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Food & Drink in Belfast

Where to eat and drink in Belfast

Belfast has enjoyed a renaissance in the brewing and culinary arts in recent years. A steady stream of new home-grown chefs, returning talent and foreign mavericks have given Northern Ireland’s capital city a new lease of food and drink life.

Belfast sits right on the doorstep to some of the most desirable farmland on these islands. It’s the perfect marriage. Take fresh ingredients from right outside your door, mix it with a good dose of daring and imagination and hey presto, you’ve got yourself a food and drink paradise that rivals the very best.

Aim for the stars at OX

OX is one of the top restaurants in Belfast. It sits right on the River Lagan and since opening in 2013, has been making all the right waves. Run by one local chef, the other French, OX is committed to using fresh local ingredients and serving up taste sensations in unpretentious surroundings. It does exactly that and for a Michelin starred restaurant, it manages to remain quite reasonable.

One restaurant and bar after another in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter

Just a couple of blocks from here you’ll come across Belfast’s famed Cathedral Quarter. This part of town is funky, fresh and forward-looking and there is really a whole host of restaurants to choose from – some of them among the best restaurants in Belfast.

The Muddlers Club is a favourite with locals. You’ll find it hiding (somewhat loudly) in a graffitied alleyway between Waring Street & Exchange Place. The owners named the place after a secret society that met there over two centuries ago. Today there are no secrets; everything is cooked and prepared in front of you in a lively open kitchen.

Within shouting distance is well-known locale, The Harp bar. Decorated in red velvet fabrics and adorned with antique furnishings, this place harks back to the decor of Victorian Belfast. The clientele are far from that Victorian past, however, though you could argue that some of the beards are similar. Independent draught beers and a great selection of whiskies and regular live music make this a popular spot.

Nearby, Muriel’s Cafe Bar (sister of The Spaniard) does a smashing fish and chips for lunch and its gastropub offering might well see you right for the day, particularly if you start getting stuck into their tasty cocktails.

Just five minutes away is the Sunflower Bar. This is among the hippest bars in Belfast and they do like to see the world differently. Before entering, you’re politely requested to refrain from topless bathing. You might be tempted, however, because the Sunflower’s famous beer garden is south facing and with decor pitched somewhere between Honolulu and Hamburg, it is very easy to relax here. Oh, and they also do wood-fired pizza!

About one mile south of Sunflower is an Asian fusion restaurant that always brings a smile to Belfast faces. Since 2016, Yugo, meaning fusion in Japanese, has been serving quick, tasty, great value meals in a setting that reimagines IKEA as a Japanese rather than Swedish furniture store. It works.

Meat, liquor and more in Belfast’s marvelous market

Not far from here is the wonderful St George’s Market. This red brick wonder plays host to over three-hundred food stalls and is a great place to come for breakfast or lunch. The atmosphere is second to none. Yes, it’s busy, but it’s busy with a lot of time on its hands and will love you if you love it. And everyone loves it.

Up and coming Ormeau

If you manage to actually get out of the market, take a stroll down south across the River Lagan to the Ormeau Road. You’ll find cracking food options here.

Not least is General Merchant’s. Run by an Aussie who came to Ireland to show us how to cook a proper brunch, he is doing a fine job of keeping us fed. If you’re sticking around for lunch, why not visit Jay Rayner’s favourite Belfast spot Bia Rebel? 'Bia’, pronounced ‘be-a’ is the Irish for food, and what glorious food this is. The philosophy behind their famous ramen is to fuse the food cultures of two island nations to create a delicious, addictive bowl of savoury goodness. And boy does it hit the spot.

All this walking around and eating make a person thirsty so why not head back over the river and not far from the famous Queen’s University, you’ll discover the recently opened Jeggy Nettle. This is a dog-friendly pub with quizzes, Tayto crisp sandwiches, great pints and an open fire. What more could you want on an early evening out?

Last but never least, the most famous bar in Belfast (or even the world?)

No visit to Belfast would be complete without a visit to The Crown Bar. This is probably the most famous bar in Belfast. On the go as a gin palace since the nineteenth century, it is as deliciously decorated inside as it is outside. If you manage to get in and grab one of the ten available snugs then you might well be set for the night.

No matter where you go, however, you’ll find warm welcomes, good food and plenty of local banter in Belfast.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure information is correct, we advise checking in advance before you travel to your intended destination to ensure its open and book tickets if applicable.

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Number of results: 97

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The John Hewitt Bar & Restaurant

Belfast

Address

51 Donegall Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2FH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 3768

info@thejohnhewitt.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Located in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter, The John Hewitt first opened its doors in December 1999. The bar is unique in its ownership as it is owned by The Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre.

More Info
Hearth Pub Ballyhackamore

Belfast

Address

199 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT4 3JB

Telephone
+44 (0) 2890921920

hello@hearthpub.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

Hearth - warmth, stories, a place to gather and share memories (a place so dear to everyone's heart, it even has heart in the name.)

More Info
The Muddlers Club

Belfast

Address

Unit 1, Warehouse Lane, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2DX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 3199

info@themuddlersclubbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Tucked away between Waring Street & Exchange Place in the historic back streets of Cathedral Quarter, The Muddlers Club has been named after the secret society that met there over 200 years ago. With carefully considered menus, wine list and an…

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1251 reviews
Granny Annie's Belfast

Belfast

Address

81 Chichester Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 4JE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 1331

belfast@grannyannies.co.uk

Type

Type:

Bar

Oozing rustic charm and ‘Home of Live Music’ – Traditional & Modern. Located 5 minutes walk from Belfast City Hall, Granny Annies is the perfect venue for your Gastro dining experience, our menus include some of Granny’s favourites.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1722 reviews
Darcy’s Belfast

Belfast

Address

10 Bradbury Place, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 1RS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 4040

info@darcysbelfast.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Darcy’s of Belfast is a family-run restaurant offering quality traditional food made with the most local of ingredients.

More Info
Arcadia Delicatessen

Belfast

Address

378 Lisburn Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 6GL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9038 1779

info@arcadiadeli.co.uk

Type

Type:

Delis, Food Markets and Farm Shops

As the oldest retail business on the Lisburn road, the Arcadia is a local institution having operated from the same unit since 1933. We at Arcadia pride ourselves in stocking local artisan products and the finest food from across the world,…

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The Causerie at The Europa Hotel

Belfast

Address

Europa Hotel Belfast, Great Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT2 7AP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9027 1066

causerie@eur.hastinghotels.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

With some of the best views in Belfast, this bustling contemporary bistro has provenance stamped all over its menu. The a la carte menu is available all day. Signature dishes include Glenarm Organic Roast Salmon and Northern Irish Dexter Sirloins.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
68 reviews
The Spirit Circle

Belfast

Address

Above The National, 62 High Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2BE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9045 7723

hello@thespiritcircle.co.uk

Type

Type:

Food Experiences

Discover Belfast’s most unique, radical and unexpected drinks experiences, Belfast By The Glass and Sensorium.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
186 reviews
Sunflower Public House

Belfast

Address

65 Union Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2JG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 2474

sunflowerbelfast@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Sunflower is a simple corner pub, it is free of gimmicks or themes, and it is one of the few remaining. It is instantly recognisable by the security cage on its front door, a relic from 1980s Belfast. Music is very much part of the pub's life.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
The National Grande Café

Belfast

Address

62 - 68 High Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2BE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 1130

info@thenationalbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Bar

From coffee and fresh pastries on the go, delicious soups and sandwiches for lunch and exquisite evening meals with wine or cocktails – there is something to satisfy every palate at any time of day. We also have one of Belfast's biggest beer gardens.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
92 reviews
Pavilion Bar

Belfast

Address

The Pavilion Bar, 296 Ormeau Road, Belfast, County Down, BT7 2GB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9028 3283

info@pavilionbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Established in 1899, The Pavilion or "The Big House" draws its clientele from all over the city and beyond, and is a must for all who wish to experience a traditional Belfast pub with three floors, three bars, in one Big House with five-star food.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
696 reviews
Novelli at City Quays

Belfast

Address

90 Donegall Quay, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3FE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9531 3191

cityquays@novellirestaurants.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Novelli at City Quays is a stylish Mediterranean and French influenced brasserie open all day offering lunch and afternoon tea through to dinner, a great place for after work cocktails and tapas at our bar.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 12:00 - 21:00

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
487 reviews
Bert's Jazz Bar

Belfast

Address

The Merchant Hotel, 16 Skipper Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2ZY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9026 2713

berts@themerchanthotel.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Belfast’s and Northern Ireland's first authentic Jazz Bar offering Live Jazz seven nights a week - located within the elegant Merchant Hotel, Berts offers great live entertainment and mouth watering food.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
6 reviews
Avenue 22 Bar and Restaurant at Clayton Hotel Belfast

Belfast

Address

Clayton Hotel Belfast, 22 Ormeau Avenue, Belfast, County Antrim, BT2 8HS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 8511

Info.belfast@claytonhotels.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Dine in our Avenue 22 restaurant at Clayton Hotel Belfast which uses the finest locally sourced ingredients. Alternatively, relax and unwind with a bar snack in the lounge.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
423 reviews
Parisien

Belfast

Address

Cleaver House, 56 Donegal Place, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 5GA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9590 4338

info@cafeparisienbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Parisien is the place to relish in the moment with a chic yet comfortable ambience in the heart of Belfast. We're a cosmopolitan location perfect for a lunch or dinner date in the city, a catch up with friends over afternoon tea.
Special Offers
- Galentines Sip n' Sparkle
  From £50 per person
  Get together with your friends at Parisiens for their Galentines Sip n’ Sparkle with Apiphany Jewellery. Enjoy a glass of Prosecco on arrival, then settle in on Thursday 12th February for a fun-filled jewellery-making workshop accompanied by nibbles. £50pp - Includes workshop, personalised necklace, glass of Prosecco and chef’s nibbles. Thursday 12th February. 18:00 - 21:00
  Book Now
  More offers like this - Experiences & Attractions
Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times
More Info
Wolf & Devour Street Kitchen

Bangor

Address

Bangor, Co Down, BT20 4JY

info@wolfanddevour.com

Type

Type:

Street Food

Wolf & Devour is one of Northern Ireland’s most established and stylish Street Food trucks. Stylishly kitted out, it serves only the best local produce we can get our hands on. Run by a team of young enthusiastic ‘foodies’.

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The Dirty Onion

Belfast

Address

3 Hill Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2LA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9024 3712

info@dirtyonion.com

Type

Type:

Bar

The Dirty Onion is Belfast's oldest building, dating back to 1780, the building was used as a bonded spirit warehouse from 1921. It was then known as ‘STACK N’ – a reference to its position on the north side of Waring Street.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
The Dock Cafe

Belfast

Address

ARC Retail, 2b Queens Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9FD

Joachim@the-dock.org

Type

Type:

Delis, Food Markets and Farm Shops

The Dock Cafe opened its doors in March 2012 and has gone from strength to strength with a honest box policy, it offers a place to relax at a very low cost for everyone.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
6896 reviews
Crown Liquor Saloon

Belfast

Address

46 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT2 7BA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9024 3187

info@crownbar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

You will find The Crown Liquor Saloon in Belfast within a short stroll of Europa Hotel, Grosvenor Road and Glengall Street - however, you won't find another like it.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2520 reviews
James St.

Belfast

Address

21 James Street South, Belfast, County Antrim, BT2 7GA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9060 0700

hello@jamesst.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

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…

More Info
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available