Food Trails In Derry

Picture this, you are exploring a city for the first time with your better half and you start to feel the hunger taking over. You both know what is about to happen next. That dreaded question of ‘Where will we eat?’. Such a simple question, but one that has been torturing couples for some time. Next comes the drawn out back and forth of ‘you decide’, ‘no, you decide’, until eventually its hours later and you have settled on the nearest fast-food restaurant out of desperation. All sound too familiar?

Sorry to break it to you but it’s not any easier when looking for some where to eat in Derry. In fact, it’s actually a lot harder given that that Derry is well known for its excellent culinary talent on offer, with many top-class restaurants, bistros and bars scattered across the city.

Derry is a city that takes pride in its food and the service it offers, shortlisted for Foodie Destinations Ireland two years on the spin!

What if we said there is a way for you to taste the best of the best that Derry has to offer without having to decide where to eat? Lucky for you there is! 2 different Derry food tours give you the chance to sample some delicious local dishes. What’s even better is that both of these tours are within easy access of our 4-star Maldron Hotel Derry making us the perfect base for your food adventures.

1. Derry by Fork

Discover Derry Through Flavour on two unique monthly Saturday food tours that celebrate the city’s rich culinary heritage and vibrant local scene. Start your day with the Foyle River Foodie Tour (10:30am–2:30pm, £65), a scenic riverside walk beginning at Ebrington Square. You’ll cross the Peace Bridge and enjoy tastings at 7–8 stops—from creative brunch bites and fresh fish tacos to Asian-fusion dumplings and locally brewed beer—culminating in a pint or gin cocktail at the Walled City Brewery.

In the afternoon, the City Food Tour (2:30pm–5:30pm, £55) takes you deeper into Derry’s historic centre. Stroll just ½ km through charming streets while sampling espresso and breakfast bites, handmade fudge, artisanal meats, rich hot chocolate, and wrap up with a pour-your-own pint experience accompanied by live music in a cosy pub.

Both tours are led by knowledgeable local guides, include alcohol, and feature warm welcomes, insider stories, and a delicious way to explore the spirit of Derry. Dress for the weather, and bring your appetite!

2. Far and Wild Foodie City Cycle

Open: Contact Far and Wild directly for tour running times

Cost: Cost of tours range from £40-£130 per person. Price per person reduces depending on the numbers in your group.

Far and Wild offer a food tour with a difference! As part of their unique ‘slow adventure’ experiences, Far and Wild now offer an excellent Foodie City Cycle of Derry.

The Foodie City Cycle takes 2-hours to complete, featuring two excellent culinary experiences, focusing on some delicious local produce while also exploring the city with a light cycle. The tour gives an excellent historic view of the city and its surrounding sites. Routes can also be altered on request to better suit your interests.

Partners of the tour include the brilliant Walled City Brewery, The Legendary Warehouse No1, Hostage and 9ine, who all offer samples of the best of produce to tour participants.

3. Maldron Hotel Derry

Why not have a food adventure in the comfort of our very own 4-star Maldron Derry Hotel?

Maldron Hotel Derry has various options to suit any meal time. Our Grain & Grill restaurant overlooks the historic city walls and serves breakfast and dinner. Our menu contains a wide range of options with locally sourced ingredients to please all tastes, so it’s no wonder we’re often hailed as one of the best restaurants in Derry.

We offer a varied selection of delicious breakfast options with something to suit all tastes including healthy, nutritious options and also a delicious traditional full Irish breakfast with all the trimmings served to your table.

Dinner is served in the calm and friendly atmosphere of Grain & Grill restaurant every day from 5.00pm. The menu consists of plenty of tasty dishes, prepared from local and Irish produce.

If you fancy a different vibe visit our Lyric Bar, “the home of loud food and tasty music” which incorporates the eclectic music culture, past and present, within this wonderful city. It is a great place to relax after you’ve explored all the fun things to do in derry.

Afternoon Tea is also served daily from 2.00pm – 5.00pm and features a selection of savoury finger sandwiches, mini scones with cream and jam, shortbread and a selection of desserts served with your choice of freshly brewed tea or coffee.