BURN on the river
Quick info
About BURN on the river
On Timber Quay in Londonderry, BURN on the river is a restaurant with views over the water and a terrace for outdoor dining. The menu draws from several cuisines, running to 20 dishes that include Moroccan spiced chicken skewers and seafood curry alongside steak, with a vegan option available on request. Sundays bring a carvery alongside the regular menu, and a separate brunch service also runs that day. Cocktails and Guinness are served at the bar, and the kitchen lists options for both adults and children. Fire heaters outside the entrance keep the terrace usable beyond the warmer months. The entrance is step-free, and high chairs are available for families with young children. Reservations are recommended, though the kitchen also offers takeaway for those eating off site. Table service runs throughout, with staff seating guests and taking drink orders. Free parking is available nearby, and the restaurant opens daily.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingFree multi-storey car park · Free of charge street parking · Free parking lot
- AccessibilityHas wheelchair-accessible car park · Has wheelchair-accessible entrance · Has wheelchair-accessible seating
- Good for kidsGood for kids · Has changing table(s) · High chairs available
- DietaryServes vegetarian dishes
Menu & Prices
20 dishes- Cocktails
- Tacos
- Ceasar Salad
- Guinness
- Seafood Chowder
- Creme Brulee
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention steak temperature issues, carvery and river view.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention steak temperature issues, carvery and river view.
Customer Review Summary
Steak dishes draw the most attention at Burn on the river, with reviewers repeatedly ordering the sirloin or steak and eggs, though cooking temperature is a recurring stumble, several describe steaks arriving rare or medium well instead of the requested medium rare, sometimes resolved quickly with an apology and sometimes not addressed at all. Close behind, the carvery earns consistent praise, along with dishes like the Moroccan spiced chicken skewer and espresso martinis. The riverside view and staff attentiveness come up again and again, with many noting staff who remember returning customers or go out of their way for children in the party. A Sunday brunch attempt drew criticism for stale, hard pancakes and waffles, with one reviewer advising sticking to the sausages and eggs instead. Other complaints include an overly salty avocado salad, a broken till that couldn't produce itemised receipts or split bills, missing sides like kale potatoes or truffle fries, and one diner reporting appalling portion sizes and an unaccommodating chef. Several reviewers who experienced a service slip still mention it being smoothed over, such as a returned steak replaced without fuss or a large carvery booking accommodated despite a mixed-up headcount.
Customer Review Summary
Steak dishes draw the most attention at Burn on the river, with reviewers repeatedly ordering the sirloin or steak and eggs, though cooking temperature is a recurring stumble, several describe steaks arriving rare or medium well instead of the requested medium rare, sometimes resolved quickly with an apology and sometimes not addressed at all. Close behind, the carvery earns consistent praise, along with dishes like the Moroccan spiced chicken skewer and espresso martinis. The riverside view and staff attentiveness come up again and again, with many noting staff who remember returning customers or go out of their way for children in the party. A Sunday brunch attempt drew criticism for stale, hard pancakes and waffles, with one reviewer advising sticking to the sausages and eggs instead. Other complaints include an overly salty avocado salad, a broken till that couldn't produce itemised receipts or split bills, missing sides like kale potatoes or truffle fries, and one diner reporting appalling portion sizes and an unaccommodating chef. Several reviewers who experienced a service slip still mention it being smoothed over, such as a returned steak replaced without fuss or a large carvery booking accommodated despite a mixed-up headcount.
Featured reviews
- Kelly Grant
“We just had a beautiful extended family meal here last night. The food was delicious, the service was fantastic. Big shout out to Amy in particular. She was so accommodating and went above and beyond to sort the littlest member of the family out with his dinner. We finished with some delicious espresso martinis. We will most certainly be back!”
- Jane McLean
“It’s easy to see why Burn is so busy. Stunning location overlooking the water, bright spacious seating, really kind & friendly staff. The menu & food is excellent. The place is spotless. Would highly recommend and look forward to going back!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”
- Ciaran Downey
“We had booked a large party of 30 for the carvery and although we increased that number and had it confirmed this didn't get through to Lisa, the manager. Lisa was very calm and professional when we explained this and, in spite of it being a particularly busy Sunday, was able to accommodate us. Lisa and her staff could not have been more attentive and professional and the food was beautiful too. I would highly recommend the carvery. Thanks again Lisa for making sure everyone enjoyed their time at Burn. Looking forward to the next time already.”
- Cyril Whiteman
“We have eaten here on a number of occasions and usually on a Sunday. Staff here are very welcoming and after a couple visits they recognised us as returning customers and treated us in a kindly and friendly manner, staff are also very considerate towards my father in law who has mobility issues. Excellent service, with staff returning to our table to ensure that everything was to out satisfaction. Couldn't ask for more pleasant/ friendly staff. The food here is excellent with very general portions and an excellent menu. Today we enjoyed the carvery which was amazing, again a wonderful selection and excellent tasting food.”
- Caitlin Ward
“Food & service was fab. They have great gluten free options and the staff were knowledgeable about the options. Definitely will be back.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
“Riverside dining and wine bar, with a contemporary finish and globally-inspired menu, plus terrace.”
- Has great beer selection
- Serves great cocktails
- Serves great coffee
- Serves great dessert
- Has great wine list
- Popular for popular for lunch
Amenities
- Has wheelchair-accessible car park
- Free of charge street parking
- Accepts reservations
- Has outdoor seating
- Offers takeaway
- Serves dine-in
Show more amenities
- Family friendly
- Serves vegetarian dishes
- Has bar on site
- Casual
- Serves beer
- Serves coffee
- Offerings· 8
- Serves alcohol
- Serves cocktails
- Has free water refills
- Serves healthy options
- Quick bite
- Serves small plates
- Serves spirits
- Serves wine
- Popular for· 3
- Popular for lunch
- Popular for dinner
- Good for solo dining
- Parking· 2
- Free multi-storey car park
- Free parking lot
- Dining options· 6
- Serves brunch
- Serves lunch
- Serves dinner
- Serves dessert
- Has seating
- Has table service
- Atmosphere· 2
- Cosy
- Trendy
- Family-friendly· 4
- Good for kids
- Has changing table(s)
- High chairs available
- Has kids' menu
- Planning· 1
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Highlights· 4
- Has great beer selection
- Serves great cocktails
- Serves great dessert
- Has great wine list
- Facilities· 1
- Has toilet
- Crowd· 4
- Good for groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Popular with tourists
- Transgender safe space
- Accessibility· 3
- Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Has wheelchair-accessible seating
- Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Location
Restaurants near BURN on the river
- Quaywest Wine Bar & Restaurant4.51,9920.2 mi£20–30Vegetarian optionsWheelchair accessibleGood for kids
nachos, boozy brunch cocktails, steak
- Fiorentini4.31270.3 miGood for kids
fish and chips, beef dripping chips, ice cream sundaes
- Martha's Vineyard4.62330.5 mi£15–30Vegan optionsVegetarian optionsGood for kids
sunday carvery, duck spring rolls, spicy beef pasta
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BURN on the riverGood for kids · Reservations | 4.4772 | — | £10–40 | steak temperature issues, carvery, river view |
| Quaywest Wine Bar & RestaurantVegetarian options · Wheelchair accessible · Good for kids | 4.51,992 | 0.2 mi | £20–30 | nachos, boozy brunch cocktails, steak |
| FiorentiniGood for kids | 4.3127 | 0.3 mi | — | fish and chips, beef dripping chips, ice cream sundaes |
| Martha's VineyardVegan options · Vegetarian options · Good for kids | 4.6233 | 0.5 mi | £15–30 | sunday carvery, duck spring rolls, spicy beef pasta |
The 3 nearest restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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Photo: Quaywest Wine Bar & Restaurant · 4.5 · 1,992 Google reviews
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