Just as pretty as their original Primrose Café on Carlisle Road, Ciaran and Melanie Breslin's bigger business overlooking the Foyle has an extra touch of continental chic with its jaunty striped awnings and smart outside seating area.
It's a delightful spot in an attractive waterfront location, and Shane Birney Architects have done a lovely job with the former commercial unit which, with its high-ceilinged spaciousness, expansive windows and semi open kitchen, now feels as if it was always a restaurant. And it bears all the hallmarks of the Breslins' philosophy - charming and comfortable but, when it comes to the crunch, it's all about the food. Which is just as it should be.
Aside from the charm (and that includes the lovely staff), the two particular USPs here are well known to Primrose fans - the Breslin family's butchers shops, which supply all the meats, and their brilliant baking.
And if you didn't know that before, you won't be long finding out from the gorgeous counter display, just inside the door (which is seriously hard to walk past ) and the informative menus, which tell customers about 'Breslins Family Butchers' and the Cakes and Goodies 'lovingly baked and prepared fresh daily in our bakery by Melanie & Bernie', and also list over a dozen allergens.
They start early with a breakfast menu that will set you up for the most challenging day (how about home smoked ham rarebit on sourdough with fried eggs, or a pancake stack with handmade Breslin's pork & leek sausages, bacon & eggs?), and then many regulars - and lucky visitors out for a stroll along the quayside - pop in for a cuppa from their extensive beverages menu and a small indulgence selected from the day's home bakes.
Every day there's a different but equally irresistible range of cakes, gateaux and tray bakes offered (including gluten free options), along with cookies, mini-cakes and, of course, freshly baked scones, which are served with home made jam, Allison and Will Abernethy's hand churned butter from Co Down, and fresh cream - none of your butter or cream nonsense here!
Then there's a Bistro Menu (available into the evening on some days), offering more substantial dishes. You can expect more temptations from Breslin's Family Butchers, including slow cooked dishes like braised beef cheek (a house special, and no wonder) which comes with more-ish bone marrow mash, buttered kale and carrots, and the Primrose burger, which us made with minced Donegal chuck steak, home smoked bacon, home smoked cheddar, onion rings and Primrose sauce, all served with chunky hand cut chips.
But you don't have to be a carnivore to enjoy eating here, as there are tasty fish and poultry choices too - and always something interesting, such as a goats cheese and roasted croquette salad, for vegetarians.
Prices are reasonable too, for the quality offered - the scones are just £1.50, for example, and everything on the bistro menu is under £10.
All round, a place that's not to be missed.
