Exceptional cooking of local foods by a dedicated owner chef and great service are the USPs that tempt those in the know across the Peace Bridge, to Sean Harrigan’s popular informal restaurant in the Waterside area.
Named in honour of the 'sooty olive' fly that was used when Sean Harrington's older brother (and business partner) caught his largest brown trout, everything about The Sooty Olive is an absolute delight.
It's a lovely chilled-out space with a youthful vibe and you can expect delicious seasonal food including produce from their own polytunnel run in association with Derry charity, the HOPE project.
Sean was a latecomer to the restaurant world, but he makes up in enthusiasm, drive and talent anything he may lack in experience. Totally committed to showcasing the best local (and Irish) foods and supporting small producers, his menus are proud to credit regular suppliers like Greencastle fish, beef from Higgins of Castlerock, duck from Moores of Enniskillen, local Northbound 08 beer for fish batter and MacDaids Football Special from Ramelton in Co Donegal.
Lunchtime offerings are mainly casual and inexpensive but there's also a set menu available at both lunch and dinner, so do ask for it if you feel like settling in for a proper meal at any time.
Seasonality is a given, the cooking is terrific - and it's great value too.
