Food & Drink
Where to eat and drink in Belfast? There is so much choice with local, chain, vegetarian, vegan, top-end and budget options all available. Visit Belfast have a full guide on where to eat, but we’ve added our own choices below. Please check in advance for latest opening times and/or making a reservation.
#BIAF24 Restaurant Partners – The Northern Whig, Coppi, The Cloth Ear, Deane’s Restaurants, Little Wing & Holohan’s
Northern Whig – Located at the entrance to Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, The Northern Whig offers an exciting dining experience, featuring the finest local ingredients. With a focus on quality, comfort, and a warm welcome, we take pride in our delicious menu and speciality cocktails. Join us seven days a week from brunch until evening.
#BIAF24 Deal – Complimentary Glass Of Lucky Pom Pom Wine
with any main course purchased when presented with a Belfast International Arts Festival Ticket.
*Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. One 175ml glass per customer.
Coppi – Coppi is a Contemporary family owned Italian Restaurant in Belfast. Showcasing freshly made pasta and the best local produce, for a flavour of what’s in store prior to visiting please check out our social handles @coppibelfast
#BIAF24 Deal – a 15% discount off food from our A La Carte Menu to the festival audience when presenting a Festival ticket.
The Cloth Ear – Nestled in the Cathedral Quarter, The Cloth Ear seamlessly blends rich Victorian charm with a contemporary vibe. Enjoy an inventive drinks menu that fuses classic and creative cocktails, alongside a thoughtfully curated, seasonal menu showcasing the best local produce.
#BIAF24 Deal – 10% discount on any main course purchased
Deanes Restaurants offer outstanding dining across multiple venues in Belfast and beyond. Their newest location mrDeanes alonside the established Meat Locker, and Deanes at Queen’s—are conveniently close to key Festival venues.
#BIAF24 Deal – All three locations are offering £19.93 menus throughout the duration of the Festival.
Little Wing – Little Wing, launched in October 2009, brings authentic Naples-style pizzas to Northern Ireland, now with ten locations across the region. Drop in for some delicious pizza!
#BIAF24 Deal – The “Little Wing Little Bill” at £17.50 for 2 courses and a drink (Sunday to Wednesday) and the “Little Wing Lunch” at £7.50 for a 6-inch pizza with a salad (daily from 12pm to 4pm);
Holohan’s Pantry – This family owned restaurant marries traditional Irish recipes with a modern twist. Using seasonal and excellent, ethically sourced local produce, this delightful cosy two-storey restaurant is perfect for lunch or dinner. 43 University Road.
#BIAF24 Deal – a 15% discount off food from our A La Carte Menu to the festival audience when presenting a Festival ticket.
Belfast City Centre
Festival Venues: Grand Opera House, Ulster Hall, the Limelight, Box Office at Visit Belfast, Linenhall Library, Belfast City Hall
St George’s Market – Popular indoor market with local produce and food stalls. Grab breakfast or stock up on goodies for a picnic. Open Fri 8am-2pm, Sat 9am-3pm, Sun 10am-4pm. The award-winning on-site restaurant Stock is well worth a visit.
Jumon – Tasty, healthy and creative Asian fusion restaurant, specialising in vegetarian and vegan dishes, with an impressive cocktail menu. Tucked away on Fountain Street (close to Belfast City Hall)
Home – What started as a pop-up in 2011 has become a permanent fixture on Belfast’s dining scene. Specialising in local and seasonal produce the menu is ever-changing. Michelin Bib Gourmand. A short distance from Belfast City Hall on Wellington Place.
Mourne Seafood Bar – A seafood and fish lover’s paradise! You can also buy from their deli and fishmonger. A stone’s throw off the main Royal Avenue shopping street on Bank Square
The Sagart Wine Bar – Some of the best cocktails in town with wines, cheeses, charcuterie and small plates. Keep an eye out for their special wine and food pairing evenings. Open Fri, Sat and Sun from 12pm on Chapel Lane, overlooking Bank Square.
Orā Wine and Tapas – Travel around the world with Ora’s international tapas! Fusion meets classic dishes with the focus on fresh, local produce, but above all taste. Across the street from the Grand Opera House.
Bootleggers – A nod to the days of 1920’s Prohibition, this lively American style diner offers casual dining on a first-come first served basis. Expect loaded burgers, tacos and their famous chicken wings, accompanied by local and American craft beers and cocktails. Located on Church Lane.
Pablos – Just off High Street for the best burgers, fries and churros in Belfast. Eat in or out, or take a seat and have a drink in Muriel’s Bar next door, or The Spaniard up the street, and have your burger delivered!
Queens Quarter
Festival Venues: Lyric Theatre, Queen’s University Belfast, Naughton Gallery, SARC, Empire Music Hall, Crescent Arts Centre, No Alibis, Queen’s Film Theatre, Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens
French Village – A great spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner and a good place to go after a visit to No Alibis. Remember to make space for the pastries! 99 Botanic Avenue.
Madame Pho – Belfast’s first Vietnamese restaurant. Check out the variety of colourful dishes from across Vietnam. Their signature Pho takes centre stage, but why not try their authentic hand rolled summer rolls, curries, healthy noodle salads and, of course, a traditional Vietnamese coffee? 17 Botanic Avenue.
East Belfast
Festival venues: Strand Arts Centre, CS Lewis Square, St Mark’s Dundela
Bullhouse East – Belfast’s very first permanent taproom, serving 20 taps of the freshest craft beer and woodfired pizza Belfast has to offer.
Cyprus Avenue – Across from its namesake, which Van Morrison made famous, this is modern European fusion cooking at its best. Look out for fresh daily fish and seafood specials and check out the covered outdoor eating space. Extensive drinks and cocktail list. 228-230 Upper Newtownards Rd.
Neill’s Hill – Upper Eastside in the heart of Ballyhackamore this neighbourhood brasserie serves up small plates, local cuts, fresh fish, a dedicated menu as well as a great value mid-week set menu. The decor is modish with artwork from local illustrator Peter Strain, a popular talking point. Sunday kitchen carvery is a must. 229 Upper Newtownards Rd.
West Belfast
Festival venues: Cultúrlann Mc Adam Ó Fiaich, Falls Park
26 West Bar & Grill – With breathtaking views of the iconic hinterland of the city to Black Mountain, the grill offers modern food with an Irish American twist. From loaded nachos to flame grilled barbecue ribs 26 West offers something exciting and totally different in this area of the city. 564 – 568 Falls Rd.
Yum – This family run restaurant offers a contemporary casual dining experience with menus that offer something for everyone. 162 Andersonstown Road.
Bia – In the renowned Cultúrlann Mac Adam Ó Fiaich, in the Gaeltacht Quarter, Bia is a cafe and restaurant serving a homely and hearty menu. You are guaranteed a warm Irish welcome and ‘cúpla focal’. 216 Falls Road.