The wonderful Ramore Restaurant in Portrush was once the leading light of cosmopolitan fine dining in Northern Ireland. Today, George and Jane McAlpin and family offer a different style of hospitality, where informality goes hand in hand with quality and value, but what is now the Ramore Complex - comprising five individual restaurants - remains one of the region's most popular dining destinations
Ramore Wine Bar: On the ground floor, the Wine Bar offers a wide choice of contemporary dishes - and more traditional food, notably on Sundays. L&D daily (Tel: +44 (0)28 7082 4313; no bookings except for parties of 10+)
The Tourist: Ground floor world foods and drinks restaurant offering nachos, tacos, pizzas, burgers, fajitas, burritos. Family friendly. Open late afternoon/evenings Wed-Sun. No reservations except for large parties. Tel: +44 (0) 28 7082 3311.
Neptune & Prawn: A sociable, informal experience with an emphasis on Asian sharing dishes served up as they are ready. The restaurant is on the ground floor and there's a cocktail bar upstairs (5pm-late). No children. Open daily from 5pm (Sun from 4pm). Wheelchair accessible. Tel: +44 (0) 28 7082 2448.
Mermaid Kitchen & Bar: A recent addition to the complex, this bright first floor restaurant overlooking the harbour offers relaxed informal dining for adults in a child-free zone. Open late afternoon/evenings Wed-Sat & Sun 1-8pm. Reservations Sun only. Tel: +44 (0)28 7082 6969; line open daily 11am-5pm only. Not suitable for children; no wheelchair access.
The Harbour Bar: This famous old quayside pub has retained its original character in the front section. Upstairs, there's big screen sport, cocktails, a Gin Bar, pizzas from a wood burning oven and live music. Open daily 12 till late. Gin Bar Fri from 5pm, Sat & Sun from 3.30pm. Behind the old bar The Harbour Bistro has been sympathetically refurbished and has a wood burning grill; mainly contemporary food and some old classic Harbour favourites. Open from 4.30 daily L Sun only from 2pm. No children after 8pm. Tel: +44 (0) 28 7082 2430;
Nothing ever stands still at the Ramore, so you can be sure that the McAlpins already have plans for something new - whatever it is, it will be well done.
