Eat
Where to eat 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.
Buba – Eastern Mediterranean-inspired food and cocktails. Lots of delicious small plate dishes designed to share, with an impressive vegan range and funky décor. Located in Saint Anne’s Square
Coppi – Contemporary Italian cuisine using the best of local produce. From small cichetti to dinner with all the trimmings. Located in Saint Anne’s Square
2Taps Wine Bar – an extensive and tasty tapas menu and large heated outdoor terrace are ready to greet you in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter (opposite the Merchant Hotel)
MAC Café Bar – plenty of options for lunch, brunch, pre-theatre, coffee and treats, with a dedicated kids menu. Plus you’ll not be late to take your seat in the auditorium!
The Dark Horse – enjoy the beautiful antique surroundings salvaged from some of the city’s most famous hotels and buildings. For tea and coffee. Don’t forget to get your photo at the Game of Thrones door. Visit the newly created Poets Corner with walls inscribed with quotes from Irish literary legends.
Common Market – sample some of the tastiest street food that Belfast has to offer, relax with a beer and soak up the buzzing atmosphere in Cathedral Quarter. Open from 12pm Thursday to Sunday at 16-20 Dunbar Street.
Hadskis – the best of European cuisine using Northern Irish produce, served at the kitchen counter or in the wonderful dining room looking onto Commercial Court in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter
44 Hill Street – seasonal menus, influenced by flavours of the Mediterranean, using the best of local produce. The industrial interior hints at the building’s history of being a bonded warehouse. Hand selected wines, beer, cocktails and bubbles.
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-3pm. 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. Overlooks 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, taco’s 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 Muriels Bar next door, or The Spaniard up the street, and have your burger delivered!
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, including authentic hand rolled summer rolls, curries, healthy noodle salads and of course traditional Vietnamese coffee. 17 Botanic Avenue
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.
Deanes at Queen’s – A 120 seater bar and grill, bringing a continental-style eating experience to the area, serving local, seasonal and simple food, prepared to perfection and complemented by the large range of fine wines and beers on offer in the extensive bar. 1 College Gardens
Freight Restaurant – overlooking the stunning CS Lewis Square, set in two shipping containers Freight serves up delicious local produce with panache and has an extensive vegan menu. Delicious cocktails and a full bar. Recently opened a branch on the Lisburn Road in the South of the city. 402 Newtownards Rd
The Lamppost Cafe – C.S Lewis themed cafe with quotations and references throughout serving fresh local produce on vintage crockery. Cosy and quirky, you are always guaranteed a very warm welcome here. From breakfast through to dinner with delicious snacks, coffees and traybakes too and a full bar. 19 Upper Newtownards Rd
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 village 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
Yugo East – A new vibrant dining experience, also has a restaurant near City Hall, this venue delivers delicious and remarkable food and drinks. Creative and traditional Asian fusion with a Belfast twist. 306 Upper Newtownards Rd
Oliver’s Knock – From breakfast through to dinner, modern European cuisine either in the restaurant or the stunning new Oliver’s Garden (under cover), the new kid on the block has quickly developed a loyal client base. Fully licensed. 405 Upper Newtownards Rd
Bistro Este – Family run bistro serving the finest locally sourced, freshly prepared food with an extensive wine and cocktail list plus local craft beers, highly recommended. 221 Upper Newtownards Rd
Greens Pizzeria – sister of the Lisburn and Ormeau Road pizza parlours, spacious and stylish Greens offers a vast range of pizzas, pastas and salads with its legendary secret recipe salad dressing. 283-285 Upper Newtownards Rd
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
Beile Blasta – a new restaurant in the heart of the Gaeltacht Quarter offering a fine dining experience.With an amazing array of dishes prepared with the finest local ingredients, classic cocktails and an extensive wine list a gem in the heart of the West, a very stylish and intimate setting. 147 Falls Rd
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’.