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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
US$15 - US$63
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner, Drinks
CUISINES
Irish, Bar, Seafood, British, Pub
FEATURES
Outdoor Seating, Television, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Reviews (734)
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Traveller rating
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Reviewed 2 weeks ago

It has been nicely renovated but some of the waiting staff could do with a bit of training; noticing when people would like to order, pay a bill etc. I only had a burger but it was really bad - two flavourless things straight from...the freezer section. Food not as refined as the setting unfortunately. I think I preferred it before it was poshed up to be honest, a bit style over substance now. I wouldn't go back.More

Date of visit: November 2023
Helpful?
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.
Richard Brown, Marketing at The Cuan, responded to this reviewResponded 1 week ago

Dear Ilbuono10 Thank you for taking the time to share with us your feedback. I was disappointed to read that the food ordered and service was below our normal standard and unfortunately, did not meet your expectations. Rest assured that this will be discussed further...More

Reviewed 29 September 2023 via mobile

Stop here on our shore excursion and the food was outstanding. The staff was great and I was able to get a pint with no problems.More

Date of visit: September 2023
Helpful?
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.
Richard Brown, Marketing at The Cuan, responded to this reviewResponded 11 October 2023

David Thank you for taking the time to share your 5* review with us. Delighted that you enjoyed your meal at The Cuan, I will share your comments with all the staff and we hope you enjoyed your onward cruise. Come back and visit us...More

Reviewed 22 September 2023 via mobile

We have been visiting The Cuan Little Wolf pizza takeaway since it opened: the main attraction was the beautiful pizzas cooked in their Italian oven, imported Mozzarella etc … very authentic. We travelled a couple of miles tonight to get pizza…. Tried so many times...to get through on the phone but we found out by phoning the hotel that the staff disconnects the phone when they are busy … absolutely disgraceful! So you have to take the risk to travel hoping it’s open!!! Cause they take the notion when it suits! Then you order but have to wait in a freezing car or cramped premises while the food cooks due to the previous orders, but had the phone answered you could arrive 15 mins later! The piece de resistance was when ordering the longed for pizza….. they decided NOT to serve pizza in the winter!!!!! Who knew!!!!! So we wasted our journey, our fuel and time basically because they can’t be bothered. And the selling point of this establishment WAS pizza!!!More

Date of visit: September 2023
Helpful?
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.
Richard Brown, Marketing at The Cuan, responded to this reviewResponded 11 October 2023

Dear Nuala Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We posted on our social media platforms that we would not be serving Wood Fired Pizzas through the Autumn and Winter season. We also posted a sign at the front of Little Wolf Takeaway and...More

Reviewed 16 September 2023 via mobile

Second visit in 6 weeks - we made a return visit because of the fabulous food! Drinks order was taken at the table, food was served quickly and was beautiful- the buttermilk chicken is a must! The only down side to our visit (both times)...was the lack of heat in the restaurant- it was chilly and not ideal for relaxed dining. We will certainly be back, food is too good to miss!More

Date of visit: September 2023
Helpful?2  
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.
Richard Brown, Marketing at The Cuan, responded to this reviewResponded 11 October 2023

Thank you for taking the time to share your review. Delighted to read you had fabulous food and especially the buttermilk chicken. I will share your comments with all the team and we look forward to welcoming you back again to The Cuan very soon....More

Reviewed 2 September 2023

If you like your plain with everything but flavor, this is for you. It has that peculiar set up that the drinks order can take place only at the bar or the bar staff. And they let you know in the rudest way possible. But...that is bearable. What is mind boggling is the prices for very dry tasteless food.More

Date of visit: September 2023
Helpful?1  
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.
Richard Brown, Marketing at The Cuan, responded to this reviewResponded 11 October 2023

Javiers Thank you for sharing your review with us. I was disappointed to read that our service and food did not meet or exceed your expectations. I will be addressing your comments our food & beverage staff. Our team works hard to deliver the highest...More

Reviewed 20 August 2023 via mobile

Having been here before a few times for dinner,I came to stay over with friends. Everything was lovely,great service, beautiful food and the room was amazing . Staff were all very friendly and the room was immaculate. Would highly recommend for an overnight stay

Date of visit: August 2023
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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.
Reviewed 12 August 2023 via mobile

Arrived as per our booking to find that the table was unavailable as previously booked very disappointing ! Staff not at all helpfulMore

Date of visit: August 2023
Helpful?1  
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.
Richard Brown, Marketing at The Cuan, responded to this reviewResponded 11 October 2023

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us, I was very disappointed to read that your experience did not meet and exceed your expectations. Your constructive comments are very much appreciated, and I will be addressing all your points with the...More

Reviewed 11 August 2023

Great stay as part of a cross country tour. The bar area was fun and the bartenders were quick with our drink. But the best element was Gerry, our morning chef. He prepared our orders to perfection and then stepped out of the kitchen to...entertain us with stories of his past. Pure entertainment.More

Date of visit: August 2023
Helpful?
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Reviewed 8 August 2023 via mobile

Visited last Sunday initially for Breakfast @ 11 am which was average. Service was poor. Booked a table for lunch at 14:15 for 6 people. We arrived earlier than planned at 12:10 approx and were informed the earliest they could seat us was 13:00? Despite...the fact the restaurant was empty? I had phoned twice on route but nobody answered the call? to advise of an earlier arrival and if they could facilitate? Upon arrival there were at least six staff and no customers. They were all seemingly very busy? Eventually we were seated at approx 13:00 after a drink at the bar. The food in fairness was excellent. However the attitude and customer service left a lot to be desired unfortunately. There is no doubt that the investment and refurbishment of this property is second to none and is acknowledged as first class but to no avail if the customer services is so poor. There was a table / group arrival of 16 which I was advised of but I would have thought a venue of this size could have adequately handled both but seemingly not ? Very disappointing visit and equally disappointing service and attitude.More

Date of visit: August 2023
Helpful?
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Richard Brown, Marketing at The Cuan, responded to this reviewResponded 11 October 2023

Michael Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us, in reference to your Lunch at The Cuan. I was very disappointed to read that your experience did not meet and exceed your expectations. Your constructive comments are very much appreciated, and...More

Reviewed 31 July 2023

We were staying here for a family wedding nearby, 2 nights, and it was wonderful. Homely but boutique style. Such genuinely friendly staff, praise to Alison and Delores.. and wonderful barman Rory, a true professional ( order his Expresso Martini). Food was great, sumptuous breakfast...by The charismatic Gerry, prepare for a chat! with a great choice of local products divinely cooked for diner. Beautifully styled bedrooms and a wonderful shower in the ensuite. Will definitely return for another stay... Strangford is an undiscovered secret! Peter & Andrea.More

Date of visit: July 2023
Helpful?1  
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.
Reviewed 21 July 2023

The Cuan restaurant is very welcoming and you are immediately attended to by very friendly staff. We chose fish and were far from disappointed with both the scampi and the Catch of the Day proving that dishes were as tasty as they were fresh. A...meal for 3 with wine and a shared dessert & coffees came to UK 103 which was entirely reasonable as quality matched the price; An-mhaith ar fad agus míle buíochas do oíche iontach !More

Date of visit: July 2023
Helpful?1  
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.
Reviewed 17 July 2023 via mobile

10 out of 5 - I strongly believe the Irish are just the most beautiful people on earth. We miscalculated our checkout date and instead chose to go play golf 90 minutes away. When we finish playing we (party of 4) had missed called text...messages and emails trying to reach us as the the hotel had guests arriving that day and needed our rooms. Long story short. Not only had the hotel packed up all our belongings from both rooms and stored them securely, but they even range around and secured accomodation elsewhere so we would be stranded. Love the people at The Cuan Hotel but love the Irish . Thank you and stay safeMore

Date of visit: July 2023
Helpful?
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.
Richard Brown, Marketing at The Cuan, responded to this reviewResponded 20 July 2023

Dear Angelo Thank you very much for taking the time to share with us and the TripAdvisor community your latest visit to The Cuan. It gives us a great sense of pleasure to read your review, as Hoteliers, we always want to deliver the best...More

Reviewed 16 July 2023 via mobile

Nice little pub. Clean, friendly staff and good food. We had the chicken and it was tasty! Our tour stopped here to eat on our way through. The pub is central so you can easily walk around the harbour and shop.More

Date of visit: July 2023
Helpful?
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.
Richard Brown, Marketing at The Cuan, responded to this reviewResponded 20 July 2023

Dear Socialharley Thank you for taking the time to send us your kind review. We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your lunch at The Cuan, Strangford and hope you had a great onward journey to Belfast. We look forward to welcoming you back to...More

Reviewed 9 July 2023 via mobile

Called in a Friday evening for a drink and a light bite to eat. It was a beautiful evening and we were lucky to get a table outside. The waitress staff were incredibly friendly and efficient. We ordered scampi and it was absolutely delicious. So...fortunate to come across this place by chance and we definitely plan to return some day.More

Date of visit: July 2023
Helpful?
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.
Richard Brown, Marketing at The Cuan, responded to this reviewResponded 10 July 2023

Dear Vivienne Thank you for taking the time to send us a 5* review. I was so pleased to hear that you had a great evening and enjoyed your scampi. I will pass on your feedback to all the team and we look forward to...More

Reviewed 28 June 2023 via mobile

Stopped off late afternoon, & delighted to find somewhere serving food all day. ( have found a lot of pubs/eateries still seem to be sticking to the ubiquitous 12.00 -14.00, then nothing until 17.00-18.00 starting point again. Delicious Seafood Chowder with Guinness Bread, & better...half had equally enjoyable Salt & Pepper Squid, with chilli jam & garlic aioli, washed down with a pint of Guinness for me,& equally enjoyable soft drink for the driver -guess I got the better part of that deal! deal! If you visit Strangford,can't go wrong, whether just for a sly pint, or something more substantial. Staff were all very welcoming & personable as well. Hope we get to visit again when in the area.More

Date of visit: June 2023
Helpful?
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.
Richard Brown, Marketing at The Cuan, responded to this reviewResponded 10 July 2023

Dear Magz Thank you for taking the time to write us a wonderful 5* review. I am delighted to hear you enjoyed our signature dish, seafood chowder, the squid and of course the Guinness. I will pass on your comments to all the team and...More

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Questions & Answers
Ask a question
Barbara F
17 April 2017|
AnswerShow all 4 answers
Response from Richard B | Property representative |
Hello Barbara, you do not need to specify a time at this stage just let us know on arrival. We look forward to meeting you Barbara. Regards Caroline
0
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shirleyok2015
14 June 2016|
AnswerShow all 9 answers
Response from Hazel P | Reviewed this property |
Just about, but depends on the weather and the age/agility of your group. I would suggest walk there, taxi back because you'll be stuffed full of food !!!
1
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THE CUAN, Strangford - Updated 2023 Restaurant Reviews, Menu & Prices - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about The Cuan

Yes, The Cuan is taking precautions against COVID-19. A full list is available within the "safety precautions" section of this page.

The Cuan is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 4.5
  • Service: 4.5
  • Value: 4
  • Atmosphere: 4