Chequers Riverside — Restaurant in Northern Ireland

Went here after a day out on the north coast. I got a burger and chips, my partner sausage supper with gravy and we also got a portion of chicken nuggets to share.

The person who served us was just okay, didn't ask how I wanted the burger dressed, salt and vinegar, nothing like that. You know the usual chip shop questions. She was just okay and didn't seem overly bothered or happy to be there

I assumed the burger comes dressed unless otherwise specified. I was wrong. It came totally naked. I couldn't eat it like this so it went to the dog. She seemed to like itzm, but considering she spends most of the time licking herself it's not exactly a high bar for culinary excellence.

The chicken nuggets were heavily processed and very bland. Better stick to chicken dippers in your own oven or the McDonald's next door. They went to the dog as well. She wasn't actually that keen on them, and she usually goes crazy for chicken.

The sausages were nice, my partner enjoyed them and the gravy was tasty, had a taste myself and it was pretty good

For a chippy they were probably some of the worst chips I've had since I lived in England. Lots of small hard chips and few nice chunky ones. Honestly the looked like they had spent half their life being reheated and under the lamp.

I would not recommend and would actively avoid this place. NI has some amazing chippers but this dive is...

From the moment you arrive, you're swept into a picture-perfect setting: panoramic views of the river ripple with charm, framed by twinkling lights and the soft murmur of flowing water. The atmosphere strikes that rare balance between laid-back and upscale, with staff who are warm, witty, and genuinely passionate about making your visit unforgettable.

And the food? Divine. Every dish feels like it was hand-delivered by culinary gods. The steaks are masterfully cooked — seared with a crust that sings and butter-soft in the center. The seafood? As fresh as if it had leapt straight from the river to your plate. Even the sides feel like they’ve had Michelin-level attention — perfectly seasoned, artfully plated, and dangerously moreish. The menu is inventive without being pretentious, and the drink selection is impressively curated — cocktails that hit all the right notes and wines that elevate every bite.

Whether you’re here for a romantic dinner, a celebratory lunch, or just to treat yourself on a random Tuesday, Chequers delivers something genuinely special. It’s not just one of the best riverside restaurants — it’s one of the best restaurants, period.

If you haven’t been yet, you’re seriously missing out. Go. Book now....

First time here so didn’t know what to expect. I ordered ‘The Big Box’ and my travelling companion queried if I’d eat it all as it sounded like a lot of food.

The chicken nuggets were what I expected in regards to their size but they were a lot tastier than those you would get from certain fast food chains.

I expected the chicken coujons to be the formed bits of chicken in breadcrumbs but instead pieces of chicken done in batter and they were huge.

The onion rings were huge as was the regular portion of chips. The battered sausage was really tasty.

They should rename the ‘big box’ the ‘gutbuster’.

My travelling companion had 3 chicken coujons and chips and he struggled to finish it.

I really enjoyed my food but there was so much I think we could have ordered one ‘big box’ between us.

If I’m I Coleraine again I would...