Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is delighted to launch ABC Restaurant Week 2026, a nine‑day celebration of the borough’s exceptional food, flavour and hospitality. Running from Friday 27 February to Saturday 7 March, this year’s programme brings together over 20 restaurants, cafés and eateries showcasing the very best of local cuisine.
Designed to spotlight the borough’s thriving hospitality sector and encourage residents and visitors to support local businesses, ABC Restaurant Week offers special menus, tasting experiences and themed nights across participating venues such as Digby’s in Killylea, Holy Smokes BBQ Shack in Portadown, and Salt Kitchen in Banbridge.
The ABC borough is well known as Northern Ireland’s Food Heartland, and is recognised for its rich agricultural landscape, skilled producers and high‑quality food heritage. Celebrating the link from farm to fork, Restaurant Week highlights the strong relationships between local chefs, farmers and artisan producers who work together to elevate the region’s culinary reputation.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough, Alderman Stephen Moutray, said: “ABC Restaurant Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the exceptional food heritage we are so proud of across this borough. Our hospitality sector continues to demonstrate remarkable creativity, resilience and passion, and this initiative places a well‑deserved spotlight on the restaurants, chefs and producers who make our Food Heartland truly unique. I would encourage everyone to get involved, support our local businesses and enjoy the wonderful flavours our borough has to offer.”
From fine dining and bistro favourites to traditional pubs and modern cafés, participating venues will showcase seasonal ingredients sourced from across ABC’s orchards, farms and artisan food producers. The event aims to support local businesses at a key time of year, boosting footfall and strengthening connections between consumers and the producers behind their plates.
The Food Heartland Chef’s Champion, Mervyn Steenson, from Groucho’s on the Square, Richhill, said: “ABC Restaurant Week is a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the incredible food talent we have right across this borough. Our chefs and restaurants work closely with local farmers and producers, and that farm‑to‑fork connection is what makes our food offering truly special.
I’m proud to support an initiative that not only celebrates great food but also the people, skills and passion behind it. I’d encourage everyone to explore somewhere new, try a special menu and enjoy the brilliant flavours our local hospitality scene has to offer.”
Whether you’re a foodie seeking new tastes, a family planning a meal out, or a visitor exploring the region, ABC Restaurant Week offers something for everyone. Residents are encouraged to dine local, discover new favourites and enjoy great value while supporting the businesses that shape the borough’s vibrant food culture.
A full list of participating venues and how to book your table is available here.
