Categories: Food & Drink

Finding romance in romantic restaurants in Northern Ireland

Music may be the food of love, though understandably there will be times when you want something more substantial. Well, you’re in luck. Throughout Belfast and Northern Ireland there are culinary treats and foodie surprises around every corner. So wherever your travels take you on your romantic getaway, you’ll be delighted to know you’ll never get away from deliciously seasonal, locally produced food.


A table for two in Belfast

EDŌ, a Michelin Bib Gourmand winning eatery, is a stylish modern bistro in the heart of Belfast City Centre. The menu features an extensive variety of small plates, taking influence from the best ingredients and cooking techniques from across Europe, whilst using the top local and market-fresh produce on our doorstep.

The chic, yet comfortable, Café Parisien is naturally the place for a romantic, French-inspired evening. Brasserie classics take on a modern twist here. Contemporary Italian is on the menu at Coppi and Home is all about fresh, local and seasonal feel good food.

Romance will blossom too at the riverside Michelin-starred OX restaurant. Or go bistro, with a New York vibe, at local favourite James St. And as no romantic getaway is complete without oysters, try Mourne Seafood Bar - a great city centre spot for freshly-caught affordable seafood.

If you share a passion for food, Taste and Tour NI run award-winning food and drink tours across the city, introducing you to the tastes, the people and the history of Belfast.

It’s always worth a stop at The Merchant Hotel (5*) for a cocktail – they’ve an encyclopaedic cocktail list and equally encyclopaedic knowledge.  

Loving artisan in Antrim

There’s lots to love about the traditional Irish Pub experience at Billy Andy’s, including local and contemporary fine food. Sleepy Hollow, just outside Belfast, is strong on technique, creating modern Irish food, sourced from small artisan producers. While Castello Italia brings a passion for innovative Italian cooking to Carrickfergus.

For cosy breakfasts and lunch, try The Dairy at Gleno, Or, if a romantic stroll takes you to Whitehead, pop into The Lighthouse Bistro off the colourful promenade. This small, award-winning family-run restaurant makes everything from scratch. And, of course, from local produce.

And dinner has to be at the enchanting Ballygally Castle Hotel (4*). Set within its original 17th century walls, the Garden Restaurant has a menu of delicious seasonal fare – and views all the way across the Irish Sea. 

Embracing local in Armagh

Newforge House (5*) - a historic family-run country house - delights in providing warm hospitality and local seasonal food in the most romantic of settings. Desserts are made with fresh fruit from their own orchard – well, Armagh is Orchard County. And their gin list features favourites from around the world, including Shawcross Gin from nearby Downpatrick.

At Stinton’s on the Bridge, the freshness shines through in every bite of this modern edged, traditional food. 

Mulberry Bistro sits opposite the Armagh city’s Roman Catholic St. Patrick’s Cathedral – a spectacular backdrop for any meal. Here, locally sourced produce finds its way to the menu every day. While Uluru Bar & Grill, inspired by bustling Melbourne pop up restaurants, brings an Australian flavour to the city centre.

While you’re in town, check out the Hole in the Wall pub. It’s full of local character - and local characters - a popular venue for music and, allegedly, home to a ghost.

Romantic pauses on the Causeway Coastal Route

The wonderful Tartine restaurant at The Distillers Arms is all about simplicity. It’s modern brasserie food, with a nod to Irish classics. And, it’s just three kilometres from the Giant’s Causeway – the perfect spot to sit and watch a stunning sunset. 

At the French Rooms, you’ll find French-inspired, elegant dishes. Plus cosy hideaway snugs, perfect for afternoon teas.

In Portrush you’ll find the Ramore. An eclectic mix of restaurants and wine bars with something to suit every taste.

Or if romance leads you to a paddle at the water’s edge, Harry’s Shack is right beside you. On the beach, that is, serving fantastic local produce – including fish, of course. 

Dining out in Derry-Londonderry

The elegant Bishop’s Gate Hotel within the city walls is a stylish setting for a special dinner, with both the Gown Restaurant and the Wig Champagne Bar - which also hosts local music performers in its Gigs at the Wig. 

Award-winning Browns in Town is loved by both local and visiting foodies - and known for its excellent food, trendy venue and warm hospitality. It’s also a top spot for speciality cocktails. The buzzing Sooty Olive, in the Waterside area, is a favourite for couples and at Caterina’s at the Da Vinci Hotel you get a modern day bistro with a good-time feel. And for true Derry-Londonderry flavour, the multi-award winning Walled City Brewery is a must for flavoursome food and local craft beer. 

Candlelight cuisine in Down

There’s plenty of atmosphere at No. 14 at The Georgian House in Comber. Cosy hearths, apple trees, centuries of history and a modern take on Irish cuisine. 

Modern romance too at Noble. It’s love at first sight - or bite - in this highly-regarded and exciting restaurant, with its changing seasonal menu.  Brunel’s has a mission too. To create dishes that challenge and inspire. So, get ready for a bold and creative gourmet menu. While if seafood is close to your heart, Mourne Seafood in Dundrum is the place to be.

With Down’s golden sandy beaches on one side and the Royal Country Down Golf Links on the other, you’d be hard pushed to find a more inviting spot for a romantic dinner. The wonderful Slieve Donard Resort and Spa (4*) offers both fine dining in its elegant JJ Farrall's and a more relaxed version in its Percy French Inn.

Fine dining by the lakeside

On the border of Tyrone and Fermanagh, the glamorous Corick House Hotel & Spa (4*) does history with a decidedly modern and romantic flourish. Perfect for a special dinner for two. Its stylish Georgian Carleton Restaurant offers the best of contemporary Irish European cuisine. While the Blackwater Bar and Grill Conservatory provides lighter snacks and welcoming open fires.

Lough Erne Resort (5*) has everything you could wish for in a lakeside setting. It’s also home to the Catalina restaurant, known for its exceptionally fine dining. And ability to transform seasonal local produce into show-stopping classic and contemporary dishes.

On the shores of Upper Lough Erne, the award-winning Watermill Lodge is about as picturesque as it’s possible to be. This stunning restaurant serves up Irish cuisine with a French twist – alongside mature water gardens where you can watch the sun go down with an after-dinner Digestif. 

It’s food to fall in love with, in some of the world’s most inviting and welcoming places. And if that’s just whetted your appetite for all that Northern Ireland has to offer, it’s time to plan a return romantic getaway very, very soon.

EDŌ Restaurant
Restaurant
EDŌ Restaurant

EDŌ (Aye-Doh) is a stylish modern bistro in the heart of Belfast City Centre. The menu features an extensive variety of small plates, taking influence from the best ingredients and cooking techniques from across Europe, whilst using the top local and market-fresh produce on our doorstep.

Coppi
Restaurant
Coppi

Coppi restaurant, located right in the heart of the buzzing Cathedral Quarter, is Belfast’s first cichetti bacari/restaurant inspired by those found in Venice and named after cycling legend Angelo Fausto Coppi.

OX
Restaurant
OX

OX is a Michelin starred restaurant that offers relaxed dining overlooking the River Lagan, with menus designed to showcase excellent meats and sustainably sourced fish whilst equally careful attention is given to seasonal vegetables and fruit.

James St.
Restaurant
James St.

James St is a casual and contemporary, brick-walled restaurant specialising in chargrilled and aged steaks. The charcoal grill still plays centre stage, cooking not just some of the best steaks and prime cuts Northern Ireland has to offer but also fresh whole fish, pork and vegetables.

Mourne Seafood Bar
Restaurant
Mourne Seafood Bar

Beside Kelly’s Cellars the Mourne Seafood Bar serves fresh local seafood at an affordable price. To ensure freshness they purchase direct from the local ports of Annalong and Kilkeel on a daily basis.

Taste and Tour NI
Food Tour
Group of guests listening to Taste & Tour tour guide outside of St George's Market on Belfast Food Tour

Enjoy the multi award-winning Belfast Food Tour or choose from a variety of other tours including Sensorium, an interactive sensory cocktail experience, as well as bespoke private tours and corporate experiences.

Titanic Belfast
Visitor Centres & Museums
Titanic Belfast

Welcome to Titanic Belfast, an award-winning visitor experience offering the opportunity to learn about Titanic’s history, just a few minutes from where the ship herself was famously designed, built and launched in 1911. This self-guided tour tells the Titanic’s story from conception through to its first and final journey across the Atlantic, as well as the historical and cultural impact on Belfast and beyond.

The Merchant Hotel
Hotel
The Merchant Hotel's Victorian Facade

Situated in the heart of Belfast city centre's historic Cathedral Quarter, The award-winning 5 AA Red star Merchant Hotel is a harmonious blend of Victorian grandeur and Art Deco inspired sleek modernity with award-winning restaurants and cocktail bar, a tranquil spa and rooftop gym and hot tub.

Sixty Six (formerly Billy Andy's)
Restaurant
Exterior of Billy Andys

Our 19th Century Pub/Restaurant has open log and peat fires which creates a lovely warm and relaxed atmosphere with Traditional Irish music playing on Saturday afternoons. We have a selection of menus from our award winning restaurant using local sourced produce.

Castello Italia
Restaurant
Castello Italia

Italian restaurant, coffee shop and gelato emporium in Carrickfergus, ideally positioned on the Causeway Coastal route, with stunning views over Belfast Lough and an easy walk to Carrickfergus Castle.

The Dairy
Café
The Dairy

Rustic style bistro, butchers and farm shop set in the heart of the Gleno valley, within a few minutes walk of Gleno waterfall and an easy drive from Larne or Carrickfergus with a delicious menu and large range of local produce for sale.

The Lighthouse Bistro
Restaurant
The Lighthouse Bistro

Local seafood, cheese, coffee and everything else made from scratch are available at this coastal restaurant in Whitehead. Only 10 minute drive from The Gobbins, Carrickfergus Castle. Beside the sea with summer promenade seating.

Ballygally Castle Hotel
Hotel
Ballygally Castle Hotel

The Ballygally Castle Hotel faces the soft, sandy beaches of Ballygally Bay. The Castle dates back to 1625 and is unique in that it is the only 17th Century building still used as a residence in Northern Ireland.

Newforge House
Guest House
Newforge House

Luxurious Georgian 5-star Country House accommodation set in mature gardens and fields. Period features seamlessly blend with contemporary comforts. Superb food, using local suppliers and much home grown produce, is central to our offer.

Uluru Bar & Grill
Restaurant
Uluru Bar & Grill

Uluru Bar & Grill is an award winning restaurant based in Armagh city’s historic marketplace area. Awarded for its casual dining, the Australian neighbourhood style restaurant celebrates authentic cooking with an Australian twist.

Tartine at Distillers Arms
Restaurant
Tartine at Distillers Arms

Tartine aims to provide an experience. The ambiance of the surroundings, experienced staff and quality seasonal food makes for an exceptional night out.

Bishop's Gate Hotel
Hotel
Bishop's Gate Hotel

The exquisite Grade B1 listed Bishop’s Gate Hotel is perfectly positioned within the historic city walls in the heart of Derry City’s Cathedral Quarter. An iconic landmark with a unique history, the hotel is an intimate urban oasis featuring 31 luxurious guestrooms.

The Wig & Gown Champagne Bar and Restaurant
Restaurant
The Wig & Gown Champagne Bar and Restaurant

Delivering comfort, style, taste and quality as standard. Expect stunning, locally sourced, seasonal dishes presented in their own contemporary style, delivered with impeccable service.

Browns in Town
Restaurant
Browns In Town - LegenDerry Food Branding

Welcome to Browns in Town, where vibrant flavors and exceptional service converge in the heart of Derry. Our award-winning restaurant prides itself on serving up a culinary experience like no other, with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced produce that ensures each dish is bursting with freshness and flavor.

The Sooty Olive Restaurant and Winebar
Restaurant
The Sooty Olive Restaurant and Winebar

This restaurant is nestled in the heart of Spencer Road in the Waterside area of the city, with an atmosphere that is both intimate and buzzing.

Caterina's Bistro - Da Vinci's
Restaurant
Caterina's Bistro at Da Vincis

Enjoy a foodie experience like no other at Da Vinci's Hotel, Derry. Caterina's Bistro offers award winning food & service in a stunning & modern setting.

Walled City Brewery
Brewery
The Taproom at Walled City Brewery

The Walled City Brewery craft uniquely local, premium quality, fabulously flavoursome food and beer in their multi-award winning brewhouse, restaurant and new taproom. If you truly want a flavour of the North-West, it is a must-visit!

No.14 at The Georgian House
Restaurant
Front exterior of No.14 The Georgian House

The Award Winning 1790 Georgian building, lovingly restored with antique fireplaces, cornicing wooden floors and many more period details.

Brunel's Restaurant
Restaurant
Exterior of Brunel's Restaurant, Downs Road, Newcastle

Modern European Cuisine. Focusing on seasonal produce. A Creative menu that evolves constantly, showcasing when possible locally sourced ingredients.

Mourne Seafood Bar
Restaurant
Mourne Seafood Bar

Our aim is to provide locally sourced seafood at an affordable price. All our produce is sourced from local ports and delivered daily to ensure freshness and quality.

Slieve Donard Resort and Spa
Hotel
Slieve Donard Exterior

A beloved destination for families, golfers, and holiday travellers, Slieve Donard is a local landmark that’s equal parts homey and breath-taking. The resort sits at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, on the edge of Royal County Down Golf Club, ranked no. 1 in the world by Golf Digest.

JJ Farrall's
Restaurant
Image of Slieve Donard hotel from the grounds. Shows a Victorian sandstone building.

Savour the very best seasonal and locally sourced beef, seafood and game, straight from Ireland’s larder, while enjoying the restaurant’s 19th-century architecture and open fire.

The Percy French
Restaurant
The Percy French Exterior

At the foot of the Mourne Mountains, local favourite The Percy French serves pub classics, regional fare, bar snacks and a traditional Sunday roast — all with a focus on in-season and local produce. A wide-ranging wine list sits alongside draught beers and a menu of classically inspired cocktails.

The Carleton Restaurant at Corick House Hotel & Spa
Restaurant
The Carleton Restaurant at Corick House Hotel & Spa

Carleton Restaurant industry awards -Taste of Ulster, Flavour of Tyrone, Best Hotel Restaurant in Ulster–Yes Chef Awards 2016, Best Country House Dining Experience in Ireland–Yes chef Awards 2016, Best Dessert Chef–Irish Hotel Federation 2016

Corick House Hotel & Spa
Hotel
Image of a glass sided building from across a flower and shrub filled courtyard

Nestled in the heart of the Clogher Valley where style and elegance meets country hospitality, this idyllic 4* 17th Century House offers a haven of tranquillity. A warm welcome awaits you in this family owned and managed charming William and Mary.

Lough Erne Resort
Hotel
Lough Erne Resort

Lough Erne Resort is Northern Ireland's five-star countryside retreat. Dine by the lakes, walk in nature, play championship golf, pamper yourself in The Thai Spa or discover the beautiful Fermanagh attractions.

Watermill Lodge Restaurant
Restaurant
Watermill Lodge Restaurant

This very unique setting offers something special both as a culinary destination and simply a luxurious getaway spot. A place to unwind and enjoy a glass of some of the very best wines that France and the world have to offer. Relax on the shore of Lough Erne just meters away with a master chef and his team on hand to create something special.

Ramore Restaurant
Restaurant
Ramore Restaurant

Renowned for its fantastic tasting fresh food and lively atmosphere. A modern and innovative decor and menu to suit all tastes. Open seven days a week.

Blackwater Bar, Grill and Conservatory
Restaurant
Blackwater Bar, Grill and Conservatory

Our Blackwater Bistro with informal, relaxed ambience is the ideal place for something to eat. Open daily. It is the ideal location for an informal lunch, afternoon tea or evening snack with colleagues, friends or family.