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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 Spaniard

Belfast

Address

The Spaniard Bar, 3 Skipper Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2DZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 2448

spaniardbelfast@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Hidden within the Cathedral Quarter is this little gem of a bar. We pride ourselves in offering the most intimate atmosphere along with an outstanding selection of Rum. Join us and sip on our famous Dark n Stormy or Extraordinary! Not to be missed!

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
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
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…

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
238 reviews
Coffee Yard

Holywood

Address

102 - 104 High Street, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9HW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 7210

info@coffeeyard.com

Type

Type:

Café

Coffee Yard is a family-run business that combines all our favourite things - coffee, art, tasty treats, and live music

More Info
The Botanic Inn

Belfast

Address

23-27 Malone Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 6RU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9050 9740

info@thebotanicinn.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Trading since 1867 The Botanic Inn, which is more affectionately known as ‘The Bot’, is a Belfast institution. One of the city's top destinations for anyone seeking great food, quality drinks, a lively night out & big screen sports.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
180 reviews
Little Wing Pizzeria, Holywood

Holywood

Address

74 High Street, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9AE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 2700

info@littlewingpizzeria.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Why Little Wing pizza?…
…Because our passion for pizza shines through! Just taste one of our yummy, traditionally made Naples style pizzas and you’ll know what we’re talking about.

More Info
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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1560 reviews
AM:PM

Belfast

Address

38-44 Upper Arthur Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 4GH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9024 9009

arthurstreet@ampmbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The combination of bohemian elegance, sumptuous cuisine and unparalleled service make AMPM restaurant one of the best eateries in the city.

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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
Orisha

Belfast

Address

19 Fountain Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 5EA

Telephone
02896209618

info@orishabelfast.com

Type

Type:

Bar

Orisha is an intimate city centre venue for cocktails, coffee and everything in between. Sister bar of Voodoo Belfast, the venues name draws inspiration from an ancient Afro-Carribbean faith.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Dogs Accepted Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
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
161 reviews
The Dark Horse

Belfast

Address

34 Hill Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2LB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 7807

darkhorse@dukeofyorkbelfast.com

Type

Type:

Restaurant

The Dark Horse is a European style coffee house nestled along a narrow cobbled alleyway in the historic Half Bap area of the Cathedral Quarter.
Available for private hire Thursday - Saturday.

More Info
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
789 reviews
Deanes at Queens

Belfast

Address

1 College Gardens, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 6BQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9038 2111

deanesatqueens@michaeldeane.co.uk

Type

Type:

Restaurant

Deanes at Queens on College Gardens can be found in the heart of the University Quarter, overlooking Methodist College and adjacent to Botanic Gardens and the Ulster Museum. Deanes at Queens is a short walk from Queens University Belfast and many…

More Info
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.

More Info
The Maypole Bar

Holywood

Address

High Street, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9AB

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9042 2588

Type

Type:

Bar

The Maypole Bar builds on its roots and keeps a tradition perfectly pairing alongside the rustic, classy and traditional interior. The Maypole Bar is a feel-good bar and you know fine rightly upon entrance you will be given a big greeting and made…

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
568 reviews
Kelly's Cellars

Belfast

Address

30-32 Bank Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 1HL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 90246058

Type

Type:

Bar

In the heart of Belfast's city centre, this pub has maintained the friendly atmosphere of over 250 years ago. With a long tradition of quality beer and fine food, Kelly's Cellars offers all customers a chance to enjoy the perfect pint of Guinness.

More Info