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Coppi Restaurant
Belfast

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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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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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
449 reviews
Malmaison Bar and Grill

Belfast

Address

34-38 Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3GH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9600 1405

jlynch@malmaison.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The heart and soul of every Malmaison. Iconic dishes are prepared with a modern twist and served with passion and personality, including sublime steaks, the awesome MalBurger, locally inspired blackboard specials and a mouthwatering wine list.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 17:00 - 21:00

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

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The Northern Whig

Belfast

Address

2-10 Bridge Street, Town Parks, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 1LU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9050 9888

info@thenorthernwhig.com

Type

Type:

Bar

This specialist cocktail bar is bright, stylish and chic, with the square bar on the central floor being the focal point.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
505 reviews
The Guillemot

Bangor

Address

2 & 6 Seacliff Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5EY

Telephone
028 9146 2037

rachel@theguillemot.com

Type

Type:

Café

The Guillemot is a warm embrace, a place to seek comfort, to eat, drink, catch up with friends, and relax. Taking its name from the resident seabirds at Bangor’s Eisenhower Pier, The Guillemot has now become an iconic and much-loved part of this…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 09:00 - 17:00

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
191 reviews
Duke of York

Belfast

Address

7-11 Commercial Court, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2NB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9024 1062

info@dukeofyorkbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Nestled along a narrow-cobbled alleyway in the historic Half Bap area, the Duke of York offers a traditional Belfast welcome of craic, music and humour.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1134 reviews
OX

Belfast

Address

1 Oxford Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3LA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 4121

info@oxbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

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.

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The Morning Star

Belfast

Address

17-19 Pottingers Entry, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 4DT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 5986

info@themorningstarbar.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Welcome to our beautifully restored Victorian 120-seater historic restaurant venue in the heart of Belfast city centre, where timeless elegance meets modern sophistication. Perfect for weddings and special celebrations, our unique space offers a…

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (charge)
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
- Ramp to main entrance
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
432 reviews
Bittles Bar

Belfast

Address

70 Upper Church Lane, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 4EL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 1088

Johnbittles@googlemail.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Bittles Bar is one of Belfast's more curious pubs located close to the bustling Victoria Square. Red-bricked and 'flat-iron' in shape Bittles is a wonderful example of a traditional Victorian Bar. Founded in 1868.

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Haymarket Belfast

Belfast

Address

84 Royal Avenue, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 1DJ

Telephone
028 96 923 061

info@haymarketbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Home to...The Armoury, The Courtyard, The Stock Exchange

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
96 reviews
Waterman Restaurant

Belfast

Address

5-23 Hill Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2NG

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9043 4310

dine@waterman.restaurant

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Opened in June 2022 by Niall Mckenna and his team, and awarded a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain & Ireland 2025, the Waterman restaurant offers a no-frills dining experience in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter. Serving a local,…

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The Stables Groomsport

Groomsport, Bangor

Address

1B Donaghadee Road, Groomsport, Bangor, County Down, BT19 6LG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9146 1456

info@thestablesgroomsport.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Stables in Groomsport has evolved into one of Northern Ireland’s most renowned gastro bar restaurants along the North Down coast. After a six-month refurbishment, in February 2024 the Carmichael family were thrilled to reopen our doors, inviting…

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
258 reviews
La Scala Bistro at the Stormont Hotel

Belfast

Address

Stormont Hotel, 587 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT4 3LP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9067 6021

res@stor.hastingshotels.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Make the trip out from the city centre. There is plenty of parking at the La Scala Bistro at the Stormont Hotel. The menu has dishes crammed with prime local ingredients such as Carnbrooke Dexter beef, and Fivemiletown goat's cheese.

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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.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Le Winters Bistro

Newtownards

Address

92 Church Street, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4AL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9181 4141

info@strangfordhotel.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Located at the tip of Strangford Lough and the heart of Co.Down, LeWinters has an established reputation throughout Northern Ireland as a popular eatery with an extensive menu of freshly prepared local, traditional and modern cuisine. 5* FSA rating.

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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.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2697 reviews
Ginger Bistro

Belfast

Address

68-72 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT12 5EE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9024 4421

info@gingerbistro.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Ginger Bistro retains an informal yet slick atmosphere.
Now tucked away on Hope Street off Belfast’s bustling Great Victoria Street, Ginger specializes in fish dishes.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
474 reviews
Beechlawn House Hotel & Restaurant

Belfast

Address

4 Dunmurry Lane, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 9RR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9060 2010

info@beechlawnhotel.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Beechlawn House Hotel is ideally situated in the suburb of Dunmurry, less than a ten minute drive from Belfast and Lisburn city centres. A busy eatery with a great reputation for freshly prepared traditional and modern cuisine. 5* FSA Rating.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1603 reviews
Coppi

Belfast

Address

2 St Anne's Square, Cathedral Quarter, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2LR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 90 311 959

info@coppi.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

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.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
269 reviews
Noble

Holywood

Address

27 Church Road, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9BU

Telephone
+ (44) 028 9042 5655

info@nobleholywood.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Noble is a bustling neighbourhood restaurant in the heart of Holywood, County Down. Featuring a changing, seasonal menu and an evolving, exciting wine list. The menu features an array of well-priced dishes that highlight fresh, locally sourced…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
940 reviews
Molly's Yard

Belfast

Address

1 College Green Mews, Botanic Avenue, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 1LW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 2600

Mollysyard@icloud.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The restored stables of College Green House off Botanic Avenue are now home to Molly’s Yard restaurant. The site of Belfast’s first (and Ireland’s smallest) micro-brewery.

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