Pier 36

This family-run pub set on a pretty harbourside is the place to make a beeline for when travelling around the Newtownards peninsula. It may not look much from the outside, but don't be fooled - on offer is some of the best pub grub in Ireland. Typical dishes include crab claws sauteed in garlic butter with dressed leaves & home-made wheaten bread, tian of crab & smoked salmon with tomato, capers & Melba toast, steamed mussels in Thai curry broth with chilli scone, & monkfish saltimbocca on lime risotto. Steak is a menu staple, & lamb, chicken & pork extend choice for non-fish eaters. House wine starts from £10.50 a bottle or £3.50 per quarter bottle, with more than 50 wines on a list that boasts both new & old world varieties. The owners work hard to keep wine mark-ups low, so it's possible to wash down your seafood with a bottle of premier cru chablis for just £20. Must book weekends.