviews

Excellent

495

Very good

141

Average

Poor

Terrible

Ashley G

29 contributions

Excellent service and food!

Jan 2020 • friends

We came here as we heard it was a famous spot for the Game of Thrones actors to eat and stay at. The staff here was wonderful and allowed us to see the banquet room, Game of Thrones door, as well as some pictures of the cast they had. Along with the outstanding service, the food was wonderful!

Written 26 January 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TheCuanCoDown

Dear Ashley G Your next visit will have to be to stay over in the room that Jon Snow stayed in !!! Many thanks Caroline, Peter & Team

Written 8 March 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

MartaG

Belfast110 contributions

A great new addition

Jun 2021 • couples

I've been excited to try the restaurant since I heard it was under new management and it did not disappoint. The interiors are beautiful with a relaxing bar and dining area that looks like something from a classic NYC Hotel. The menu is varied from standard pub favourites to bistro style food to choose from. When I arrived I advised I had a gluten allergy and was talked through the menu (there was very little I couldn't eat) and asked to fill out an allergy card which ensures all staff knew I required a gluten free meal. For starter I had smoked salmon and fresh fennel with a delicious piece of gluten free wheaten bread and I had chicken for main. My partner had squid for starter and a burger for main. The food was delicious and the staff were friendly and attentive throughout our meal. Will definitely be back when next in Strangford

Written 15 June 2021

Rosemary Hand

Ireland53 contributions

Seafood Delight

Jun 2021 • family

Newly designed space, with elegant, comfortable surroundungs plus accomodation packages & fantastic seafood selections, it's hard not to love this unique spot!!!! We chose 3 starters, smoked salmon & crab, prawn and calamri starters,paired with a cool glass of Chardonnay, excellent. Service attentive and friendly. Excellently Guiness for the discerning guest.

Written 26 June 2021

Semina K

3 contributions

Very dissappointing 2nd visit

Jul 2021 • couples

Booked a table for 2pm but rang and changed it to 12.30 which was great was told if I came early I could have an outside table as it was first come first served so arrived at 12.05 table outside no problem We were given a menu which were told that firstly the hake had not been delived yet so was off the menu. The menu was already limited and considering that they only open thurs to sunday and this was first day opening since sunday I would have thought that they would have been better organised. I spotted the chef arriving at 12.20 and when the lady came to take our order we were told then that the chicken breast would take at least 45 mins to cook so I then asked what is on the menu that can be served now to be told burger ,fish and chips and steak and pizza My husband order fish and chips I tried the chips they were luke warm and he said the fish was very thick batter and not crispy I chose smoked salmon with crab ,fennel ,avocado When it arrived it had a teaspoon of crab no avocado and a marie rose disguising everything on the plate Also it was served with a very dense muffin Which was not on the menu All in all will not be returning

Written 22 July 2021

justlivealittle-jill

Portaferry2 contributions

Bad experience!

Jul 2021 • family

Another disappointing visit to the Cuan. We really wanted this to be different but it wasn’t. We had received a voucher as an apology after an appalling first visit…the decor is lovely but the food was very disappointing for the price the crab linguine was greasy and my daughter couldn’t eat the meatballs! The service is a disaster…hard to believe you get away with this considering the superb artisan cookhouse is on your doorstep. I would have loved to recommend but after two disappointing visits I can’t..sorry!

Written 18 July 2021

Jkf

4 contributions

Utterly disappointing

Sept 2021 • couples

I booked dinner and a one night stay at the Cuan for my lovely parents as my dad was celebrating a big birthday. Before they arrived, I contacted the hotel twice to highlight the fact it was my dad’s 80th assuming they would make it special for him - especially when the package was very expensive for the time of year and area. I didn’t expect fireworks - just a small token gesture. My dad’s birthday was not mentioned or acknowledged once the whole time my parents were there. So disappointing and so different from other hotels they’ve stayed in over special occasions. The dinner was sub par and really I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone, especially in this high price range. For me a compete waste of money - even my dad was disappointed and that takes a lot!

Written 29 November 2021

Richard

Dear jkf10, thank you for your review for your parents visit. I am sorry to hear your parents did not enjoy their stay. This is most unusual and had the management been notified at the time of any issues we would have made every effort to rectify them. I know your parents were given a free upgrade to our best room to acknowledge the special occasion. Many thanks Richard

Written 8 December 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Charlene C

1 contribution

Extremely disappointing

Aug 2022 • none

My husband and I dined in the Cuan yesterday for lunch. We were seen by 2 members of staff and were not acknowledged by either of them. After sitting for approximately 15 minutes my husband had to get the menus himself. Whilst we were waiting on a staff member to take our order another couple entered the restaurant and were seen to promptly, we were the only 4 diners in the building, I politely said to the waitress could we order, she eventually came and took our order, she wasn’t very pleasant, I had to take salt, pepper and cutlery from the next table. My husband ordered seafood chowder as a starter which was fine, we both ordered fish and chips which was extremely over priced, the fish was more like a fish finger, there was very little fish and each bite was about 95% batter. My husband and I both left still feeling a little hungry as it definitely was not a substantial meal, overall our dining experience was extremely disappointing. We are both aware that prices in general have went up, but the quality and amount of food given should not go down.

Written 23 August 2022

Aimée L

Northern Ireland236 contributions

Serving staff let the place down

Jul 2022 • couples

From the outside, this place looked incredibly nice. However, waiting 37 minutes to place a food order after asking two different waitresses isn't really acceptable. The waitress that did wait our table needs to review her attitude or career. The food was OK I guess. I got cesear salad and teriyaki salmon and may as well have ordered just lettuce from the blandness. The price of this place demands the staff be of good caliber and demands good food. There is no dress code at all and staff are walking round in shorts? I'm not exactly pretentious, but when I'm paying £90 for 2 courses each, 2 beers, a cocktail and a cola.... I expect a good experience. I would recommend the lobster pot across the road.

Written 30 July 2022

Richard

Aimee Thank you for taking the time to send us a review. I was disappointed to read of your experience, especially from a service point-of-view. I have addressed all of your points with the Head Chef and Floor Managers so these problems can be rectified immediately. We hope this will not deter you from returning again to The Cuan. Best regards Richard Brown Managing Director

Written 8 August 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

50Katharine

Belfast12 contributions

Fantastic service and food

Mar 2020 • none

A big thanks to Caroline and her fantastic team for looking after our group of TVR car enthusiasts for Saturday lunch at The Cuan. Everyone of our large group thoroughly enjoyed their food and commented on how efficient and friendly the staff were. Thanks so much for helping us to organise our visit.

Written 9 March 2020

Suzy251988

Belfast44 contributions

Awful service

Aug 2021 • family

Came here today with my family and the service was awful. Two girls standing talking to kitchen staff rather than taking customers food order. Waited 25 minutes for order to be taken. One of the girls was called Rachel she may only be part time staff but it's staff like this which will do your business harm. Ordered a pint of diet coke when it arrived the bar man brought the pint of diet coke along with a bottle of diet coke and he said no keep it. Was charged for the diet coke not even an apology that they had made a mistake and mucked it up. Food was good but service awful honestly won't be back. Wasn't cheap at all. Service is pathetic couple of members of staff that have been there a while but the other ones they would be better without them.

Written 15 August 2021

Barbara D

World1 contribution

A superb restaurant well worth doing mileage to go and find it!

Sept 2021 • none

We ate twice at lunch and the next day in the evening. My wife (who is Irish!) could not avoid their chowder. Quite simply the best she has ever eaten. I ordered a vegetarian pizza (though I never eat a pizza in a restaurant usually) and was really surprised by the finesse of their pizza: thin base perfectly baked, and the topping being grilled aubergine, sun-dried tomatoes, goat milk cheese and pesto. Simply delicious. The next evening we tried the nibbles of sourdough bread with home made black garlic butter and dulse butter. Amazing! The my wife had the smoked salmon and I had the monk-fish with fried green vegetables (asparagus, french beans, kale... all cooked to perfection and deliciously green! with mash potatoes. Excellent. And the sweet was... perfect. Though normally critical with poor cuisine, we both found this restaurant of the highest standard. If you pass by Strangford (or Portaferry, as the ferry works until late) do not miss a meal at The Cuan. It is well worth the detour!

Written 10 September 2021

Richard

Thank you so much for your amazing review. It is really appreciated and we are so happy to know you enjoyed your visits! We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Written 15 September 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Anonymous

1 contribution

Services was awful

Jun 2022 • none

We booked for Sunday dinner for 5 adults and 2 children, I did specify on the phone we needed a highchair. When we arrived there was 1 table needing served in the bar and ourselves in the restaurant the other 2 tables were already eating. We asked when being seated for a highchair for the baby, my husband walked the floor for 10 mins holding the baby and still no highchair so we had to ask again. After this coming we then had to ask after 20 mins for our order to be taken at this point the girl had asked did we want crayons for the kids we waited 15 mins and had to ask another member of staff for this, by this stage we were the only table in the restaurant. We had to ask for a drinks order to be taken. The food arrived and it was absolutely beautiful, could not be faulted in anyway. Once finished we were asked did we want dessert menu, we ordered dessert and were still waiting 20 mins later on this again we had to call staff over. By this stage we have now been in the restaurant 2 hrs and still hadn't got dessert. By this stage the kids were starting to get restless. The service was very poor, we were continually having to call staff to our table while passing from the bar as there was no member of staff manning the restaurant. I would understand if the place was really busy but when we arrived this was not the case we were the only table in the restaurant for about 45mins. The service of the waiting staff is what would put me off coming back which is a pity because the food is of a high standard and cannot be faulted.

Written 27 June 2022

Richard

Thank you for your review. Please can you email us your contact number to info@thecuan.com. Best regards Management Team

Written 3 July 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ela G

Darwin19 contributions

Amazing food but poor service

Mar 2022 • family

The food was amazing but the service was terrible. The wait staff would not make eye contact and we had to call them to us to order anything. The lead waitress stated they were busy and constantly looked flustered . The place was beautiful and the chefs were obviously very good. It was a shame their hard work was diminished by the wait staff. Maybe with a bit more time and training things will improve. I would love to return and enjoy the food and beautiful ambience

Written 21 March 2022

Luxtraveller66

Comber543 contributions

Amazing Lunch at The Cuan!

May 2021 • couples

Today was our first return to ‘restaurant dining’ after 8 months, and what an amazing lunch it was! I won’t lie that we were outdoors under the canopy and it was cold, and we even had hailstones at one point; but the overhead heaters on the outdoor terrace, and the warm friendly welcome from all the staff soon had us forgetting how cold it was. I had the chowder to start, followed by the best crab linguini I have ever eaten.. then Raspberry creme Brûlée for dessert. All three courses were delicious. All washed down with a very nice bottle of French Sauvignon Blanc. The refurbishment of the Cuan is fantastic - so we can’t wait to return and dine indoors… and likewise, the food was just fabulous. Thank you to the chef and all the staff for a very memorable and wonderful lunch… we will be back… and DON’T ever take that crab linguini off the menu!!😂😂

Written 5 May 2021

legal599

Downpatrick1 contribution

Aweful

Jul 2022 • none

Sunday meal spoiled by swarms of flies. At one stage I had four on my plate. Male waiter plonked a carafe on the table, no ice, he didn't pour. Starters poor and cost was extortionate for what we received. My wife' steak, request medium, was uncooked apart for the surface, inedible.

Written 4 August 2022

Richard

Thank you for taking the time to write us a review, please can you send us your contact number to info@thecuan.com, attention - Lucy.

Written 8 August 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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